Call for Student Applications: 2020 Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy (HCSPiP)

Deadline Extended to March 20!

2020 Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy

Coronavirus Update
Note: As of March 13, 2020, we expect to run the 2020 HCSPiP.  But things can change and we will update this page if we have to cancel the program.  More information is here

The Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy (HCSPiP) is designed for twenty excellent undergraduate students looking for a creative, exciting, collegial, and engaging two-week experience studying philosophy with other ambitious students. Three concurrent courses, chosen for their innovative pedagogies, will be offered, June 28–July 11, 2020:

• Philosophy and Comedy, taught by Prof. Ashley Pryor (University of Toledo)
• Adventures in Meta-Philosophy: Projects for Young Philosophers, taught by Prof. Anthony Weston (Elon University)
• Disagreement in the Digital Age: Philosophical Reflection About/With New Technology, taught by Prof. Michael Barnes

The HCSPiP will be an exciting and intense philosophical experience. In addition to attending all three classes every day, Monday through Friday, students are expected to prepare for those classes, both before the summer school and during the two weeks they are on campus. 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. To participate actively and take advantage of the opportunity, students must have exceptional intrinsic motivation for philosophical work. No college credit is awarded.

We have room for ten Hamilton College students and ten students from other colleges or universities. We are hoping this year mainly to serve rising sophomores and juniors, though rising seniors are also welcome to apply.  There is no tuition for the HCSPiP. Room and board will be provided. In addition, students who attend the summer school will receive a $750 stipend, plus up to $500 reimbursement for travel.

Unlike other philosophy summer programs, the HCSPiP is designed not mainly to prepare students for graduate work, but to explore new ways to teach and learn philosophy.  Instructors are all committed to active, student-centered learning.  The classes may not feel like philosophy classes to which you may have become accustomed! 

Student Applications

To apply for the HCSPiP, complete this form by March 16, 2020 March 20, 2020. The form requests information about your study of philosophy and ask you to reflect on why you study philosophy and what role you see philosophy playing in your life.  Since we hope to attract a wide range of perspectives to the program, you will be asked about how you would contribute to the diversity of the program.

In addition to the form, by the same date, please also send to [email protected] one letter of recommendation from a philosophy teacher with whom you have worked and an undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy suffices).

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

• 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