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+--- Thread: Basic Program Student Cited by Supreme Court (/Thread-Basic-Program-Student-Cited-by-Supreme-Court)
Basic Program Student Cited by Supreme Court - Charles Fout - 09-05-2026
This is so very cool. David Collins is in my Basic Program cohort.
"David Collins, a current student in the Graham School’s Basic Program, recently had research from his doctoral studies cited by Justice Amy Coney Barrett in a U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion in an election law case. A practicing lawyer with a long-standing interest in history, David pursued his graduate studies part time while building his legal career and now continues his engagement with ideas through courses at Graham."
"When the U.S. Supreme Court recently considered a significant election law case, Watson v RNC, Justice Amy Coney Barrett cited and quoted from David’s scholarship, Absentee Soldier Voting in Civil War Law and Politics, in her majority opinion. David, now a student in the Graham School’s Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults, was surprised to see research from his doctoral studies enter a current legal discussion."
"Pursuing a lifelong interest in history, he undertook graduate studies at Wayne State University starting late in his legal career. He earned his PhD in 2014, at the age of 69."
https://graham.uchicago.edu/article/supreme-court/
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf
RE: Basic Program Student Cited by Supreme Court - Mint Berry Crunch - 09-06-2026
(09-05-2026, 08:31 AM)Charles Fout Wrote: This is so very cool. David Collins is in my Basic Program cohort.
"David Collins, a current student in the Graham School’s Basic Program, recently had research from his doctoral studies cited by Justice Amy Coney Barrett in a U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion in an election law case. A practicing lawyer with a long-standing interest in history, David pursued his graduate studies part time while building his legal career and now continues his engagement with ideas through courses at Graham."
"When the U.S. Supreme Court recently considered a significant election law case, Watson v RNC, Justice Amy Coney Barrett cited and quoted from David’s scholarship, Absentee Soldier Voting in Civil War Law and Politics, in her majority opinion. David, now a student in the Graham School’s Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults, was surprised to see research from his doctoral studies enter a current legal discussion."
"Pursuing a lifelong interest in history, he undertook graduate studies at Wayne State University starting late in his legal career. He earned his PhD in 2014, at the age of 69."
https://graham.uchicago.edu/article/supreme-court/
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf
I was curious about what this program is. From an outside view in, it looks like it's pretty much a book club, but more in depth (just my thoughts). As I was reading through the curriculum overview, I couldn't help but notice that I have either heard of the books or I've already read them. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it says that the tuition is $580 - and it looks like each "Year" has broken down weeks with assigned books. Are those "Weeks" the courses? I would imagine that the cost would add up very quickly. Hopefully these courses are worth college credits. Is there a degree or a certificate at the end of the program?
RE: Basic Program Student Cited by Supreme Court - Charles Fout - 09-07-2026
You are pretty close with your thoughts regarding the basic program.
It is basically a book club for adults.
We have three terms each year - fall, winter, and spring. we meet once a week to discuss what we read. the Graham School also has open enrollment courses and travel study courses. I participate in all of my classes via Zoom. The Graham School also offers in-person lasses in Chicago.
It is a noncredit certificate program.I hope to travel to Chicago next spring to receive my certificate.
The tuition, you note, $580 per term appears to be correct. It is worth every penny, in my opinion. The Basic Program is not eligible for any GI Bill funding because it is non credit.
The Graham school is set up for life-long learning. I may start an alumni sequence sometime after I have completed the Basic Program
(09-07-2026, 05:19 AM)Charles Fout Wrote: You are pretty close with your thoughts regarding the Basic Program.
It is basically a book club for adults.
We have three terms each year - fall, winter, and spring. we meet once a week to discuss what we read. the Graham School also has open enrollment courses and travel study courses. I participate in all of my classes via Zoom. The Graham School also offers in-person lasses in Chicago.
It is a noncredit certificate program.I hope to travel to Chicago next spring to receive my certificate.
The tuition, you note, $580 per term appears to be correct. It is worth every penny, in my opinion. The Basic Program is not eligible for any GI Bill funding because it is non credit.
The Graham school is set up for life-long learning. I may start an alumni sequence sometime after I have completed the Basic Program