History
The Great Books Summer Program is the result of a collaboration between David Ward, then President of Early Advantage, Professor Ilan Stavans of Amherst College, and Dr. Peter Temes, former President of the Great Books Foundationtm.
From our first three-day session of 30 middle school students in 2002, the Great Books Summer Program has grown to many weeks of sessions for both middle and high school students on the campuses of Amherst College, Stanford University, Northwestern University, Haverford College, and sessions abroad at Oxford University and in Trinity College Dublin. Every year our community continues to grow as our alumni return home and share their experiences with friends and family. In past years students from 50 states and 40+ countries joined our outstanding faculty for a summer of learning they’ll never forget.
Mission
The mission of the Great Books Summer Program is to create warm and lively communities of learning where free inquiry, reason, and civil discourse shape critical thinking skills.
We engage with enduring texts of literature and philosophy to discover and explore the great human issues and questions.
We strive for respectful, probing conversation in search of knowledge, insight, and a better understanding of ideas, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Most of all, we invite students to embark on the quest to develop one’s own best thinking.
I LOVED THIS PROGRAM! This program was the best I have ever attended. I loved every second and wished it lasted longer.
Save your Spot!
We hope you will join us this coming year for a fun-filled summer of Great Books and Big Ideas. Space is limited. Register today!
Have questions or need help choosing a campus or program? Our friendly Admissions Team is here to help. Email info@greatbookssummer.com or call/text 203-612-9470.
