At the heart of modern ideals of romance, courtly love was not as straightforward as it seems. In this lecture, we will track the feudal origins of courtly love, its inversion of gender roles, and the love poems that have immortalized the idea of women "on a pedestal."
Please be sure to register by the day before the class at the latest. You will receive an invitation email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. Click here for a tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting.

Using the surviving records from her heresy trial, this lecture explores Joan of Arc's life and legacy. We will discuss Joan's incredible journey through the Hundred Years' War, the legal process of Church inquisition, and the search for female voices in the historical record.
Please be sure to register by the day before the class at the latest. You will receive an invitation email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. Click here for a tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting.

How did we come to believe that Ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture was meant to be white marble? The evidence of color on sculptures and buildings has been there from the beginning. Yet, most art historians chose to ignore it. Instead, scholars for centuries glorified the purity and idealism of ancient forms in white marble. Today, abundant new research, aided with new technologies, and forceful reconstructions of ancient art is completely rewriting art history.
Please be sure to register by the day before the class at the latest. You will receive an invitation email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. Click here for a tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting.

A banana duct taped to a wall exhibited at a prestigious art fair with a price tag of $120 000, made headlines. A self-shredding artwork by Banksy at a Sotheby's auction, a urinal entered into an exhibition and accepted as sculpture, soiled diapers exhibited at a New York gallery by an artist-mother, and countless other "outrageous artworks" surface repeatedly, not only in modern era but throughout history around the world. Is it just an impulse to shock, or is it art? Who decides? Why is it so prevalent? This comparative discussion, with examples of old and new art, memorable and often entertaining, aims to explore the element of shock and different layers of meaning in art.
Please be sure to register by the day before the class at the latest. You will receive an invitation email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. Click here for a tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting.

Why do these movies stand the test of time?  Over four weeks, we will focus on two films each session.  The course will offer an overview of Hollywood history, an introduction to film genre and the ability to recognize film techniques. Lively discussion will enhance appreciation and offer insights that will increase appreciation for future film watching.  Although not required, viewing of the films in advance is encouraged.

Suggested viewing: Casablanca, Annie Hall, His Girl Friday, Some Like it Hot, Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard,  Notorious, Rear Window

Please be sure to register by the day before the class at the latest. You will receive an invitation email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. Click here for a tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting.