Semester 4

Semester 4: Advanced Classes on the Five Branches of Philosophy

In the second year of the Fellowship, fellows will intensively study the five branches of philosophy through an Objectivist lens. Attending a total of fourteen lectures hosted by renowned scholars, students have the unique opportunity to learn from, and engage with, experts in Objectivism to gain a comprehensive worldview. To explain why Rand informally described Objectivism as a ‘philosophy for living on earth,’ the lectures offered in the second year of the Fellowship will be both theoretical and practical. 

Lecturers in the second year include Prof. Dr. Dianne Durante, Prof. Dr. Eszter Nova, and Leopold Ajami. To pass these two semesters, students are expected to regularly attend class, read a wide variety of texts from Rand’s oeuvre, and both pass a final exam and write a 2,000-word essay.

Sample List of Topics

– Objectivism and the American Educational System

– The Objectivist View of Law

– Objectivism and Heroism

– How to Sell Philosophy without Selling Out

– Why Did Iron Man Have to Die?: An Analysis of Disney Heroes versus Randian Heroes from a Screenwriting Perspective and What Our Heroes Say About Us

Semester 4: Agile Project Management

1. The basics of agile project management

Description

Understanding the key principles and practices of agile project management and how they differ from traditional project management methods.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the key concepts and principles of agile project management.
2. Participants will be able to identify the benefits and challenges of agile project management.
3. Participants will learn how to apply agile principles and practices to their own projects.

2. The agile mindset

Description

Understanding the agile mindset and how it drives the agile approach to project management.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the importance of the agile mindset in successful project management.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own mindset strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Participants will learn strategies for developing and maintaining an agile mindset.

3. The agile team

Description

Understanding the role of the agile team in project success, and how to build and manage effective agile teams.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the importance of the agile team in project success.
2. Participants will be able to identify the key characteristics of effective agile teams.
3. Participants will learn strategies for building and managing agile teams.

4. Agile planning and estimation

Description: 

Understanding the agile approach to planning and estimation, and how to effectively plan and estimate in an agile environment.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the key principles and practices of agile planning and estimation.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own planning and estimation strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Participants will learn strategies for effective planning and estimation in an agile environment.

5. Agile project execution

Description:

Understanding the agile approach to project execution and how to effectively manage project progress and deliverables in an agile environment.

Desired outcomes:

1. Participants will understand the key principles and practices of agile project execution.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own project execution strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Participants will learn strategies for effective project execution in an agile environment.

6. Agile project governance

Description: 

Understanding the role of governance in agile project management, and how to effectively govern agile projects.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the importance of governance in agile project management.
2. Participants will be able to identify the key principles and practices of agile project governance.
3. Participants will learn strategies for effective governance in agile projects.

7. Agile project metrics and reporting

Description:

Understanding the agile approach to metrics and reporting, and how to effectively use metrics and reporting to measure and communicate project progress.

Desired outcomes:

1. Participants will understand the key principles and practices of agile metrics and reporting.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own metrics and reporting strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Participants will learn strategies for effective metrics and reporting in agile projects.

8. Agile project management in action

Description: 

Putting agile project management into practice in real-world situations.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will learn how to apply agile project management principles and practices to real-world projects.
2. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply their agile project management skills through hands-on activities and group discussions.
3. Participants will develop a plan for incorporating agile project management into their own work and project management processes.