Humanities
HISTORY & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES THE LATTER RENAISSANCE (1500 – 1650): FROM THE SISTINE CHAPEL TO SHAKESPEARE Anatole Sykley | Local Historian, Independent Scholar
The 16th and early 17th centuries ushered in a world that we, 500 years later, came to recognize as “modern.” Politics and religion intersected with science and culture to produce beautiful art and literature in Europe, while the rest of the world experienced the European style of colonial empires. From figures such as Galileo, who revolutionized the view of the universe, to Monteverdi, who revolutionized music, to King Henry VIII, who revolutionized Church-State relations, we can trace the beginnings of the modern world. Maps, references, and handouts will be provided. COURSE CODE: LARE Sec. 01: 8 Tuesdays, 3-5pm. Begins Jan. 14 | $250
AN AGE OF EMPIRES AND NATIONS: 1865-1922 Brian Bixby | Ph.D. in History, UMass Amherst
Telegraphic cables and colonial empires brought the planet together as never before. Electricity, aeroplanes, moving pictures: truly a world of wonders. It was the last age of heroic explorers such as Amundsen and lawmen such as Bat Masterson. But it was also an era of brutal exploitation, “scientific” racism, and national rivalries that exploded in the First World War. This class covers the broad panorama of world history in this era, and explains how it shaped our own lives. Bibliography and handouts included. COURSE CODE: EMNA Sec. 01: 6 Wednesdays, 3-5pm. Begins Jan. 15 | $190
RACE IN AMERICA: EVOLUTION OF A PROPHECY FROM BALDWIN TO COATES Joshua Frank | Local Educator
With critical reading and discussion of James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me, we will investigate how the prophecy of a racial reckoning in the United States has evolved over two generations. How is Baldwin present in Coates’ words? Are we moving toward or away from a new Reconstruction or a form of Redemption? Are we “a new nation struggling to be born”? We will explore each author’s meditations on the relationship between power, suffering, and beauty, alongside contemporary critics understandings of their ideas. Where do they, and we, locate hope? COURSE CODE: RAAM Sec. 01: 4 Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm. Begins Jan. 16 | $130
THE RISE AND “FALL” OF ANCIENT GREECE Anatole Sykley | Local Historian, Independent Scholar
Greek history begins with events of near myth and legend. The Gods on Mount Olympus, the Trojan Wars, and the rivalries of the Greek City States who differed on whether social discipline and militarism, or democracy and culture should be model for society. If Plato and Aristotle inquired into how humans think, act, and perceive the world of nature, Alexander the Great put it all into practice to expand the limits of Greek power and influence, creating a tension that we recognize today: does too much knowledge create too much power? Maps, references, and handouts will be provided. COURSE CODE: GREE Sec. 01: 8 Mondays, 3-5pm. Begins Jan. 27 | $250 No class Feb. 17 34
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AMERICAN POLITICAL SCANDALS Brian Bixby | Ph.D. in History, UMass Amherst
From Alexander Hamilton’s notorious liaison with Mrs. Reynolds, to Bill Clinton and Whitewater/Monica, national politicians have fallen under a cloud for financial and sexual improprieties. This class examines several major scandals, including the Peggy Eaton Affair, the Crédit Mobilier Scandal, the Teapot Dome, and Watergate. The changing nature of these scandals throws an illuminating light on the evolving relationship of Americans to their government and to their moral codes, as well as the power of gossip and social customs. Bibliography and handouts included. COURSE CODE: AMPS Sec. 01: 6 Thursdays, 3-5pm. Begins Feb. 13 | $190
UNDERSTANDING GENDER Alex Myers | Instructor in English, Phillips Exeter Academy
What is gender? Why does it matter? This class will explore and define the concept of gender identity. It will explain the differences between biological sex and gender, gender identity, and gender expression, as well as between gender and sexual orientation. Participants will have the chance to ask questions about transgender and non-binary gender identities and consider gender throughout different historical periods. COURSE CODE: TRAN Sec. 01: Sunday, 12-2pm. Mar. 1 | $50
CRADLE OF LIBERTY: HOW BOSTON STARTED THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Charles Bahne | Boston Historian
The first shots of the American Revolution, fired at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, were the culmination of a decade and a half of political unrest in and around Boston. Why was Massachusetts such a fertile ground for the seeds of rebellion? This class will explore how events and issues such as the Writs of Assistance, the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party set the stage for the War for Independence. The roles of James Otis, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Thomas Hutchinson will all be discussed. COURSE CODE: LBOS Sec. 01: Wednesday, 3-5pm. Mar. 4 | $50
WHITE PEOPLE CHALLENGING RACISM: MOVING FROM TALK TO ACTION - PART 1 Barbara Beckwith & Colin Stokes | Co-facilitators
People of all racial identities are welcome to join us as we focus on the role of white people in dismantling racism and building a just society. In these workshops, we use a multi-pronged approach to growing both our understanding and our capacity for action. In part1 we’ll examine the impact of white privilege and how being unaware of that advantage helps perpetuate racism. We’ll discuss short readings, videos, podcasts and other materials to enhance our understanding. We will share everyday situations we have confronted and using role plays, work out effective ways to respond to and challenge racism. Each participant will develop a specific plan for challenging racism (in the workplace, organizations, community and personal circles) and will be encouraged to find other people in their lives who can provide support and serve as allies in implementing the plan. COURSE CODE: WPCR Sec. 01: 3 Saturdays, 9:30am-1pm. Begins Mar. 7 | $90 No class Mar. 21