University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States Published on January 31, 2021 Apple, iPhone 12 Pro Free to use under the Unsplash License The rotunda in the snow

Course Overview: The Age of Jefferson on Coursera

Thomas Jefferson is undeniably an American icon, but he’s also one of the most polarizing and controversial figures in American history. This engaging introductory module will take you on a journey through the shifting landscape of Jefferson’s reputation over the past two centuries.

We’ll delve into what Jefferson saw as his most significant contributions to the Age of Enlightenment and examine why he remains a figure of both admiration and criticism. Why did some people in the 19th and 20th centuries view Jefferson and his ideas with skepticism or even hostility, while others embraced his vision wholeheartedly?

By exploring how individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives have interpreted Jefferson throughout history, you’ll gain valuable insights into the complexities of his legacy. This course invites you to think critically and honestly about Jefferson’s life and impact, helping you understand why his story remains so relevant and thought-provoking today. Join us as we uncover the fascinating, multifaceted world of Thomas Jefferson.

Professor Peter S. Onuf

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Professor, Emeritus

Bio

Peter S. Onuf is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Professor of History, Emeritus, at the University of Virginia, where he taught for over twenty years. Onuf is also a Senior Fellow at Monticello’s Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies. A leading scholar of Jefferson and the early American republic, he is the author, co-author, and editor of numerous books, including (as author) Jefferson’s Empire: The Language of American Nationhood (2001), The Mind of Thomas Jefferson (2007), and (as editor) Jeffersonian Legacies (1993). He is also a co-host (with Brian Balogh and Edward Ayers) of the weekly public radio program and podcast Backstory with the American History Guys.

Enroll and Learn More

Coursera Plus provides access to most of our catalog, including popular Professional Certificates from Google and Meta. The following beginner-level Certificates are popular with learners, prepare learners for an in-demand role, and are worth highlighting as some of the great course options available to learners who subscribe to Coursera Plus:

Enroll and Learn More

monticello-home-historic-thomas-jefferson

Jul 30, 2020

Great lessons in the history of UVA and its architect/founder Thomas Jefferson. The professor was excited about the subject matter and conveyed the history with enthusiasm and vigor.

Paul Langan

by IP Jul 6, 2020
I was very well taught and happy to be part of this course. Thanks to Mr. Onuf. and the University of Virginia.

by GS Sep 25, 2016
Excellent course! I learned so much about Jefferson and appreciated Dr. Onuf’s expertise.

by SK Jul 18, 2020
what a great course! being a native of Virginia

Now We live in Hamilton’s Republic find out why?

Now it’s time for the Yale University Law Student’s Toolkit!

Now my favorite course, the Age of Jefferson

Professor Peter S. Onuf

Bio