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A Classic American Novel Is the Centerpiece for New Kirk Center Course

Hello
John,
This July, the Kirk Center and its School of Conservative Studies debut a new immersive seminar on a topic a lot of people ask us about, the connection between politics, literature, and the moral imagination.

“The American Political Novel” is the name of this seminar and masterclass that will be held at the Kirk Center, July 24-27. Dr. David Hein, the Center’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow and author of our new book, Teaching the Virtues ([link removed]) , will guide the discussions, offer lectures, and incorporate writing prompts that he will provide feedback on.

This seminar will focus on a careful study of Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men. The literary critic Sanford Pinsker called this book “the best serious novel about politics ever written in America.”

Participants will explore themes of virtue and vice, power, and corruption, as well as the relation of ends and means.

They will also address such questions as the following: What is goodness in politics? What is justice? What is the role of political oratory? What are the benefits and the dangers of democracy? What is the purpose and function of the law? Does politics have any internal good, or is it only about bargaining, power, and control? What is the connection between political realism and political idealism? How should prudence come into play? Does this novel hold any meaning for American society today?

If this course, which includes a writing workshop and fellowship among participants, interests you, applications are now being accepted! The course is limited to twelve participants and it will be a competitive process, so acting quickly is advised. Through the generous support of our donors, the Kirk Center will cover all room, board, and material costs. Admitted participants will be responsible for their own travel to Mecosta. You may apply by submitting a letter of interest and your C.V. to Emily Corwin at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
This will be a summer filled with conferences, seminars, and events to educate participants on America's tradition of ordered liberty–because ideas do indeed have consequences. I hope to see you at one of our in-person or online programs.

Best regards,

Jeffrey O. Nelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director & CEO
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