Speaking Up and Writing Down

Giving Voice to Our Own Stories

So many of us enjoy writing, but instead of sharing our work, we accumulate boxes of journals, drawers of poems, files of essays, stories, etc. We keep meaning to write down our insights and experiences, but can’t seem to regularly make space for this to happen. If you’d like help giving voice to your stories, freeing them from memory, letting them have their own life to see where they might lead—this class is for you. Through in-class prompts, vignettes, essays, etc. we’ll experiment with a variety of narrative techniques in search of the larger narrative voice in our writing: the voice that discerns theme, pattern, and metaphor running through our lives: the voice that is more reliable and fresh than memory: the voice which is still evolving and learning. Whether you’re putting together family stories or seeking to publish an essay, a memoir, or any other creative non-fiction project—or you simply want more vibrancy, clarity, and freedom in your writing—this class will let you explore, be heard and get feedback in a supportive environment. We’ll practice getting out of our heads, onto the page, and into a larger life! Returning writers are always welcome to come again and continue their projects.


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Exploring Egypt’s Influential Neighbor

The Archaeology and History of Ancient Nubia

Discover Nubia, the “silent partner” to ancient Egypt’s grandeur. The source of technologies, raw goods (e.g., gold), mercenaries, and considerable interconnections, Nubia shaped ancient Egypt far more extensively than is generally understood. Meanwhile, Nubia supported several powerful, independent, millennia-long kingdoms of its own, including the Kerma and the Kush. Across five lectures, organized chronologically, we will explore the sites that were most critical to the development of ancient Nubian civilizations and have yielded its most spectacular discoveries. The archaeological and textual evidence and their importance are explained. Emphasis will be on the Kerma culture (ca. 2500-1500 BC), the 25th Dynasty/Napatans (ca. 900-300 BC), and the Meriotic kingdom (ca. 300 BC to AD 300).

Week 1: Introduction to Ancient Egypt & Nubia

Week 2: Nubia in the Beginning

Week 3: The Kerma Period

Week 4: The Kingdom of Kush

Week 5: The Pyramids and Royal Cemeteries of Nuri

Professor Creasman’s exciting work at the royal pyramids of Nuri has recently been featured by National Geographic:

Check your local listings for a National Geographic television documentary about the “Black Pharoahs” which will include several projects in ancient Nubia.


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Caravaggio and Annibale Carracci

The Heart and Mind of Early Baroque

The world exalts Caravaggio for his dramatic light and intense naturalism whereas Annibale Carracci is little known, for his ideal beauty and energized classicism. Why has one become a towering figure of the Western Canon and the other only appreciated by students and specialists of the Italian Baroque? These two contemporaries approached the reform of painting at the end of the Sixteenth Century from entirely different directions. Discover how the intensity of Caravaggio and the sensuality of Annibale Carracci converged to create and influence all the glories and excesses of the Baroque and discuss how their works remain powerful and relevant today.

Week 1: The Italy of the Counter Reformation and the need for Reform – The Rome of the late Sixteenth Century. What is old is new again. The Bolognese Academy of Painting of Annibale Carracci and the early Career of Caravaggio.

Week 2: The Early Baroque in Rome – Caravaggio in the circle of Cardinal Francesco Maroia Del Monte and the erotics of Faith. The Saint Matthew Cycle in the Contarelli Chapel for the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi.

Week 3: Annibale Carracci and the Palazzo Farnese – Glorious Classicism and Wondrous Sensualism. The establishment of Baroque Ceiling Painting and the desire for Fame….but with a sense of humor.

Week 4: Rome in 1601 – Drama, drama, and more drama. Annibale and Caravaggio collaborate to create the Cerasi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo. The establishment of an artistic tradition.

Week 5: When Titans Fall – The late careers of Carracci and Caravaggio, still brilliant but falling into melancholia and violence. The profound influence of Annibale and Caravaggio on younger artists and formation of the Baroque ideal.


Instructor: Kevin Justus

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Amazing iPhone – Session 1

Basics, Basics, Basics!

Together we will navigate through your amazing iPhone and simplify the complexities, then learn how to use your day-to-day features. The course covers topics like: making a phone call, sending a text message, a camera tutorial, and much more. We will dive into the different intricacies of these essential features when using your iPhone on a daily basis in this participatory workshop. There will be tutorials, discussion, and hands-on guides to using your phone. This this simple yet informative course is perfect for new users and those who would like to review the basics before continuing their technology journey.


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