Program: Great Books & Big Ideas
What is Great Books & Big Ideas?
The Great Books & Big Ideas Program models seminar-style classes at the best universities and is the backbone of Great Books. With literature and philosophy as the catalyst for lively discussions, both Online and On-Campus Great Books Summer Program students embark on an intellectual journey designed to challenge minds and cultivate curiosity. Shared inquiry drives the exploration of the texts as the Academic Directors expertly incite and lead conversation.
Academic Directors build the curriculum to include enduring literature superbly suited for deep and rewarding analysis. Each week students explore works from different genres, periods, and backgrounds linked by a common theme or thread. Imagine a week including Borges, Abraham Lincoln, Shakespeare, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Octavia Butler. Discussions often grow beyond text into the questions that have occupied great thinkers for centuries like “What does it mean to live a good life?” and “What is injustice?”.
At Great Books, students learn critical thinking: to listen carefully, think on their feet, and ground their ideas in evidence from the text. Whether students have a future in the humanities or STEM, our Socratic approach makes students more rigorous thinkers and articulate communicators. With these skills, they are more prepared to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex world.
Smaller breakout discussion groups are forums for deepening discussion. Arts electives round out the experience for on-campus participants. Of course, whether joining us on campus or online, there’s a lot of fun too! And no reading is required before arriving at camp.
For Students Entering Grades:
On the Campuses of:
- Amherst College
- Stanford University
- Northwestern University
- Haverford College
- Online (USA)
- Online (Asia)
Ready To Enroll?
Let's Get Started!Teaching Methods
Our teaching method and faculty are what really sets Great Books apart. Our methodology of teaching by asking questions dates all the way back to Socrates. It leads students to develop critical thinking skills and thereby close reading with a reflective and analytical mindset. It also teaches communication skills and empathy, as students engage together in civil discourse about the big ideas that shape our world.
Great Books Academic Directors are distinguished professors and prize-winning scholars, authors, and educators from top universities. Their wide range of interests and backgrounds enrich our students’ experience and give them a true taste of a university classroom. Mentoring from our talented program assistants provides both social and academic support to boost confidence. Learn more about our incredible Academic Directors.
Our Community
The Great Books learning community is open, inquisitive, inclusive, and warm. Whether joining us for a program on-campus or a program online, outside of seminars, students will have designated reading, discussion, and hangout time with their pods. Pods are typically made up of 6-8 students and are stewarded by a dedicated Program Assistant. Our Program Assistants are carefully selected college or graduate students with a passion for literature, experience in mentoring, and a desire to connect with and foster an intellectual community of students.
Summer fun on campus at Great Books includes games, outings, meals, arts electives, special topics classes, and more. The connections developed through camp activities make for lifelong friendships and a community like no other.
Program Benefits
The benefits of a Great Books Summer Program can be seen both academically and socially:
- Learn to think critically and deeply
- Read and analyze texts at a deeper level
- Gain confidence in both academic and social settings
- Find a more open-minded approach to the world and differing views
- Learn to support thoughts and opinions with clear textual evidence
- Experience university-style courses
- And so much more!
Beyond the (very important) benefits of prepping students for college, there is one thing that we hear over and over from families as their most appreciated Great Books benefit. Students are learning and practicing how to think on their feet. This is a skill that is often overlooked but is crucial to success in whatever studies, work, activities, and even relationships the future holds for students. Great Books is truly what the students make of it. When there is a collection of so many bright and curious minds dedicated to learning, there is no limit to the potential rewards. And fun!
Electives
In addition to our core Literature and Discussion seminars, Great Books on-campus programs offer art and literature electives. These classes allow an opportunity for creative expression and exploration in specialized topics in literature.
Art electives are led by highly talented artists and teachers and culminate each Friday in a student-run showcase performance, a highlight of the program. Literature electives and other special electives are created and taught by our talented Program Assistants. Electives provide students with the opportunity to select from an array of exciting special subjects and projects.
On The Campuses Of:
Amherst College
For Students Entering Grades:
9-12 (High School), 6-8 (Middle School)One & multi-week programs available:
- June 23, 2024
- June 30, 2024
- July 7, 2024
Stanford University
For Students Entering Grades:
9-12 (High School), 6-8 (Middle School)One & multi-week programs available:
- July 7, 2024
- July 14, 2024
Northwestern University
For Students Entering Grades:
9-12 (High School), 6-8 (Middle School)One & multi-week programs available:
- July 7, 2024
- July 14, 2024
Haverford College
For Students Entering Grades:
9-12 (High School), 6-8 (Middle School)One & multi-week programs available:
- July 21, 2024
- July 28, 2024
Online (USA)
For Students Entering Grades:
9-12 (High School), 6-8 (Middle School)One & multi-week programs available:
- July 14, 2024
Online (Asia)
For Students Entering Grades:
9-12 (High School), 6-8 (Middle School)One & multi-week programs available:
- July 21, 2024
