History College Courses, Open Enrollment- UChicago | Graham School
Source: https://graham.uchicago.edu/topic/history
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:35
History College Courses, Open Enrollment- UChicago | Graham School
We use
cookies
to enhance your experience on our site.
Skip to main content
Topic
History
The study of history provides a window into the lives of both the great leaders and the everyday people who came before us.
If you have ever immersed yourself in a World War II documentary, a museum exhibit of Medieval artifacts, or a biography of an influential leader, you know how illuminating and fascinating history can be. Reading about and discussing the past has the potential to transform the way you think about the present and envision the future.
History courses at the Graham School often focus on topics that are directly relevant to our current moment, like the Greek foundations of modern civilization, the progression from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment, or the social and philosophical context that produced the U.S. Constitution.
Spotlight Programs
Weeklong Residential Program
Engage in a Week of Civic Virtue
This August, spend a week on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus to explore big ideas and lively conversations with fellow Graham students.
Graham Summer School
4 Year Certificate
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
The Basic Program
Master’s Degree
Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
All History Courses
Featured
In-Person • Online
Summer I
The Spirit of 1776: Writings from the War of Independence
Jennifer A. Lind
In-Person • Online
Autumn
Basic Program Year 1 Autumn
In-Person
Summer II
Fiction in the Geopolitics Classroom: Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, Graham School Class in Paris
Jennifer A. Lind
In-Person
Spring
High Classical Athens
Kendall Sharp
Online
Summer I
Re-Reading the Declaration of Independence
Clinton Stockwell
Online
Summer I
Why Companies Behave Badly
Studying History at the University of Chicago Graham School
The University of Chicago Graham School offers history courses as part of the
Basic Program of Liberal Education
and the
Master of Liberal Arts
, or as
open enrollment courses
for anyone who’s interested in delving into historical topics.
You can choose from classes exploring a variety of time periods and issues, such as civil rights, immigration, and Chicago politics. In these courses, you will learn about history from the people who lived it by examining primary sources and then discussing your thoughts with your classmates. Our expert instructors guide the conversation with insights into relevant social, political, and cultural issues.
Graham School History Instructors
Jennifer A. Lind
Open Enrollment Instructor
Kendall Sharp
Sheffield Family Distinguished Instructor in the Basic Program; Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Clinton Stockwell
Open Enrollment Instructor
Teaching Graham students is always energizing, as we trade insights on often controversial and provocative topics, yet always remain totally civil. After teaching a session, either on Zoom or in person, I feel more alive, and often I don’t want them to end.
Fred Beuttler, PhD’95, CER’19 (Basic Program)
Graham School Instructor & Former Deputy Historian of the US House of Representatives
I’ve spent all my career thinking about issues from a legal perspective, but here I was introduced to perspectives from the humanities and social sciences that challenged me to approach things from different angles and become more tolerant to differences. Enrolling in Graham is the best decision I ever made.
Alvaro Iriarte
MLA ‘23
The liberal arts are important because it helps us to understand our history, our culture, our society, the good and the bad of where we are today and how we got here.
Katherine Abbott
MBA’77, CER’22 (Basic Program)
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s history offerings.
Will the content of these history courses be politically biased?
History courses are focused on exploring a particular era or specific topic such as the constitution and often through the lens of primary texts, regardless of political affiliation. The University of Chicago is committed to promoting free expression and open discourse. We welcome all viewpoints in our classrooms.
Do you write papers or take tests in history courses?
While students in the Master of Liberal Arts program are assigned papers to write, the majority of Graham’s offerings do not have papers, tests, or grades. Students participate for their love of learning and eagerness to explore these topics.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for Basic Program courses or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
Who is best suited to take history classes at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in reading about and discussing historical topics is welcome to take open enrollment courses through the Graham School.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. These non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors encourage all students to participate, regardless of their educational background, creating an inclusive learning environment with a collegial atmosphere.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
Students come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
History News
Nov 24, 2025
Articles
Classic Texts, Contemporary World: A New Initiative Bridges Past and Present
Bridging centuries of insight to understand our changing world.
View Now
Nov 14, 2025
Event Recap
Class Preview: Moby-Dick
A journey into Melville’s American epic and its enduring power.
View Now
Nov 13, 2025
Event Recap
The Backsliders: A Conversation with Susan C. Stokes
Susan C. Stokes joined us for an engaging discussion about her new book ‘The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies.’
View Now
Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.
Contact Us
This is the search overlay. Use the Escape key to close it.
Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now
We use
cookies
to enhance your experience on our site.
Skip to main content
Topic
History
The study of history provides a window into the lives of both the great leaders and the everyday people who came before us.
If you have ever immersed yourself in a World War II documentary, a museum exhibit of Medieval artifacts, or a biography of an influential leader, you know how illuminating and fascinating history can be. Reading about and discussing the past has the potential to transform the way you think about the present and envision the future.
History courses at the Graham School often focus on topics that are directly relevant to our current moment, like the Greek foundations of modern civilization, the progression from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment, or the social and philosophical context that produced the U.S. Constitution.
Spotlight Programs
Weeklong Residential Program
Engage in a Week of Civic Virtue
This August, spend a week on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus to explore big ideas and lively conversations with fellow Graham students.
Graham Summer School
4 Year Certificate
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
The Basic Program
Master’s Degree
Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
All History Courses
Featured
In-Person • Online
Summer I
The Spirit of 1776: Writings from the War of Independence
Jennifer A. Lind
In-Person • Online
Autumn
Basic Program Year 1 Autumn
In-Person
Summer II
Fiction in the Geopolitics Classroom: Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, Graham School Class in Paris
Jennifer A. Lind
In-Person
Spring
High Classical Athens
Kendall Sharp
Online
Summer I
Re-Reading the Declaration of Independence
Clinton Stockwell
Online
Summer I
Why Companies Behave Badly
Studying History at the University of Chicago Graham School
The University of Chicago Graham School offers history courses as part of the
Basic Program of Liberal Education
and the
Master of Liberal Arts
, or as
open enrollment courses
for anyone who’s interested in delving into historical topics.
You can choose from classes exploring a variety of time periods and issues, such as civil rights, immigration, and Chicago politics. In these courses, you will learn about history from the people who lived it by examining primary sources and then discussing your thoughts with your classmates. Our expert instructors guide the conversation with insights into relevant social, political, and cultural issues.
Graham School History Instructors
Jennifer A. Lind
Open Enrollment Instructor
Kendall Sharp
Sheffield Family Distinguished Instructor in the Basic Program; Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Clinton Stockwell
Open Enrollment Instructor
Teaching Graham students is always energizing, as we trade insights on often controversial and provocative topics, yet always remain totally civil. After teaching a session, either on Zoom or in person, I feel more alive, and often I don’t want them to end.
Fred Beuttler, PhD’95, CER’19 (Basic Program)
Graham School Instructor & Former Deputy Historian of the US House of Representatives
I’ve spent all my career thinking about issues from a legal perspective, but here I was introduced to perspectives from the humanities and social sciences that challenged me to approach things from different angles and become more tolerant to differences. Enrolling in Graham is the best decision I ever made.
Alvaro Iriarte
MLA ‘23
The liberal arts are important because it helps us to understand our history, our culture, our society, the good and the bad of where we are today and how we got here.
Katherine Abbott
MBA’77, CER’22 (Basic Program)
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s history offerings.
Will the content of these history courses be politically biased?
History courses are focused on exploring a particular era or specific topic such as the constitution and often through the lens of primary texts, regardless of political affiliation. The University of Chicago is committed to promoting free expression and open discourse. We welcome all viewpoints in our classrooms.
Do you write papers or take tests in history courses?
While students in the Master of Liberal Arts program are assigned papers to write, the majority of Graham’s offerings do not have papers, tests, or grades. Students participate for their love of learning and eagerness to explore these topics.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for Basic Program courses or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
Who is best suited to take history classes at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in reading about and discussing historical topics is welcome to take open enrollment courses through the Graham School.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. These non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors encourage all students to participate, regardless of their educational background, creating an inclusive learning environment with a collegial atmosphere.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
Students come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
History News
Nov 24, 2025
Articles
Classic Texts, Contemporary World: A New Initiative Bridges Past and Present
Bridging centuries of insight to understand our changing world.
View Now
Nov 14, 2025
Event Recap
Class Preview: Moby-Dick
A journey into Melville’s American epic and its enduring power.
View Now
Nov 13, 2025
Event Recap
The Backsliders: A Conversation with Susan C. Stokes
Susan C. Stokes joined us for an engaging discussion about her new book ‘The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies.’
View Now
Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.
Contact Us
This is the search overlay. Use the Escape key to close it.
Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now