The New Jersey Scholars Program 2010

HUMAN RIGHTS: Past. Present. Future.

Duties and obligations. Rights and dignity. Originating in the scriptures of many world religions and later articulated in the United Nations Universal Declaration of 1947, an exploration of what we now call “Human Rights” is central to understanding the past, present, and future of human civilization.

Where does the concept of human rights come from, and how has it changed over time? How do philosophers and religious scholars address this issue? How does art, architecture and literature reflect and affect our understanding of human rights? Are human rights universally and/or are culturally determined? How will people understand human rights in the future?

Join the New Jersey Scholars Program this summer as we study the past, present, and future of human rights. Using the disciplinary lenses of history, literature, law, philosophy/religion, art and architecture, students will grapple with the questions posed above and discover how the disciplines of study connect to each other shedding light on this momentous issue. Join us as we come to further understand the power of this idea and contemplate its transformation through time.

A crucial part of the magic of the Program derives from the fact that the Scholars live together for five weeks (with one long weekend at home, July 15^th - 18th) in one dormitory with each gender residing on separate floors. Together they help each other rise to the challenges posed by the Program. The camaraderie that develops is extraordinary. With their resident housemaster and assistant housemaster, the Scholars learn to live together, learn together, and laugh together. Athletics provide a useful way to rest the brain and are conveniently accessible at The Lawrenceville School's athletic facilities -- pool, ice rink, golf course, track, fitness and weight rooms, and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Scholars also organize a few off-campus jaunts for a change of pace. The Program ends with a graduation ceremony to which all parents and families are invited.

All in all, the New Jersey Scholars Program offers an extraordinary experience.

Daily Schedule

7:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Irwin Dining Center where students and faculty will

frequently share ideas, announcements and presentations.

8:30-10:00 a.m. Morning lecture for all Scholars and faculty.

10:15–11:45 a.m. Morning seminar session (small groups of Scholars with a faculty member).

12:15 p.m. Lunch in the Irwin Dining Center.

1:30-3:00 p.m. Afternoon seminar session.

Free time Time for reading, research as well as relaxation and athletics.

5:30 p.m. Dinner in the Irwin Dining Center.

There will be occasional evening lectures or films.

Important Dates - 2010

June 27 Scholars arrive at their dormitory for registration.

July 14 Scholars’ dinner with the Board of the Trustees and Friends of the New Jersey Scholars Program.

July 15 Field trip.

July 15 Scholars Long Weekend At Home begins.

July 18 Scholars return to Lawrenceville from Long Weekend.

July 24 Arts Festival.

July 30 Graduation Ceremony.