The Lyceum Model

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The Hilltopper Philosophy Academy follows the Lyceum model developed and promoted by Kristopher G. Phillips (Southern Utah University) and Gregory Soutenburg (Stack Overflow). The Lyceum model is typically 5-to-7 half-days of philosophy including a critical thinking unit, plus student presentations on the last day. The goal of Lyceum programs is to introduce students to critical thinking and philosophical activity; to that end, they often are organized around a broad theme that allows for discussing many different avenues into further study and practice of philosophy. Emphasis is also placed on student-centered learning engagement, so that students get a feel for college-level classes and self-regulated learning in addition to learning philosophy.

Our project director, Landon Elkind, learned the Lyceum model from Drs. Phillips and Stoutenburg: all three were once doctoral students at the University of Iowa. More information about the Lyceum model can be found in Elkind and Stoutenburg's essay "The Iowa Lyceum" (in Philosophy Camps for Youth, ed. Claire Elise Katz) and in Phillips and Gracia Allen's essay, "The Utah Lyceum: Cultivating “Reasonableness” in Southwest Utah" (in Growing Up with Philosophy Camp, ed. Claire Elise Katz). Other useful information about starting a pre-college philosophy camp with a variety of models, and about teaching philosophy for children,  is also contained in both of Katz's volumes. Graduate students might also consult Danielle Colburn, Cassie Finley, and Joe Glover's essay, "The Iowa Lyceum: Graduate Students & Pre-College Philosophy" in Intentional Disruption, ed. Stephen Kekoa Miller.

Students in states outside Kentucky, if they cannot participate in our program, should strongly consider (we think!) participating in a sibling Lyceum program: similar programs include the Utah Lyceum, the Iowa Lyceum, and the SoCal Philosophy Academy. A variety of other programs are listed on PLATO's map of pre-college philosophy across the United States. Some programs are even run online! PLATO also has resources for educators and information on how to start a pre-college philosophy program. Students and parents interested in the value of philosophy may also see this essay by Phillips, "The Kids are Alright" in Precollege Philosophy and Public Practice.