CFP: 2019 Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy

The Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy is designed for twenty excellent undergraduate students seeking an exciting and collegial two-week experience studying philosophy with other ambitious students. Three concurrent courses, chosen for their innovative pedagogies, will be offered, June 24–July 5, 2019.

• “Aftermath and Backlash: Challenging Conversations about Race- and Gender-Based Violence,” taught by Ann Cahill, Elon University
• “Philosophical Methods of Socrates, Aquinas, and Confucius,” taught by Eric Yang, Santa Clara University
• “Existentialism Lived,” taught by Daniel Collette, Marquette University

Unlike other philosophy summer programs, the HCSPiP was not created mainly to prepare students for graduate work. Our program is designed to explore new ways to teach and learn philosophy. Instructors are committed to active, student-centered learning and the classes may not feel like ones to which you may have become accustomed! Students in the HCSPiP will attend all three classes every day, Monday through Friday, and are expected to prepare for those classes, both before the program and during the two weeks they are on campus. To participate actively and take advantage of the opportunity, students must have exceptional intrinsic motivation for philosophical work. No college credit is awarded.

In addition to the three courses, the HCSPiP is arranging for at least one visiting speaker, a day trip to the Adirondacks, and a July 4 celebration. There is no tuition for the summer school. Room and board at Hamilton College will be provided. In addition, students who attend the summer school will receive a $750 stipend, plus up to $500 reimbursement for travel. The program is supported by the Truax Fund for Philosophy at Hamilton College.

To apply for the HCSPiP, send a letter of interest in the program, no more than 2000 words to Professor Russell Marcus, Director, [email protected] by January 28, 2019.  Your letter of interest should contain the following information:

• Your name, the name of your undergraduate institution, and your expected date of graduation
• A list of all undergraduate philosophy courses taken
• The name of an instructor (preferably in philosophy) who will write a letter of recommentation for you
• Why do you study philosophy and what role do you see for philosophy in your post-college life?
• Why are you interested in the HCSPiP?
• How might you contribute to the diversity of our program?

In addition to your letter of application, please also send, by the same date to the same address:

• One letter of recommendation from a philosophy teacher with whom you have worked
• An undergraduate transcript (An unofficial copy is fine.)

Participants in the program will be selected according to the following criteria:

• Being a rising junior or senior in an undergraduate college
• Demonstrated ability to participate actively in the program
• Expressed interest in the specific classes we offer
• Strength of undergraduate record
• Ability to diversify our student population