America's Place in Western Civilization
A One Week Seminar for High School Students
Presented by The Fortin and Gonthier Foundations of Western Civilization Program
July 11 - 17, 2010
ASSUMPTION COLLEGE
When Alexis de Tocqueville arrived in America in 1830, he passed beautiful mansions on the shores of the East River. He later discovered that what looked like marble was just painted wood. As heirs to the wealth of Western Civilization, have Americans chosen to merely put up wooden structures where their ancient ancestors put up marble? Where does contemporary American culture fit into the long and rich history of Western Civilization? As a disposable culture, are we disposing of our cultural inheritance as well?
These questions will guide our encounter with some of the great works of the Western tradition. We will spend a week looking at America’s place in Western Civilization.
What is it?
America’s Place in Western Civilization is a week long program for rising high school juniors and seniors (or the equivalent) interested in the foundations of western civilization and America’s place in it. A residential program, accepted students will live at Assumption College for the week and study some of the greatest works of the western tradition under the direction of Assumption College faculty and students.
What will we do?
The week will be organized around Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. Students will have preparatory sessions (precepts) with Assumption College undergraduates each morning before a morning seminar with the professors. After lunch, another precept will follow in preparation for a seminar on such topics as “Plato in Modern America” and “Art in an Age of Equality.” Before and after dinner there will be time for reading and recreation. There will also be films each evening that relate to the readings of that day and some cultural events will be planned.
Who is involved?
Hand-selected Assumption College undergraduates will lead the precepts and act as resident assistants for the week. As mentors and peers they will assist the high school students make the transition into the intensity of this week. They will also have fun.
A range of Assumption College faculty members will be leading the seminars and lectures throughout the week. They will come from the departments of Politics, Philosophy, English, History, and Art/Music/Theatre.
What do you have to do?
Download the application form (PDF | Word) and submit by April 5, 2010.
Accepted students will be sent a copy of Democracy in America along with a supplementary reading package. Although there will be limited time for reading during the week of the seminar, it is suggested that students read the materials ahead of time.
Who is it for?
This seminar is for rising juniors and seniors in high school. Limited spaces are available.
What does it cost?
Seminar Fee: $200 (Scholarships are available upon request)
Room and Board: $500 (six nights, 17 meals)
If you have any questions regarding the program or the application process, please contact Prof. Geoffrey M. Vaughan.
Program Information
July 11 - 17, 2010
Assumption College
500 Salisbury St.
Worcester, MA
01609