In “Hawai`i’s Ancient Past,” we delve into the islands’ rich history and evolution—spanning natural phenomena, the Polynesian settlers, and the unique ecosystem developed in isolation. Through interdisciplinary research including biology, archaeology, and linguistics, we uncover a story far different and more nuanced than previously known. The course covers the volcanic origins and unique biodiversity of […]

Unlike comedy and tragedy, the history play was a recent form when Shakespeare turned to it. Depending on the play’s historical sources, the plot could follow either a tragic or a comic pattern and conclude either in resolution and triumph or in conflict and defeat. This seminar will examine the plot of the plays and […]

Explore the concept of collective intelligence, where group behavior leads to efficient problem-solving. Discover how natural and engineered systems, like ant colonies, cellular societies, and computer networks, exhibit intelligent behaviors similar to human organizations. Focus on self-organization, where complex structures naturally emerge from simple interactions, observed in biological ecosystems, physical processes, and social systems like […]

Christianity is no longer primarily a western religion. In 1900, 82 percent of all Christians lived in Europe and North America. Today, that percentage has shrunk to 30 percent. Still, there are now just as many Christians across the world as there were in 1900. What has taken place is a dramatic shift toward the […]

“Using one word for another isn’t special; it’s what we do all the time. Translators just do it in two languages,” professor and translator David Bellos has written. In this course, we will explore literature from around the world, gaining deeper insight by examining these works through the lens of translation. We will take a […]

In this seminar, we will explore how democratic ways of living can help us sustain democracy in dark times. Our country has been characterized as a “faltering” democracy for more than a decade by international monitoring groups. Commentators have focused on the rise of authoritarian populism around the world and a widespread dehumanization of daily […]

This course will explore four contemporary novels by four women authors inspired by Homer’s two great epics The Iliad and The Odyssey. Inheriting an almost 3000-year-old literary legacy, the last 25 years have seen an astonishing profusion of Homer-inspired creative works in film, television and literature. Equally notable is the profusion of novels by women […]

In this engaging four-week course, we delve into Antonín Dvořák’s iconic Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, celebrated as one of the greatest contributions to the cello repertoire. Through captivating presentations and live performances, participants will journey through the concerto’s development, explore Dvořák’s life, the concerto’s narrative power, and uncover the rich performance traditions associated with […]

This seminar will be taught by several professors in the Department of German Studies. Classes will focus on areas of each professor’s expertise and range from the Middle Ages to contemporary German literature, culture, and language. Key topics include medieval architecture, abolitionist literature about slavery, the modern Jewish experience, the culture of the Weimar Republic, […]

Embark on a captivating journey through the intricacies of Zen Buddhism. This course offers an in-depth exploration of its rich history, core tenets, and relevance in both Eastern and Western societies. Delve into a diverse array of perspectives, from philosophy and history to psychology and contemporary applications. By the course’s conclusion, you will possess a […]

Eating is not merely a biological function but a fascinating behavior that reflects the intricate relationship between humans and their food. Unlike other species, humans profoundly transform their food, from cultivating wild apples to crafting them into diverse culinary creations. This human-centric approach to food—encompassing cultivation, preparation, and consumption—sets us apart and mirrors our complex […]

This course delves into the divergent perspectives of America as depicted by Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell. Rockwell captures the nation’s warmth and unity, while Hopper exposes its solitude. We will examine how their portrayals of color, class, and gender mirror wider American stories. Our analysis will be informed by literature such as “Winesburg, Ohio” […]

This course delves into the millennia-old partnership between humans and horses, revealing how it has influenced transportation, sports, and warfare. We’ll explore the evolution and science behind horse movement, highlighting its impact on society. Special attention is given to selective breeding, examining how draft horses and thoroughbred racehorses are tailored for specific tasks. The course […]