Outrageous Ambitions: How a One-Room Schoolhouse Became a Research University
Learning
The curriculum of the school has evolved from a handful of course options in the earliest days to today’s wide-ranging selection of classes. Presidents and administrators were intimately involved in teaching and learning, and thought creatively about how to expand educational offerings.
Braxton Craven Geology Lecture Notes
Braxton Craven, who was president of the school from 1842-1882, taught nearly all classes offered at Trinity at one point or another. These are lecture notes from a class he taught on geology.
Forestry Class, 1950s
Duke has long encouraged unconventional learning. This photograph of students in a forestry class in the field dates from the 1950s.
Student Petition for Creative Writing Class
This petition, submitted to President Few around 1933, was signed by students interested in taking a creative writing class. It is particularly notable because of Duke’s rich history with creative writing. There are several very successful novelists who are Duke alumni, including Pulitzer Prize-winners William Styron and Anne Tyler, and longtime faculty member Reynolds Price.
Braxton Craven Constitutional Law Lecture Notes
Braxton Craven, who was president of the school from 1842-1882, taught nearly all classes offered at Trinity at one point or another. These are his notes from a constitutional law lecture he delivered on slavery.
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Class at the Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, 1940s
Duke has long encouraged unconventional learning. This photograph of women conducting experiments at the Marine Laboratory in Beaufort dates from the 1940s.
1873 Valedictory Address
The valedictory speech given at the 1873 Trinity College graduation ceremony in Randolph County.
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