Summer Seminars for Teachers
The Age of Jefferson
Location: Monticello and the University of Virginia
- July 18-24, 2010
- Director: Frank Cogliano, Professor of American History, University of Edinburgh
- Director: Peter Onuf, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Professor, University of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson is best known as the author of the American Declaration of Independence. Beginning with the imperial crisis that led to the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain and their union as a confederation, this course will focus on Jefferson's political thought and career in order to gain a broad perspective on the founding of the United States and its early history. Professors Peter Onuf and Frank Cogliano will emphasize the geopolitical context of the revolutionaries' bold efforts to establish republican governments and federal union. Jefferson and his patriot colleagues were acutely aware of the international historical significance of their revolution and therefore profoundly anxious about its ultimate outcome and legacy.
By exploring the rich canon of his writings, participants will seek to better understand what the Revolution meant for Jefferson and Jefferson meant for the Revolution. Major themes will include federalism, foreign policy, constitutionalism and party politics, and race and slavery.
“The renowned scholars in the field of Thomas Jefferson were able to enlighten me personally and as an educator. Working with other educators from across the United States helped me to realize once again the common goal of professional educators nationwide.
I am excited about the many teaching activities that I can use exactly as they were presented and also adapt other activities to my students' ability level. With primary documents related to Thomas Jefferson my students will be able to experience history in an entirely different way.”
— The Age of Jefferson Summer Seminar Participant
Please find below important information regarding The Age of Jefferson.
seminar forms and documents
readings
Readings are sent by the Institute to seminar participants. Readings may include:
Cogliano, Frank. Thomas Jefferson: Reputation and Legacy. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2006.
Jefferson, Thomas. Writings, ed. Merrill D. Peterson. New York: Library of America, 1984.
Onuf, Peter. Jefferson's Empire: The Language of American Nationhood. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2000.
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.