The Ancient World

The Ancient World is a Baby CTY course where students learn about civilizations of the ancient world. This course is offered at:

First Session Only: Brooklandville, Los Angeles (Windward and San Mateo

Second Session Only: Alexandria and Sandy Spring

Both Sessions: New York

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

During the period from 2000 BCE to 300 CE, cultures with lasting impact flourished all around the world. In this course, students learn about daily life, social structures, governments, economies, and religions across the ancient world and consider how traces of these civilizations live on today. In addition to reading historical accounts of ancient societies, students explore myths, legends, and arts. For instance, students may examine the images on Greek urns to reconstruct a typical meal-both its food and the rituals surrounding it. By examining which mummified animals have been found in pharaohs' tombs, students may discern Egyptians' beliefs about the world and the afterlife. Similarly, they may analyze the meaning of dragon images on the garments of Chinese emperors and generals, or 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, students complete individual research on topics of their choosing, and field trips to museums complement classroom work by contextualizing course knowledge with material culture. They acquire critical-thinking and research skills in addition to developing an appreciation for the richness and diversity of ancient cultures.

Field Trip Fee: $65

Students must have completed grades: 3 or 4