Lead by Professor Josef Sorett, his students, and fellow experts, the “Religion and the History of Black Music” series took attendees on a tour of the music that reflects the spiritual and social experiences of Black Americans across generations, from the Great Migration through the struggles of the Civil Rights era, up to our current moment of social demonstrations against systemic racism.

Columbia’s Summer Ideas Exchange series explored how a variety of fundamental structures, intellectual origins and cultural roots shape values systems, social practices, institutions and meaning in our lives and society. Columbia faculty, including: Prof. Josef Sorett, Dean Emeritus Nicholas Lemann, Prof. Shamus Khan, Prof. Brian Greene, Prof. Donald Green, Prof. Christia Mercer, joined fellow experts for these thought-provoking discussions and interviews.

The Columbia University Summer Session offers curated educational, social, and cultural experiences to connect students with each other and University faculty, as well as organized visits to New York City landmarks and institutions. Students are encouraged to attend special lectures, activities and social events on campus, as well as participate in city-wide excursions to Broadway, historic sites, and cruises, among others. 

Unique to the Columbia Summer Session is the Summer Career Design Workshop. Students receive robust and practical career coaching, from interview and resume writing, to advice on building your own personal brand, including social media guidance and time with a professional photographer for a polished LinkedIn headshot. 

Enhanced experiential events allow students to interact with Columbia faculty and explore New York landmarks and institutions—from Ellis Island  to Broadway, and from museums to medicine—through an academic perspective. Guided by university scholars, students can tour cultural landmarks and explore the University’s state-of-the-art science research facilities.

The Sounds of Summer Fest features up-and-coming New York City artists curated across genres to enjoy in an on-campus performance.

From its landmark cultural sites—1,000+ art galleries, 300+ films, 40+ theaters—to financial institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange and historic sites like the Statue of Liberty, New York City is a global hub for go-getters who learn by doing. Your Columbia ID gives you access to perks around the city.

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