Program Overview

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Course Description

Introduction to the Basic Program: How to Read Classic Texts

This course is intended to address some of the more persistent and daunting difficulties we face when beginning to read classic texts of the Western cultural tradition.

We will begin from recommendations of Adler and Van Doren in How to Read a Book, and move toward more immediately practical approaches to reading classic texts, both expository and literary. We will practice how to prepare to contribute to productive class discussion, like that in the four-year Basic Program. Each session will be divided into two parts. In the first we will consider the reading of classic expository texts (philosophical, social scientific, political, etc.) and especially how to read for a thesis and supporting argument (based on evidence and grounds).

In the second, we will consider literary and poetic texts—what it means to interpret, understand, and comprehend them, with particular attention to how form (diction, structure, genre, etc.) and content (image, narrative, theme, etc.) work together to achieve specifically literary and poetic effects. Students will be encouraged, but not required, to complete weekly short (1-2 page) writing exercises that have proven useful in students’ effort to appreciate and understand these various kinds of texts. Students will be encouraged, but not required, to bring these to class and share with other students. At the very least these writing exercises have proven useful to help prepare for class discussion.

Readings will be selected largely from the four-year Basic Program list, with the idea that not only will this be an opportunity to learn techniques for good reading, but also an occasion for reading and discussing, again, selections from some truly great works of the Classical and Western traditions (e.g., Aristotle, Kant, Freud, Homer, Dante, Shakespeare). Students are asked to do the reading for the first week before the first session meets.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Required Texts

• Adler, Mortimer and Van Doren, Charles, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

Available Course Sections

• Quarter: Winter 2026 Jan 8, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
  • Thursday, 6:00pm-9:15pm
  • Taught by: Jacqueline Victor
  • Section: 26W1
  • Cost: $295.00
  • online
• Quarter: Winter 2026 Feb 5, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026
  • Thursday, 6:00pm-9:15pm
  • Taught by: Jacqueline Victor
  • Section: 26W2
  • Cost: $295.00
  • online

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do we take assessments in these courses? Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.
• How can I best prepare for class? Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.
• Do I have to complete an application? Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.
• Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School? Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.
• UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions? Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.
• What happens if I have to miss a class? Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.
• What is your withdrawal/cancellation policy? You can find our withdrawal and cancellation policy with other registration issues here. Most drop or transfer requests can be made through your student account.
• Will this course be offered online or in person? The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
• What happens if I miss a class? While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.
• I can no longer participate in a course I registered for. Can I get a refund? If you need to drop a course, please email us to process your request. When reaching out, please include your full name, the course name and the section. If you made a donation during your course purchase, please confirm if you would like the donation refunded as well. Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.
• How do I access my course after registration? Your course will be available on the Graham Learning Platform three weeks before the start date. You’ll log in using the same credentials you used during registration. If you need help accessing your course, check out our helpful video tutorial.
• I have a question about the course registration process, who should I reach out to? If you have a question about how to register for a course, watch the helpful videos on our registration tips page. You can also email our support team. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

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Student Testimonials

• Here I was introduced to perspectives from the humanities and social sciences that challenged me to approach things from different angles and become more tolerant to differences. Enrolling in Graham is the best decision I ever made.
• In our increasingly siloed, stridently opinionated world, Graham’s commitment to encouraging civil discourse and attracting students of distinct and varied backgrounds and viewpoints has made the classes I’ve taken revelatory.
• Guided by expert staff, and aided by students with a variety of experience and knowledge, I gained new understanding, opened myself to new points of view, and have grown intellectually.
• This has been so valuable to me. The instructors are truly committed; you make new friends and get new views. It’s been a real plus in my life.
• There’s nothing better than to read with a group of people and share in rational discourse about great ideas, and it’s even better to do it with an instructor as your guide in the conversation.
• I think that, at its best, learning takes place within a community. A community that is committed to intellectual rigor and discussion, a community that is led by experts. For me and I hope for you, the Graham School has been just such a community, I cannot imagine my adult life without it.