Democracy and Knowledge: SAS Commons Fall Courses and Events

As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and debate the future of democracy here in the US and around the world, it is a good time to explore the role of universities, higher education, and especially the many disciplines associated with schools of arts and sciences in sustaining democratic practices and democratic citizenship.

The theme of the SAS Commons for 2026-27 and 2027-28 is Democracy and Knowledge.

Students, you will find on this website a list of fall 2026 courses—in departments and programs across the natural and physical sciences, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities—taught by SAS faculty who are committed to exploring some aspect of that theme in their classes this semester.   

The list is not exhaustive at all. But it is a great place to start as you consider fall course options. Plus, taking a SAS Commons: Democracy and Knowledge course in Fall 2026 or a subsequent semester will also open up invitations to special events related to the theme, now and in the future.