The First Day

The first full day of the New England 2021 High School Summer Program has begun! Students from all over the country arrived on campus yesterday, and everyone has now had a chance to settle into their dormitories — Merrill Keep for the ladies and Wilson for the men — and meet their roommates for the upcoming two weeks. 

After breakfast this morning, the group gathered for a short orientation in the Dolben Library auditorium. Dr. Stephen Shivone, director of the Summer Program, spoke briefly about what the students could expect in the classroom and touched on the College’s use of the Discussion Method in the classrooms — which many were soon to experience for the first time. 

Then it was time for class! For an hour and a half, attendees pored over the Ancient Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex, discussing fate, free will, and the grotesque but pitiful actions of the tragic hero Oedipus. Discussions continued well after class let out, as students strolled over to Gould Hall for a delicious lunch of sandwiches and stuffed jalapeño peppers. 

Now the group is back in the classroom, this time to work through the Platonic dialogue Euthyphro and Socrates’ investigation into the nature of piety and virtue at large. 

There are many exciting surprise activities planned for this afternoon, as well as an ice cream social in the coffee shop this evening, so be sure to check back first thing in the morning for a full report!