A Whackadoodle Invitation to Attend Harvard University With Me--Free Civics Classes Online.
A summer project: Free Harvard civics classes. No tests. No shoes required. Just an inquiring mind and a desire to know.
I wasn’t planning on going to Harvard this summer. But then again, I wasn’t planning on half the things this year has stirred up. Turns out, Harvard offers some excellent, free, online civics courses—no applications, no tests, no stress. Just the kind of learning that feels like deep water for a thirsty mind.
Of course, my student had a few thoughts about it...
She walked in with her arms crossed and one eyebrow already halfway up her forehead.
“Okay,” she said. “I heard a thing. Are you going to Harvard?”
She came at me so fast, I nearly choked on my coffee. “Well, I suppose…technically, yes.”
“Technically?” she asked. “What does that mean? Are you moving? Changing careers? What?”
“It means Harvard is coming to me,” I said. “Online.”
She stared. “Wait. So you’re not leaving?”
“Nope. Staying here. Computer, Wi-fi, hammock, television in the background, the whole setup.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And you're... what? Getting a law degree?”
I laughed. “Do I look like someone who wants to argue legal precedent?”
“Honestly?” she said. “Sometimes, yeah.”
“I’m not sure how to take that,” I quiped, though she wasn’t wrong. “No, I’m not getting a degree. Harvard’s been offering these free online courses for years—civics, government, public policy. Stuff I wish more of us understood, especially now. Besides, it’ll be fun.”
She sent me a blank stare. “You think this is fun?”
“I think that understanding how our government was designed to work might be critical to its survival theses days, plus taking classes from Harvard University might give me some fun bragging rights.”
She shook her head. “You’ve got a Whackadoodle sense of fun, lady.”
“Guilty,” I said. “But you can audit the courses for free, go at your own pace, skip what you already know, or dig into what you don’t. No tests. No pressure. Just… clarity.”
“And this is how you’re spending your summer?” she asked.
“I was hoping we might spend it that way,” I said. “Together.”
She stared at me like I’d suggested we climb Everest barefoot.
“Seriously?”
“Think of it as a summer field trip,” I said. “For your brain. We start with We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy. Then maybe American Government: Constitutional Foundations. If we like it, we keep going. If not, no harm done.”
“Do I have to sign up?” she asked. “Like… sign sign up?”
“Only if you want to pay for a ‘Certificate of Completion,’ you know, to add to your resume,” I said. “Otherwise it’s open. Free. Just show up and think.”
She let out a sigh that would’ve melted paint. “Fine. But if there’s a quiz, I’m ghosting.”
“Deal,” I said. “And maybe we share what we’re learning on Substack. Invite a few readers to come along.”
She gave me a look. “You’re turning Harvard into a book club now?”
“Kind of,” I said. “A democracy club.”
“Whatever,” she muttered. “Send me the links. I’ll look. I’m not promising anything.”
I already had them ready:
She was halfway down the steps when she said, mostly to herself, “You are so weird.”
“Takes one to know one,” I called after her…
So here’s the invitation:
If you’re looking for a light-but-meaningful summer project—something to stir your civic curiosity and sharpen your sense of how this country actually functions—come join us.
We’re starting with the two courses above, and we’ll see where it takes us. We might hate it; we might love it. But thought you’d like to know.
Harvard offers several in this series. If you want to take them on your own and in your own time, here are some links to their offerings:
Let me know in the comments if you’d like to join my student and me. We’ll be sharing thoughts and questions along the way—and we’d love your company on this summer adventure.
After all, the more the merrier. Even at Harvard.
I’m happy to join in the “fun.”