Current and Upcoming Courses
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]
Upcoming Courses
What insights can art, literature, film, and music provide about Black life in the western United States? This dynamic six-week course invites you to explore the rich history of people of African descent in the American West, from Spanish colonization to the late twentieth century. We will examine key topics such as the complexities of […]
Forests represent some of the planet’s most vital ecosystems, covering substantial areas and significantly influencing human society and the global economy. However, human activities, especially climate change, are profoundly reshaping forest structures and functions. In this course, we will explore the diverse types of Earth’s forests and woodlands, uncovering their exceptional characteristics. We’ll examine the […]
The Spanish Civil War unfolded in what a distinguished historian once referred to as a backwater of Europe. This conflict marked the final chapter in a century-and-a-half-long civil struggle between forces seeking reform and those clinging to reactionary ideals. It represented two opposing visions of the nation: one looking forward and the other rooted in […]
The short story is a meticulously structured literary form that requires discipline in its plot and structure. In science fiction, this format pushes boundaries by integrating groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements crucial to the narrative. This summer seminar invites you to explore a curated selection of short stories by diverse authors, fostering in-depth discussions that […]
Fall Registration Will Open: Monday, August 4, 2025 at 8 AM (AZ Time) Love Conquers All? Reading Desire in Ancient Roman Literature Professor Sarah McCallum | Tuesdays 2 – 4 PM Sept 2 — 23 Philosophy and Literature: Existentialism Guest Professor Steven Taubeneck | Thursdays 10 AM – 12 PM Sept 4 — Oct 2 […]
This course focuses on East European, Russian, and Soviet science fiction and fantasy, with readings drawn from the nineteenth century through the present. We will discuss these works as both anchored in their particular cultural-historical circumstances and also for their contribution to the development of sci-fi and fantasy as world genres. The course will survey […]
This course explores the pressing issue of political tribalism, often known as affective polarization, which many believe poses a significant threat to our democratic institutions. We will critically examine the nature of these tribalistic ideologies, drawing insights from contemporary social science and philosophical research. Our discussions will focus on how these ideologies negatively affect cognitive […]
Russia has never gotten Pasternak’s Dr. Zhivago out of its system. This course will take us deep into the most controversial novel written during the Soviet era. Tolstoyan in its sweep, Dr. Zhivago is a stunning indictment of the system that attempted to engineer human life and an equally stunning meditation on the power of […]
This course will focus on the scientific field of dendrochronology (from dendron=tree and chronos=time), or tree-ring science, and what it can tell us about the past, present and future. We will explore the fascinating history of how the science was developed by a pioneering astronomer interested in solar cycles; how it works; how it has […]
This course continues the exploration of the United States Supreme Court and its role in deciding fundamental social questions. After an introductory class on the Court, we will focus on landmark cases involving race in education, abortion, Second Amendment, and election law. Readings will include edited versions of the Court’s opinions. The final class will […]