This program is the result of a collaboration between The Great Books Foundation and Professor Ilan Stavans of the faculty of Amherst College, one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. It was designed by Dr. Peter
Temes, former President of The Great Books Foundation, and Professor Stavans – editors, authors, and teachers of the highest distinction.

Over the course of six days, student participants will read and discuss two short contemporary works of literature in depth: Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron and Julio Cortezar's The End of the Game. Other readings will include selections from the Odyssey and The Declaration of Independence – a rich mix of literature and writing, from the contemporary to the classic. 

Students will discuss these texts using Shared Inquiry – a powerful method of learning in which students assist one another in a search for meaning.

Through these readings and discussions, students learn how to read a text carefully and critically – for implied as well as stated meaning. They develop the critical thinking skills that are so valuable for success in high school and college. Students develop and practice their language skills, their powers of reasoning and their self-expression. They learn how to listen carefully and consider the views of others. The Shared Inquiry method has been described as a liberating, yet highly structured, experience.

The Great Books Foundation, founded in 1947, is an independent, nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to provide people of all ages with the opportunity to read, discuss, and learn from great works of literature. More than one million students participate in Junior Great Books, a nationally-acclaimed reading and discussion program used in thousands of public and private schools.

Early Advantage is an innovative independent educational publisher. The company is best-known for bringing to America the BBC "Muzzy" series of foreign language learning courses. Early Advantage is working with The Great Books Foundation to develop a home version of the Great Books at Amherst Summer Reading Program.

Amherst College, founded in 1821, is widely regarded as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the world. Located in Western Massachusetts, close to the beautiful Berkshires, Amherst draws students from nearly every state and more than 40 countries. Stanford University opened its doors in 1891, and has been one of the finest and most exclusive American universities ever since. Its 8,000 acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation, offering room to explore as well as carefully-crafted residential and academic spaces for study and comfortable California living.