Stanford Continuing Studies

10/08/2026

Gain fresh insights into history, science, politics, and culture.

The Stanford Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series starts online October 21.

Dan Edelstein examines the history of revolution. Jessica Riskin explores the question of “life,” the origins of evolutionary thought, and debates in biology that shape our understanding of science. Brandice Canes-Wrone offers a historically grounded analysis of the 2026 midterm elections. And Michele Elam analyzes AI as it reshapes contemporary life. A Q&A will follow each 45-minute session.

Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/4zLbH2u

10/07/2026

“Farm to Palette: Watercolor Painting for Beginners” starts online October 19.

Pick up a brush and learn to paint the vibrant colors and forms of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers. Using techniques like blending, color mixing, and layering, you’ll create your own nature-inspired watercolors.

Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/4hVZ9z5

10/06/2026

What turns talent into extraordinary achievement?

Join us to explore the forces that shaped the remarkable lives of Marie Curie, Emily Dickinson, Steve Jobs, Alan Turing, and others.

“The Making of Genius: Creativity, Purpose, and Extraordinary Achievement” starts online October 22.

Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/3UrU8o7

10/01/2026

Wood, books, ice, fog…

Artists don’t choose their materials by accident. Explore how unexpected materials can shape meaning and change the way we experience art.

Our new online course “Medium as Message: How Materials Shape Meaning in Art” starts October 13. Learn more and enroll today:

What if the key to understanding a work of art lies not in what it depicts, but in what it’s made of? This course explores artworks in which medium and message are inseparable—where artists deliberately choose materials to carry meaning. Each session focuses on different media, from traditional ...

09/30/2026

How did an isolated samurai society become one of the world’s most powerful modern nations in just a century?

Join us to trace Japan’s remarkable transformation from the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate through the Meiji reforms, imperial expansion, and World War II.

“From Samurai to Superpower: Japan’s Modern Century, 1850–1950” starts online October 8.

Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/4gAbzdL

09/29/2026

Put on your walking shoes and come to campus!

Join Stanford Campus Preservation Architect and Director Sapna Marfatia and curator Patch Crowley as they share the Cantor Arts Center’s remarkable architecture and art.

In guided tours, discussions, and design analysis, you’ll trace the building’s evolution from an innovative engineering achievement built in 1894 to the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Along the way, you’ll learn about the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes, Jane Stanford’s global travels, and the Stanford family’s collecting legacy.

“The Cantor Arts Center: A Story of Art, Architecture, and Reslience” starts October 10. Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/4xkXVCk

09/28/2026

Reimagining Democracy: Free Event Series Starts October 7

We are proud to present the third annual "Reimagining Democracy," a weekly speaker series produced with the Office of Community Engagement, the Stanford Democracy Hub, and the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. Hosted by Dean Debra Satz and Professor Larry Diamond, the series will bring together leading Stanford scholars to explore how we might reimagine and strengthen democratic values and governance, at home and around the world.

These online sessions are free and open to everyone. We hope you'll join us!

Learn more and register today: stanford.io/4yMPlMP

09/24/2026

Go behind the scenes at HBO and Apple TV!

We’ll explore the creative, financial, and logistical decisions that shape movies and television—and the producers who bring them to life.

“The Producer’s Chair: How Movies and TV Get Made” starts October 12.

Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/4hIJNhh

09/23/2026

Friendship is not accidental—it’s a practice. Join us for “Connected: The Psychology and Practice of Building Friendship,” an online course with Tony Shen (More Friendship) where we’ll explore the science of meaningful relationships and try practical, weekly exercises to build stronger connections.

Class starts October 5. Registration is now open! Learn more and enroll today:

Friendship is a practice and doesn’t happen magically on its own. Decades of research show that the single most important factor for a healthier and happier life is good relationships. Yet in our busy, digital world, the difficulty of sustaining close ties fuels a loneliness epidemic. This course ...

09/22/2026

Follow the rise of four remarkable capitals that helped shape modern Europe. From imperial ambitions and revolutionary upheavals to artistic innovation and intellectual transformation, 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻, and 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮 have left an enduring mark.

Join us online for “Cities of Intrigue,” starting October 9.

Learn more and enroll today: stanford.io/4qxq6va