The word “odyssey” often evokes the image of an adventurous journey. Our CTY journey does not require exploring the world in a physical sense as “odyssey” also refers to an intellectual quest. CTY invites Talent Search participants and their families to participate in our Odyssey Series which strives to introduce students early in their academic careers to the wonderful range of subject areas in the liberal arts. Our host sites are each devoted to a particular theme in the liberal arts. We are excited to announce our themes for 2009 - 2010: International Relations and Mathematics. In recent years, the face of international relations has changed dramatically. Pictures of students facing down their own government’s tanks in Tiananmen Square have been replaced by images of refugees fleeing Darfur and insurgents attacking soldiers in Baghdad. Such images raise any number of critical questions: What are the historical and political causes of regional instability, and what can they tell us about our changing world? What is the role of the nation state, the traditional power center of the international system, in a world increasingly affected by globalization and humanitarian crises? How does the transnational flow of goods and ideas shape some of the most pressing issues of today, such as state security and sovereignty? CTY is proud to partner with teaching and research institutions devoted to answering these and other important questions. Through interactions with faculty and students, CTY families will discover how different populations, regions, and global organizations relate to and affect one another. CTY students will also have the opportunity to learn about study and career opportunities in the area of international relations. Mathematics can be described as a language, tool, science, and art. Our one-day programs aim to introduce families to specialized areas in mathematics and give them the skills, knowledge, and perspective to understand the multifaceted nature of mathematics. We hope to inspire families to pursue what they learn in our programs and to instill a lifelong interest in the discipline. Through participation in lectures, discussions, and engaging activities, families will explore mathematical concepts and contemplate intriguing problems. Families will learn to make connections between abstract ideas and real-life applications in various fields, including science, engineering, economics, and advanced mathematics. We are proud to partner with the following institutions on this exciting series of programs. Join us for a day of enriching mathematical discovery. The typical Odyssey Series program runs from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning with a morning keynote address followed by specially designed workshops and presentations led by faculty and graduate students who share their research and experience. The program usually concludes with a plenary session. Whenever possible, campus tours or college information sessions will be available at the conclusion of the program. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Please join us for these unique programs specially arranged for CTY students and their families. See below for registration information. Cost: International Relations: Varies by site (see below); Mathematics: $85 per person | Location | 2009 - 2010 Dates |
University of Maryland National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism –
College Park, MD
This day-long workshop will focus on terrorism and international security. In the morning, participants will choose from sessions placing terrorism in geographic context, including lecture and discussion on terrorism in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In the afternoon, participants will split into groups to participate in one of three interactive simulations requiring them to take the roles of domestic and international security decision-makers in the context of major terrorist incidents in three different regions. In so doing, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on larger questions of how terrorism impacts international relations and negotiation between and among both domestic and international actors. In the closing session, participants will hear from a panel of scholars who will discuss the ways in which their specific academic backgrounds—including political science, criminology, psychology, history, and cultural studies—inform how and why they study topics relating to terrorism. Cost: $85 per person | Saturday,
November 21, 2009 |
The Newseum – Washington, DC
In this program, participants will learn about the First Amendment and the role of a free press in American society and the world. Beginning with a critical look at some of our founders’ ideas about the role of a free press, participants learn how media and communication technologies impacted the free flow of information within the country and in the world at particular points in American history. Participants then examine the current state of global media and the laws and ethics that govern the press, and apply these ideas to case study scenarios. Through debate and discussion, participants will question the role of information in international relations and become more informed news consumers. Cost: $105 per person | Saturday,
April 10, 2010 |
International Spy Museum – Washington, DC
Ever wondered if you could be a spy? Now’s your chance to find out! Students and parents are invited to work together in pairs to accomplish a variety of missions – some of which are so secret we can’t put them in print! Kicking off this day of adventure with a keynote presentation by a real former spy, audience members will learn the “real deal” of the shadow world of spying and gain insights into the role of intelligence both past and present. Families will then compete in Operation Spy, the Museum’s fast-paced, heart-pounding experience where all is not what it seems and intelligence gathering to uncover “the ground truth” is the name of the game. Teams will debrief over lunch at the Museum followed by a secondary mission on the streets of DC. Spy in the City will test parents and students as they move through the city on a quest for intelligence to stop a terrorist plot unfolding before their eyes. Upon re-entry to headquarters teams will be debriefed, prizes will be awarded and who knows…spies among us may be revealed!
Please note: Due to limited capacity, registration for this program is strictly limited to one student and one parent per family. Cost: $105 per person This program has reached maximum capacity and is closed. | Monday,
July 12, 2010 CLOSED |
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs – New York, NY
The theme of this program will be “International Affairs: Creating Sustainable Peace and Prosperity.” The event will begin with a keynote address by a School of International and Public Affairs faculty member. This will be followed by breakout panels led by faculty and graduate students covering current trends in topics such as environmental sustainability, energy, human rights, and economic development. There will also be a session led by an admissions officer on long-range preparations for academic study in international affairs. Cost: $85 per person | Saturday,
November 13, 2010 |
| | Location | 2009 - 2010 Dates |
Boston University – Boston, MA
Join us for a day devoted to chaos games, fractal images, and other mathematical patterns. In lectures and workshops, we will explore numerical patterns and visual imagery. Students will investigate the beautiful fractal patterns that arise in the “chaos game.” They will be challenged to construct interesting fractal movies. They will go pattern hunting in order to discover complicated sequences concealed in simple geometric arrangements of numbers, nature, and art. Applications to fields as diverse as data compression in computer science to animated film creation in Hollywood will be described.
Cost: $85 per person | Sunday,
November 22, 2009 |
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
The 2010 UCLA Mathematics Festival is a one-day event for CTY 7th – 10th graders and their families. The day will begin with an engaging keynote talk by Harvey Mudd College’s Professor Francis Su, and will continue with guided problem solving activities and talks focused on mathematics topics outside the typical school curriculum. After lunch, attendees will be treated to a panel discussion on careers in mathematics and prizes for outstanding efforts in the day’s problem solving activities!
Funding for this program is being provided in part by Northrup Grumman. Cost: $85 per person | Saturday,
February 13, 2010 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – Blacksburg, VA
Today’s powerful computers have increased the depth and breadth of mathematics by facilitating the formulation of new conjectures and by permitting the calculation of conclusions derived from mathematical models of complex phenomena. Consequently, the leading edge of mathematical research is advancing faster than ever before, and other areas of science, engineering, and business depend more than ever on sophisticated mathematics. In this program students will use a computer lab to explore some modern developments in mathematics, and they will learn the roles these developments play in various careers.
Cost: $85 per person | Saturday,
February 13, 2010 |
Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
During this program, CTY families will enjoy a day of mathematical discovery as they participate in dynamic lectures and interactive workshops. Led by mathematicians from CTY, Johns Hopkins University, and other institutions, participants will explore various areas of math, both theoretical and applied. Our afternoon keynote speaker, Dr. Bulent Atalay, will engage us as he presents information from his two highly acclaimed books, Math and the Mona Lisa and Leonardo’s Universe.
Cost: $85 per person
| Saturday,
March 13, 2010 Please note that this program has been moved from its original date of Saturday, October 10, 2009 |
Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH
The Mathematics Department at Dartmouth invites you to a day of mathematical exploration during which families will enjoy lectures and participate in workshops led by Dartmouth faculty and graduate students. Areas of discussion might include number theory, differential geometry, combinatorics, mathematical logic, and network theory. Students will learn what it is like to major in math and the opportunities afforded by a degree in mathematics. Join us for an exciting day of mathematical enrichment!
Cost: $85 per person | Saturday,
May 1, 2010 |
Registration Information
At least one parent or guardian must register and attend with the student(s). Siblings will be admitted only if they have been registered for the event, and, in general, only if their age is within two years of the program grade limit. Registration is strictly limited, and participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. These are popular events, and locations fill up quickly. Please watch this website for the most up-to-date information of program details and site closings. You may register for the above programs by Registering Online or by submitting our Registration Form via fax or mail. Payment Information
Payments submitted will be processed automatically upon receipt. However, your family’s reservation is secured only when you receive your written confirmation. In the event that the program is filled, you will be issued a complete credit and put on a waiting list. Please do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets or hotel reservations until you receive your registration confirmation. Please note that all past due balances (for any CTY program) must be paid prior to registration for a Family Academic Program. All payments will be applied to past due balances first. Cancellation Policy
For cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the event, registrants will be charged a processing fee of $25 per family for one-day events. From 29 to 15 days prior, registrants will be charged one-half of the total amount paid. There will be no credit for any cancellations received less than 15 days before the event. Logistics
Specific information pertinent to your location, including exact times and directions to the event, will be mailed to you prior to the program date. Information about lunch will be provided in the confirmation materials. Parents! We need your support to volunteer at our events. Fill out this form for more information on how to help. Additional Opportunities
Please visit Educational Travel Programs to explore additional opportunities for 5th - 12th graders and their families. Questions? Please call 410-735-6115, 8:30-5:00 EST, or e-mail ctyfam@jhu.edu back to top |
