Great+Books,+Summer+2009

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The Great Books Summer Program is a program available to middle school and high school students throught the United States and the world. Last year the program had students from 35 different countries and held the program at two college campuses: Stanford University in Palo Alto, California and Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.Students have the option of attending for one, two, or three week sessions, though the vast majority choose the two week program.

Essentially, students read excerpts from various texts from ancient writers such as Socrates to modern writers such as Alice Munro. Students receive various insights prior to discussion from their academic directors in two forty-five minute morning lectures, which are more like dynamic discussions that promote the exchange of ideas. After the lectures, students partipate in a "shared inquiry" discussion in which the facilitator leads students with questions to probe the deeper meanings of text.

Afternoons are devoted to literature electives, fine art electives, and some quality structured free time. Literature electives are taught by the program assistants. These PA's are carefully-selected college students from across the country that have a passion for literature and teaching. Some past offerings of literature electives include Latin American Literature, Escapism, Kafka and Modern Influences, the Poetry of Billy Collins, and Nietzsche. Students have a choice of four fine art electives that include creative writing, art, theater, and music. These courses are taught by highly-qualified elective leaders that have serious involvement in these fields. The free time in the afternoons might include a walk to the Stanford Book store or a casual game of Ultimate Frisbee in the Amherst quad.

Evenings have a variety of engaging activities that promote some of the core values of the program. Guest speakers have included Pulitzer Prize winning authors such as Debbie Applegate and Doris Kearns Goodwin. Amherst and Stanford professors frequent the program and often engage with students outside the lecture hall for some lunch or even a casual walk in small groups. Fun evening activities include Quiz Bowl, mixers, ice cream socials, movie nights, and the final performance which features the work of students in the fine art electives.In the past four years, over 60 students from Ransom have attended this program and many have returned for their second, third, or even fourth year. If you have further questions regarding the program, please do not hesitate to contact me (Christopher Dreeson, Academic Director Intermediate Program, Stanford and Amherst College) or any of our allumni on the Upper School Campus.

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