An elite opportunity for young minds in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
The Korais Fellowship is a prestigious two-week program held in Washington, D.C., designed for top-performing high school and undergraduate students from Greece. This immersive experience in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) connects students with distinguished academics, policymakers, and thought leaders from renowned institutions, providing an exceptional opportunity for academic and professional growth.
Korais Fellowship: The story behind the name:
The Korais Fellowship Program is named after Adamantios Korais, one of Greece’s most influential intellectuals during the Greek Enlightenment. Korais played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of the modern Greek state, using his scholarship to inspire Greece’s struggle for independence in the early 19th century. His writings and philosophy emphasized education, liberty, and civic responsibility—values that also strongly resonated with the ideals of the American Revolution.
A unique bond exists between Korais and Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The two shared correspondence, discussing the importance of freedom, self-governance, and education. Letters between Korais and Jefferson, preserved at Monticello, Jefferson’s estate in Virginia, reflect a mutual admiration for these shared democratic principles.
By naming the fellowship after Korais, we honor this historical connection between Greece and the United States. As part of the program, students will visit Monticello, where they will have the opportunity to explore the very letters exchanged between Korais and Jefferson. This visit will offer a meaningful insight into the legacy of these two thinkers who advocated for freedom and education in their respective nations.
Why Join the Korais Fellowship?
The Korais Fellowship provides a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world exposure. It offers students valuable networking opportunities with experts in the fields of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and gives them a competitive edge through academic credits earned from the Hellenic American University.
Key benefits:
- In-depth Engagement: Interact with leading thinkers from institutions like Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University.
- Think Tank Visits: Participate in discussions at organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and Cato Institute.
- Exclusive Site Visits: Explore key political and historical landmarks in Washington, D.C., such as Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museums, and Mount Vernon.
What you can expect:
- Engaging Lectures: Delve into economic policies, political theory, and philosophical debates with experts from top institutions.
- Exclusive Site Visits: Tour major U.S. political institutions, including the halls of Capitol Hill, and engage with global policy influencers at top think tanks.
- Cultural Enrichment: Immerse yourself in American history through visits to iconic sites like the National Archives and the Lincoln Memorial.
Program dates:
- July 29 – August 12, 2025
Academic credits:
- Earn 3 general education credits through Hellenic American University, enhancing your academic profile for future studies.
AP Interdisciplinary Critical Reasoning (PPE)
Course Description
This course offers an in-depth exploration of critical thinking principles and their application within the interdisciplinary realms of politics, philosophy, and economics (PPE). Students will develop analytical skills necessary to evaluate complex arguments, identify logical fallacies, and construct coherent, persuasive arguments. By examining contemporary and historical issues, the course emphasizes the role of critical thinking in understanding ethical dilemmas, policy decisions, economic theories, and philosophical debates.
Key topics include evaluating political ideologies, ethical frameworks in policy-making, economic rationality, and the philosophical underpinnings of justice and equality. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and debates, students will learn to approach problems systematically, question assumptions, and make well-reasoned judgments. This course aims to equip students with the cognitive tools required for responsible citizenship, informed decision-making, and effective leadership in diverse professional environments.
Course Objectives:
- Develop Critical Thinking Skills:
- Interdisciplinary Understanding:
- Evaluate Political, Philosophical, and Economic Theories:
- Ethical and Moral Reasoning:
- Improve Communication and Argumentation Skills:
- Apply Critical Thinking to Contemporary Issues:
- Promote Independent Thinking and Lifelong Learning:
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze and Evaluate Arguments:
- Apply Critical Thinking Skills:
- Integrate Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
- Formulate and Defend Coherent Arguments:
- Engage in Ethical and Moral Reasoning:
- Understand Key Theories and Concepts:
- Communicate Effectively:
- Analyze Contemporary and Historical Issues:
- Recognize and Mitigate Cognitive Biases:
- Demonstrate Lifelong Learning and Independent Thinking
Class Schedule Details:
Course Duration:
- Session Duration: 3 hours per session
Session Breakdown:
- Session 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking and the PPE Framework
- Overview of the course objectives, structure, and assessment methods
- Introduction to critical thinking skills and their importance
- The intersection of politics, philosophy, and economics (PPE)
- Session 2: Fundamentals of Argumentation and Logical Fallacies
- Identifying and constructing logical arguments
- Common logical fallacies and how to avoid them
- Practice exercises on argument analysis
- Session 3: Political Ideologies and Critical Analysis
- Overview of major political ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.)
- Critical analysis of political ideologies and their implications
- Case studies and discussions on contemporary political issues
- Session 4: Philosophical Theories of Justice and Ethics
- Introduction to key philosophical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics
- Concepts of justice, fairness, and rights
- Application of ethical theories to real-world scenarios
- Session 5: Economic Principles and Critical Thinking
- Introduction to fundamental economic concepts (supply and demand, market structures)
- The role of economic reasoning in decision-making
- Critical evaluation of economic policies and their societal impact
- Session 6: Decision-Making and Cognitive Biases
- Understanding cognitive biases and heuristics
- The impact of biases on political, philosophical, and economic decision-making
- Strategies to mitigate cognitive biases
- Session 7: The Role of Government and Individual Freedom
- Examination of the balance between state authority and personal liberty
- Debates on the role of government in economic and social life
- Critical analysis of policy decisions affecting individual freedoms
- Session 8: Pressure Groups and Voting Behaviour
- Review of key concepts
- Debates on the role of pressure groups in politics
- Debates on voting behavior
- Critical analysis regarding the role of pressure groups in voting behavior
- Session 9: Ethics and Public Policy
- Ethical considerations in policy making
- Case studies on healthcare, education, and environmental policies
- Group discussions and debates on ethical dilemmas in public policy
- Session 10: Globalization and Economic Justice
- Exploration of globalization’s impact on politics, economics, and culture
- Theories of economic justice and inequality
- Critical analysis of global economic policies and their ethical implications
- Session 11: Democracy, Populism, and Political Communication
- The principles and challenges of democracy
- The rise of populism and its impact on democratic institutions
- Analysis of political rhetoric, media influence, and public opinion
- Session 12: Philosophy of Economics and Behavioral Economics
- Philosophical questions in economic theory (rationality, welfare, and value)
- Introduction to behavioral economics and its critique of traditional economic models
- Application of behavioral insights to political and economic policy
- Session 13: Contemporary Issues in PPE (Case Studies)
- Exploration of current events and their relation to PPE principles
- Case studies may include topics such as climate change, digital privacy, economic crises, and social justice movements
- Group presentations and class discussions
- Session 14: Final Review and Course Reflection
- Comprehensive review of course material
- Reflection on critical thinking skills developed throughout the course
- Preparation for the final exam or submission of final project
- Session 15: Presentations
Class Activities:
- Lectures and Guest Speakers: In-depth exploration of core topics, supplemented by guest lectures from experts in politics, philosophy, and economics.
- Discussion Sessions: Regular class discussions to foster critical engagement with the material.
- Case Studies and Debates: Real-world scenarios and structured debates to apply critical thinking skills.
- Group Work and Presentations: Collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and interdisciplinary analysis.
- Reading Assignments: Weekly readings from textbooks and recommended materials to reinforce learning.
Assessment:
Group Project Presentation
In small groups, students will conduct research on a contemporary issue that intersects politics, philosophy, and economics. They will be tasked with presenting their findings and analysis to the class. This project will assess students’ ability to collaborate, synthesize diverse viewpoints, and communicate their conclusions effectively.
Eligibility criteria:
- High school seniors and undergraduate students with a strong interest in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) are eligible to apply.
Application requirements:
- A detailed CV, a recent photo, and a 500-word motivation letter outlining your interest in PPE and future ambitions.
Timeline:
- Applications Open: October 2024
- Final Selection Announcement: March 2025
- Program Dates: July 29 – August 12, 2025
Learn more about the Payment and Selection Process
Program Fees:
- The program fee includes transportation within Washington, D.C., accommodation, three meals per day, site visits, and program materials.
- Please note that airline tickets to and from Washington, D.C. are not included in the program fee and will be purchased separately by the Institute. Further details regarding the airline tickets and associated costs will be provided closer to the program start date.
FAQ
Who can apply?
High school seniors and undergraduate students, studying in Greece, with an interest in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE).
What is included in the program fee?
The fee covers transportation within Washington, D.C., accommodation, three meals per day, site visits, and all program materials.
Are airline tickets included in the fee?
No, airline tickets to and from Washington, D.C. are not included in the program fee. The Institute will purchase them separately, and further details regarding ticket costs will be provided closer to the program start date.
Are scholarships available?
No, airline tickets to and from Washington, D.C. are not included in the program fee. The Institute will purchase them separately, and further details regarding ticket costs will be provided closer to the program start date.
How many students will be selected for the program?
The final number of selected participants will depend on the application pool, but we aim to accommodate around 20–30 students per cohort.
How are students selected?
Selection is based on the strength of the application, including the CV and motivation letter. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview before final decisions are made.
What happens if I am on the waiting list?
If a selected participant fails to confirm their spot within the given timeframe, we will invite students from the waiting list. You will have 10 days to complete the necessary steps to secure your place.
What is the deadline for the final payment?
The final payment is due by April 2025, which is three months before the program begins. Further instructions will be provided upon confirmation of your participation.
What is the refund policy?
The advance payment is non-refundable as it covers preparation costs. Cancellations within 3 months of departure will be refunded only the amount of the fee minus the advance payment and the cost of flight tickets.
Can the program fee be transferred to another year if I can't attend?
No, fees cannot be transferred to a future year or another program
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, students who complete the program will receive a certificate of participation. Additionally, you will earn 3 general education credits through Hellenic American University, which are recognized by U.S. institutions.
Will there be free time for sightseeing?
Yes, the program is structured to include cultural enrichment activities and sightseeing in Washington, D.C.
Payment and Selection Process
- Interested students must complete the online application form on our website by the specified deadline.
- Applications must include:
- A detailed CV
- A recent photo
- A 500-word motivation letter explaining the student’s interest in PPE and their future ambitions.
- All applications will be reviewed by the program’s selection committee.
- Successful applicants will be invited to an interview.
- Selected applicants will be contacted for a virtual interview to assess their readiness for the program.
- After the interviews, two lists will be prepared:
- Selected Participants
- Waiting List (those who may join the program if spots become available).
- Once selected, parents/guardians of the participants will be required to sign a Consent and Agreement Document that confirms:
- Their agreement for the student’s participation in the program.
- Their acceptance of the program’s terms, including financial responsibilities.
- Upon signing the Consent and Agreement Document, parents must make an advance payment (amount to be specified) to confirm the student’s place in the program.
- The advance payment must be made within 10 calendar days of selection confirmation.
- If the advance payment is not made within this time frame, the student’s spot in the program will be forfeited.
- If a selected participant does not make the advance payment within 10 days, the next student on the waiting list will be contacted.
- The waiting list candidate must follow the same process: submitting the Consent and Agreement Document and making the advance payment within 10 days to secure their spot.
- The remaining balance of the program fee is due by April 2025, approximately three months before the trip.
- Failure to make the final payment by this deadline may result in the forfeiture of the student’s place in the program.
- Non-refundable Advance Payment: The advance payment is non-refundable as it covers preparation and booking costs.
- Cancellations More Than 3 Months Before Departure: If a participant cancels before April 2025 (more than 3 months prior to departure), only the advance payment will be retained. The remaining balance (if already paid) will be refunded.
- Cancellations Within 3 Months of Departure: If a participant cancels within 3 months of the departure date(after April 2025), the refund will be limited to the program fee minus the advance payment and non-refundable costs (e.g., flight tickets).
- No Transfer of Fees: Program fees cannot be transferred to future years or other programs.