Our six-week summer courses allow students to explore important ideas such as justice, democracy, and the good life. Your high school student will be exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking. If these courses look interesting to parents as well, they are encouraged to join the discussion. Hutchins Academy believes in collaboratively learning through group conversation no matter the age.
All courses are discussion-based, and students engage in collaborative instigations of significant questions about human life and society. Students are encouraged to think critically and build their communication skills. Classes expose students to different perspectives and promote civil discussion on significant questions. Students listen actively to their peers and have the space to express their views.
- Build critical thinking skills
- Learn from history’s greatest writers
- Communicate collaboratively with peers
- Examine different perspectives on important questions
Course Offerings Summer 2022
Socrates, Plato and the Collapse of Ancient Greek Democracy
The era of Socrates and Plato was not a happy one for the city of Athens. The city-state’s democratic government was collapsing and the people were reeling from losing a drawn out war with their nemesis Sparta. In this world Socrates and his student Plato began asking the “wise men” of Athens for their views on some of humanity’s most pressing questions. We take a journey back to this world and consider the questions and ideas Socrates and Plato bring forth in our records of their ever-relevant discussions.
In person
Location: 1246 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Course Dates: July 9 – August 13
Meeting Times: Saturdays from 12pm to 1:30pm
Online
Course Dates: July 6 – August 10
Meeting Times: Wednesdays from 4pm to 5:30pm
Kings, Wars and The Rights of the People: The Debates and Ideas Behind Modern Democracy
What rights ought citizens to have? What responsibilities do citizens have to the state or to each other? How should power be shared between citizens and government? This course explores some of these questions through examination of ideas formed during the European Enlightenment and consideration of alternative forms of democracy practiced by groups like the Iroquois Confederacy.
In person
Location: 1246 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Course Dates: July 9 – August 13
Meeting Times: Saturdays from 1:45-3:15pm
Theories of Right and Wrong: An Investigation into Morality and Ethics
What does it mean to be a good person? What actions are right? What actions are wrong? Would you steal food to feed your family? Would you divert the trolly and kill one person to save five? While these examples may seem morbid, we make less pressing ethical decisions throughout our lives. Armed with the ethical ideas of several great thinkers we will discuss difficult ethical questions, including everyday ethical dilemmas suggested by our students.
Location: 1246 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Course Dates: July 9 – August 13
Meeting Times: Saturdays from 3:30-5:00pm
Appropriate Ages
Courses are open to students entering 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade and their parents. Students entering 6th or 7th grade may participate under certain circumstances. Contact us if this is of interest.