Application deadline
15 May 2026
Extended Brown Pre-College application deadline.
In-person Program
Empathy: Theory and Practice in a Divisive World
Study empathy through social and medical science perspectives, using discussion and experiential exercises to explore understanding across disagreement.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Completing grades 9-12
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$3,748; $3,096
Duration
1 week
Format
In-person
PsychologySocial Sciences
Language: English
Accommodation: Single, double or triple rooms
Meals: Three daily meals, residential
Certificate / Outcome: Digital Certificate of Completion
Sessions / cadence: 5 × 3-hour weekdays; 2-3 hours homework/day
Campus experience: Libraries, activities and fitness facilities
Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades
Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World summary
Brown's Summer@Brown empathy course examines understanding across disagreement through social and medical science perspectives.
Discussion and experiential exercises make it a strong fit for students who want to connect ideas about human behavior with everyday relationships and societal division.
What is Empathy: Theory and Practice in a Divisive World?
Empathy: Theory and Practice in a Divisive World is a Brown University Summer@Brown course about empathy as a tool, mindset and everyday skill. It asks whether empathy can be learned, whether people can empathize despite disagreement, and how empathy relates to stigma.
Students explore these questions through discussion and experiential learning exercises informed by social and medical science. The course sits within Summer@Brown's college-level academic experience, combining classroom participation with independent study and opportunities to join campus activities.
Why Succeed highlights Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World
The course pairs discussion with experiential exercises, giving students two ways to examine empathy.
Its social and medical science perspectives connect interpersonal understanding with wider questions about stigma.
The focus on empathizing despite disagreement makes the academic questions relevant to everyday relationships.
Summer@Brown combines college-level expectations with learning free from formal grades.
Who is Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World for?
Best for
Students interested in psychology, stigma and understanding people whose views differ from their own.
Not ideal if
You want college credit or prefer a program with a fully prescribed schedule outside class.
Is Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World worth it?
This course is worth considering if you want to examine empathy through academic ideas and practical exercises. Its strongest value is the chance to question familiar assumptions about disagreement and stigma while participating in college-level learning.
The short format makes it an introduction rather than sustained specialist training. Families should weigh the residential or commuter cost against that limited depth, and students should value the subject experience itself rather than expect an advantage in Brown undergraduate admissions.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,748; $3,096; includes College-level classes, Program activities and excursions, Residential: university housing and three daily meals, Commuter: one campus meal daily, Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access, Digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.
Accommodation
Single, double or triple rooms
Meals
Three daily meals, residential
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
1 week; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World need?
Effort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Begin application preparation four to six weeks before the next published deadline, and arrival planning at least three weeks before your session.
Main challenge
Managing independent work while engaging thoughtfully with disagreement.
Typical preparation
Gather current and previous academic year grades and draft the 250-500-word application essay.
Arrange English testing early if it applies to you, and allow time for any recommendation you choose to submit.
Discuss travel, accommodation needs and a family communication plan before arrival.
Useful if
You want practice with college-level discussion and self-directed study.
What do students do on Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World?
You examine empathy through classroom discussion and experiential learning exercises. Independent work and optional campus activities add the responsibilities and opportunities of a college-style learning environment.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore what empathy means as a tool, mindset and everyday skill.
- 2
Use discussion and experiential exercises to examine social and medical science perspectives.
- 3
Consider how empathy relates to disagreement, stigma and societal division.
- 4
Complete daily independent work and manage your study time around optional activities.
Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
13-17 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College's Summer 2026 application cycle.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 13-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete grades 9-12; ages 14-18 by June 14, 2026.
Have strong English proficiency.
Meet any course-specific age, grade and prerequisite requirements.
Attend every class.
Meet Brown's required immunizations for in-person participation.
How much does Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World cost?
Residential program fee
$3,748 — One-week 2026 total including housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $3,096 — Includes one campus meal daily and campus facilities.
- Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Non-refundable, with an exception for qualifying course cancellation.
- Scholarships: Sibley; PPSD — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.
- Limited-coverage insurance: $80 — Required for international students and uninsured U.S. students.
What's included
College-level classes, Program activities and excursions, Residential: university housing and three daily meals, Commuter: one campus meal daily, Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access, Digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion
How to apply to Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World
- 1
Create one applicant account in Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form, 250-500-word essay and academic records requirements.
- 3
Pay the application fee or request a qualifying waiver, and provide any required English test results.
- 4
Monitor your portal and email for additional requests and your admission decision.
- 5
After admission, review your chosen course's requirements before paying the $500 deposit.
- 6
Enroll separately in the course through your Student Portal, then complete payment and required forms.
Next step with Succeed
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What does Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Understanding empathy
Explore empathy as a tool, mindset and everyday skill through social and medical science perspectives.
Empathy across disagreement
Consider whether people can empathize with one another when their views differ.
Learning empathy and examining stigma
Investigate whether empathy can be learned and how it relates to stigma and societal division.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World?
A typical day during the program.
Class
Three hours daily; Summer@Brown classes may meet in the morning or afternoon.
Independent work
Plan two to three additional hours individually or with classmates.
Campus activities
Optional workshops, activities and events fit around academic work.
Residential check in
Face-to-face check-in is at 10 p.m. ET; students remain on their floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World?
Summer@Brown instructors lead college-level learning centered on student participation. Students can use instructor office hours to discuss course content and assignments, alongside Writing Center and English language support services.
Where do students stay on Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World?
Residential plan
- University residence halls: Single, double or triple rooms have college furniture, wireless internet and cooling.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff provide support, with nightly 10 p.m. check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
- Facilities and activities: Fees include fitness, athletic and aquatics access, program activities and excursions.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter participation: Attend classes and use campus resources and activities without campus housing.
- Commuter meals and facilities: Commuter fees include one campus meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics access.
Roommate requests are not honored; residential students should bring their own linens.
What happens after Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn a digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.
Explore further study of empathy through social and medical science.
Practice managing independent study in a college-style environment.
This non-credit, one-week course does not award a transcript or Course Performance Report.
Where does Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and students and families arrange transportation to and from campus.
Empathy Theory and Practice in a Divisive World FAQs
It examines what empathy is, whether it can be learned, how it works across disagreement, and its relationship with stigma. Students explore social and medical science perspectives through discussion and experiential exercises.
No. This Summer@Brown course is non-credit and does not use formal grades.
Successful completion earns a digital Certificate of Completion. The one-week course does not meet the minimum length for a Course Performance Report.
Summer@Brown schedules three hours of class each weekday, plus two to three hours of out-of-class work daily. Students manage their study time around optional activities.
Yes. Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with in-person classes, campus resources and activities, one campus meal per day, and fitness, athletic and aquatics access. Commuters do not receive campus housing.
Residential fees include housing, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers. Rooms may be single, double or triple occupancy.
Trained residential staff provide support, and students complete nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Staff are on call around the clock, while students are expected to manage their time independently.
No. Admission and course enrollment are separate steps, and admission does not guarantee a seat in a particular course.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Pre-College Course Catalog Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Fee Waivers | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- Pre-College Program | Brown University
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
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Instructional dates verified
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Residential and commuter fees checked
Daily workload reviewed
Student support policies reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
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