Stanford Continuing Studies Summer Courses 2024
Fall 2024
Letter From The Director
Letter from
the Director
Dear Friends,
O
ne of the most rewarding things about working at Stanford is being surrounded by so many people who care deeply about education and recognize its unique potential to strengthen community ties and bring out the best in humanity. Coming together in our classrooms—whether online or on campus—we are reminded to be awed and inspired by art, music, and literature; to appreciate the nuances and complexities of international cultures and conflicts; and to reflect on the state of democracy and human rights and decide how we will choose to engage.
This fall, we have planned three terrific courses focused on democracy, voting rights, and the upcoming presidential election. We are grateful to Jim Steyer for bringing together an extraordinary speaker series on “Election 2024: Democracy on the Ballot,” highlighting prominent political leaders, activists, scholars, and journalists, including Nicholas Kristof, Pam Karlan, and more. We are also excited to have Stanford law professor Nate Persily teach a hybrid course on “The Right to Vote and the Law of US Democracy” and Stanford lecturer emeritus Martin Lewis teach “The Historical Geography of US Presidential Elections.”
We’re also pleased to be offering courses exploring wider global perspectives. Thomas Fingar, a lecturer with the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Relations, will teach “US-China Relations: From Cold War to Cold Shoulder.” Stanford visiting scholar Amir Kamel will teach a new course exploring the role of the US dollar within the global economy, including the rise of the International Monetary Fund. And Gizem Sivri, a Stanford visiting scholar in Islamic Studies, will teach “Beyond the Veil: Women and Social Transformation in the Middle East.”
New liberal arts courses in our lineup will illuminate how art responds to societal shifts and serves as a powerful catalyst for change. Stanford art history professor Emanuele Lugli—who previously worked as a journalist at Vogue—will teach “Fashion and Other Disasters: A History of Clothing from the Middle Ages to Modern Brands,” an adapted version of his Stanford undergraduate course, which explores fashion as a philosophical concept and a global enterprise. The course considers the connection between transformative moments in fashion and dark periods in history, from the European plague in 1348 to World War II. We are also pleased to have Stanford history lecturer Theresa Iker joining us to teach “Taylor Swift and Millennial America,” a course exploring how the iconic musician was shaped by the culture she grew up in even as she influenced listeners of her generation and beyond.
We also want to thank Stanford GSB lecturer Matt Abrahams—a dear friend of our program and podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart—for developing and leading a dynamic new speaker series, “Communication Essentials for Work and Life.” In this course, students will learn how to enhance communication and master the art of influence, addressing topics like nonverbal presence, reputation management, storytelling, and building rapport.
Finally, we are excited to announce a new opportunity for those of you eager to take an even deeper dive into the world of AI. Our three-course “AI Leadership Series”—along with an optional summer capstone course devoted to exploring careers in AI—launches this fall. The first course, “Introducing AI Systems,” will be taught by Gaurav Khanna, senior manager of data science and digital journeys at Cisco Systems. The series will continue in winter with a “Leading AI Transformation” course followed by “Building and Scaling AI Solutions” in spring.
We look forward to seeing you in class!
Warmly,
Jennifer Deitz
Director & Associate Dean
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Featured Courses
Explore a curated selection of Stanford’s top courses across various disciplines, designed to provide an exceptional learning experience
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Immerse yourself in the liberal arts to awaken your creativity, enhance your critical thinking abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of our complex world.
Art Studio
Reignite your capacity for creativity in an art studio course.
Food & Drink
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey through our Food & Drink courses.
Wellness & Health
Prioritize your health and wellness with courses designed to help you build healthy habits and support your mental and emotional well-being.
Creative Writing
Whether you’re just beginning to write or putting the finishing touches on your first novel, our writing courses offer expert instruction from accomplished authors, individual attention, and supportive feedback.
Communication
Hone your communication skills and learn how to convey a clear, compelling, and consistent message.
Business
Our business courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in building your career, launching a startup, or growing a business.
Technology & Data Science
Embark on a journey through artificial intelligence, master a new coding language, or dive into the world of data science.
Writing Certificates
Have you always wanted to write a book? Our Novel Writing Certificate and Memoir Writing Certificate are designed to take you from initial inspiration to a polished manuscript.
Public Programs
Continuing Studies is pleased to offer a variety of free public programs and special events every year.
Master of Liberal Arts
Start your next chapter with a part-time, evening graduate degree in the liberal arts.
Spotlight
Fall Spotlight: Election 2024
Explore the heart of American democracy with our courses on the 2024 US elections. Dive deep into these consequential elections, from critical issues shaping the future to election laws to the historical geography of presidential campaigns.
Election 2024: Democracy on the Ballot
James Steyer
Adjunct Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Education, and Founder and CEO, Common Sense Media
This fall, join Stanford’s Jim Steyer for an insightful series on the eve of America’s pivotal elections. Key figures in politics, business, foreign policy, academia, and media will tackle crucial questions: How can we strengthen democracy across political divides? How can we maximize AI’s benefits while minimizing risks? What global forces will shape 2024? And how can we prioritize children and families in our national policies?
The Right to Vote and the Law of US Democracy
Nate Persily
James B. McClatchy Professor of Law and Professor, by courtesy, of Communication and of Political Science, Stanford
The 2024 election is upon us. Record numbers of Americans believe the election will not be free and fair. Following the 2020 election, which likely was the most litigated in our nation’s history, the 2024 election campaigns will take place on the airwaves, online, and in the courts. In this course, Stanford law professor Nate Persily will provide a foundational understanding of the themes in the law and policies related to elections and politics and cover major Supreme Court cases on voting rights, redistricting, ballot access, campaign finance, and more.
The Historical Geography of US Presidential Elections
Martin Lewis
Senior Lecturer in International History, Emeritus, Stanford
The 2024 elections come on the heels of important transformations in the political geography of the United States. New swing states are emerging, and former purple states are turning more red or blue. Historian Martin Lewis will lead this map-intensive exploration of American presidential elections from 1788 to the present. The course will delve into voting patterns at state and county levels as well as the ethnic, economic, and educational characteristics that influence election results—with an eye on the complex factors that will play out on November 5, 2024.
Featured Courses
Featured Courses
Online
Emanuele Lugli
Assistant Professor of Art and Art History, Stanford
Fashion is both a philosophical concept and an influential industry. Emanuele Lugli, a former Vogue journalist and fashion consultant, will examine the evolution of clothing from the Middle Ages to the present. The course explores social distinction and the interplay between fashion and geopolitical upheaval, from Christian Dior’s opulent 1947 style post-World War II to the birth of Western fashion during the 1348 plague. These events provide a foundation for understanding the evolving narratives that drive fashion’s continuous reinvention.
Online
Michael McWilliams
Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Emeritus, Stanford
Water is central to the evolution of life on Earth—and it has been for billions of years, shaping and defining our planet. The global climate crisis we now face is inextricably linked to this critical resource. Stanford’s Michael McWilliams will provide a systems-based understanding of water’s properties, its origins from a planetary perspective, and the hydrological cycle that is interconnected with atmospheric, biological, and geological systems. The principal objective of this science-based course is to help citizens and their leaders make informed decisions about water use and sustainability.
On Campus
Denise Gigante
Sadie Dernham Patek Professor in the Humanities, Stanford
Animals appeal to the human imagination, challenging the boundaries between them and us. And they have long inspired poets—from Dickinson to Bishop and Yeats—to stop and pay attention. Humanities professor Denise Gigante will examine a colorful spectrum of creatures in this course on animal poems, which will emphasize the importance of perspective as well as the value of particularized focus. Students will emerge as more articulate and sophisticated readers, writers, and conversationalists who are alert to the techniques that shape poetry about animals.
Online
David Gans
Producer and Host, Grateful Dead Hour
Join musician and songwriter David Gans in this captivating exploration of the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy that transcends generations. For 30 years, the band’s groundbreaking fusion of music, counterculture, and community engagement has left a profound influence on society, art, literature, and social change. Guest speakers will include authors, publishers, producers, and other fans focused on this iconic group, whose music is more popular than ever today. By the end of the course, students will have a deep appreciation for the roots, struggles, and milestones of the Grateful Dead culture.
Photo by David Gans
Online
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
Since the team’s debut in 1968, the Oakland Athletics have endured a roller-coaster of triumphs and setbacks. Sports executive Andy Dolich will dissect the dramatic history of this baseball team’s flirtations with fortune, from the World Series heyday with Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter to the powerhouse years with Mark McGwire and Dennis Eckersley and the Moneyball era with general manager Billy Beane. Students will delve into the complex identity of this once-revered franchise as it faces a controversial move to Las Vegas while maintaining the unwavering loyalty of its fanbase.
Photo by Quintin Soloviev / CC BY-SA 4.0
Online
Matt Abrahams
Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Master the art of influence in this dynamic course with Stanford lecturer Matt Abrahams, the author and podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart. Students will learn to enhance their communication skills across diverse situations, such as building rapport with colleagues or persuading people to see their point of view. Each week, guest speakers will join us for interactive lectures and Q&A sessions on themes of persuasion, storytelling, nonverbal presence, and reputation management. You will develop actionable strategies for using effective body language, handling difficult conversations with tact and confidence, and excelling in today’s interconnected world.
Online
Amir Kamel
Visiting Scholar, Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies, Stanford
Since World War II, the US dollar has wielded profound economic clout. Join scholar Amir Kamel in this journey through the history of post-war financial structures, from the International Monetary Fund’s formation in 1944 to the American “soft power” that exists today with the dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency. The course will dive into the economic, security, and political interests of the US and its allies embedded in international financial aid, trade agreements, and economic sanctions. Students will also learn about emerging challenges to the dollar’s global dominance.
Online
Samina Ali
Author
With a healthy dose of determination and a supportive community, you can write a novel in a month. Accompany author Samina Ali on this journey through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) to fast-draft your work, from start to finish. The process will be generative, playful, and uncritical, beginning with two weeks of plotting and planning before tackling your goal of writing 1,500 words each weekday. The course will include daily prompts, two weekly live online sessions, an accountability thread, and the option of sharing your work in small groups.
Online
Misha Kouzeh
Founder, Tech Makes History
This unique marketing course is designed to equip students with skills for building effective influencer campaigns. Social entrepreneur Misha Kouzeh will examine the psychological concepts that make influencers compelling, using case studies of how and how not to approach influencer marketing—from a beverage company’s failure through inauthenticity to an athletic company’s success in choosing the right influencer personality. Discussions will consider the rise of AI and avatars, and the blurred lines between real and virtual worlds. Students will leave with a complete toolkit for leveraging influencers in their work.
On Campus
Denise Rabius
Executive Coach, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Women hold 50 percent of middle management titles but only 7.4 percent of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies. This interactive course, taught by executive coach Denise Rabius, will help women customize career advancement strategies for leading effectively. Students will develop skills in strategic planning, resilience, influence, networking, self-promotion, and risk-taking. Through lectures, role-plays, experiential exercises, and community learning, the course will also focus on tools for reframing obstacles in the pursuit of solutions. Students will ultimately learn to take ownership of their accomplishments and build an executive presence.
Online
Ajay Arora
Senior Vice President, Product Management, Disney
The subscription economy has transformed our world, and businesses everywhere are contemplating a shift from transactional to subscription-based models. Entrepreneur and executive Ajay Arora will guide students through starting and optimizing a subscription business using the power of membership, acquisitions and trials, and the important metrics of retention and lifetime value. The course will use a combination of lectures, discussions, readings, case studies, and guest speakers from industry leaders. Students will acquire an understanding of subscription economics as they build pitch decks for hypothetical subscription businesses.
On Campus
Online
Ronjon Nag
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford Medicine
Artificial intelligence is in the news daily. Ronjon Nag, a builder of AI systems for 40 years, will lead this high-level overview of AI techniques and functions, providing students with hands-on exercises and facilitating discussions about neural networks, large language models, and the ways in which AI “learns.” The course will also cover societal and ethical issues of AI’s practical applications and what the future of AI holds. This course is ideal for product managers, software engineers, and anyone interested in how AI works.
Online
Josiah Ober
Markos & Eleni Kounalakis Chair in Honor of Constantine Mitsotakis; Professor of Political Science, of Classics, and, by courtesy, of Philosophy; Senior Fellow, by courtesy, at the Hoover Institution, Stanford
Mehran Sahami
Tencent Chair of the Computer Science Department; James and Ellenor Chesebrough Professor, School of Engineering; Senior Fellow, by courtesy, at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford
NORA ELIZABETH BARAKAT
Assistant Professor of History, Stanford
Robert Sapolsky
John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor; Professor of Biology, of Neurology, and of Neurosurgery, Stanford
Caroline Winterer
William Robertson Coe Professor of History and American Studies; Professor of History and, by courtesy, of Classics and of Education; Chair, Department of History, Stanford
Join us this fall for our engaging Stanford Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, featuring five Stanford faculty members delivering talks on their diverse areas of research. Discussions include “The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives,” “Confronting Ethical Challenges in AI,” “Development and Dispossession in the Modern Middle East,” “Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will,” and the “Remarkable Genius of Benjamin Franklin.”
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Immerse yourself in the liberal arts to awaken your creativity, enhance your critical thinking abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of our complex world. From fine arts to film, language to literature, philosophy to history, explore a rich array of courses in the liberal arts and sciences.
Archaeology
Patrick Hunt
Former Director, Stanford Alpine Archaeology Project; Research Associate, Archeoethnobotany, Institute of EthnoMedicine
Ancient engineering marvels such as Stonehenge, the enigmatic Antikythera bronze, and even the theoretical Hero of Alexandria’s steam engines showcase amazing ingenuity long before the Industrial Revolution. This course will explore these and other remarkable achievements, including Roman roads, Persian qanat canals, and the sophisticated urban engineering of the Incas and Aztecs.
Art History
Natalia Lauricella
Lecturer, Department of Art & Art History, Stanford
From the French Revolution to the rise of the modern art market, this course immerses you in the social and cultural upheaval that shaped the era. Explore the works of key artists, witness the experimentation with new materials and subjects, and challenge conventional narratives of European art history.
Classics
Online
Marsh McCall
Professor of Classics, Emeritus, and Founder and Dean of Continuing Studies, Emeritus, Stanford
Aeschylus’s Oresteia is arguably the most monumental theatrical achievement in the entire sweep of Western drama. In this course, we will read and discuss the trilogy with intense care, engaging with themes of divine and human justice, gender conflict, cycles of vengeance, and hopes of reconciliation.
Christopher Krebs
Gesue and Helen Spogli Professor of Italian Studies, Professor of Classics and, by courtesy, of German Studies and of Comparative Literature, Stanford
At the height of the Roman Empire, writers like Juvenal, Horace, and Seneca mastered the art of satire, critiquing life in Rome and contributing memorable sayings to our modern lexicon. This course will examine their works, themes, and influence on later satirists, from Erasmus to Swift, while reflecting on the continued relevance of satire in the 21st century.
Climate Change & Sustainability
Michael McWilliams
Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Emeritus, Stanford
Water, the world’s most critical resource, has shaped Earth’s surface and life for billions of years, with global crises often linked to its various states. Enhance your understanding of Earth’s hydrological state by exploring water’s properties, origins, distribution, and its connection to atmospheric, biological, and geological systems. Ultimately, this science-based course aims to help citizens and leaders make informed decisions about water use and sustainability.
Cultural Studies
Emanuele Lugli
Assistant Professor of Art and Art History, Stanford
Explore fashion as both a philosophical concept and a global industry, tracing its evolution from the Middle Ages to contemporary brands. Examine how clothing reflects and challenges social distinctions, impacts urban environments, and is significantly influenced by wars and geopolitical upheavals, with pivotal moments like the birth of Western fashion during the plague of 1348 and Christian Dior’s success post–World War II.
David Stork
Independent Scholar
Dive into the fascinating intersection of science, technology, and art from the late medieval period to the present, uncovering how artists harnessed scientific breakthroughs and how technologists tackled artistic challenges. Explore topics such as the transformative impact of oil paints on Renaissance realism, Jan van Eyck’s innovative use of projection optics, the vibrant color theory in pointillism, the crucial role of science in authenticating masterpieces, and the revolutionary influence of computing in modern art.
Gizem Sivri
Visiting Scholar, Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies, Stanford
This course examines the lives of Middle Eastern women over the past three centuries, exploring pivotal moments in social transformation, such as the opening of girls’ schools in Afghanistan, shifts from arranged marriages to consensual unions in Turkey, and the rise of women in the workforce in Egypt. It will also address persistent challenges, including legal restrictions on autonomy in Saudi Arabia and honor-based violence in Syria and Pakistan.
Peter Mann
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program, Stanford
Modernity, with its rapid changes and eroding value systems, has inspired both dread and creativity among European artists and intellectuals over the past two centuries. Starting with Marx’s concept of alienation and moving through the works of Nietzsche, Wilde, Freud, Ortega y Gasset, and others, this course explores how these figures confronted a secular, capitalist world and produced enduring works of philosophy, literature, and art, including influential novels by Virginia Woolf, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, and Arthur Koestler.
Current Events
On Campus
Online
James Steyer
Adjunct Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Education, and Founder and CEO, Common Sense Media
Join us this fall for an extraordinary journey into the heart of American democracy as we explore critical issues facing our nation in the run-up to the 2024 US elections, the most consequential American elections in our lifetime. This captivating speaker series will feature some of America’s most prominent leaders in politics, business, foreign policy, academia, and the media.
Guest speakers include: Kristen Soltis Anderson, Republican pollster, commentator, and writer; Michael McFaul, director, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford; David Kennedy, Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History, Emeritus, and founding faculty director, Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford; Chris Sununu, Republican governor of New Hampshire; John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics; Jamie Raskin, US representative for Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District; Kara Swisher, tech journalist; Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and internet entrepreneur; Pamela Karlan, Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law and co-director, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, Stanford Law School; Mark McKinnon, political advisor (President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Governor Ann Richards), reform advocate, media columnist, and television producer; Nicholas Kristof, journalist and New York Times op-ed columnist; Ruth Marcus, journalist at The Washington Post; Steve Schmidt, political analyst and Republican campaign strategist; Neal Katyal, former US principal deputy solicitor general (Obama administration).
Film Studies
Elliot Lavine
Film Historian and Filmmaker
Join us on a cinematic journey through the careers of 10 influential Hollywood directors, spotlighting their groundbreaking work during the transformative 1950s when American cinema achieved global acclaim. Dive into the masterpieces of legends like John Ford, Billy Wilder, and Alfred Hitchcock, alongside rising talents like Nicholas Ray and Stanley Kubrick, and engage in dynamic discussions on their profound impact on the political and social landscape of the era.
Mick LaSalle
Film Critic, Hearst Newspapers
Film critics often oversimplify direction as either “well-paced” or “sluggish” due to a lack of understanding of what directors do, despite some directors having unmistakable artistic signatures. This course examines the art of film direction through the works of masters like Ernst Lubitsch and Ingmar Bergman and modern filmmakers like Céline Sciamma and Alejandro González Iñárrit, focusing on how they achieve their effects and convey meaning in their signature films.
Geography
Martin Lewis
Senior Lecturer in International History, Emeritus, Stanford
Embark on a fascinating exploration of the historical geography of US presidential elections from 1788 to today, with a keen focus on evolving voting patterns. Dive deep into detailed analyses of state and county-level trends, demographic influences, and the shifting political landscapes of rural and suburban areas, all culminating in an insightful evaluation of the upcoming November 2024 election outcomes.
History
Gary Devore
Archaeologist
At its height, the Roman Empire spanned from Britain to modern-day Syria, showcasing military might, cultural richness, and architectural marvels. But at two points in its history—weakened by excess, corruption, and greed—it fell into decline. This course examines those two major falls of Rome: the end of the republic in the 1st century BCE and the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE.
Patrick Hunt
Former Director, Stanford Alpine Archaeology Project; Research Associate, Archeoethnobotany, Institute of EthnoMedicine
Explore the evolution of writing from prehistory onward, examining how it developed to facilitate trade and cultural exchange. We will address questions such as: What insights does prehistory offer about the origins of writing? How closely related are Mediterranean alphabets around 800 BCE? And how did the expansion of land and sea transportation influence the development of languages?
Kristen Edwards
Independent Scholar
From the heights of imperial grandeur to the depths of revolution and exile, the Romanov tsars encapsulate the complexity and drama of Russian history. Explore the myths and legends associated with the Romanovs and the grand empire they built over three centuries. Learn how the Romanov rulers promoted continual expansion to create a Eurasian empire comprising almost 9 million square miles and rule over dozens of different nationalities, religions, and cultures.
International Studies
Online
Amir Kamel
Visiting Scholar, Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies, Stanford
The influence of the United States dollar in global affairs is unparalleled. Beyond its military power and political clout, the US has wielded profound economic control over the international monetary system since World War II. This course examines the impact of postwar economic structures from the 1940s onward, beginning with the creation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and explores how the dollar became the world’s primary reserve currency and a potent tool of American “soft power” in the decades following the IMF’s founding.
Thomas Fingar
Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford
Discover the intricate dynamics between the United States and China in this course, tracing their evolving relationship from the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 to the present day. Through a critical analysis of perceptions, priorities, and policies, gain insights into the key factors that have shaped this powerful and complex relationship over the decades.
Languages
On Campus
Heather Howard
Lecturer in French, Stanford
Designed for students with little to no knowledge of French, this course focuses on acquiring basic communication skills using a creative, all-in-French, conversational approach in a fun and relaxed class atmosphere.
Online
Giovanni Tempesta
Advanced Lecturer in Italian, Stanford
Learn how to speak Italian in this introductory course. Engage in simple Italian conversations covering everyday topics and develop practical skills to handle common transactions such as renting a car, making hotel and restaurant reservations, and ordering food.
Online
María Cristina Urruela
Former Lecturer in Spanish, Stanford
It’s time to speak Spanish with confidence! This immersive course is your gateway to oral proficiency and comprehension, offering a vibrant exploration of the Spanish-speaking world and its rich cultures.
María Cristina Urruela
Former Lecturer in Spanish, Stanford
Designed for students with a basic background in Spanish, this course uses scaffolded instruction to enhance oral proficiency through discussions of short films, news articles, and stories. Students will deepen their appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures and be empowered to discuss substantial topics with greater ease and sophistication.
Law & Policy
On Campus
Online
Nate Persily
James B. McClatchy Professor of Law and Professor, by courtesy, of Communication and of Political Science, Stanford
This timely course offers a foundational understanding of the themes in the law and policies related to elections and politics and covers major Supreme Court cases on voting rights, redistricting, ballot access, campaign finance, and more. As the 2024 presidential election unfolds, each session will also discuss hot topics related to the campaigns and election administration, providing students with up-to-date insights and analysis.
Literature
Denise Gigante
Sadie Dernham Patek Professor in the Humanities, Stanford
Animals have always captivated human imagination, prompting a deep fascination with other life forms and challenging the perceived boundaries between them and us. This course immerses students in a rich array of creatures that have inspired poets such as Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Bishop, William Butler Yeats, Stevie Smith, Wallace Stevens, Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney, and Karen Solie.
Online
Carolyn Sinsky
Independent Scholar and Writer
Delve into the first volume of Marcel Proust’s seven-volume masterpiece In Search of Lost Time, celebrated for its lyrical prose and profound insights into memory, time, and art. Students will engage in class discussions and maintain a daily journal, enhancing their aesthetic appreciation and experiencing Proust’s transformative perspective on the world.
Music Studies
David Gans
Producer and Host, The Grateful Dead Hour
Explore the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy, examining its history, music, and cultural impact through stories and conversations with scholars and historians. Featuring live and studio performance excerpts, the course will dive into the band’s unique music-making, societal influence, and fan culture, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the Grateful Dead’s significant contribution to music and cultural expression.
Kip Cranna
Dramaturg Emeritus, San Francisco Opera
Discover the mesmerizing life and works of Giuseppe Verdi, the celebrated composer whose operatic masterpieces captured the essence of Italy’s mid-19th century reunification and the Risorgimento movement. Experience the enduring tragedy of La traviata with its ill-fated romance and the gripping melodrama of Il trovatore with its themes of passion, revenge, and concealed identities.
Theresa Iker
Lecturer, Department of History, Stanford
Whether you love her or criticize her, it’s undeniable that Taylor Swift has become a cultural, economic, and political powerhouse. This course, modeled on one offered to Stanford undergraduates, takes a historical approach to Swift’s career. We’ll explore the forces behind her rise to superstardom and her impact on millennial America, covering topics such as the politics of country music, race and class dynamics, and feminist critiques.
Music Studio
Lisa Sanchez
Instructor, Gryphon Stringed Instruments
Have you always wanted to play the guitar but were afraid it would be too hard to learn? This course will help make guitar playing easy and fun. At a comfortable pace, students will learn basic chords and right-hand accompaniment patterns and apply these techniques to easy folk and popular songs—including songs written by Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and more.
Philosophy
Frederick Dolan
Professor of Rhetoric, Emeritus, UC Berkeley
Renowned for his intellectual brilliance and controversial ties to German National Socialism, Martin Heidegger stands as a pivotal figure in 20th-century philosophy. This course dives into Division Two of his seminal work, Being and Time, tracing the evolution of his thought through his later writings and exploring key concepts like the “ontological difference” while reflecting on the roles of technology, language, and art in shaping human existence.
Stephen Friesen
Adjunct Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of San Francisco
Friedrich Nietzsche questioned the dominant beliefs of his time with his declaration “God is dead” and his critiques of democracy and socialism, advocating for a re-evaluation of values that emphasize art, beauty, and personal creativity. Explore Nietzsche’s key ideas and their 21st-century relevance as we analyze his inspiring influence and controversial connections.
Psychology
Marwa Azab
Adjunct Professor of Psychology, CSU Long Beach
This course examines the rise in anxiety among Americans since the pandemic, teaching students to define anxiety, distinguish it from other emotions, and manage it to improve performance. It explores clinical diagnoses, risk factors, cognitive habits, neuroscientific insights, and evidence-based treatments, highlighting the roles of community, connection, and compassion in achieving greater calm and contentedness.
Nina Paul
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medicine
Discover the transformative power of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in understanding and managing emotions. This course explores the principles and theory behind CBT, equipping you with invaluable tools to navigate distressing emotions and break free from negative thought patterns.
Science
Bruce Fogel
Adjunct Professor, Division of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Stanford Medicine
Karuna Dewan
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health
Explore cadaver specimens and digital technologies used by Stanford medical students and surgeons in the treatment and care of patients. You’ll learn how to identify anatomical structures and common clinical conditions affecting the neck, such as thyroglossal cysts, thyroid nodules, and cancer.
Online
Clyde Wilson
Research Associate, Biochemistry, UC San Francisco
Maximize the potential of your exercise regimen with the powerful combination of nutrition and fitness. Join us in this comprehensive course where we explore the impact of nutrition on exercise benefits, including weight loss, immune strength, and overall fitness, plus create your own sports nutrition program.
Lucia Aronica
Lecturer, Stanford Genetics and Genomics Certificate Program
This course introduces the science of epigenetics, which explores how lifestyle choices can influence gene activity without altering DNA. Learn how food and nutrients can impact gene expression and create your own personalized nutrition plan to improve your gene expression and overall health.
Anthony Boutelle
COLLEGE Lecturer, Civic, Liberal, and Global Education, Stanford
Explore the molecular basis of human diseases, including inherited disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions, and discover innovative treatments and cures. Gain a foundational understanding of biology, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, while examining groundbreaking biomedical research like CRISPR and immunotherapy.
Sports
Andy Dolich
President, Dolich Consulting
Explore the tumultuous history of the Oakland Athletics, from their debut in 1968 through their World Series wins, the Moneyball era, and their current relocation challenges. Featuring guest speakers from the team’s past, students will explore the baseball franchise’s dramatic fluctuations in fortune and the unwavering loyalty of its fan base.
Stanford Distinguished Faculty Series
Join us this fall for our engaging Stanford Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, featuring five Stanford faculty members delivering talks on their engaging areas of research. Discussions include “The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives,” “Confronting Ethical Challenges in AI,” “Development and Dispossession in the Modern Middle East,” and “Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will,” and the “Remarkable Genius of Benjamin Franklin.” Each session will include a lively Q&A.
Theater & Performance Studies
Daniel Klein
Advanced Lecturer, Stanford Department of Theater & Performance Studies, Graduate School of Business, and Stanford d.school
Benoît Monin
Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy Professor of Ethics, Psychology, and Leadership, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Welcome to the world of improvisational theater! Drawing inspiration from Keith Johnstone, Viola Spolin, Del Close, and Stanford’s own Patricia Ryan Madson, this fun and energetic course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of improvisational theater and performance studies. It is suitable for beginning and intermediate improvisers alike.
Art Studio
Art Studio
Reignite your capacity for creativity in an art studio course. From drawing and photography to creating your own podcast or video, our courses will help you develop your skills and find inspiration that will truly elevate your creative expression.
Audio, Video & Film
Ryan Campos
Audio Specialist and Sound Artist
Learn how to create your own successful podcast! This course will cover topics such as podcast structure, content formats, equipment options for different budgets, hosting platforms, and maximizing exposure and profitability. Gain hands-on experience in recording and editing techniques and come away from the course with a trailer, a five-minute pilot episode, and an outline for a complete podcast series.
Cielo de la Paz
Photographer and Filmmaker
In today’s world of modern videography, you no longer need expensive equipment to bring your stories to life. With just your iPhone and a creative mindset, you can captivate and inspire your audience with visually stunning videos. Shoot, edit, and produce your own videos on an iPhone and learn about the applications, accessories, and techniques needed to create stunningly professional-looking film footage, as well as composition and storytelling basics.
Drawing, Painting & Other Media
Michael Azgour
Artist
Spend more time creating and less time analyzing in this course designed for students who want to incorporate a creative art practice into their daily lives. Students will explore mixed media in unconventional ways, focusing on the creative process rather than mastering a particular medium. Daily prompts will guide students through various artistic exercises using materials like graphite, ink, acrylic paint, photography, and collage.
Ann Miller
Artist
Develop a deep understanding of the art of calligraphy as you master formal scripts and explore the expressive nature of letterforms. From the fundamentals of stroke techniques and page layout to contemporary freehand writing, you’ll build confidence in your ability to write diverse scripts.
On Campus
Lauren Toomer
Lecturer, Department of Art & Art History and Division of Clinical Anatomy, Stanford
Based on the Art and Anatomy courses for Stanford medical students, this course is a unique opportunity to explore the human hand with the eye of an artist. Plastic models, dry bones, cadaveric specimens, and digital images will be our models as we explore traditional and contemporary drawing techniques for representing the internal and external structure of hands, perhaps even honing our own individual style.
Erin Hunter
Fine Artist and Science Illustrator
Learn how to draw flowers in this introductory course. Explore basic botanical drawing techniques, discover the names and functions of flower parts, observe flowers up close, and even dissect them to understand their intricate details. Create detailed sketches and notes, culminating in a stunning botanical study.
Online
John Peck
Instructor, Triton Museum of Art
Join us on a journey where we strive to master the art of capturing the human form with unparalleled realism, harnessing people’s essence, strength, and elegance. Skillfully sketch the human figure as you immerse yourself in the world of observation, where every stroke of the pencil unveils a deeper understanding of our intricate selves.
Online
Joshua Moreno
Lecturer, Department of Art & Art History, Stanford
Embark on a creative journey through the timeless art of watercolor painting. This hands-on course introduces fundamental techniques, tools, and principles of watercolor painting. Achieve different effects and textures by experimenting with various watercolor techniques, including wet-on-wet, dry brush, and glazing. Learn to mix and blend pigments to create vibrant and harmonious compositions.
Brett Amory
Lecturer in Art Practice, Stanford
Elevate your oil painting skills, nurture your creative voice, and learn the art of promoting your work in the professional arena through this comprehensive course. By exploring various idea generation tools and techniques, you’ll build a solid foundation for your portfolio and develop the ability to articulate your artistic concepts, empowering you to succeed in the art world.
Online
Katie Hawkinson
Artist
Learning to paint consists of two main endeavors: knowing how to manipulate the medium and knowing what subjects to paint. Whether the approach is realism or abstraction, these two aspects are best learned in tandem. In this course, we will paint from still life, interior spaces, and the landscape, learning how to make strong and compelling compositions, mix colors, work with light and shadow, and create texture.
Photography
Yoni Mayeri
Photographer and iPhoneographer
Learn to turn your everyday iPhone photos into stunning pictures. Explore the built-in Photos app for editing and enhancing images, optimize the features of the native camera, and discover third-party editing applications and accessories to enhance your images.
On Campus
Don Feria
Photographer
Designed for photography novices, this course teaches basic photography skills and digital workflow management, guiding students through shooting in manual exposure mode across various conditions and blending techniques with compositional concepts. Gain practical knowledge on managing your photographs both inside the camera and on the computer.
Joel Simon
Documentary and Fine Art Photographer
AI art. What is this magical new tool, and can it enrich our creative process? For the first time ever, computers are able to generate images based on simple word descriptions. In this introductory course, we will explore the potential of AI as a creative instrument and help you develop the skills to produce your own AI-generated art.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey through our Food & Drink courses. From wine and coffee to chocolate and cheese, our courses are designed to broaden your knowledge and feed your curiosity.
Food & Drink Courses
Victoria Chow
Spirits Educator
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious food and beverage enthusiast, this course will elevate your understanding and enjoyment of a diverse range of spirit categories, from whiskey and mezcal to baijiu. Through tastings and expert instruction, learn to apply your newfound knowledge and appreciation to crafting exceptional cocktails.
Liz Thorpe
Founder, The People’s Cheese
Zoe Brickley
Lead Educator, Jasper Hill Farm
Discover the deep connection between humanity and cheese. Taste nearly two dozen cheese varieties, from fresh and bloomy rind to alpine and blue cheeses, while exploring the historical, economic, and scientific aspects of cheesemaking. Gain a robust cheese vocabulary, an expanded palate, and a thorough understanding of the diverse flavors and aromas of different cheese types.
Wellness & Health
Wellness & Health
Prioritize your health and wellness with courses designed to help you build healthy habits and support your mental and emotional well-being. Explore courses taught by psychologists, physicians, health advisors, and other experts in their field.
Life Design
Raj Bhargava
Educator and Entrepreneur
Drawing on the latest behavioral science research, we’ll delve into the meaning of life, mindsets, vulnerability, and habits. Through design thinking, collaborative exercises, and the integration of artificial intelligence, you’ll develop a clear and measurable plan, equipped with the tools to overcome barriers and embark on an exciting new chapter of your life.
Sarah Deane
CEO and Founder, MEvolution
In this uplifting workshop, learn to identify and prioritize your core values with practical tools that apply to all aspects of life, including work, home, and personal relationships. Through scientifically informed lectures, guided discussions, and reflections, you’ll overcome obstacles and lead a happy, productive life aligned with your true self.
Mark Nicolson
Founder, Nicolson Group
Rarely do we allow ourselves time to stop and examine what is changing in our lives and what we need to feel fulfilled. Drawing on psychological principles, movement practice, and ancient wisdom traditions, students in this course will create a unique environment for self-renewal in which peers convene for a rare opportunity of intense personal learning, interaction, and exploration.
Nutrition
Online
Clyde Wilson
Research Associate, Biochemistry, UC San Francisco
Maximize the potential of your exercise regimen with the powerful combination of nutrition and fitness. Join us in this comprehensive course where we explore the impact of nutrition on exercise benefits, including weight loss, immune strength, and overall fitness, plus create your own sports nutrition program.
Lucia Aronica
Lecturer, Stanford Genetics and Genomics Certificate Program
This course introduces the science of epigenetics, which explores how lifestyle choices can influence gene activity without altering DNA. Students will learn how food and nutrients can impact gene expression and will have the opportunity to interact with renowned experts in the field. By applying the knowledge gained, students will be able to create a personalized nutrition plan to improve their gene expression and overall health.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Whether you’re just beginning to write or putting the finishing touches on your first novel, our writing courses offer expert instruction from accomplished authors, individual attention, and supportive feedback. Choose from courses in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, memoir, magazine writing, travel writing, the short story, and more.
Creative Nonfiction & Memoir
Erica Ehrenberg
Author
Develop your own distinct narrative style and find the lens through which your stories and experiences will be told and translated into art. Explore how crafting the specifics and particulars of an experience can organically lead to the most pressing questions: How do we communicate our real stories in a way that interests potential readers? How do we tell the truth when our sense of the truth is always changing?
David King
Author
How do you transform a vast chaos of raw data, much of it obscure and contradictory, into vivid prose that resonates with your audience? This course explores the foundations and frontiers of the complicated and thrilling world of creative nonfiction. Whether you are writing memoirs, true crime, or popular science, learn how to discover provocative stories, fashion the material into a compelling narrative, and find your way through the shifting landscape of modern publishing.
Amanda Montei
Author
Approach memoir writing as a process of excavating memories in search of deeper truths and revelations. Learn from a variety of published authors such as Virginia Woolf, Roxane Gay, and Charles Simic, and gain the skills to make intentional and meaningful choices about how to structure your narrative, considering aspects such as time, memory, point of view, style, and research.
Niloufar Talebi
Author
This course makes autobiographical writing more accessible by showing how personal essays can vividly capture a life’s narrative. Explore the tradition of transforming everyday experiences into compelling stories by reading works by master essayists like Anaïs Nin and Zadie Smith, as well as modern voices from platforms like Substack and Medium.
Liza Monroy
Author
Dreaming of seeing your personal essay grace the prestigious pages of The New York Times Modern Love column? Look no further. This course offers an in-depth exploration of Modern Love essays, dissecting their mechanics, uncovering the editor’s preferences, and guiding you in molding your stories to fit the column’s unique form.
Genre
Tori Ritchie
Cookbook Author
Want to write a cookbook? This course covers everything from crafting compelling headnotes to developing and testing original recipes. Learn to adapt recipes, determine publication rights, and create a standout title. Study successful cookbooks to master storytelling through introductions, sidebars, and essays, and discover how a distinctive voice can elevate your work.
Adam Tobin
Senior Lecturer, Film and Media Studies, Stanford
From Abbott Elementary to Succession, The Bear to The Diplomat, some of the most compelling storytelling today is on television. This course explores the evolution of TV in the age of streaming, the process of developing a series, and the essentials of writing a pilot that sustains and evolves over seasons. Experience what it’s like to be “in the writers’ room.”
Narrative Craft
Ammi Keller
Novel Writing Certificate Instructor, Stanford Continuing Studies
Writers often learn to “show not tell,” without realizing they need additional techniques to convey a complete story. Learn to create compelling narrative summaries that compress time and convey key information in this immersive one-day course. Expect to recognize and write six modes of narration: exposition, backstory, scene fragment, scene sequence, scene summary, and reported speech.
Daniel Schifrin
Founder, StoryForward
Dialogue is one of the trickiest elements to master in creative writing. Explore how masters across genres use dialogue to convey information, character, and drama with remarkable concision and texture. Dive into the art of eavesdropping, comparing real speech with published work to uncover the magic of authentic, distinctive, and lively dialogue. Learn how to write your own compelling dialogue that brings characters to life.
Evgeniya Dame
Author
Elevate your fiction writing craft, building on your foundational knowledge of character, plot, point of view, and structure. Study chapters from acclaimed craft books and analyze published fiction by esteemed authors to gain fresh insights and develop more advanced techniques. Through writing exercises and feedback on a longer piece, you’ll create a robust portfolio and refine your approach to writing memorable and distinctive fiction.
Novel
Lauren Kate
Author
This course is for writers who have started and abandoned one too many stories, or for those with a dozen great ideas they’ve never quite committed to paper. Learn how to move from inspiration to a fleshed-out, usable concept to a gripping first chapter and beyond. Learn how to troubleshoot issues that often make you want to abandon a first draft—from characters who don’t behave the way we want to unwieldy plots, low stakes, and lackluster scenes.
On Campus
Lynn Stegner
Author
Explore every stage of the novel-writing process, from selecting the perfect narrative perspective to crafting engaging dialogue and maintaining a captivating plot. Through the study of celebrated novelists’ interviews, you’ll gain valuable insights and guidance to bring your own narrative vision to life.
Stephanie Reents
Author
Writing a novel is challenging. Whether you are stuck at chapter two, lost in the middle, or could use accountability and guidance, this course is designed to help you on your journey by providing the inspiration and structure needed to draft the next 50–80 pages of your manuscript. Generative exercises, weekly deadlines, and feedback focusing on possibilities and patterns—rather than problems—will inspire you to keep moving forward.
Samina Ali
Author
Yes, you can write a novel in just one month! With daily prompts, weekly craft lessons, and live online sessions, this course will guide and inspire you as you fast-draft your way through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Embrace the generative and supportive environment, connect with fellow writers, and celebrate your achievement as you set your sights on completing your first draft.
Poetry
Zeina Hashem Beck
Poet and Essayist
Explore the transformative power of poetry as we navigate the complexities of life and find beauty amid pain. Drawing inspiration from renowned poets such as Aracelis Girmay, Ada Limón, and Ross Gay, we will delve into themes of love, loss, fleeting moments, and self-reflection.
Jade Cho
Author
What are the words, stories, and experiences that only you can tell? How can you translate them into compelling poems? In this course, study contemporary poets who draw from everyday life to reveal insights about selfhood, death, love, and family. Experiment with these craft tools through weekly writing exercises and leave the course with four new poems.
Prompt-Driven Writing
Malena Watrous
Writing Certificate Lead and Creative Writing Coordinator, Stanford Continuing Studies
Reignite your creative spark by nurturing the seeds of imagination within you. This course offers daily prompts to inspire your writing, helping you overcome self-doubt and reconnect with your creative instincts. Through freewriting exercises in genres such as creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, you’ll experience the joy of uninhibited expression.
Samina Ali
Author
Yes, you can write a novel in just one month! With daily prompts, weekly craft lessons, and live online sessions, this course will guide and inspire you as you fast-draft your way through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Embrace the generative and supportive environment, connect with fellow writers, and celebrate your achievement as you set your sights on completing your first draft.
Publishing
Holly Brady
Publishing Strategist and Developmental Editor
Learn what it takes to successfully publish your own book. Discover the skills needed to publish in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats, and explore the roles of different editors, common designer pitfalls, and elements of a powerful cover. Compare Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and other service companies, and tackle technical issues like costs, royalties, ISBNs, copyrights, permissions, distribution, and marketing.
Shirin Yim Leos
Author and Editor
Lisa Manterfield
Author and Book Coach
Ready to get your book into readers’ hands? Get an insider’s peek at the publishing industry. Discover which publishing route aligns with your goals. Learn strategies for standing out to agents and publishers if you choose the traditional path. Explore the potential pitfalls and rewards of the self-publishing industry.
Jeanne De Vita
Author and Editor
This introductory copyediting course provides fiction and nonfiction writers a comprehensive exploration of grammar, punctuation, and spelling beyond what automated programs offer. Explore contexts in which authors and editors may be forced to make judgment calls to preserve an author’s voice while enhancing clarity and flow. Learn correct formatting techniques for various types of dialogue, dissect common yet intricate punctuation errors, and construct a style sheet template for consistent editing across a manuscript.
Reading Like a Writer
Nina Schuyler
Author
Close reading reveals the myriad craft choices made by authors, accessible to any writer willing to slow down and read deeply. Discover how to craft memorable writing and explore essential questions: What makes a metaphor successful? How do you develop dynamic characters? What defines a brilliant use of detail or a powerful image, and why do they work? Study writers who offer valuable lessons, extract those lessons through careful analysis, and learn to incorporate those techniques into your own writing.
Short Story
Christine Sneed
Author
With so much to accomplish in just a few paragraphs, a short story’s opening must be captivating. In this course, you’ll write and workshop four story openings, refining them based on feedback before completing and workshopping the full story. Dive into characterization, voice, and point of view through engaging writing exercises, and analyze contemporary short stories to understand their compelling beginnings and narrative structures.
Thomas McNeely
Author
Unleash your storytelling potential by diving into the artistic process of transforming raw experiences into polished works of fiction. Through weekly submissions and expert guidance, you’ll master the craft of manipulating point of view, setting, tension, and more.
Communication
Communication
Hone your communication skills and learn how to convey a clear, compelling, and consistent message. Our courses in public speaking, interpersonal communications, and more will help you succeed in business and personal settings.
Communication Courses
Matt Abrahams
Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Enhance your communication skills in this dynamic course. Whether you’re a seasoned professional refining your executive presence or a recent graduate strengthening your interpersonal skills, gain the skills you need to excel in today’s competitive and interconnected world. Each class features interactive lectures on themes like persuasion, storytelling, nonverbal presence, and reputation management, followed by Q&A sessions with the instructor and guest experts.
Online
Lorraine Lee
LinkedIn Learning Instructor and Keynote Speaker
Feeling uneasy about an upcoming business presentation or speaking on the fly? You are not alone. This course provides a practical, hands-on introduction to the theory and methods of effective public speaking. It will focus on the three pillars of speechmaking: organization, delivery, and oratorical style—skills that shine in job interviews, sales pitches, and business meetings.
Ted DesMaisons
Founder and Principal, ANIMA Learning
Unlock your innate ability to communicate confidently in any setting. Inspired by renowned voice coach Patsy Rodenburg’s techniques, focus on overcoming the habits and tensions that hinder your natural communication skills. Learn to engage in “the second circle,” a state that fosters confidence, connection, and charisma. Through exercises that enhance your body, breath, and voice, you’ll experience significant improvements in your presence and speaking abilities, empowering you to move and speak with newfound clarity and impact in the world.
Matt Vassar
Core Lecturer, Stanford School of Engineering
Transform your technical communication so that your ideas are met with excitement and your colleagues instantly understand the importance of your work. Learn strategies to make your ideas accessible, storytelling to make your concepts engaging, and relationship-building to gain supporters for your ideas.
Jeff Cabili
Founder and Principal, How2Captivate
Discover the keys to effective nonverbal communication and master the “how to say it” aspect rather than solely focusing on “what to say.” Explore the nuances of expression, encompassing gestures, body language, vocal techniques, eye contact, and the strategic use of silence. Gain insights into leveraging nonverbal communication as a powerful tool for influencing others, even in challenging situations.
Debra Schifrin
Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Daniel Schifrin
Founder, StoryForward
Become proficient in thinking quickly and be empowered to handle unexpected situations with ease, inclusiveness, and humor. Boost your confidence and communication skills by cultivating curiosity, embracing spontaneity, and engaging your audience with energy and delight. By developing a stronger and more intuitive communication style, you’ll prevent missteps and forge authentic connections with your audience.
Susan Neville
Facilitator, Interpersonal Dynamics and LEAD Program, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Campbell Frank
Lecturer, Interpersonal Dynamics, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and relationship building with this unique course inspired by the renowned “Interpersonal Dynamics” program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Through immersive T-group experiences, small-group collaborations, and engaging class exercises, you will develop a profound understanding of yourself and others.
Amy Wong
Conversational Intelligence Certified Executive Coach
Conversation is the heart of all communication. By increasing our awareness of how conversation works, we can positively shape our neural pathways to consistently create higher-quality and more effective conversations. This course is designed for anyone who wants to increase trust, collaboration, and mutual success with any audience. We will cover the neuroscience of trust and distrust and see how various interactional dynamics increase or erode trust. Learn new approaches that lead to growth, partnership, and mutual success.
Neil Jacobs
Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures, Emeritus, Ohio State
Take your English proficiency to the next level with this comprehensive accent reduction course. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and personalized feedback, you will gain a deep understanding of English speech sounds, tackle pronunciation challenges, master word stress and intonation, and navigate the nuances of formal and casual speech.
Stuart Friedman
CEO, Stu Friedman Associates
Master the art of delivering compelling and impactful presentations to English-speaking audiences. This course focuses on the nuances of tone, inflection, pauses, and pacing, which can elevate a presentation from good to great. Overcome challenges with enunciation, ensuring clarity and voice control for easy comprehension. Learn to moderate your speech and create a seamless presentation flow, complemented by effective visual content.
Business
Business
Our business courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in building your career, launching a startup, or growing a business. Taught by industry leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond, our courses cover product management, marketing, finance, leadership, and more.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Lu Zhang
Founder and Managing Partner, Fusion Fund
The venture capital industry is competitive and challenging to access. This course demystifies the allure by covering fundamental components and providing a framework for evaluating risks. Students will understand the VC investment process, develop deal-sourcing strategies, and learn to conduct startup due diligence independently.
On Campus
Bret Waters
Entrepreneur and Silicon Valley Investor
This fast-paced entrepreneurship course offers a highly collaborative experience where students work together to refine startup ideas and make them launch-ready. Learn the ins and outs of product/market fit and develop a minimum viable product for rapid iteration. Dive deep into the operational details of the startup process, including legal structures, financial models, and financing options such as venture capital, angel capital, and impact capital.
John Kelley
Co-Founder & COO, OnRisk
Designed for budding entrepreneurs, this course introduces students to some of Silicon Valley’s most successful innovators, who share their varied paths to startup success. Learn how to conduct honest self-assessments of goals, skills, and capabilities; assemble a strong and complementary core team; develop a breakthrough product; and secure initial capital to get your startups off the ground.
Arpit Goel
Startup Advisor and Angel Investor
This course offers practical lessons for first-time entrepreneurs in the enterprise SaaS sector who are facing challenges with initial fundraising. Navigate the startup journey while gaining valuable new skills, including assessing and sizing the market opportunity, conceptualizing a minimum viable product, validating solution and product/market fit, and creating a “fundable” pitch deck.
Sandy Diao
Growth Executive and Advisor
Shuo Chen
General Partner, IOVC
Acquire the essential skills to transform an initial idea into a viable business. Learn market validation, how to craft a compelling value proposition, customer acquisition, and growth metrics and strategies. Demonstrate that your idea addresses a real problem for a substantial audience, ensuring sustainability for your business.
Patricia Liu
Startup Advisor and Angel Investor
Startups try to project innovation, but many still use dated presentation formats for pitch decks. This course teaches students to create compelling and on-message pitch decks by emphasizing intentionality, logic, and precision. Through analysis of examples, creation of new decks, and peer feedback, students learn to convey the right signals in their presentations.
Ajay Arora
Senior Vice President, Product Management, Disney
This course explores the evolution and operation of subscription businesses, examining key components like membership benefits, subscription economics, and critical metrics such as retention and lifetime value. It includes interactive elements such as creating pitch decks, analyzing case studies, and engaging with industry-leading guest speakers, all designed to deepen understanding and foster innovation in the subscription economy.
Finance & Investing
Online
Christopher Canellos
Certified Public Accountant
Don’t let the complexity of personal finance intimidate you. This engaging and practical course will empower you to navigate the financial landscape with confidence. Learn to set and achieve financial goals, tame the Four Horsemen of Financial Planning, and unlock the secrets of investing in stocks and mutual funds.
Ronjon Nag
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford Medicine
Frank Sortino
Professor of Finance, Emeritus, SF State
Unlock the secrets of savvy investing by exploring key topics such as stocks and bonds, venture capital, the capital asset pricing model, the Sortino ratio, and emerging assets. Develop the skills to assess risk, evaluate investments, understand venture capital intricacies, and confidently engage with investment professionals. Gain a deeper understanding of these concepts and strategies to make informed investment decisions.
Leadership & Management
Nita Singh Kaushal
Founder, NSK Leadership and Miss CEO
This course is designed to help professionals, managers, and individuals responsible for direct and indirect reports skillfully manage up, down, and across their teams. Explore the communication techniques, strategic lenses, and initiative required to achieve alignment and gain recognition from leadership. Learn how to authentically build credibility and trust with direct and indirect reports so they feel empowered to deliver winning results and thrive professionally.
Erica Santoni
Executive Coach
Today more than ever, professionals face unpredictable career paths and need new skill sets to adapt and thrive. This empowering workshop equips professionals at all levels to navigate career transitions confidently. Learn how to develop transferable strengths, rapidly gain new competencies, and expand your network. Key topics include cultivating a growth mindset, bridging skill gaps, and crafting a compelling narrative.
Elatia Abate
Entrepreneur and Futurist
In the age of AI, change has accelerated from incremental to instantaneous. This interactive course teaches you to move beyond the binary thinking of the industrial age and think like a futurist, transforming unanticipated disruptions into actionable strategies. Learn to thrive in a world where expertise must evolve to keep pace with exponential innovation.
Susan Greene
Executive Leadership Coach
Breanna Hatcher
Leadership Coach and Facilitator
Concerned or confused about how to lead in our changing work environment? You are not alone. Embrace the opportunities within the evolving work landscape by developing high-velocity leadership skills. Drawing on contemporary best practices and guest speakers from various industries, this course will guide you in transforming conventional top-down leadership into collaborative leadership. You’ll discover the power of conscious communication, collaboration, and holistic strategies to thrive in your leadership journey.
Peter Lou
Vice President & Director of Advanced Analytics, Wells Fargo
Customer insights, operational efficiency, and product innovation all stem from one source: data. This course equips business managers, small-business owners, and aspiring data analysts with essential data science concepts for managerial roles. Learn to leverage data insights for informed decision-making and business success in areas such as predictive analytics, business forecasting, product profitability, and risk profiling.
Denise Rabius
Executive Coach, Stanford Graduate School of Business
This course empowers women leaders to navigate workplace challenges by enhancing their skills in strategic planning, resilience, influence, networking, self-promotion, and risk-taking. Through interactive lectures, role-plays, and coaching techniques, learn to advocate for yourself, build meaningful networks, communicate effectively, and present ideas with impact while fostering a strong executive presence.
Dikla Carmel-Hurwitz
Lecturer in Management, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Crafting a unique leadership style is essential for steering organizational decisions. In this interactive workshop, you’ll address challenges women leaders face, refine your leadership style, develop coaching tools, expand your leadership presence, and enhance strategic thinking for managing difficult conversations.
Tracy Wilk
Executive Coach
JeanAnn Nichols
Executive Mentor and Leadership Coach
Portraying executive presence involves projecting confidence, authenticity, and credibility in your interactions with others. This course covers the essential elements and strategies for creating a unique, personal approach using three distinct learning modules: increasing self-awareness and managing emotions, influencing the opinions of others, and developing executive presence.
Richard Kim
Co-Founder and Senior Systems Engineer, Aerospace Technical Services
This course teaches decision analysis, a field combining math, philosophy, and intuition to improve decision-making in both personal and business contexts. Learn powerful tools like influence diagrams, decision trees, and sensitivity analysis to avoid common decision traps, drawing on techniques used by large organizations such as Chevron and Pfizer.
Marketing
Misha Kouzeh
Founder, Tech Makes History
How can companies tap into the power of influencers to captivate their customers and increase sales and brand awareness? This unique marketing course equips students with the skills to design impactful influencer campaigns. Explore the psychological concepts that make influencers compelling, analyze case studies, and discuss the rise of AI-generated influencers and the complexities of blending both real and virtual worlds in campaigns.
Product Management
Lindsay Oishi
Senior Product Manager, Indeed
This interactive, fast-paced course offers an insider’s look into product management. Students will learn essential tools for understanding customer needs, defining and launching product features, and the importance of customer research, user stories, prototyping, and road mapping. The course also covers pathways to landing a PM job, including industry variations, tips for attracting recruiters, interview preparation, and negotiating compensation.
Kunal Punjabi
Product Management and Product Strategy Leader
Master the entire product management lifecycle, from idea generation and market research to effective product design and collaborative Agile methodologies. By learning the tools to create successful products and avoid common pitfalls, you’ll build the confidence and skills you need to excel in this highly influential field.
On Campus
Vikash Rungta
Lead Product Manager
This course is designed to equip product managers, startup founders, and technology strategists with a deep understanding of GenAI and its practical applications in product development. It offers real-life examples and hands-on learning experiences to explore how GenAI is revolutionizing the technology industry. Gain insights into strategic integration of GenAI into existing and future products, building technical skills and decision-making capabilities to effectively align product strategy, advancements in GenAI, and business goals.
On Campus
Edwin Oh
Managing Director, Infrastructure Group
What is the basic challenge that all businesses must solve to be viable? Matching what you have with what customers value and ultimately pay for. This course covers the “pre-work” necessary for a business plan and presents a systematic way to validate your business’s monetary potential. Learn the difference between a business idea and a monetizable business model, how to achieve product/market fit, and how to validate your model using core concepts in customer development, innovation marketing, product planning, and competitive strategy.
Technology & Data Science
Technology & Data Science
Embark on a journey through artificial intelligence, master a new coding language, or dive into the world of data science. We offer courses designed for all skill levels, from novices to seasoned programmers.
AI & Machine Learning
Gaurav Khanna
Senior Manager, Data Science and Digital Journeys, Cisco Systems
This course examines well-known AI technologies like natural language processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition. We will break each application down into its component parts to understand how the underlying technology works and why it’s most appropriate for particular use cases. Developing this practical understanding of different AI models will enable students to strategically implement AI tools to increase productivity, reduce costs, or create new products and revenue streams.
On Campus
Online
Ronjon Nag
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford Medicine
Whether you’re a product manager seeking to collaborate with data scientists, a software engineer craving AI exposure, or simply curious about the world of AI, this crash course is your gateway to unlocking the potential and unraveling the complexities of AI. Topics covered include neural networks, generative AI, large language models, and the societal and ethical aspects of AI applications.
Giancarlo Mori
CEO and Chief Architect, Movyl Group
Gain clarity amid the AI hype and unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning to drive your business forward. Join us for a comprehensive workshop where you’ll explore real-world applications, tools, and business cases that optimize pricing, marketing, sales, customer service, financial analysis, risk assessment, and more.
On Campus
Gauthier Vasseur
Business Analytics Leader and Strategist
Do you need to learn to code? Not necessarily. This hands-on course will present the keys to applying AI to your business without writing a single line of code. While logic and interest in analytics are important foundations for learning, no-code solutions are making the power of AI and ML accessible to anyone eager to see beyond traditional analysis.
Charlie Flanagan
Head of Applied AI, Balyasny Asset Management
Unlock the power of AI for business solutions by leveraging popular open-source tools like Python, Scikit-Learn, TensorFlow, spaCy, and Altair. Dive into the full workflow of problem identification to coding solutions, enriched with insights from data science experts and an optional capstone project to apply your new skills in a real-world scenario.
Hamza Farooq
Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota and Santa Clara University
This course offers a deep dive into the production of large language models, covering everything from machine learning algorithms and data engineering to ethical issues and practical applications like video game character development and personalized medicine. Students will gain hands-on experience with LLM architecture, learn to construct and deploy effective models, and tackle real-world problems using industry-standard practices.
Gregory Ryslik
CTO, Compass Pathways
Patrick Staples
Biostatistician and Data Scientist
Gain a high-level overview of some of the most common concepts in statistics that make AI and ML possible: inference and prediction. Learn about algorithms such as neural networks, random forests, and k-nearest neighbors, and how statistics are used to build and evaluate models. Real-world examples from healthcare, genetics, marketing, and manufacturing will be used.
Programming
Eli Lev
Technology Manager, Stanford Continuing Studies
This introductory course, designed for those with no computer science experience, teaches fundamental Python programming concepts, including control structures, loops, arrays, lists, and functions. By the end of the course, students will be able to write and build Python programs and solve problems programmatically.
Anja Lee
Data Product Professional and Executive Coach
In this introductory course, master essential data visualization skills using Python libraries like Pandas, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. Learn how to import, clean, and prepare data, create various plots, and evaluate visualization quality. Explore how generative AI is transforming visualization, and enhance your Python skills through hands-on practice.
Online
Matt Harrison
Principal Consultant and Corporate Trainer, MetaSnake
Discover how to perform data analysis using Python, covering data acquisition, cleaning, visualization, and inference. Utilizing popular open-source tools like Jupyter Notebook, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Scikit-Learn, learn to analyze categorical and numerical data, create and interpret visualizations, and provide comprehensive data summaries, correlations, and outliers.
AI Leadership Series
AI Leadership: A Three-Course Series
Artificial intelligence will have a profound impact on the way we work and on what shape our jobs and careers will take in years to come. In this three-course series, students will develop a deep and practical understanding of this new and transformative technology. They will explore the foundational underpinnings of AI and large language models, learn how to strategically select AI applications to meet specific business needs, and even have a chance to build their own AI-based solutions, with little or no coding needed. Students who complete the series will be able to seamlessly integrate AI into their own work processes and effectively lead AI initiatives within their organizations.
No prerequisites or prior experience with AI are required. Completing each course guarantees priority registration in the following quarter. Each course can be taken independently as well.
Fall 2024: Introducing AI Systems
Gaurav Khanna
Senior Manager, Data Science and Digital Journeys, Cisco Systems
This course examines well-known AI technologies such as natural language processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition. We will break each application down into its component parts to understand how the underlying technology works and why it’s most appropriate for particular use cases. Developing this practical understanding of different AI models will enable students to strategically implement AI tools to increase productivity, reduce costs, or create new products and revenue streams.
Winter 2025: Leading AI Transformation
Gauthier Vasseur
Business Analytics Leader and Strategist
This course offers frameworks and strategies for developing and implementing AI initiatives within organizations. Students will learn to identify high-impact AI use cases and align them with strategic business objectives. They will design a roadmap and requirements for bringing to life an AI solution, with particular emphasis placed on developing an AI vision, establishing an AI operating model, and fostering an AI-driven culture.
Spring 2025: Building and Scaling AI Solutions
Hamza Farooq
Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota and Santa Clara University
This course provides students with practical skills for developing, deploying, and scaling AI solutions. Students will gain hands-on experience working across the entire AI application lifecycle—from data processing and model training to deployment, monitoring, and optimization. They will also have the opportunity to experiment with low-code/no-code approaches to conceptualizing and building AI-based applications.
Writing Certificates
Writing Certificates
Have you always wanted to write a book? Our Novel Writing Certificate and Memoir Writing Certificate are designed to take you from initial inspiration to a polished manuscript.
Each certificate consists of six courses and is facilitated completely online. The two-year format of each program allows you to access courses from anywhere, participate in classes on your schedule, and receive invaluable feedback and encouragement from instructors and peers as you work toward completing your novel or memoir. Because the programs rely on dedicated, dynamic cohorts, admission is by application only.
To learn more about the curriculum, admission process, tuition, and instructors,
Public Programs
Public Programs
Continuing Studies is pleased to offer a variety of free public programs and special events every year, including lectures, readings, and webinars covering a broad range of subject areas from current affairs to the creative arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
Start your next chapter with a part-time, evening graduate degree in the liberal arts.
Stanford’s Master of Liberal Arts Program (MLA) offers an extraordinary opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study in the liberal arts and earn your master’s degree at one of the world’s great centers of learning. Designed with busy adults in mind, this part-time graduate degree program holds classes in the evenings and offers a flexible academic schedule.
I
n the MLA program, students form a close-knit cohort that takes courses taught by Stanford faculty. Areas of study include history of science, philosophy, literature, environmental studies, political science, history, and more. Students will hone their ability to write persuasively and creatively, develop compelling arguments, conduct original research, and integrate thinking from multiple disciplines. For many students, these are ends in themselves. For others, these skills serve them well in their professional lives.
MLA applications are accepted from September through January, with classes beginning in September of the following academic year. For more information on the program and admissions details, please visit: mla.stanford.edu.
Taking Stanford Continuing Studies courses can be excellent preparation for applying to the MLA program. Each quarter, the MLA program recommends courses that are similar in subject and format to seminars you would find in MLA study.
RECOMMENDED CONTINUING STUDIES COURSES: FALL 2024
© Robert Siegel
Whether you prefer the flexibility of online classes or the vibrant atmosphere of in-person sessions, we look forward to seeing you this Fall Quarter!
Registration opens August 19, 2024, and the quarter begins the week of September 23, 2024.
