Spring 2025 Reading Groups
Exploring Economic Freedom
Are you curious about the principles that shape economies and empower individuals? Our 10-week reading group will dive into the concept of economic freedom—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts prosperity and opportunity worldwide. From property rights and free markets to globalization and government regulation, we’ll explore the key debates and ideas that influence economic systems. Whether you’re an economics enthusiast or a newcomer eager to learn, this group offers an engaging space to discuss thought-provoking texts, share insights, and deepen your understanding of one of the most vital concepts in economics. You’ll also have an opportunity to engage with a prominent economic freedom scholar: Matthew Mitchell, Senior Fellow in the Centre for Economic Freedom at the Fraser Institute (the event will be on April 12). All are welcome—let’s discover the power of economic freedom together!
The economics group will meet on Monday evenings from 5:00-7:00, beginning on Monday. January 27th. There is also a Saturday event on April 12th. Dr. Collin Hodges and Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl will lead the discussions.
Who Watches the Watchmen?
In 1986, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons gave the world Watchmen. Over the course of a year, twelve installments became one of the most celebrated graphic novels of all time. Through stunning artwork and brilliant story telling the reader is offered a dystopian view of an alternative history where superheroes aren’t so super, but human, all too human. As the world sits on the brink of nuclear war, heroes such as the Comedian, Rorschach, and Night Owl provide profiles in human frailty as well as integrity. Join us we as delve into the world of Watchmen and explore perennial philosophical issues. Topic will include: the rule of law and vigilantism, just war theory, determinism, fatalism, and freewill, nihilism and meaning, retribution and punishment, and consequentialist ethics. In addition to Watchmen, we will also read work by such notable thinkers as: Jonathan Haidt, Friedrich Nietzsche, F.A. Hayek, Jonathan Rauch, and Jeremy Waldron.
The Watchmen Reading Group will be offered on Wednesday evenings, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, from January 29 – April 9, 2025 in the College of Business, room 307. Dr. Jacob Held, professor of philosophy, will lead the discussions.
ACRE reading groups consist of weekly meetings lead by UCA professors. Students may apply to both reading groups, but are only eligible to participate in one group per semester. Student who fully participate over the course of the program will be awarded a $400 Scholarship. Students who do not actively participate each week, are consistently tardy, or are absent without legitimate reason will be ineligible for the scholarship. Books, meals and materials are also provided at no charge.
APPLY TODAY for early consideration. The application deadline is January 22, 2025.
Want to check out our past reading group topics? Click here! Or watch the below video to get an idea of what an ACRE reading group could be like for you.