Machiavelli’s The Prince: Mastering Power and Leadership

Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince is a seminal work on political power, strategy, and leadership, offering an unflinching look at the realities of ruling and governance. Written during the tumultuous Renaissance period, this timeless text explores the complexities of political maneuvering and the art of statecraft, making it a must-read for anyone interested in leadership, politics, or human nature.

Register now to delve into the controversial yet enduring insights of Machiavelli, examining how his advice on power dynamics, leadership, and ethics remains relevant in today’s world. Through guided readings, dynamic discussions, and practical case studies, you will develop a nuanced and integrated understanding of Machiavellian thought and its application in modern contexts.

Don’t wait! Register now! As Machiavelli himself said, “The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.”

What You’ll Learn: 

  • The Machiavellian Perspective: Grasp the core principles of Machiavelli’s philosophy, including his views on power, authority, and the role of ethics in leadership.

  • Leadership and Strategy: Learn Machiavelli’s strategies for acquiring and maintaining power, and how these principles can be applied to contemporary leadership challenges.

  • Historical and Philosophical Context: Explore the historical background of The Prince and its impact on political thought through the ages.

  • Real-World Application: Analyze modern political and business leaders through a Machiavellian lens, applying lessons from The Prince to real-world scenarios.

Course Highlights:

  • Expert Guidance: Learn from a knowledgeable instructor who brings a wealth of experience and insight into Machiavelli’s The Prince.

  • Engaging Content: Participate in thought-provoking discussions, reflective exercises, and interactive activities that bring Machiavelli’s teachings to life.

  • Community Learning: Join a supportive community of learners, fostering an environment of shared exploration and mutual respect.

Why This Course?

  • Accessible Translation: Harvey Mansfield’s translation is renowned for its clarity and accessibility, making the profound wisdom of Machiavelli’s The Prince understandable for all readers.

  • Comprehensive Approach: Our course combines textual analysis, historical context, and practical application to provide a well-rounded understanding of Machiavelli’s The Prince.

  • Flexible Learning: Enjoy the flexibility of online learning, allowing you to engage with course materials at your own pace and convenience. [Live, Dynamic, Transformative]

Register Now and Begin Mastering the Art of Leadership and Strategic Thinking from Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince!

Join us for a transformative exploration of one of history’s most provocative and influential texts. Discover how the principles of Machiavelli’s The Prince can illuminate the paths to effective leadership and strategic thinking in your personal and professional life.

This course is ideal for those interested in politics, leadership, history, or philosophy. Whether you are a student of political science, a business leader, or simply curious about Machiavelli’s enduring influence, this course will provide you with valuable insights into the mechanics of power and leadership.

Register Now to Enroll and Begin Mastering the Arts of Leadership and Strategic Thinking from Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince!

Course schedule: 1.5 hrs/wk x 8 wks 10/29-12/12

Course cost: $499.00 1/2 Off Limited-time offer: $250.00

To register, complete the form below, including your preferred scheduling option and we’ll send you a payment link to complete your registration!

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Course Logistics

8 weeks, 2x per week, 1.5 hours per class

Live Classes to be conducted via Zoom, and recorded for unlimited replay/review.

Day/Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays – October 29 through December 12

Option 1 Class Times:

  • 6:00-7:30 PM Eastern
  • 5:00-6:30 PM Central
  • 4:00-5:30 PM Mountain
  • 3:00-4:30 PM Pacific

Option 2 Class Times:

  • 9:00-10:30 PM Eastern
  • 7:00-8:30 PM Central
  • 8:00-9:30 PM Mountain
  • 6:00-7:30 PM Pacific

Required Course Text:
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, Harvey Mansfield (Translator)

Author Bio

Niccolo Machiavelli: A Brief Biography

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an Italian diplomat, philosopher, and writer, best known for his political treatise The Prince. Born in Florence during the Renaissance, Machiavelli witnessed firsthand the intense political intrigue, warfare, and shifting alliances of Italian city-states. His experiences as a diplomat and official in the Florentine Republic deeply influenced his writings, leading him to explore the harsh realities of power and governance. Machiavelli’s work, often seen as pragmatic and sometimes ruthless, has made his name synonymous with cunning political strategy.

Historical Context

Machiavelli lived during a time of great political upheaval in Italy, characterized by the rise and fall of powerful families, the constant threat of foreign invasion, and the internal strife of city-states vying for dominance. The Renaissance, while a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing, was also marked by brutal political maneuvering. Florence, Machiavelli’s home, was no exception, caught between the ambitions of the Medici family and the fluctuating fortunes of the Republic. The Prince, written in 1513, was Machiavelli’s attempt to distill his observations on power and leadership into a guide for rulers navigating these treacherous waters.

The Prince

The Prince is one of the most controversial and influential works in political theory. Written as a guide for new princes and rulers, it offers pragmatic, and at times ruthless, advice on how to acquire and maintain power. Machiavelli argues that the ends often justify the means, a stance that has sparked debate for centuries. His exploration of the nature of power, the role of fortune, and the necessity of realpolitik has made The Prince a foundational text in the study of political science and leadership.

Influences

Machiavelli’s ideas were shaped by a variety of influences, including classical Roman authors such as Livy and Cicero, who wrote on the nature of the republic and governance. His own experiences in diplomacy and observation of leaders like Cesare Borgia informed his realistic and often cynical view of power. Unlike the idealistic philosophers who preceded him, Machiavelli’s work was grounded in the practicalities of rule, making his advice uniquely focused on the realities of political life rather than abstract ideals.

Legacy

Machiavelli’s legacy is complex and enduring. Often misunderstood as advocating for tyranny or deceit, his work is better seen as a study in the effective exercise of power in an imperfect world. The Prince continues to be studied and debated for its insights into human nature, leadership, and the mechanisms of power. In modern times, Machiavelli is regarded as one of the founders of political realism, a school of thought that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international relations. His work has influenced a wide range of thinkers, from political theorists to military strategists, and remains a key text for understanding the dynamics of power in both public and private spheres.

Instructor Bio

Christopher Hurtado: A Brief Biography

Christopher Hurtado holds a Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies/Arabic and Philosophy from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and a Master of Arts in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California (now the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey).

He has taught for the Department of Philosophy & Humanities and the Department of History & Political Science and Political Science at Utah Valley University, and for the Department of English, Linguistics & Writing at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Academic Work

He has taught courses in Ethics and Values: Focus on Islamic Ethics and Ethic and Values: Focus on Philosophy as Bios including Global/Intercultural for the Department of Philosophy & Humanities and Introduction to WMD Nonproliferation for the Department History & Political Science department at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, and Intro to Writing: Composition and Rhetoric and Intermediate Writing for the Department of English, Linguistics & Writing Studies at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Machiavelli's The Prince

Christopher has taught Ethics and Politics the Department of Philosophy & Humanities at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah in courses including Ethics and Values: Focus on Islamic Ethics  (2013-2017), Ethics and Values: Focus on Philosophy as Bios (2013-2019), and Introduction to Philosophy (2019) and Political Science for the Department of History & Political Sciences at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He has also read Machiavelli’s The Prince in the original 16th-century Italian, as well as surrounding sources, including Machiavelli’s lesser-known works and numerous works on both Machiavelli’s historical context and the Greco-Roman and Italian historical contexts he draws on in his writings.

Approach and Influence

Christopher’s unique perspective is shaped by his extensive academic background, his practical experience in teaching, and his deep engagement with Greco-Roman and Islamic ethics.

Testimonials

I have known Christopher for over eight years, and we have studied many philosophy- and spirituality-oriented books together. Christopher is an expert on Imam Ghazali and The Alchemy of Happiness. He is able to help guide you through the book, with thought-provoking conversations which will help you get deeply into the mind of the Sufi Master. Christopher’s understanding of the subject matter, as well as his expertise in the Arabic language, give him unique insight into the work. I would highly recommend anyone looking to better understand Sufism and Al-Ghazali to have Christopher guide them.

—Areesh Ahmed, Salt Lake City, Utah

“I hold Christopher Hurtado with high regard and respect; not only for his love of humanity but also because of his commitment in the pursuit of truth and knowledge.  His understanding of history, language, politics, philosophy and religion is impressive. I have found that if one is truly seeking knowledge and understanding, Christopher is willing to invest his personal time to help one achieve those goals. Christopher has become somewhat of a mentor to me in this regard  He is always responsive to honest questions regardless of how busy he is and willingly guides one in such pursuits.. Although Christopher has strong opinions of his own he consciously directs students to original sources rather than expecting them to take upon them his own opinion and knowledge.  I believe there is the expectation to look beyond the surface and to think deeply about things of significance. He has always shown patience and kindness as I’ve asked many questions, often the same ones, over and over again in an effort to help me understand difficult concepts. As someone who delights in the study of various subjects, I will continue to turn to Christopher as a teacher, who I find to be an honest and true source of information and learning.”

—Karen Monsen

It has been a true pleasure studying The Alchemy of Happiness with Christopher Hurtado. I am new to Al-Ghazali’s work. While I find it very interesting, it would be a lot for me to sift through on my own. Christopher’s deep understanding of the concepts and context make him an excellent guide. If you are interested in Islamic philosophy, sign up now.

—Laura Hanson, San Antonio, Texas

Thankfully, early in my spiritual journey I stumbled into Christopher and not only made a good friend to have with me on my journey, but one who happens to be a walking encyclopedia. History is full of God’s wisdom, and Christopher is a worthy resource to study and understand so much more than I could ever have done alone.

—Spencer Hanson, San Antonio, Texas

Christopher is an exceptional teacher who demonstrates a deep passion for Sufism. His teaching style is engaging and interactive, making complex concepts easy to understand. I must say his enthusiasm is very contagious. He creates a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to participate and grow. I have personally benefited greatly from his knowledge and his guidance.

—Asif Shaikh, Oakland, California