Fall 2008 course listing

Humanities

HU44 IMAGES OF IDEAS #1

Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Dates: 5 sessions, October 15 - November 12
Instructors: James and Kay Greene

The frameworks we use to perceive the world, to a great degree, determine how we choose to act in it. If this statement is true, then the great questions of philosophy are essential for a fulfilled life. We will explore frameworks from art, economics, politics, and science. We will discover why some of these frameworks involve mortal questions, literally life and death situations. We will use art, music, and literature to make them real. This history of ideas course is part one of a two-part series. It will center on world ideas before the 20th century. Class limited to 20 students.

HU84 INTERNATIONAL FILM

Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Dates: 5 sessions, September 9 - October 7
Instructors: Betty and Gary Grunder

World War II as a theme has inspired hundreds of films from action and battle depictions to psychological thrillers and espionage. This course will look at film focused on the impact of the war on civilians from the perspective of different nationalities. Most films are subtitled and some contain some nudity. Class limited to 35 students.

NEW! HU104 KING LEAR, BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, PAIRED WITH KUROSAWA'S RAN

Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dates: 10 sessions, September 9 - November 18
Instructor: Louis A. DeCatur

Both plays deal with an aging king who divides his kingdom among his daughters (or sons, in the case of Ran) to avoid the responsibilities of rule. His decision leads to chaos in his family life, and later, to war and death. This is Shakespeare's greatest tragedy. Japan's finest dramatic artist imitates Shakespeare in his story of warring sons. Subtitles will be provided for members of the audience whose Japanese has fallen into disfavor. Students should purchase the Folger Shakespeare Library edition of King Lear. We will watch the film of Ran as well as several excellent versions of King Lear. Class limited to 50 students.

NEW! HU105 CO-CREATING RELATIONSHIPS: MAKING LOVE OUT OF NOTHING AT ALL

Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Dates: 10 sessions, September 11 - November 13
Instructor: David A. Schulz

Love is such a mysterious, paradoxical word. When we say, "I love you!" we think that everyone knows what we mean, but when we ask, "What does love mean?" we get so many different answers. Why is this? Could it be that every loving relationship is different because the lovers are different and do not really share the same world? We don't fall in love, we make love – sometimes "out of nothing at all." In our discussions, we will share some of our experience in co-creating intimate relationships and broaden our understanding of this "many splendored thing." Class limited to 20 students.