About the Course

The Ancient World

Between 2000 BCE and 300 CE, cultures with lasting impact flourished all around the world. In this course, you will learn about the daily life, social structures, governments, economies, and religions of these cultures, and consider how traces of them live on today. You and your classmates will read historical accounts of ancient societies and explore myths, legends, and arts. You will examine which mummified animals have been found in pharaohs' tombs; discern ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the world and the afterlife; analyze the meaning of dragon images on the garments of Chinese emperors and generals; and consider how Indian oral traditions reflected in the 2,000-year-old epic poem Ramayana shaped the politics, religion, and art of modern South Asia. In addition to group work, you’ll choose a topic to research on your own. Ultimately you will build your critical thinking and research skills while learning to appreciate the richness and diversity of ancient cultures.

Typical Class Size: 12
 

Course Overview

This course is

ungraded.

Summer Dates & Locations

Registration deadline extended:

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

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Speyer School
New York, New York
-
Day cost: $3,959
Enroll

Session Two

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The Gilman School
Baltimore, Maryland
-
Day cost: $3,149
Enroll
Image of Speyer School in New York City
Speyer School
New York, New York
-
Day cost: $3,959
Add to Waitlist

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level Not required CTY-Level
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

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 More

Cost 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.

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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 will provide students with all texts; no purchase is required.

  • McDougal Littell Middle School World History by Holt McDougal
  • Eyewitness: Ancient Civilizations by Joseph Fullman
  • Eyewitness: Aztecs, Incas & Mayas by DK
  • Great Ancient China Projects You Can Build Yourself by Lance Kramer
  • Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History by Steven Snape

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