This advanced course focuses on two primary goals: (1) appraising how Jews, Christians, and Muslims shaped the history of medieval Spain and (2) mastering the craft of Spanish paleography, the skill of identifying Spanish handwriting in the 11th- through 15th-century manuscripts. Through the lens of the medieval history of Burgos, we dedicate 75% percent of our efforts to … [Read more...] about Burgos: Deciphering Secrets of Medieval Spain
History
Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
This is an introductory level course about the history and philosophy of astronomy, the oldest science. We'll look at how humans learned to ask questions about the universe, and even before the invention of modern instruments like the telescope, learned some amazing things about their place in nature. We will start with prehistoric cultures who kept accurate calendars and move … [Read more...] about Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
Structuring Values in Modern China
This sequence of four courses will propose a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Chinese cultural history conceived of as a succession of modes of rationality (philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic). The focus will be on the moments of paradigm shift from one mode of rationality to another. For each of these moments, cultural facts and artifacts—thought, … [Read more...] about Structuring Values in Modern China
The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974
This course will survey the music of the Rolling Stones, beginning with the roots and first formation of the band in the early 1960s, and following the group through the release of It's Only Rock 'n' Roll in late 1974. … [Read more...] about The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974
Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan
This sequence of four courses will propose a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Chinese cultural history conceived of as a succession of modes of rationality (philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic). The focus will be on the moments of paradigm shift from one mode of rationality to another. For each of these moments, cultural facts and artifacts—thought, … [Read more...] about Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan
