Program: Winter Break Programs

Myths Revisited: Unraveling Ancient Tales in Modern Times

Where do myths originate? Why do they endure? What truths do these timeless tales tell us about our modern world? What’s the allure that keeps us returning to them? Venture deep into the heart of timeless myths and storytelling in this intellectually exhilarating program.

Join us for this 3-day program for an exciting look into the captivating narratives that continue to shape our lives, offering a deep understanding of their timeless power in the modern era. Dive into the enigmatic world of Medusa, the infamous Gorgon with her venomous gaze and serpentine locks. Journey with Orpheus and Eurydice where fate is once again sealed with just a glance. Reimagine Hercules as a modern bad boy, complete with bulging biceps and leather jacket. We’ll wind our way through a fascinating labyrinth of myths as we read and discuss the myths of Greece and Rome and works by Anne Carson, Virgil, Sylvia Plath, and more.

Led by Great Books Academic Director Michael Harrington, PhD candidate at Princeton University in the Department of English. A longtime member of the Great Books faculty, Mr. Harrington is currently teaching at Fordham University and is a graduate of Amherst College.

Program Details:

• December 27, 28, and 29
• 1pm - 5pm Eastern (New York)
• This is 10am - 2pm Pacific (California) and 5pm - 9pm GMT (London)
• Tuition: $450

Enrollment will open in autumn!

Register Now

Nature: How Do We Fit In?

Embark on a thrilling intellectual odyssey into the intersection of humans and the world we inhabit. Are humans part of nature or is nature external to us? How do and how should human beings and human society relate to the natural world? What effects have we had (or could we have) on nature? And what impacts has it had or could it have on us?

This thought-provoking 3-day seminar turns perspectives upside down as we look through the eyes and into the minds of animals in riveting sci-fi worlds that blur the lines between nature and humanity. Prepare for engaging discussions and intriguing insights as we journey through the writings of literary luminaries like Franz Kafka, Terry Bisson, Ted Chiang, Arthur C. Clarke, and more.

Led by Dr. Max Suechting who received his PhD from Stanford University’s program in Modern Thought & Literature. A longtime Great Books Academic Director, Dr. Suechting is also a graduate of Amherst College.

Program Details:

• December 28, 29, and 30
• 9am - 1pm China Standard (Beijing)
• This is 10am - 2pm Korea (Seoul)
• For night owls in the USA, this is Dec. 27 - 29 from 8pm to midnight Eastern (New York)! Be a part of this international class!
• Tuition: $450

Enrollment will open in autumn!

Register Now

Program Benefits

The benefits of a Great Books Winter Break Program are numerous:

• Learn to think critically and deeply
• Read and analyze texts at a deeper level
• Gain confidence in academic discussions
• Practice a more open-minded approach to the world and differing views
• Learn to support opinions with clear textual evidence
• Meet similarly intellectually curious peers
• And so much more!

Led by award-winning faculty and warm mentors, 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 too!

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Have questions? You can reach us anytime via email, call/text 203-612-9470, or a live chat.