About Us

Winter Quarter: Letter from the Assistant Dean

Dear Friends,

As winter draws near, many of us seek warmth, comfort, and new ways to engage our minds. It’s the perfect season to explore opportunities to learn and come together in our classrooms. In my family, this time of year means hearty meals like boeuf bourguignon and roast chicken, cooked together and enjoyed around the table. Even our 7th and 9th graders—despite typical teenage preoccupations—are curious to discuss what their parents learn in Continuing Studies courses and how that relates to their own classes at school. We hope you enjoy time with good food and family too, and if you happen to overindulge like I do in December, never fear—we have wellness and health options!

This winter, we are excited to again feature courses from some of Stanford’s iconic faculty and lecturers. Alex Nemerov returns with a new iteration of “How to Look at Art and Why,” featuring Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic masters, inviting us to experience art in a deeper, transformative way. Historians David Kennedy and Jim Sheehan offer “World War II: Five Controversies and Their Enduring Legacy,” a course that revisits key debates such as the war’s long-term impact on international relations and offers a fresh perspective on how these pivotal moments resonate today. Margo Horn will explore “Global Women Leaders: Past, Present, and Future,” examining influential female leaders throughout history and how they have shaped today’s world. Stanford economist Scott Rozelle will present “The Chinese Economy: From Ancient Roots to Global Power,” a timely look at China’s rise. For those who fancy a touch of mysticism, literature professor Robert Harrison invites us on a journey to explore “Where Mind Meets Matter: The Spirit of Planet Earth.”

Speaking of icons, we’re honored to have Tara VanDerveer—fresh off her retirement as the winningest college basketball coach in NCAA history—lead “Basketball: A Masterclass,” which delves into her experience with key milestones in sports history, including the impact of Title IX, the formation of the WNBA, and Stanford’s national championship seasons. The course offers unique insight into coach VanDerveer’s Hall of Fame career and will feature an array of luminary guests from both college and professional sports.

For aspiring authors looking to tap into their creative side, “The Business of Books: Publishing Options for the Aspiring Author” with Emma Nelson, editorial director of Owl Hollow Press, offers valuable guidance. If you’d prefer to dance away the winter blues, legendary hip hop instructor Ronnie Reddick’s “Introduction to Hip Hop Dance” offers a refreshing escape. For those who want to kickstart a banner year, psychologist, best-selling author, and longtime friend of the program Kelly McGonigal returns with “The Science and Practice of Joyful Living.”

No matter your interests, we hope you’ll discover something challenging, nostalgic, surprising, or entirely new to immerse yourself in within our lineup. Thank you for your continued support of Continuing Studies, happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you in class!