High School Students

The University Fellow's Great Ideas Summer Institute is a unique week-long academic experienced hosted on the campus of Samford University. This week offers an opportunity for intellectually ambitious students to enjoy the energy of a college classroom, engage ideas that form the essence of humane learning, and develop friendships with exceptional high school students from around the country. 

What will I learn? 

Our institute traces the theme of "Greece, Rome, and the American Republic." Throughout the week, you will learn how Greek and Roman philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Livy, and Plutarch form the foundation of western politics. You will also gain insight into the American Revolution and subsequent Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates surrounding constitutionalism. Finally, you will explore later iterations of these ideas through the works of John C. Calhoun, Abraham Lincoln, and Thurgood Marshall. 

What makes GISI a unique academic experience?

Most high schools teach using secondary texts (traditional textbooks written about key events or summaries of important documents). At GISI, you will read the original texts themselves - not someone else's interpretation of those texts. This may sound daunting, but in a community of intellectually curious students, engaging these core texts is fun. Furthermore, our faculty are committed to helping you understand these texts. However, you won't learn via lecture; you'll learn through discussion. Our professors will ask probing questions that challenge you to think about the material on a deeper level. This experience will prepare you not only for the rest of high school but also for collegiate seminars. 

When is the institute?

The Great Ideas Summer Institute will take place June 16 - June 22, 2013.

Am I eligible to apply?

If you will have completed your sophomore or junior year of high school by the summer of 2013 (rising junior or senior), you are eligible to apply. Although we do ask for your GPA and other academic information on our application, we do not have a specific academic requirements to apply.

How do I apply?

The application will be available no later than January 17, 2013 and will be due by Friday, April 26, 2013. 

What does it cost to attend?

The registration fee of $395 covers the costs of reading materials, housing, meals, and organized activities on and off campus. 

Who do I contact for additional information?

Email Caroline Williams at cmwilli3@samford.edu or call her at 205-726-2841.