Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
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.
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.
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
Summer School Instructors & Staff
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
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.
Graham Summer School
Online Information Session
Join us on January 22 for an 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.
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.
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 (such as the theater outing) may have limited additional tickets available for purchase, depending on capacity. More information will be shared with admitted participants closer to the program dates.