| HUMANITIES | SCIENCES & SOCIAL SCIENCES | PRODUCTION & WORKSHOP |
Ancient Civilizations. Students examine the history, mythology, religion, art, and ethics of ancient cultures in the Near East, the Americas, China, and elsewhere in the ancient world. Artifacts in the Fitzwilliam Museum and other
museums in Cambridge bring these cultures to life as students encounter
and interpret daily life, politics, trade, ritual, and belief, and at the same time
examine these ancient civilizations’ significance for the modern world. Back to top
Art History. Using the great museums of Cambridge, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and University Museum of Classical Archeology, as well as the hidden treasures of the University itself, this course examines select masterpieces of Western art from the major periods – Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, and Modern. Students learn all the skills needed to understand and appreciate
fine art by exploring theories of aesthetics, historical contexts, and the lives of great artists and their works. Back to top
Classical Greece: Heroes and History. The classical world comes alive in this introduction to the language, culture, and mythology of one of history’s most
important civilizations: Classical Greece. In discussing Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, the Greek dramatists, and even Homer, students examine this extraordinary civilization and how its accomplishments continue to shape our culture. Prior Greek Language study is not required, though students with prior knowledge at any level will have the opportunity to consolidate and build upon their language skills. Back to top
Egyptology. Students examine the language, mythology, history, religion, art, and ethics of Ancient Egyptian culture as well as the archeological and scholarly procedures of modern Egyptology. From the meaning of hieroglyphics and the
origins of the Sphinx to the purpose of the Pyramids, our students look at Ancient Egypt as a vibrant culture whose impact and legacy remains with us today – in our histories, in our museums, in our imaginations, and often on our movie screens. Back to top
English Literature. This course examines some of the greatest works of English literature over the last 1000 years. Students explore the great literary tradition of Cambridge, including poetry, plays, short stories, and select novel excerpts by a wide variety of authors. Students visit literary locations such as Milton’s rooms in Christ’s College, Coleridge’s in Jesus College, and Rupert Brooke’s former haunts in Grantchester. Each student engages in a close study of a Shakespeare play and presents a special project in the final week. Back to top
European History. This course explores the most significant political, philosophical, and social changes to have shaped Europe over the last millennium. From the Crusades through the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and the Renaissance, students examine the most significant moments and movements in European history. Students look at the conflicts that have defined much of Europe’s past and discuss the future for a growing, ever more complex European
Union. Back to top
History of Comedy. From Ancient Greek comedy to Monty Python and Borat, students are introduced to comedy throughout the ages. As cultural comment, social protest, entertainment form, creative challenge, and performance art,
comedy is explored as a sensitive and serious mode of expression. Students
examine what different nations and cultures celebrate as ‘funny’ and write and perform their own genre-specific comedy pieces to perform at the end of the program. Back to top
History’s Secrets. Many of history’s greatest tales are never told, and this course explores some of the hidden histories and conspiracies that have been concealed in times past, little understood or rarely studied. Students are introduced to some of the secrets of Cambridge University; the machinations of conniving politicians and monarchs; and more recent historical controversies, such as the possibility of faked moon landings, the death of Princess Diana, and the
mystery surrounding Area 51. Students conclude the course by replotting
the points of a traditional historical narrative and designing their own conspiracy. Back to top
Latin: Poetry and Language. In this center of classical scholarship, students study important works of Latin literature. Roman language, culture, belief, and artistic taste are examined through some of the ancient world’s greatest writing, notably Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Martial’s Epigrams, and a central feature of the course is providing students with the opportunity to improve their facility for translation. The broader literary context of the period is also explored, as well as Roman art and architecture in collections at Cambridge’s numerous museums.
Prerequisites for the Major: letter of recommendation from a Latin teacher and
two years of Latin. Back to top
Religion and Global Culture. Students explore the major religions that have shaped world history and assess ancient ideas by examining their own approach to fundamental questions about life. They explore areas of contemporary controversy, such as stem cell research, euthanasia, capital punishment, same sex marriage, the cult of celebrity, and the ethics of ‘just war.’ In surveying the world’s moral and spiritual life, students design their own beliefsystem, a philosophy which they feel to be fair, effective and inspiring in the modern world. Back to top
Astronomy. With such a rich scientific history, Cambridge is an ideal place to explore some of the most fundamental questions of science: How did the universe begin? What exists beyond our own planet? Are we truly alone in the universe? Using a combination of classroom astronomy, hands-on demonstrations, and
experiments, students study such topics as the formation and composition of
the Solar System, orbital mechanics, galaxy evolution, and Big Bang Theory. Back to top
Business and Finance. This course introduces participants to the world
of corporate finance and its primary institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. With a focus on free market enterprise and how businesses manage their monetary assets, students explore the tools and structures of the US and European financial markets and banks. Through dynamic workshops and exercises, students cover 21st-century financial realities for budding entrepreneurs and major corporations
alike. Major course projects include case studies (on topics ranging from business strategy to brand positioning and crisis communication), a stock exchange investment game, and the design of a theoretical start-up venture. Back to top
Criminology. This course introduces students to criminology and criminal justice. Through workshops, debates, and visits to police stations and criminal courts, students explore numerous topics that include individual and social
theories of crime, philosophies of punishment, restorative justice and conflict resolution, criminal profiling, incident analysis, and forensics. They also consider the causes of crime, the influence of the media upon crime, and the socioeconomics of race and gender within the context of British and international criminal justice systems. Back to top
International Espionage. Cambridge University has trained more notorious spies than any other university in the world – from Christopher Marlowe in the 16th century to the ‘Cambridge Five’ in the 20th, and even James Bond in fiction. In an era in which global intelligence services face unprecedented challenges, there is nowhere better to study this fascinating course. Students examine the major figures, techniques, and practices of the world’s foremost intelligence services, and debate the role of intelligence, the advantages of human versus electronic intelligence, and the ethics of betrayal and manipulation in the name of a greater good. Back to top
International Relations. The ‘War on Terror’, conflict in the Middle East, and widespread nuclear proliferation have inspired the evolution of a dynamic and challenging new global order. This course looks at contemporary and future international relations by focusing on key issues in pertinent regions of the world. Subjects covered include: globalization and its political, economic, and social effects; environmental challenges; new forms of war and peace; the changing nature of security challenges; peacekeeping operations; the regional complexities of such areas as the Middle East, Africa, and South-East Asia; and the network of relationships and rivalries that define global order in today’s world. Back to top
Medicine and the Brain. Set in the university that has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other in the world, and a renowned leader in medical and scientific research, this course examines the development of modern medicine with a particular focus on neuroscience. Students learn the main principles of cognitive psychology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, clinical methods and practices, as well as the technology behind diagnostic tools, such as CT and MRI scans. Innovative classroom experiments and projects are complemented by visits to local laboratories. Back to top
Molecular Medicine. In the city that houses the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, perhaps the world’s foremost genomics center, this course focuses on recent developments in molecular medicine and medical genetics. After reviewing the molecular structure and mechanisms of DNA, students analyze the genetic factors underlying such diseases as cancer and Alzheimers and explore the significance of the Human Genome Project. The course also examines how information gained at the molecular level translates into effective treatments and students consider the ethics of such controversial issues as genetic engineering, cloning, and gene therapy. Prerequisites: completion of at least one year each of Biology and Chemistry. Back to top
Philosophy and Science. Taking inspiration from Cambridge’s legendary tradition in science and philosophy, this course explores some of the deepest questions arising from our urge to understand the human mind and the
world around us. With reference to great writers and philosophers, students
examine such issues as the philosophy of mind, epistemology and metaphysics,
the problem of consciousness, and scientific realism. Exercises and projects
bring the course to life, including class discussions, a scientific experiment,
and a comparative analysis of such cult classics as The Matrix and Bladerunner. Back to top
Politics in the Modern World. In this course students learn how to
think critically about politics and its impact on daily life through an exciting series of readings, debates, field trips, and guest talks. The course explores topics ranging from the ideas of Classical, Renaissance and Enlightenment thinkers to the
institutions and practices of global politics, with added emphasis placed upon the study of political traditions, theories, and systems in the modern world. Exercises include a mock UN Council and a parliamentary-style debate in the historic debating chamber of the Cambridge Union. Back to top
Psychology. With a stimulating grounding in all the major theories of psychology, students investigate a wide range of psychological topics that include dreams, memory, consciousness, anxiety, body language, gender, sexuality, and performance and learning psychology. As well as examining the history of the subject, select case histories and various mental disorders, students are introduced to research methodologies and diverse analytical frameworks in order to design their own experiments. The students’ research and findings are discussed and analysed under the guidance of research specialists and practicing clinicians. Back to top
Sports Medicine. This medical course explores the scientific foundations of athletic performance, excellence, injury, and recovery. Classes, workshops, and experiments introduce students to three main areas of medical and exercise science: Biomechanics, in which they examine the science of human movement; Sports Psychology, which addresses the topic of how the mind affects physical performance and resistance to fatigue or pain; and Exercise Physiology, which focuses on dietary issues, fitness regimes, and the effects that artificial substances such as steroids have on the human body. Students also explore the ethical questions surrounding the use of drugs in sports as well as blood and gene doping. Back to top
Zoology. This course examines the spectacular diversity of animal forms and behavior in the natural world. Students examine a variety of topics including evolutionary biology, natural selection, animal behavior, and ecology. Trips into the surrounding countryside, to a local wildlife park, through Jesus College’s own grounds and renowned nature trail as well as to Cambridge University’s Museum of Zoology complement a varied syllabus that includes genetics and molecular biology, animal communication, theories of instinct and innate behavior, imprinting, predation, protection, and behavioral development. As a final project,students are invited to speculate on future forms of life on Earth. Back to top
Architecture. With a stunning variety of architectural styles, Cambridge provides students with the perfect opportunity to find creative inspiration, appreciate architectural history and aesthetics, and improve their modelmaking and design skills. Students develop a portfolio of their own sketches and architectural drawings, and have one-on-one consultations with their teacher to turn their individual designs into three-dimensional models. The final project involves architectural modelmaking and the negotiation of engineering and design challenges through structural experimentation - and each student’s work then features in the program’s concluding Arts Exhibition. Lab fee of $250 US for Majors; $100 US for Minors. Back to top
Creative Writing. Working with a published writer, students compose fiction and poetry, exploring their own potential as they experiment with new forms and styles of writing. Students draw upon the many cultural and visual resources of Cambridge and take inspiration from its rich literary history. The course features a series of readings and workshops given by successful poets and writers with whom students discuss all aspects of the creative process as well as the practicalities of getting published as a professional author. Students develop a presentation portfolio of their best writing and collaborate to design, edit, and publish the program’s literary magazine, The Staircase Voice. Back to top
Drama. Workshops and master classes in areas as diverse as theory, technique, improvisation, voice, mime, movement, and script analysis develop and enhance the skills of any young actor. Taught by classically-trained professional actors and directors, students master the nuances of Shakespearean verse and interpretation to prepare for a full performance of a Shakespeare play at the end of the program. From auditions and casting to rehearsals and the final curtain call, Major class students participate in a full-scale Shakespeare production - in the same fashion as a professional repetory company. Production fee of $75 US for Majors only. Back to top
Filmmaking. With instruction from professional screenwriters and producers, students work in small groups to brainstorm, conceive, write and produce short films (fictional, non-fictional, documentary, or experimental), which they shoot with digital video cameras and edit with professional editing software. The Minor class is a non-production course, in which participants study the history and theory of filmmaking. Major students screen their films at the Arts Exhibition at the end of the program. Lab fee of $300 US for Majors. Back to top
Photojournalism. Using digital technology to record their exploration of English culture, country, and character, students create a pictorial portfolio of their time in and around Cambridge and a comprehensive photojournal of their experiences. With an emphasis on creative and narrative photojournalism, students receive instruction in portraiture, landscape, fashion, sport, art, and wildlife photography, putting their skills to use in a variety of projects. At the end of the program, students show their work at the Arts Exhibition. No darkroom work is involved. Students require their own digital camera with USB cable, charger, manual, and at least one 128 MB memory card. Lab fee of $100 US for Majors; $50 US for Minors. Back to top
Speech and Debate. For the novice or the experienced high school debater, this course develops and enhances the essential tools and skills for public speaking. Through group debates, interactive readings, analyses of media editorials, and the study of famous speeches throughout history, students learn to build and defend arguments on a wide variety of topics. Students conclude the course with a formal debate in the debating chamber of the Cambridge Union Society, the oldest debating society in the world, employing all the argumentative tactics and tools they have acquired over the month. Back to top
Studio Art. Designed for both beginners and more advanced students, this course uses studio art as the medium for imaginative engagement with Cambridge. Students receive instruction in charcoal, pastels, watercolor and sculpture. They spend much of their time outside the studio in the magnificent visual surroundings of Cambridge, sketching the majesty of King’s College, capturing the pastoral tranquility of Grantchester, examining masterpieces in the Fitzwilliam Museum, and exercising their creative flair every day. Students mount an exhibition in our Arts Exhibition at the end of the program and take home a portfolio of their best work. Materials fee of $200 US for Majors; $100 US for Minors. Back to top
NOTE: There is
no final application deadline.
We accept applications on a rolling basis until the
program is full.
Students who apply on or before January 22, 2010 and are accepted have their first choice of courses guaranteed, subject to enrollment levels.
This is absolutely not a final application deadline but we do begin receiving applications in October so we recommend that students apply as early as possible for subjects that are in very high demand.
Our Philosophy
All of our courses, regardless of subject area, are designed to introduce students not only to new subjects and skills, but also to the teaching and traditions of Cambridge University. As much as possible, academic subjects provide students with the opportunity to enjoy a Cambridge-style seminar conducted by a teacher who has experienced the Cambridge teaching system. Above all, our philosophy is to put students in small classes to study exciting and engaging courses conducted by lively and imaginative teachers.
Course Selection
Our students choose any two courses on the list, one as a MAJOR course and one as a MINOR. Major courses meet six mornings a week and depending on the nature of the course include in-class time for fieldwork, labs, workshops, guest speakers, group discussions, and one-on-one instruction. They also include homework and require project and preparation time outside of class. Minor courses meet three afternoons a week, with all work contained within the class session. A Minor course presents highlights of the Major and most students find their Minor a welcome opportunity to sample a new subject for the first time.
Evaluation
Each student receives grades and comments for their coursework at the end of the summer. Our participants often find these comments to be a valuable addition to their college applications, where they stand as testimony to their academic achievements during the program. We keep copies in our New York office and are happy to send them to colleges when alumni apply for admission.
601 Cathedral Parkway, Suite 7R, New York, New York 10025-2186
Telephone: (800) 828-8349 / (212) 932-3049 Fax: (212) 663-8169
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