So, it’s President’s Day. One of those newfangled holidays I detest. I would prefer following the protocol of old, honoring Lincoln on the 12th and Washington on the 22nd. (NOTE: I currently reside in Alexandria, which considers the 22nd of February a local and personal holiday for its native son.) But, given that America has decided that we must venerate our presidents today, let’s pick on Thomas Jefferson, instead- and do Washington later this week on the 22nd.
I lived in Charlottesville for 13 years. Where Thomas Jefferson was not only the native son, but it was often clear that I was mistaken that he was dead. Many still followed him and talked about him as if he were the mayor. But, as an inventor, the founder of UVa, the author of our Declaration of Independence, as President, it’s clear that he was among our most interesting of presidents. (He also died destitute on 4 July 1826- almost simultaneously with another President and the other last surviving hero of the Revolution, John Adams; 8 years later Uriah P. Levy purchased and saved his homestead, Monticello, for the ages.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HzbjtzijUkUVa and its academic village venerates Thomas Jefferson daily. And, it is now offering a free MOOC (massive online open course; also available via iTunes U) so we can learn more about Mr. Jefferson (which is what he is called around Charlottesville). The course name is the “Age of Jefferson” and it will be available in English, Chinese, and Spanish It clearly is aimed at a worldwide audience. (NOTE: No credit is provided for this course, but a certificate of completion will be awarded.)
Dr. Peter Onuf designed the six week course; it is comprised of lectures (videos) provided last year in a UVA classroom and also at Brown’s Mountain (which has somehow changed its popular moniker since I left Charlottesville to Montalto). (Montalto is the name Jefferson provided this peak, among Carter’s Mountains, from which Monticello can be clearly viewed.) One of the videos depicts the emeritus professor biking on the Grounds (UVa never uses the term “campus”), passing the Rotunda and traversing the Lawn (the Grounds between the Rotunda and academic pavilions of yore- and are still in use today).
One should expect to learn more about the Declaration of Independence, religious freedom (Mr. Jefferson wrote the statute for Virginia on this topic- which would clearly vex those “superpatriots” declaring that America is a Christian nation-not), higher education, and the development of the American nation. I do wonder what the course will say about slavery (one of those things which Jefferson followed the rule of “do as I say and not as I do”), as well as the entire Sally Heming controversy.
Are you planning to join me in learning from Dr. Onuf?
I love that you are treating the two traditionally celebrated presidents separately. Jefferson was a genius and yes inconsistent as noted in the video. It will, indeed, be interesting to see how the slavery issues are explored in the course. If you are able to take it please let us know!
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..CROCK POT BROWNIE MELT
I’m taking it, Alessa, for sure. I studied him when I moved to Charlottesville (like I study all things about my “neighborhoods” when I move in). But, I did learn about him from my studies and publications on American Independence, and the original Father and Son in the White House (John and John Quincy Adams)…
All history teaches us something. In each country, citizens learn what they can about the people who created their society. That’s my way of saying that, as an Englishwoman, I won’t be joining the course.
Francene Stanley recently posted..The most important event twenty-five years ago.
That’s a big mistake, Francene. There’s plenty to be learned from Mr. Jefferson. That would be like saying no one should study Winston Churchill and his leadership/management, because he was English. The Magna Carta because it happened long ago and only apply in England.
Dude, I haven’t taken like a real class in forever. Quizzes? Grades? OK, I have time to do this. But do I have the stones? You know what, Roy? I am not going to worry about grades. I am going for learning more about one of the people I love most in American History although for the life of me I can’t remember why. Thanks for the opportunity.
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Oh, Goodie! We can study together. (I’d say we’d share documents, but I know that UVA has an honor code and that would be a big no-no!)
A way to honor one of our Presidents http://t.co/82cCbzwPdf
It sounds like an interesting course, Roy, and I have no doubt that you will enjoy it. You’ll have to let us know how you like it!
I am sure I will pass along tidbits as they come, Suerae. You should try it, too!
I just might if there are no assignments or grades! I visited Monticello years ago and would love to go back to see what they’ve done since. On an upcoming vacation, I am going to stay in a now-B&B where Jefferson’s campaign manager lived.
Go for it, Alana! I am not sure there are no grades per se, but there is no credit.
Besides, you are taking the course for YOU!
Do you prefer blanket holidays or real commemorations? Here is Roy’s take…http://t.co/pqb2mtDAwM
I would love to listen to the course, or a summary…I know next to nothing about this part of history and could do with this…Keep us posted!
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Muriel- you are welcome to join us for the course. The Price is Right- it’s free! And, Mr. Jefferson was a great adorer of things French, you might find that part of special interest.