Graham Summer School - UChicago | Graham School
Source: https://graham.uchicago.edu/program/graham-summer-school
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:37
Graham Summer School - UChicago | Graham School
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Graham Summer School: A Week of Civic Virtue
Make This a Summer of Intellectual Discovery
This August, spend a week on the UChicago Hyde Park campus as you delve into big ideas, share meals and conversations, and explore Chicago’s cultural landscape with fellow Graham School students.
Format
In-Person, Hyde Park Campus
Dates
August 17–21, 2026
Program Fee
$1,495
Register Now
Request Info
Program Overview
Engage With the Questions of Civic Life on the UChicago Campus
Designed for curious adult learners, Graham Summer School offers a distinctive week on the Hyde Park campus filled with rigorous study and thoughtfully curated experiences.
Over five days, you will
:
Engage deeply with influential texts by Aristotle, Plato, Franklin, Washington, and others that illuminate the role of civic virtue in a self-governing democratic republic.
Explore enduring questions about citizenship, responsibility, and the common good while reflecting on their relevance in contemporary society.
Live the rhythm of university life, with mornings in class and afternoons and evenings devoted to lectures, cultural excursions, and community-building.
Experience the Hyde Park campus as a temporary academic home: its classrooms, quads, dining halls, and cultural spaces.
Reflect on your own civic commitments and the role of citizenship in contemporary life.
Register now
2026 Summer School Theme:
Civic Virtue
Each year, Graham Summer School will center on a unifying theme that grounds the week’s curriculum and shared experiences. Our inaugural theme, Civic Virtue, will consider what it means to participate thoughtfully in public life.
The 2026 program coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, offering a timely moment to look both backward and forward, examining the role of civic virtue in American society and considering how we might renew that ideal today.
Together, we will ask:
How have writers, artists, and philosophers defined “the good citizen”?
How have ideas about civic virtue evolved across different historical moments?
How can civic virtue best be nurtured in a polarized society?
The intellectual lead for this year’s summer school program is Dr. Fred Beuttler, who will draw on his deep expertise in American political and intellectual history, as well as his longstanding experience teaching adult learners at Graham, to shape the curriculum and anchor course syllabus. A former Deputy Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives and former Associate Dean of the Graham School, he brings a distinctive perspective to this year’s theme of civic virtue.
Please note, Graham Summer School is only available to those who have previously taken a course at the Graham School or who are alumni of the University of Chicago.
Register now
One of the most exciting aspects of the Graham School experience is that its programs create a civil space for deep dialogue about the great and important ideas. I believe that few things could be more necessary in a polarized time than combining civility with conviction as we search for common ground.
Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Learning Experience
Mornings: An Anchor Course on “Civic Virtue and the Common Good”
Each Graham Summer School student will be placed into a small seminar section, of no more than 15 students.
All sections will follow a common syllabus, creating a shared intellectual foundation for the entire cohort, while small-group discussion allows for depth, reflection, and spirited dialogue.
Afternoons & Evenings: Curated Programming and Cultural Excursions
After a community lunch, the afternoons and evenings will build on the morning’s conversations with:
Faculty and guest lectures connected to the theme of civic virtue.
Curated excursions to Chicago’s cultural institutions.
Campus tours and opportunities to explore Hyde Park.
Shared meals and informal gatherings with fellow students.
Assignments outside of class will be intentionally light so you can fully engage with the programming and with the people around you.
See Full Agenda >
Graham Summer School
Watch an Information Session
For more information, watch this recent info session exploring Graham Summer School, a week that blends seminars and special programming on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus with carefully curated excursions across Chicago.
Watch now
Summer School Instructors
& Staff
Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Lin Atnip
Basic Program Instructor
Jennifer A. Lind
Open Enrollment Instructor
Jacqueline Victor
Basic Program Instructor
Zoë Eisenman
Director of Academics & Basic Program Instructor
Trish Bredar
Assistant Director of Non-Credit Programs
Lodging
Participants arrange their own lodging in Hyde Park or nearby neighborhoods. Those wishing to stay on campus are encouraged to consider
The Study at the University of Chicago
. A discount code for reservations at the Study will be provided to participants after registration in the program.
Graham Summer School Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend Graham Summer School?
The program is open to those who have previously taken a Graham course in any program, including Open Enrollment, the Basic Program, the Leadership and Society Initiative, the Master of Liberal Arts, Crafting Your Next Chapter, and other Graham offerings. Alumni of the University of Chicago are also welcome to register.
How do I begin the registration process?
To register, click the “Register Now” button at the top of the page and complete the process via our online portal. A $500 deposit is due at the time of registration to hold your spot.
Is this a credit-bearing program?
No. Graham Summer School is a non-credit residential experience designed to foster intellectual engagement, community, and cultural enrichment.
Do I have to attend every session?
Yes. Because this is an intensive, cohort-based experience, students are expected to take part in the full week’s activities, including morning seminars and most afternoon and evening events.
What is included in the program fee?
The $1,495 program fee includes all instructional costs, the welcome event, daily breakfast and lunch, and group academic and cultural activities. A $500 deposit is due at the time of registration.
How will lodging be coordinated?
Participants arrange their own lodging in Hyde Park or nearby neighborhoods. Those wishing to stay on campus are encouraged to consider
The Study at the University of Chicago
. A discount code for reservations at the Study will be provided to participants after registration in the program.
For those seeking a lower cost housing option, dormitory rooms may be available—please contact Trish Bredar (
bredar@uchicago.edu
) directly for details.
How long are the morning classes?
The morning classes meet daily from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Each section is taught in a small-seminar format, allowing for rich conversation, close reading, and the kind of thoughtful exchange that defines the Graham learning experience.
Are scholarships or financial support available?
If you anticipate needing financial support to participate, please email
grahamschool@uchicago.edu
.
Can I bring a partner or guest to evening events?
Some evening activities may have limited additional tickets available for purchase, depending on capacity. More information will be shared with admitted participants closer to the program dates.
What is the cancellation policy?
A $500 per person, nonrefundable deposit is required upon registration to hold your spot. The full program fee is due no later than July 17, 2026. All cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing (email us at
grahamschool@uchicago.edu
). We will not be able to give any refunds for cancellations made after July 20, 2026. In the event that the program is cancelled by the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, a full refund of tuition will be given.
Questions about Graham Summer School?
Request Info
Summer School Detailed Agenda
Sunday, August 16th
Opening Reception
(optional)
5:00 pm–6:30 pm, Hyde Park Campus
The program will open with an informal reception, with brief remarks by Dean Seth Green, Fred Beuttler, and Trish Bredar. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.
Monday, August 17th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunch
12:15-1:30 pm, Woodlawn Dining Commons
Gather for a shared meal in the campus dining hall. Lunch is included in the program fee.
Campus Tours
1:30 pm–3:30 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Explore your academic home for the week with a guided tour of the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park Campus.
Reader’s Theater: Camus’
The Just
(optional)
4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Join us for a live reading and discussion of Albert Camus’ play,
The Just
, facilitated by Summer School instructors Lin Atnip and Jacqueline Victor. This short theatrical work explores the moral dilemma of political violence: what sorts of actions are justified in pursuit of a just cause? Refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Interested in playing a part? A call for readers will be sent to all registered participants in early May.
Tuesday, August 18th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunch
12:15-1:30 pm, Woodlawn Dining Commons
Gather with your peers for a shared meal in the campus dining hall. Lunch is included in your program fee.
Special Collections Visit and Library Tour
1:30 pm–3:30 pm, Regenstein Library
This session will provide you with an introduction to one of the University’s most precious resources, The Regenstein Library (or “The Reg”). In addition to a general tour of the Regenstein and Mansueto Libraries, you’ll experience a curated session at the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, where you’ll get a first-hand look atUniversity’s holdings related to our course content.
The Statue of the Republic Excursion
(optional)
4:00 pm–5:30 pm, Jackson Park (meet on campus)
Led by Summer School instructor Jennifer Lind, this excursion through Jackson Park (which borders the University of Chicago’s campus) will feature an on-site discussion of Daniel Chester French’s gilded bronze sculpture,
The Statue of the Republic
. Based on a colossal statue originally exhibited at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, this “Golden Lady” was presented alongside Frederick Jackson Turner’s “Frontier Thesis” speech laying the groundwork for the U.S. rise to globalism. Join us as we consider the competing ideas that continue to guide and constitute relations beyond our borders as a reflection of fundamental questions of American nationhood.
Group Dinners
(optional)
Start times and locations will vary
Dine with fellow Summer School participants at one of several small group dinners facilitated by local Graham School students! These dinners will take place at restaurants across the city. Registered participants who opt into this experience will be matched with a local host based on geographical and dietary preferences.
Are you a Chicago local interested in hosting a group dinner? Reach out to Trish Bredar at bredar@uchicago.edu.
Wednesday, August 19th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunchtime Event with Carol Coletta
12:15 pm–1:30 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Carol Coletta
, an award-winning urbanist, Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, and Summer School student, will lead a special lunchtime session drawing on a lifetime of work shaping vibrant and inclusive cities through innovative public spaces and civic partnerships. After a short lecture about her current work as a Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, Colletta will lead a group exercise that sets the stage for our afternoon excursion.
Museum Excursions: National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull House Museum
1:30 pm–5:00 pm, National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull House Museum
Located just down the street from one another adjacent to Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, the National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull House Museum will enliven our understanding of civic virtue by showcasing the history of community-centered housing reform. After an introductory lecture at the National Public Housing Museum, students will have the opportunity to explore both sites.
Transportation will be provided to and from campus via shuttle bus. Students wishing to remain in the area after the event are welcome to do so.
Thursday, August 20th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunch
12:15-1:30 pm, Woodlawn Dining Commons
Gather with your peers for a shared meal in the campus dining hall. Lunch is included in your program fee.
The Art of Civic Virtue
2:00 pm–5:00 pm, Art Institute of Chicago
Artistic creation has always been a critical part of the political process. This bespoke tour of the Art Institute of Chicago will explore the deep connections between visual art and civic virtue while examining some of the museum’s most notable works. This tailored experience will enrich your knowledge of our core theme, whether you arediscovering the Art Institute for the first time or rediscovering it through a new lens.
Transportation will be provided to and from campus via shuttle bus. Students wishing to remain in the downtown area following the visit are welcome to do so.
Friday, August 21st
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Closing Lunchtime Session: Enacting Civic Virtue
12:15 pm–2:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Our week of intellectual exploration will culminate in a final, guided reflection facilitated by our four Summer School instructors. As a community, we will reflect on what we’velearned, what questions have been raised, and what actions we will carry with us into the future.
This closing session is, perhaps, the most important event of the week. We ask that all participants stay for the full event—please do not book any flights departing before 5:00 pm.
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Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now
We use
cookies
to enhance your experience on our site.
Skip to main content
Graham Summer School: A Week of Civic Virtue
Make This a Summer of Intellectual Discovery
This August, spend a week on the UChicago Hyde Park campus as you delve into big ideas, share meals and conversations, and explore Chicago’s cultural landscape with fellow Graham School students.
Format
In-Person, Hyde Park Campus
Dates
August 17–21, 2026
Program Fee
$1,495
Register Now
Request Info
Program Overview
Engage With the Questions of Civic Life on the UChicago Campus
Designed for curious adult learners, Graham Summer School offers a distinctive week on the Hyde Park campus filled with rigorous study and thoughtfully curated experiences.
Over five days, you will
:
Engage deeply with influential texts by Aristotle, Plato, Franklin, Washington, and others that illuminate the role of civic virtue in a self-governing democratic republic.
Explore enduring questions about citizenship, responsibility, and the common good while reflecting on their relevance in contemporary society.
Live the rhythm of university life, with mornings in class and afternoons and evenings devoted to lectures, cultural excursions, and community-building.
Experience the Hyde Park campus as a temporary academic home: its classrooms, quads, dining halls, and cultural spaces.
Reflect on your own civic commitments and the role of citizenship in contemporary life.
Register now
2026 Summer School Theme:
Civic Virtue
Each year, Graham Summer School will center on a unifying theme that grounds the week’s curriculum and shared experiences. Our inaugural theme, Civic Virtue, will consider what it means to participate thoughtfully in public life.
The 2026 program coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, offering a timely moment to look both backward and forward, examining the role of civic virtue in American society and considering how we might renew that ideal today.
Together, we will ask:
How have writers, artists, and philosophers defined “the good citizen”?
How have ideas about civic virtue evolved across different historical moments?
How can civic virtue best be nurtured in a polarized society?
The intellectual lead for this year’s summer school program is Dr. Fred Beuttler, who will draw on his deep expertise in American political and intellectual history, as well as his longstanding experience teaching adult learners at Graham, to shape the curriculum and anchor course syllabus. A former Deputy Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives and former Associate Dean of the Graham School, he brings a distinctive perspective to this year’s theme of civic virtue.
Please note, Graham Summer School is only available to those who have previously taken a course at the Graham School or who are alumni of the University of Chicago.
Register now
One of the most exciting aspects of the Graham School experience is that its programs create a civil space for deep dialogue about the great and important ideas. I believe that few things could be more necessary in a polarized time than combining civility with conviction as we search for common ground.
Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Learning Experience
Mornings: An Anchor Course on “Civic Virtue and the Common Good”
Each Graham Summer School student will be placed into a small seminar section, of no more than 15 students.
All sections will follow a common syllabus, creating a shared intellectual foundation for the entire cohort, while small-group discussion allows for depth, reflection, and spirited dialogue.
Afternoons & Evenings: Curated Programming and Cultural Excursions
After a community lunch, the afternoons and evenings will build on the morning’s conversations with:
Faculty and guest lectures connected to the theme of civic virtue.
Curated excursions to Chicago’s cultural institutions.
Campus tours and opportunities to explore Hyde Park.
Shared meals and informal gatherings with fellow students.
Assignments outside of class will be intentionally light so you can fully engage with the programming and with the people around you.
See Full Agenda >
Graham Summer School
Watch an Information Session
For more information, watch this recent info session exploring Graham Summer School, a week that blends seminars and special programming on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus with carefully curated excursions across Chicago.
Watch now
Summer School Instructors
& Staff
Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Lin Atnip
Basic Program Instructor
Jennifer A. Lind
Open Enrollment Instructor
Jacqueline Victor
Basic Program Instructor
Zoë Eisenman
Director of Academics & Basic Program Instructor
Trish Bredar
Assistant Director of Non-Credit Programs
Lodging
Participants arrange their own lodging in Hyde Park or nearby neighborhoods. Those wishing to stay on campus are encouraged to consider
The Study at the University of Chicago
. A discount code for reservations at the Study will be provided to participants after registration in the program.
Graham Summer School Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend Graham Summer School?
The program is open to those who have previously taken a Graham course in any program, including Open Enrollment, the Basic Program, the Leadership and Society Initiative, the Master of Liberal Arts, Crafting Your Next Chapter, and other Graham offerings. Alumni of the University of Chicago are also welcome to register.
How do I begin the registration process?
To register, click the “Register Now” button at the top of the page and complete the process via our online portal. A $500 deposit is due at the time of registration to hold your spot.
Is this a credit-bearing program?
No. Graham Summer School is a non-credit residential experience designed to foster intellectual engagement, community, and cultural enrichment.
Do I have to attend every session?
Yes. Because this is an intensive, cohort-based experience, students are expected to take part in the full week’s activities, including morning seminars and most afternoon and evening events.
What is included in the program fee?
The $1,495 program fee includes all instructional costs, the welcome event, daily breakfast and lunch, and group academic and cultural activities. A $500 deposit is due at the time of registration.
How will lodging be coordinated?
Participants arrange their own lodging in Hyde Park or nearby neighborhoods. Those wishing to stay on campus are encouraged to consider
The Study at the University of Chicago
. A discount code for reservations at the Study will be provided to participants after registration in the program.
For those seeking a lower cost housing option, dormitory rooms may be available—please contact Trish Bredar (
bredar@uchicago.edu
) directly for details.
How long are the morning classes?
The morning classes meet daily from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Each section is taught in a small-seminar format, allowing for rich conversation, close reading, and the kind of thoughtful exchange that defines the Graham learning experience.
Are scholarships or financial support available?
If you anticipate needing financial support to participate, please email
grahamschool@uchicago.edu
.
Can I bring a partner or guest to evening events?
Some evening activities may have limited additional tickets available for purchase, depending on capacity. More information will be shared with admitted participants closer to the program dates.
What is the cancellation policy?
A $500 per person, nonrefundable deposit is required upon registration to hold your spot. The full program fee is due no later than July 17, 2026. All cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing (email us at
grahamschool@uchicago.edu
). We will not be able to give any refunds for cancellations made after July 20, 2026. In the event that the program is cancelled by the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, a full refund of tuition will be given.
Questions about Graham Summer School?
Request Info
Summer School Detailed Agenda
Sunday, August 16th
Opening Reception
(optional)
5:00 pm–6:30 pm, Hyde Park Campus
The program will open with an informal reception, with brief remarks by Dean Seth Green, Fred Beuttler, and Trish Bredar. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.
Monday, August 17th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunch
12:15-1:30 pm, Woodlawn Dining Commons
Gather for a shared meal in the campus dining hall. Lunch is included in the program fee.
Campus Tours
1:30 pm–3:30 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Explore your academic home for the week with a guided tour of the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park Campus.
Reader’s Theater: Camus’
The Just
(optional)
4:00 pm-6:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Join us for a live reading and discussion of Albert Camus’ play,
The Just
, facilitated by Summer School instructors Lin Atnip and Jacqueline Victor. This short theatrical work explores the moral dilemma of political violence: what sorts of actions are justified in pursuit of a just cause? Refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Interested in playing a part? A call for readers will be sent to all registered participants in early May.
Tuesday, August 18th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunch
12:15-1:30 pm, Woodlawn Dining Commons
Gather with your peers for a shared meal in the campus dining hall. Lunch is included in your program fee.
Special Collections Visit and Library Tour
1:30 pm–3:30 pm, Regenstein Library
This session will provide you with an introduction to one of the University’s most precious resources, The Regenstein Library (or “The Reg”). In addition to a general tour of the Regenstein and Mansueto Libraries, you’ll experience a curated session at the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, where you’ll get a first-hand look atUniversity’s holdings related to our course content.
The Statue of the Republic Excursion
(optional)
4:00 pm–5:30 pm, Jackson Park (meet on campus)
Led by Summer School instructor Jennifer Lind, this excursion through Jackson Park (which borders the University of Chicago’s campus) will feature an on-site discussion of Daniel Chester French’s gilded bronze sculpture,
The Statue of the Republic
. Based on a colossal statue originally exhibited at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, this “Golden Lady” was presented alongside Frederick Jackson Turner’s “Frontier Thesis” speech laying the groundwork for the U.S. rise to globalism. Join us as we consider the competing ideas that continue to guide and constitute relations beyond our borders as a reflection of fundamental questions of American nationhood.
Group Dinners
(optional)
Start times and locations will vary
Dine with fellow Summer School participants at one of several small group dinners facilitated by local Graham School students! These dinners will take place at restaurants across the city. Registered participants who opt into this experience will be matched with a local host based on geographical and dietary preferences.
Are you a Chicago local interested in hosting a group dinner? Reach out to Trish Bredar at bredar@uchicago.edu.
Wednesday, August 19th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunchtime Event with Carol Coletta
12:15 pm–1:30 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Carol Coletta
, an award-winning urbanist, Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, and Summer School student, will lead a special lunchtime session drawing on a lifetime of work shaping vibrant and inclusive cities through innovative public spaces and civic partnerships. After a short lecture about her current work as a Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, Colletta will lead a group exercise that sets the stage for our afternoon excursion.
Museum Excursions: National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull House Museum
1:30 pm–5:00 pm, National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull House Museum
Located just down the street from one another adjacent to Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, the National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull House Museum will enliven our understanding of civic virtue by showcasing the history of community-centered housing reform. After an introductory lecture at the National Public Housing Museum, students will have the opportunity to explore both sites.
Transportation will be provided to and from campus via shuttle bus. Students wishing to remain in the area after the event are welcome to do so.
Thursday, August 20th
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Lunch
12:15-1:30 pm, Woodlawn Dining Commons
Gather with your peers for a shared meal in the campus dining hall. Lunch is included in your program fee.
The Art of Civic Virtue
2:00 pm–5:00 pm, Art Institute of Chicago
Artistic creation has always been a critical part of the political process. This bespoke tour of the Art Institute of Chicago will explore the deep connections between visual art and civic virtue while examining some of the museum’s most notable works. This tailored experience will enrich your knowledge of our core theme, whether you arediscovering the Art Institute for the first time or rediscovering it through a new lens.
Transportation will be provided to and from campus via shuttle bus. Students wishing to remain in the downtown area following the visit are welcome to do so.
Friday, August 21st
Breakfast
8:45 am–9:30 am, Hyde Park Campus
Breakfast will be served each morning adjacent to the classroom space. Breakfast is included in the program fee.
Anchor Class: Civic Virtue and the Common Good
9:30 am–12:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Each morning, students will attend a small, seminar-style class focused on our core theme. Through classroom discussion around selected readings from primary source documents from the classical period and the American Founding, this course seeks to understand how civic virtue is necessary in a self-governing democratic republic, as we combine civility with conviction in a search for common ground.
Closing Lunchtime Session: Enacting Civic Virtue
12:15 pm–2:00 pm, Hyde Park Campus
Our week of intellectual exploration will culminate in a final, guided reflection facilitated by our four Summer School instructors. As a community, we will reflect on what we’velearned, what questions have been raised, and what actions we will carry with us into the future.
This closing session is, perhaps, the most important event of the week. We ask that all participants stay for the full event—please do not book any flights departing before 5:00 pm.
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