From his many physical statues to his renowned “academical village,” Thomas Jefferson has an undeniable presence on Grounds. But how much do we really know about our University’s founding father? Naturally, Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, presidency, Louisiana Purchase and — of course — this great University stand out as some of his major accomplishments. Yet we rarely hear about any of his personal life outside of Monticello. Moreover, we are often told little of his ideologies beyond his support for democracy and an agrarian society.
Last week, the University, in a partnership with Monticello, announced that it will provide a six-week, massive open online course (MOOC) on the “Age of Jefferson.” Set to start next month, the course, taught by the University’s own Professor Onuf, will explore Jefferson’s “work and perspectives,” seeking to “situate Jefferson in the context of his own time and place.” The course correctly insinuates that students here at Jefferson’s University, despite being very proud to call it such, do not know as much about his legacy as they should.
Although there have been “Age of Jefferson” classes taught in the past at the University by Professor Onuf, they tended to be smaller classes and were perhaps overlooked by many students. Thus, by deciding to create this massive online course, the University is affirming that it wants to increase student attention toward Mr. Jefferson, and wants as many students as possible to take the course. I am not advocating for students to take the course, rather that the course itself proves that the University realizes how few students truly know their Thomas Jefferson history.
The course description for the “Age of Jefferson” claims that Jefferson is essential to understanding American history, but he is also essential to understanding this University. So many of this University’s principles — such as the honor code — although not developed directly by Jefferson, perpetuate his influence. Jefferson’s ideas paved the way for student self-governance and this University’s religious tolerance. He influences our lives every day, and yet few students know even simple facts about his legacy, such as that this University was one of the first to separate education and the Church.
Jefferson’s legacy, in addition to persisting in all areas of University life, is one of the greatest in American history. Yet, there is more to his legacy than championing freedom and democracy. This online course likely seeks to provide a more expansive look into Jefferson’s accomplishments and failures, as many students likely lack knowledge surrounding Jefferson’s faults and mishaps.
In a 2008 article about the original course, Professor Onuf asserted that his “class is not simply a celebration of Jefferson” but also focuses on his tensions and contradictions. Though Onuf’s online course is only an introductory class and is not nearly as long as a full semester course, it could also include the same objective attitude as his original course. For instance, Jefferson’s unsuccessful Embargo Act and unsettling Native American policy taint his seemingly perfect track record. Thus, this online course could seek to show why Jefferson, like any other man, wasn’t perfect.
In order for students to fully appreciate our University, it is important to understand its history. Though some students may not realize the significance of taking a history course like the “Age of Jefferson,” they must recognize that history helps us understand how and why society develops, and this knowledge can be used to better our future. History not only fosters a stronger connection with our school’s traditions but also helps us value the progress that this school has made. On the other hand, unless students have given or taken a historical tour or taken a class on the University’s history, it is hard to receive an education on the historic significance of our University. More pertinent even for students is understanding the life and motivations of this school’s founder, especially if that founder happens to be as historically significant as Thomas Jefferson.
Jared Fogel is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. His columns run Fridays.
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