The Great Books Summer Program is offered on three of the finest campuses in the world—Amherst College, Stanford University, and now at The College of William & Mary in historic Williamsburg, Virginia.
Amherst College
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst College, founded in 1821, is widely regarded as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the world. Located in western Massachusetts, close to the beautiful Berkshires of New England, Amherst draws students from nearly every state and more than 40 countries.
With an endowment of nearly $1 billion, Amherst has extensive physical resources. The college's scenic 1,000-acre campus is near the center of the town of Amherst, located in the heart of the beautiful and historic Pioneer Valley. Nearly every academic building on campus has been renovated in the past five years, and Amherst's academic and athletic facilities are among the best in the nation.
"There is no frigate like a book": Amherst's Reading List
Each campus program—Amherst, Stanford, William & Mary—has its own curriculum and identity, tied to key landmarks and historic events nearby. The rich literary history of New England influences the curriculum on the Amherst College campus, allowing us to explore the many writers who have drawn their inspiration from the surrounding area. Located less than 5 minutes off campus, the Emily Dickinson House lets us get closer to the quiet beauty of her poetry. The proximity of Concord, Massachusetts makes the inclusion of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau a logical addition to our curriculum, as students explore the love of nature and fierce independence of these writers.
Amherst College is about two hours by car from Boston and three hours from New York City. The closest airport is Bradley International in Hartford, Connecticut, which is about 40 minutes away by car.
Click here for Google directions to Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Click here for on-campus directions (pdf) to The Great Books Summer Program registration location and dormitories at Amherst College or here for on-campus maps and other information.