A Weekend of Power. A Lifetime of Clarity.
July 25th – August 1st, 2026
Chicago, IL
Are you ready for a journey that sharpens your thinking and empowers your purpose? Join young minds (ages 16–24) for a week of intellectual adventure, career clarity, and personal growth.
Are you ready to become the Entrepreneur of Your Own Life by…
- Cultivating your critical thinking and team work with Socratic Discussion,
- Learning keys to thought and action from History’s Greatest Thinkers,
- Practicing independence, self-direction, and self-responsibility,
Or as we call it, an Education for a Free Society?
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The Great Connections Seminar 2026: Reason and Love |
Sponsored by:
Schedule Subject to Updating and Change |
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July 25th to August 1st, 2026 at the University of Illinois at Chicago “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle |
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| TIME | Saturday, July 25 | Sunday, July 26 | Monday, July 27 | Tuesday, July 28 |
| 9:00-10:45 | Principles of Discussion of a Great Connections Seminar | Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book IX, 1-9 selections On love | Seminar Discussion: Logical Fallacies | Workshop: “The Writing Connection |
| 10:45-11:00 | Required Pre-Reading: “Philosophy: Who Needs It” and “Philosophical Detection” | Break | Break | Break |
| 11:00-12:45 | 11-12:15 Seminar Discussion, Adler, How to Read a Book, Chapter 10, Coming to Terms | Workshop: “The Writing Connection | Lunch | |
| 12:45-2:15 | Lunch | Meet at 12 Noon sharp | Guest Speaker: TBA | |
| 2:15-3:45 | Check in to dorm available 3 PM | 1:30-4, Chicago history and architecture followed by architecture walk and scavenger hunt | Lunch with Guest Speaker: TBA | Free Time/Individual consultations |
| 3:45-6:00 | 3:30 PM Seminar Introduction Introductory talk about seminar; first discussion (quotes) | Activity: Architecture walk and treasure hunt | Free Time/Individual consultations | Seminar Discussion: Rand, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, “Can love be measured?” |
| 6:00-7:30 | 6:15-7:30 PM Group Dinner: Chicago Pizza! | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:00 | Seminar Discussion: What is love? | Try Question Formulation Exercise Seminar Discussion: Kant, Lectures on Ethics, selections | Workshop: Prep reading, Improv Games (Tina Fey Bossy Pants) | Short presentation on how to watch a movie and watch: “Cyrano de Bergerac” |
| TIME | Wednesday, July 29 | Thursday, July 30 | Friday, July 31 | Saturday, August 1 |
| 9:00-10:45 | Seminar Discussion: Jonas, “The Phenomenon of Life “To Move and to Feel: On the Animal Soul” | Seminar Discussion: Ortega y Gasset, “The Role of Choice in Love” | Seminar Discussion: Muthoo, “Love, Marriage & Divorce: What’s economics got to do with it?” | Reflection and Discussion: The entire seminar experience; bring your favorite quote from the week |
| 10:45-11:00 | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 11:00-12:45 | Seminar & Workshop: Enright, “The Psychology and Practice of Introspection,” The Psychology of Love | Seminar Discussion: DeTocqueville, Democracy in America, Origin of the Anglo-Americans; Philosophical Method of the Americans | Seminar Discussion: Mises, The Anti-Capitalistic Mentality | Evaluations |
| 12:45-2:15 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 2:15-3:45 | Free time/ Go to beach | Free Time/Individual consultations | Seminar Discussion: Love poetry | Rest and get ready for closing ceremony and party; Depart for train 5:00 PM sharp |
| 3:45-6:00 | Free time/ Go to beach | Workshop: Experiencing sculpture | Free Time | |
| 6:00-7:30 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | |
| 7:30-9:00 | Seminar Discussion: “Cyrano de Bergerac” | Seminar Discussion: Koestler, The Act of Creation, “Thinking Aside” | Activity: MEET AT 7 PM Revival Improv Comedy Show 906 S Wabash | Closing Ceremony, Dinner, and Party |
what is a Great Connections Seminar?
- The seminar is called “The Great Connections” because it focuses on promoting deep and meaningful connections between great ideas, individuals, and real-world applications.
- This approach will help you build bridges between your intellectual understanding and personal growth, creating a transformative experience that extends beyond academic learning.
- In summary: It’s about connecting ideas across disciplines, connecting with others through shared discussions, and connecting one’s inner purpose to practical paths in life.
What Do we do at these seminars?
- We will help you discuss great writing and ideas in small groups, discussions that grow your reasoning power and teamwork skills.
- During the seminar, you will delve into seminal texts spanning philosophy to physics, across eras and ideologies, from classics like Plato and Aristotle to contemporary thinkers.
- This seminar’s theme, “Reason and Power,” will guide our exploration through seminal texts spanning philosophy, ethics, and political theory. We will delve into texts from Epictetus, Machiavelli, Rand, De Tocqueville, and Weber to understand the nature of power—from the individual’s self-control to the influence of political systems and propaganda.
- You will receive detailed instructions and materials to read in advance, preparing you for a rich discussion and a deeper understanding of the connections between these ideas and the modern world.
The Experience Goes beyond Just reading....
- You will engage in activities that enrich your understanding—exploring philosophical themes, scientific inquiry, and historical texts through guided introspection. You’ll visit notable museums and landmarks and join discussions with experts.
- The program also includes collaborative workshops, like improv sessions, to promote relaxation, enjoyment, and teamwork, helping you connect with others and deepen your learning experience.
Who attends our seminar?
Our Seminar welcomes individuals ages 16-24.
This expansion makes the seminar a more dynamic and powerful experience, offering intellectual purpose to those in search of it.
- For teens seeking to refine their thinking about college and life decisions, young adults in pursuit of career clarity, individuals aiming to articulate their thoughts more effectively, and students enthusiastic about exploring the works of great authors and ideas—this seminar offers the tools and insights needed to navigate these challenges.
The Benefits of this Seminar
- Students consistently applying our method have been measured to raise their cognitive skills by 20-85%.
- We will be using a method of discussion that will significantly help you in learning to read and understand anything you encounter.
- We will have very few lectures; most of the time you will be expected to very actively be involved in discussion.
- By doing the reading and the discussion work, you will learn how to reason excellently and apply what you learn to your life, in addition to learning much new information.
Schedule, Seminar Fees and Deadline
Schedule
The Seminar will be hosted from July 25th – August 1st, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. You can review the tentative schedule here.
The program will take place at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Students will stay in dorms on campus for the duration of the Seminar.
Scholarship Information
There are a limited number of scholarships covering tuition and some room and board. If you do not receive a scholarship, your fee will depend on when you apply. For details on applying for a scholarship, submit an application and indicate that you would like to apply for a scholarship as well. For more information, email Marsha Enright at Marsha@reliancecollege.org.
Seminar Fees
Tuition covers all Seminar programming for 7+ days, and room includes 8 nights, plus opening and closing dinners – an incredible value made possible by our generous sponsors.
Save money by registering early!
Sign up by:
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March 31st, 2026: Tuition and Lodging $500 (Early Bird)
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After March 31st, 2026: Tuition and Lodging $900
Meet our founder, Marsha.
I’m Marsha Familaro Enright, the founder of The Great Connections Seminars and president of Reliance College. With a B.A. in Biology from Northwestern University and an M.A. in Psychology from The New School for Social Research, I’ve spent my career creating transformative educational experiences. I founded the Council Oak Montessori School, ran it for 27 years, and developed The Great Connections program to provide a unique, rigorous approach to learning. As the author of Teaching Freedom: Education for a Free Society, I bring decades of expertise in psychology, philosophy, and education to guide you through engaging discussions that challenge your mind and inspire personal growth. I’m here to ensure your seminar experience is enriching, impactful, and unforgettable.
Testimonials
What Previous Participants Say
About Chicago
- One of the most dynamic and beautiful cities in the world, lush with great architecture, business, finance, educational and artistic riches, and reasonable living costs. Easy transportation by plane, train, bus, or automobile.
- Twenty-nine miles of beaches, parks, and recreational activities along the beautiful shores of one of the Great Lakes, Michigan.
- Famous for its music scene from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony to the Primary Night Club and small pop-up venues by edgy artists.
- Home of improv comedy, from the original Second City Theater to Zanies and The NeoFuturists Club.
- More than 20 business accelerators and tech incubators.
Excited to attend?
We can’t wait to have you at our seminar!