International Politics
- Grades 7-11
- Advanced CTY-Level
-
Residential
- History and Social Science
Why do states fight, and what makes them cooperate? World affairs in the 21st century have raised new questions about international politics and revisited complicated old ones. Where the field once primarily sought to understand the causes of war, scholars now debate the impacts of globalization, the relevance of sovereignty and the state, and the power of global norms in promoting international development and human rights. Through discussions, debates, simulations, and individual research, this course explores these and other complex problems in international affairs. By approaching issues from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, you and your classmates will learn to think critically about the world and the ways to comprehend and solve global dilemmas, applying social scientific methods and exploring case studies to better understand the systemic forces that shape societies and their relations on the international stage.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
This course is
ungraded.
Summer Dates & Locations
After May 16, 2025, registration is available upon request pending eligibility and seat availability. To request placement, email [email protected] after submitting a program application.
Session One
Session Two
Testing and Prerequisites
| Math | Verbal | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Level | Not required | Advanced CTY-Level |
Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.
Sign up for Testing Learn MoreCost and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $55 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)
We have concluded our financial aid application review process for 2025 On-Campus Programs. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible. We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
- Essentials Readings World Politics by Jack L. Snyder, Karen A. Mingst, Heather Elko McKibben
- World Politics: Interests, Interactions, Institutions by Jeffrey A. Frieden, David A. Lake, Kenneth A. Schultz
- Global Issues 2022 Edition, The CQ Researcher
- A major newspaper
About History and Social Science at CTY
Enhance your critical thinking skills
Expand your ability to reason through difficult problems by taking one of our philosophy or logic classes. Learn how to craft strong and clear arguments in Big Questions, or explore the techniques of logic that lawyers, doctors, and mathematicians utilize to be successful in their fields in Logic: Principles of Reasoning.
Explore social justice in action
Develop knowledge and skills that will help you address issues of systemic inequality throughout the world. Engage the historical and legal challenges different populations face in Great Cases and Laws and Orders.
Meet our instructors and staff
My favorite thing about teaching at CTY is watching the students' curiosity and excitement lead their learning. It's exciting as an instructor to witness their confidence increase and watch as their 'aha' moments manifest into increased knowledge and mastery of the content.
Laya Theberge
Robotics Instructor
CTY students have a contagious energy combined with a thirst for knowledge that I look forward to each summer. They remind me of why I became a teacher.
Antonia Richards
Chemistry Instructor
I love that students are not here for the grade; they're here to learn. At the end of the course, I get to write about each students' progress and capture the essence of each student's performance, which I love.
Jethro Antoine
Biology Instructor