Explore high clssical athens on UChicago’s Storied Hde Park Campus
Take a journey of intellectual and life enrichment by immersing yourself in the Golden Age of Athens
Join UChicago faculty and fellow lifelong learners by delving into the era of High Classical Athens, the era of the Parthenon and Sophocles. This is your opportunity to spend a week immersed in the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of the University of Chicago and embark on a transformative voyage of discovery.
The first two books of Thucydides cover the time during which Sophocles won prizes at the Greater Dionysia with Antigone and Oedipus Rex. These texts are set against the background of the visual statement made during just this time period by the Parthenon and the sculptural program undertaken in its metopes and frieze, as well as the central image of the goddess, Athena. This period saw a people ruling itself utterly in a free state. How do these historical texts, tragic dramas, and marble sculpture and building attest to the rule of the people by the people, and for the people?
I think studying the liberal arts and studying the classics is a window to new ways of seeing the world, new ways of interacting with each other, new ways of turning inward with ourselves.
Jennifer Lind, Graham School Council Member
Experience UChicago’s Unparalleled Classroom
When you attend this residential seminar, you’ll enjoy the historic buildings, intellectual atmosphere, and cultural richness of UChicago’s beautiful campus firsthand. You’ll have ample opportunities to build meaningful relationships, beginning when you meet with your peers for an opening reception dinner, as well as explore the diverse and historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Most importantly, you’ll have illuminating conversations and discover valuable insights in an immersive one-week course.
Each day, there will be both morning and afternoon class sessions. These classes follow the same Socratic seminar format, emphasizing open, respectful dialogue in response to assigned texts.
Co-curricular Experiences
Alongside the core seminar, you will enjoy:
- Lunches with eminent scholars from other disciplines of the University, ranging from social scientists to natural scientists.
- A guided tour of the University.
- Opening and closing dinners.
- Exploration of the diverse and historic Hyde Park neighborhood around the University.
Faculty member
Kendall Sharp is an Instructor in the Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults. He holds a PhD from the Committee on Social Thought and a BA from the College at the University of Chicago. Formerly, he was Assistant Professor in the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario, and he has taught also at DePaul University (history), the University of Illinois-Chicago (classics), and in the College (humanities). He rejoined the Basic Program in 2019, having last served on the staff from 1999–2000. His research and publishing focus on Plato’s dialogues as literary expressions of the philosophical life. His teaching has included Greek and Latin languages, classics in translation (literature, philosophy, history), and both classical mythology and ancient Greek science. He is currently preoccupied with the chilly reception Western Civilization gave to the ancient Greek values of political freedom and equality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships available for those interested in the seminar?
We are committed to reducing financial barriers for those looking to explore these conversations with us. Scholarships are available, please contact us to request financial assistance.
What is the cost of the seminar?
We offer the Residential Seminar as a non-credit course for $2,495. Scholarships are available for those who need financial support. We have also arranged a discounted rate for learners who desire to reside on campus at the Study Hotel.
Registration for the program requires a non-refundable deposit of $500 at the time of registration. Balances will be due by May 1, 2026.
Can this seminar be taken for credit?
Students in UChicago’s Master of Liberal Arts may complete this seminar as a for-credit course (with assignments and grades). Reach out to Tim Murphy, MLA Program Director, at timmurphy@uchicago.edu to learn more.
Is this seminar offered online, or in-person?
This is a weeklong, immersive, in-person-only experience that takes place on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus in Chicago.
Are accommodations available?
Learners wishing to stay in Hyde Park are encouraged to consider The Study at the University of Chicago which is adjacent to campus. A discount code for reservations at the Study will be provided to learners after registration to the seminar.
Do I need to submit an application?
The Residential Seminar is open to lifelong learners seeking a rigorous learning experience, including Graham School students, UChicago alumni, and friends of the University.
When does the seminar start?
The seminar will begin with an opening dinner gathering on the evening on Sunday, May 10, and continue through midday on Friday, May 15.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A $500 per person, nonrefundable deposit is required upon registration to hold your spot. The balance of the fee is due no later than May 1, 2026. All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing and will be subject to the loss of the deposit. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after May 5, 2026. In the event of the cancellation of the program by the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, a full refund of tuition will be given.
The University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies have no responsibility in whole or in part for any loss, death, damage, or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodation, transportation, or other services. The right is retained to decline to accept or retain any person as a Seminar member should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the Seminar or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
About the University of Chicago
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
We shape and define fields
UChicago scholars are driven by intellectual debate and a search for new evidence.
We believe freedom of expression is fundamental
Free and open discourse is the foundation of a transformative education and world-changing research.
We tackle the world’s most pressing issues
Through research, discovery, and community partnerships, UChicago scholars and students are tackling complex problems—from solving crime at scale to combating climate change.
About the Graham School
The Graham School brings the best of what the University of Chicago offers together in one place for accomplished professionals and ambitious lifelong learners. We offer a seamless learning experience that combines flexibility with rigor. The programs and courses engage learners from all walks of life and from all around the world in UChicago’s distinctive educational experience.