Classes | Talks

Cleisthenes, the father of Athenian Democracy, enacted reforms—known as isonomia, or “equality through law”—which dramatically decreased nepotism and increased governmental representation of the Athenian people. We like to believe that our country’s brand of democracy has always followed ancient Greek ideals, but George Washington believed that only the “lower class of people” should serve as foot soldiers in the Continental Army. Thomas Jefferson envisioned his public schools educating talented students “raked from the rubbish” of the lower class. And John Adams believed the “passion for distinction” was a powerful human force: “There must be one, indeed, who is the last and lowest of the human species.” The truth is, our founding fathers intended for many people to be left out of the social contract.

In this seminar, participants examine the history of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this country. From the discovery of the New World to the Trail of Tears, from the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II to Black Lives Matter, we look at moments when American democracy failed on its promise of inalienable rights to a significant percentage of its population.

The Great Experiment: Questioning Democracy is open to all curious people, regardless of educational background. The format of each seminar comprises three 15-minute lectures, followed by discussion and text analysis with a professor.