The purpose of the OAC is to train future Objectivist intellectuals. But for those who are not—and are not planning to become—intellectuals, auditing is a great way to take advantage of our one-of-a-kind educational program. Auditors are able to enroll in select OAC classes and listen to class lectures, but are unable to participate in class discussions or receive feedback on assignments. Auditing is open to anyone not enrolled in the OAC. Space is limited and those interested are encouraged to register early. Classes begin in October.

How Auditing Works

For those OAC courses open to auditors, each class is recorded and made available online. This enables auditors to hear our courses from anywhere in the world, any time, day or night. All that’s required is a computer, access to the Internet and the ability to play RealMedia files.

Our RealMedia audio recordings are available on a password-protected Web site the next business day after each class takes place. Although auditors are not graded and do not receive feedback, they receive all handouts, assignments, homework and tests. They are also welcome to discuss the course using the class email lists, which are currently hosted at Yahoo! Groups.

Listening to classes is simple using RealPlayer® (the “basic” version is free to download at their Web site). RealPlayer® allows “pausing,” “fast forwarding” and “rewinding” of the recordings. Thus, if you want to stop listening to a class in the middle, and resume later, you can do so.

Note: For those auditors who call into the course live, please refrain from speaking while the class is in session unless the instructor specifically states that it is all right to do so. This ensures that graded students are able to address any questions/concerns they may have about the material before submitting assignments. If you have a question or comment, you are welcome to post it to the class group. ARI and the OAC thank you for your cooperation.

Courses Open to Auditors

Seminar on Ayn Rand’s Philosophy of Objectivism

Instructor: Dr. Onkar Ghate

This course focuses on helping students gain a solid understanding of Objectivism as a philosophical system. It pays special attention to Objectivism’s key principles in the four main branches of philosophy, focusing on the meaning and validation of each principle. The goal is for students to see the interrelations among the principles and to grasp their connection to reality and life. The textbook is Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand, by Leonard Peikoff; students are also asked to read many of Ayn Rand’s essays.

Registration

The Seminar on Ayn Rand’s Philosophy of Objectivism is a two-semester course. (A semester is thirteen weeks of instruction.) The course meets once a week for three hours. The cost is $500 per semester. Registration fees are not tax-deductible contributions. To register please use this form. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is currently open for classes beginning in October 2009.