Humanities

Six Twentieth Century Musical Masters

Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Stravinsky

Through a series of six on-demand video presentations combining lecture and piano performance, explore the revolutionary work of these composers while learning more about their lives, friendships and political influences.

Wednesdays, Sept 22 - Dec 1

Instructor: Alexander Tentser

Tracking the Footprints of Humanity

Perspectives from archaeology and paleoanthropology

Consider some of the major questions related to seven topics in the origins of humanity: evolution, bipedalism, encephalization, the development of tools and technologies, human expansion, art and cave paintings, and learn about recent discoveries in the field.

Thursdays, Sept 30- Nov 18th
10:00am - noon

Instructor: Matthew J. Rowe

Another Openin’ Another Show!

The Saga of American Musical Theatre

As Broadway comes back to life and the theatres re-open, it’s a perfect time to celebrate America’s great gift to world: Musical Theatre! Explore the history and evolution of this uniquely American form of lyric theatre from its inception to Hamilton and toast the tunesmiths and stars of Broadway.

Tuesdays, Oct 5 - Nov 9
10:00am - noon

Instructor: Richard T. Hanson

Best Friends and Betrayal

Explore the tumultuous friendship of Langston Hughes, often called the “Dean of African American Authors” and Zora Neale Hurston, often considered the most sassy, outspoken and independent woman writer of the times.

Fridays, Oct 15 - Nov 12
10:00am - noon

Instructor: William A. Fry

Dutch Painting in the Golden Age of Hals, Rembrandt and Vermeer

In six on-demand video presentations we will examine the variety, beauty and innovative qualities of the Golden Age as we view and interpret landscapes, portraits, still life and genre scenes, placing them in cultural and historical context.

Mondays, Oct 18 - Nov 22

Instructor: Kevin Justus

FDR, The New Deal and The World Crisis, 1932-1945

The New Deal continues to resonate in American life and politics with the recent discussion surrounding the “Green New Deal” This series of four in-person lectures will focus on what the “real” New Deal intended and achieved and its impact on organized labor, the environment, popular culture and more.

Wednesdays, Oct 20 - Nov 10
10:00am - noon

Instructor: Michael Schaller

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous in Ancient Egypt

In seven on-demand video presentations, this course will cover kingship in Egypt from its ill-understood beginnings among prehistoric tribal chiefdoms, through the surprisingly early climax of royal power manifested by the construction of the Great Pyramid in Giza and more…

Mondays, Nov 1 - Dec 13

Instructor: Pearce Paul Creasman