Summer Seminars for Teachers
The International Impact of the Declaration of Independence
Location: Monticello and the University of Virginia
- June 27-July 2, 2010
- Director: David Armitage, Lloyd C. Blankfein Professor of History, Director of Graduate Studies, Harvard University
The Declaration of Independence of 1776 announced the entry of the United States onto the world stage and inaugurated a new genre of document that would be used by various groups in the following centuries to herald their arrival among "the Powers of the Earth." This seminar views the American Declaration from three global perspectives: first, by placing 1776 into the context of contemporary international and global connections; second, by examining the legacy of the Declaration in the century after 1776; and third, by analyzing other declarations of independence since 1776 for their debts to—and divergences from—the American model. The result should be an enriched understanding of the importance of the Declaration in world history, as well as a novel account of what was truly revolutionary about the American Revolution.
Watch David Armitage discuss the importance of the Declaration of Independence
“Unbelievable seminar - it will change the way I teach the topic & think about the topic. I feel recharged as a teacher and very grateful for the opportunity. I realize it is an honor to attend and I will put the experience to good use for the rest of my career. Thank you. David Armitage was excellent.”
— International Impact of the Declaration of Independence Summer Seminar Participant
Please find below important information regarding The International Impact of the Declaration of Independence.
seminar forms and documents
readings
Readings are sent by the Institute to seminar participants. Readings may include:
Armitage, David. The Declaration of Independence: A Global History. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2007.
Dupont, Christian Y. Declaring Independence: The Origin and Influence of America's Founding Document. Charlottesville: University of Virginia, 2008.
travel & accomodations
The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Two major highways, Interstate 64 and U.S. 29, intersect close to the University grounds. There are several options for traveling to and from Charlottesville.
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is located approximately eight miles from the University. Airport Shuttles are available. "Van on the Go" provides shuttle service from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport to the University of Virginia and the surrounding areas.
The Charlottesville Amtrak station is located at 810 West Main Street, approximately two miles from the University.
A Greyhound Bus Terminal is also located in Charlottesville at 310 West Main Street, approximately 2.15 miles from the University and close to the Historic Downtown Mall.
For driving directions as well as further details click here.
Workshop participants will be housed in an on-campus dormitory. Participants will have single bedrooms, but may share bathrooms and common space. Dormitories are air-conditioned with internet service provided, but participants should bring an ethernet cord. Some participants choose to bring laptops.
The University provides pillows, blankets, sheets and towels only. Please note that participants should plan to bring alarm clocks, hangers, irons, hair dryers, and shower shoes. There are a few communal kitchenettes located in the building but participants should bring their own utensils. Housekeeping services are provided throughout the week.
meals
Meals will be served cafeteria-style in spaces shared by other programs. The dining hall is located a short walk from housing and classroom buildings. The dining halls offer a variety of food including pizza, burgers, salads, tacos, sandwiches, stir-fry, and vegetarian options. All meals will be paid for by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
stipend
Each summer seminar participant will receive reimbursement of travel expenses up to $400. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the seminar.
Participants traveling internationally or from Alaska and Hawaii receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the seminar.
Applicants to seminars should note that supplements will not be given in cases where the $400 allowance is insufficient to cover all travel expenses.
Our stipend policy has changed from previous years, for more information on our stipend policy click here.
graduate credit
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is proud to announce its agreement with Adams State College to offer three hours of graduate credit in American history to participating seminar teachers.
Teachers are required to submit a reflection paper and a copy of one primary source activity completed during or immediately after the seminar.
Teachers will also be given an opportunity to take additional online and distance coursework that counts toward an MA in History from Adams State College.
Enroll and learn more about the course description
For more details, please contact: Edward R. Crowther, Ph.D.
To ensure that your credit appears on your transcript as summer-term class work, you must enroll by August 1, 2010.
questions?
E-mail seminars@gilderlehrman.org or call 646-366-9666.