About
Humanities Enrichment
Not for credit or grade, Stanford Summer Humanities Institute encourages participants to tap into Stanford University's excellence in the humanities and social sciences—exploring texts and ideas at a profound level, writing college-level papers, and communicating complex arguments in their academic writing and discussion sections.
Intensive Exploration
Participants investigate topics in the humanities that teach them to understand the past, question the present, and imagine the future.
Profound Conversations
From breakfast to evening activities, participants have the chance to discuss powerful ideas that they are exposed to in lectures, readings, and discussion sections.
Global Citizenship
Participants from around the world come together as a community of curious, independent thinkers from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Independent Research
During their third week, participants work closely with Stanford professors and graduate students to produce original research projects.
An Immersive Academic Environment
Courses meet each day (Monday through Friday): in-person classroom discussions led by Stanford faculty in the morning, and discussion sections led by graduate students in the afternoon.
College-Level Workload
Similar to what they would experience in a college course, students can expect a heavy workload of assignments to complete outside of class meeting times. Coursework will include assigned readings, group work, lectures, and more.
Student Engagement
Active participation in class discussions and organized activities is key to creating a community of engaged learners, and students are expected to participate and collaborate with their peers, professors, and teaching assistants.
Campus Resources
Stanford’s art museums allow participants to see everything from ancient to contemporary art at the Cantor Center for Visual Arts and Anderson Collection.
Impact of the Humanities
Philosophy and the Humanities
With numerous courses offered in philosophy, Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a unique summer experience for students passionate about the humanities.
I found myself engaging in deep conversations both inside and outside of the classroom, surrounded by a group of open-minded individuals truly interested in the world around them.
Stanford Summer Humanities Institute Participant, 2023
Expert Stanford Faculty
Scholars in the field of humanities, Stanford University professors lead all Stanford Summer Humanities Institute courses.
Assistant Professor Joel Cabrita
Colonial Extractions of African Cultural Treasures
Engaging Intellectual Life
Stanford Summer Humanities Institute provides not only enriching academic experiences, but also engaging learning communities that foster critical thinking, promote personal growth, and inspire lifelong learning outside of the classroom. Outside of the academic coursework, students will have opportunities to engage and build community with their peers through a variety of workshops and recreational activities.
Participate in Workshops and Fun Activities After Classes
During the week, Stanford Summer Humanities Institute residential staff plan a variety of workshops and fun activities. Workshop topics may include: equity and inclusion, a faculty career path panel, a discussion with the Stanford Office of Undergraduate Admission, and wellness coaching. Recreational activities may include board games, pick-up sports, and walks around campus.
One of our hopes was to expose students to big ideas, enduring ideas, ideas about democracy, revolution, social change, to the tools that the humanities have to help us think through those sorts of questions.
Professor Debra Satz
Department of Philosophy, Stanford University
