The cornerstone of HILR is our peer-created, peer-led curriculum. Our program participants develop and lead the courses offered every semester. Each course starts with a proposal to the HILR Curriculum Committee, whose review process helps peers refine their course plan and description. Most HILR courses are seminar style, with an emphasis on discussion. Courses meet weekly for 2 hours and run for 6, 10, or 12 weeks, with class sizes typically ranging from 12-25.
Whether leading their first course or their twentieth, HILR participants find that exploring new areas of academic interest and sharing their knowledge with their peers is both stimulating and deeply rewarding.
Course Topics
The depth and breadth of our curriculum reflect the vocations and avocations of our academic community, as well as Harvard’s rich tradition of the liberal arts. Each catalogue features 70-80 courses, all produced by and for the program community.
The following topics are typically represented every year:
- Art and architecture
- Biology
- Domestic and International Politics
- Environmental Science
- History
- Literature
- Music
- Philosophy
- Technology
At HILR, there are weekly reading assignments to prepare for class but no exams, papers, or grades. Our participants, possessing an innate intellectual curiosity, are here for the sheer joy of learning. They find immense pleasure in exploring topics that satisfy their quest for knowledge and discovery.
How It Works
Registration
Once admitted to the program, HILR participants pay a comprehensive program fee each semester. That fee covers all program benefits, including placement in up to three courses per semester. Course placement is conducted via an algorithm, with participants indicating courses of greatest interest and alternates along with preferred course load as part of the biannual registration process
Schedules
Courses run for either the full semester or a half semester, and they meet once a week Monday through Thursday.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| September to December | February to May |
| 6- and 12-week course options | 6-, 10-, and 12-week course options |
| Classes meet: | Classes meet: |
| Once a week, Monday–Thursday | Once a week, Monday–Thursday |
| 10 am–noon or 1–3 pm | 10 am–noon or 1–3 pm |