Student Programs
Mancur Olson Scholars
The Mancur Olson Scholars undergraduate program brings together diverse students to study an important topic of our time. By sharing their own views and hearing the perspectives of their peers, scholars experience the value of free expression and develop scholarly skills.
Reading groups enhance the university experience by helping students explore important ideas, engage in civil discussion, and develop new skills.
Scholars are invited to think critically and engage in robust discussion of ideas. Civil disagreement with one another and the text is not only accepted, but actively encouraged. All students who complete the reading group receive a scholarship. In addition, students are given opportunities to network with guest speakers and attend exclusive events.
Applications for the spring 2025 reading groups are open!
Upcoming Reading Groups
Law & Policy
Spring 2025 Reading Group
Fridays 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Richard H. Barry Hall, Downtown Campus
*Note this group will meet for 7 weeks due to the sessions being 90 minutes in length.
Led by Andrea Smith, J.D.
This reading group will consider differing perspectives within recent and often controversial court decisions. The topics/cases discussed will be influenced by student interest – possibilities include free speech, privacy law, corporate interest in politics, religious freedom, antidiscrimination laws, immigration law, etc. The group will explore legal reasoning, dissenting opinions, and the broader social and political implications of these decisions. Through guided discussions, students will hone critical thinking skills, gain a deeper understanding of the judiciary's role in shaping public policy, and enhance their ability to understand appellate court decisions.
Markets and Morality: Where Should We Draw the Line?
Spring 2025 Reading Group
Fridays 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Location: Richard H. Barry Hall, Downtown Campus
Led by Dr. Ahmad Al Asady
This reading group will dive into two influential works that challenge us to think about the boundaries of markets and the moral consequences of their reach. Moral Markets: The Critical Role of Values in the Economy, edited by Paul J. Zak, argues that free markets, when driven by values like trust and reciprocity, can be engines of positive change—fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Zak’s perspective suggests that ethical behavior is not just compatible with economic pursuits but is foundational for healthy markets to thrive.
In contrast, What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets by Michael J. Sandel contends that certain aspects of life—like healthcare, education, and personal relationships—shouldn’t be governed by market principles, due to the moral and ethical issues that arise. Sandel raises provocative questions about what happens to society when everything is up for sale, challenging us to consider whether markets might sometimes do more harm than good. This group offers students a chance to discuss questions that shape public policy, business ethics, and personal values. Should capitalism coexist with morality, and if so, how do we draw those boundaries?
This is your opportunity to reflect on what kind of economy and society we want to help build.