National Symposium for Classical Education Celebrates 250 Years of Jane Austen

“2025 marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen,” shared Colleen Sheehan, Professor of Politics in the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University. Sheehan will be a panelist at the National Symposium for Classical Education, joining Sir Jonathan Bate, Regents Professor of Literature and Foundation Professor of Environmental Humanities at Arizona State University—who will also present a keynote at the symposium—and Inger S. B. Brodey, Professor and Associate Dean at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for the highly anticipated panel discussion, “Forever Young: Jane Austen at 250.”

Hosted by the Great Hearts Institute, the symposium will take place at the Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Arizona, from February 19–21. This prestigious event will bring together educators, scholars, and thought leaders to explore the richness of classical education through various insightful presentations.

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“Her novels have been read and loved for generations and are still considered not only beautifully written but also guides to living life well,” added Sheehan. “Like the timelessness of her work and art, Jane Austen remains ‘forever young.’”

Jane Austen, born on December 16, 1775, was an English novelist whose six major works offer keen insight into the social structures and expectations of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her novels, including well known titles like Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were celebrated for their wit, irony, and sharp social commentary, explore themes of class, marriage, and economic security, particularly as they relate to women. Austen’s writing, which subtly critiques the sentimental novels of her time, played a pivotal role in shaping 19th-century literary realism. Since her death in 1817, Austen’s novels have rarely been out of print, remaining widely studied and cherished for their timeless exploration of human relationships and society.

The panel will commemorate Austen’s 250th birthday while tackling a question that remains as compelling as ever: Why do we continue to love her? More than two centuries after she first penned her keen social observations, Austen’s novels remain beloved across cultures and generations. Her works have not only stood the test of time but have also inspired an entire industry of modern-day “Austenalia,” captivating audiences even on platforms like TikTok.

Despite living in an era vastly different from our own, Austen’s wit, wisdom, and insight into human nature resonate just as powerfully today. Her novels take on issues as relevant now as they were in Regency England. Her prose, often likened to a string of perfectly placed pearls, weaves together charm, humor, and sharp social critique in a way few writers have ever matched.

This panel discussion will explore the lasting appeal of Austen’s work, examining how her narrative brilliance, deep understanding of human virtue and vice, and masterful social commentary continue to captivate readers. Whether through literary analysis or modern adaptations, Austen’s genius endures, securing her place among the most revered figures in literary history.

Join us at the National Symposium for Classical Education in “Cultivating Wonder.” Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in an enriching experience with some of the brightest minds in classical education. REGISTER NOW and be part of the conversation shaping the future of classical education.

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