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To study or not to study

STUDY PROGRAM IN
SOCIOECONOMIC DEMOCRACY

Description of Program
    The Study Program in Socioeconomic Democracy provides interested and thoughtful students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their understanding of the basic elements of Socioeconomic Democracy. Some familiarity with all aspects of the general subject will be required, though the particular desired focus of the student will be respected and encouraged. The Study Program is designed and intended to be maximally flexible and capable of being tailored to the interests, needs and requirements of the individual student. Proposals and inquiries are invited.

Program Possibilities and Topics for Investigation
    The Study Program in Socioeconomic Democracy allows primary emphasis to be placed on any of the areas of theory, ramifications or applications, as determined by the interests of the student. Regarding the theoretical development of Socioeconomic Democracy, topics include philosophy, jurisprudence, psychology, religion, democracy, justice, political science, economics, sociology and much more. The myriad simultaneously beneficial ramifications of Socioeconomic Democracy offer a wide variety of research opportunities ranging from solution of the gamut of present societal problems to the development of positive potential. As for applications, general matters to be investigated include practical approximations, popularization and implementation. Then there are the important theoretical and practical applications of Socioeconomic Democracy to specific countries, groups of countries, bioregions, geographical and geopolitical areas, etc. There is also the application of the principles of Socioeconomic Democracy to specific races, religions and cultures which transcend national boundaries. And, of course, what of a global perspective?

Program Expectations
    Completion of the Study Program in Socioeconomic Democracy requires satisfactorily demonstrating a general familiarity with the various aspects of Socioeconomic Democracy as well as particular competence in some specific area(s) of focus. The first portion of the Program Expectation can usually be satisfied by appropriate essays and written and/or oral examinations. Particular competence in some specific area(s) of interest can, typically, be demonstrated by writing a publishable article or book describing the author's contribution to the specific area.

    At the post-graduate level, specific suggested requirements include:
1. Essays on comparative analysis of Socioeconomic Democracy and the politicosocioeconomic principles of (a) a particular properly prominent person (living or dead); (b) a "major" or "minor" religion; (c) a present politicosocioeconomic system; and (d) a former politosocioeconomic "school" of thought.
2. Essay more fully developing one or more ramifications of Socioeconomic Democracy.
3. Opportunities to respond to exercises similar to those listed in the Appendix of the book.
4. An extended essay thesis.

    At the college and high school levels, appropriate softening of these requirements is provided. Nevertheless, the basic principles of Socioeconomic Democracy are in fact understandable by grade school children and could profitably be fashioned into democratic learning experiences for them. The Study Program welcomes proposals relating to all these academic levels.

ADVANCED STUDY PROGRAM SEMINAR

    The Advanced Study Program Seminar is an ongoing interactive electronic conferencing and discussion seminar open to those seriously interested in further exploring various aspects of Socioeconomic Democracy, including theory, ramifications and/or implementation. Demonstrated understanding of Socioeconomic Democracy is mandatory for participation in this seminar.

 

INTRODUCTION TO
SOCIOECONOMIC DEMOCRACY

Prefaces & Preliminaries
    The purpose of these paragraphs is to provide information regarding an Introduction to Socioeconomic Democracy, the first of a series of courses offered by the Center for the Study of Democratic Societies, within its general Study Programs in Socioeconomic Democracy. The information provided here is intended to facilitate determination of student/group interest in participating in such an educational experience.


Particular People
    Individuals and groups, ranging from high school through the postgraduate university level, as well as all thoughtful people, are welcome to and would gain from an Introduction to Socioeconomic Democracy. We therefore request a comfortable few pages of description of the individual, group or teacher of a class considering taking the course. The introduction should outline any personal preferences regarding emphasis, goals expected to be reached, how you learned of us and a brief personal background review including but not limited to academic. Any particular passions should definitely, if briefly, be expressed.


Pupil Placement
   Implying only the highest values, all students in this program will be referred to here as pupils. Among other things, this permits our continued play with ps. While all pupils will be basically required to demonstrate a general familiarity with the various aspects of Socioeconomic Democracy, somewhat different demonstrations of that fact can be tailored to the interests and inclinations of the particular pupil(s) involved. Thus, the response to the request in the previous paragraph, i.e., a brief description of the interests and experiences of the pupil(s), will be helpful and essential in shaping satisfactory scholarly possibilities.


Proposed Program
   Following consideration of the information provided by the potential pupils, and an initial assessment of the situation, exchanging any further necessary or desirable clarifications, the Center for the Study of Democratic Societies will then suggest a specific course of action that will completely identify all details and expectations of the course, including inclusive costs depending upon the particular situation and requirements. The course could last anywhere from between, say, one month to a semester or maximum of six months.

Particulars Provided
    At a minimum, all individuals/groups will be supplied a copy of the new book Socioeconomic Democracy: An Advanced Socioeconomic System. Depending upon preagreed desires and appropriateness, other materials such as relevant articles, Work Study Guides, interactive group discussion facilitation and ballot processing, etc., will also be provided. Consultation and clarification (preferably electronically) will be available on an as-needed basis. A Final Examination covering the basics of Socioeconomic Democracy will be provided, graded and returned. An appropriate article (again depending upon the specifics of the original agreement) written by the student and describing various aspects of Socioeconomic Democracy will also be required, criticized and in general helped in preparation for possible publication.

Papers & Pamphlets
    As indicated above, the Center for the Study of Democratic Societies will positively critique all articles written in satisfaction of the Introduction to Socioeconomic Democracy Study Program requirements. It is anticipated that at least some of these articles will ultimately prove to be first drafts of important papers, pamphlets and Ph.D. theses, published by high school, university and private presses.

Praises & Prizes
    The most important praise resulting from being a participant in the Study Program in Socioeconomic Democracy will be the praise and pride experienced by the participating pupil when she realizes she now understands Socioeconomic Democracy. The most important prize resulting from an Introduction to Socioeconomic Democracy will be that understanding. The second most important prize will be a handsome, well-earned Certificate of Completion of an Introduction to Socioeconomic Democracy.

Possibilities & Potentialities
     Beyond the praise and prize, there lies the serious work of Socioeconomic Democracy. Advanced Study Programs are available and open to graduates of the Introduction to Socioeconomic Democracy.

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