Spring 2026 Online Course | The Declaration of Independence at 250: Big Ideas That Made a Nation

In collaboration with Stanford Continuing Studies, the Stanford Department of History is offering an online course about the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. All interested individuals can register for the course on the Continuing Studies website. All Stanford undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may take the course for free and on a non-credit option.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of U.S. Independence, Professor Caroline Winterer revisits the Declaration as both a historical event and a living document. In four sessions from 3/31/26 to 4/21/26, the course will explore the political crises and colonial debates that led to July 4, its roots in European Enlightenment ideals, its international dimensions, and the people left out of the Declaration’s soaring language of equality.

For the Public and Stanford Staff:
Registration Instructions
Course Syllabus
 Stanford staff may register using their STAP funds.

For Stanford Students: 
Course Schedule & Registration Information
Upon the verification of your Stanford student status, you will receive a webinar link on the first day of class. The course does not confer University credit, but students may view the lectures live and participate in the Q&A.

Questions? 
Please contact Stanford Continuing Studies at continuingstudies [at] stanford.edu (continuingstudies[at]stanford[dot]edu)