for students who want to think and act philosophically
The application is now closed.
Tentative dates for online program: July 13-31, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Performing Wisdom Summer Workshop is moving online. Interested students should submit an application and they will receive additional details about the program’s new format.
Overview
The Performing Wisdom program introduces high school juniors and seniors to issues in philosophy that have been important since ancient times – issues surrounding justice, ethics, truth, and knowledge. While we will research, write about, and debate these issues together, we will also explore creative, dramatic approaches to making our philosophical thinking relevant, engaging, and powerful. Under the guidance of the Performing Wisdom faculty, students will undertake daily investigations of questions such as: What does it mean to be a just person? When is it right to disobey? What responsibilities does a citizen have to her society? These investigations will use philosophical texts, but the heart of the Performing Wisdom program is its emphasis on the power of dramatic action to encourage creative thinking and expression.
Over the course of three weeks, students will write, direct, and perform original pieces of drama, which transform philosophical debates into vivid, realized dramatic conflict. On the final day of the program, participants will stage an adaptation of the ancient tragedy Antigone—a deeply philosophical drama—via Zoom.
The program is free. Program participants will meet for approximately two – three hours each day, Monday – Friday.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 15 years old, and must not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2020. Additionally, applicants must intend to graduate from high school in the United States, and enter college in 2020, 2021, or 2022.
Application
The application is now closed.
Students interested in applying should:
- fill out the online application,
- include in the application contact information for one reference,
- ask their parent(s)/guardian(s) to complete the parental consent form.
The online application asks students to write a short essay which describes their interest in philosophy and/or drama and what they hope to accomplish by participating in the Performing Wisdom Program at the Center for Hellenic Studies.
The student’s reference may be a teacher, advisor, or employer. This person should be able to comment specifically on the student’s academic record, capacity to carry out the responsibilities listed above, and ability to work effectively and cooperatively with the program faculty and students visiting the CHS. Students should inform their reference that the CHS will contact them directly.
Questions
For questions regarding this summer program, please contact the program manager at outreach@chs.harvard.edu.