SESSION 3:
Think, Believe, Act
This one-week session concentrates on the relationship between psychology, politics and altruism. Throughout the session, participants will investigate topics like free speech, propaganda, and human nature. Students will use what they discover to attempt to convince others, and by the end of the week, they will identify a topic they are particularly passionate about and work with our instructors to form a speech about it.
Seminars are held regularly and include an opportunity to practically apply the ideas discussed.
Guest speakers share real-world experiences that relate to our discussion areas.
Films give participants the opportunity to locate arguments and assumptions made in visual media.
Community Engagement is an important component of this program. We will test our theories regarding propaganda and psychology on Columbia’s campus, visit an NGO in a relevant field, as well as give each participant the opportunity to present his or her ideas at the end of the week.
After the program, participants will have:
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Strong command over the intersections between politics, the willingness to give, and human psychology
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An understanding of recent political developments and how they relate to both human nature and altruism, or the desire to uplift others
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An appreciation for the role of free speech in a broad sense, and especially in a democracy
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The ability to comprehend philosophical reasoning and scientific research and apply both to real-world scenarios
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Interaction with guest speakers who are experts in the issues discussed throughout the program
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4 hours of guided learning of participants’ choice, including prep for standardized tests or other topics of interest, such as history, foreign language, and philosophy
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A lot of fun!
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We will watch films, play field games, and conduct a number of social experiments
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We also have many exciting trips planned, including to Columbia University and NGOs around the city
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