Starting in 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated as World Heritage Sites more than 1,000 locations valued for their outstanding cultural and/or natural significance to humanity. The sites designated by UNESCO include archaeological excavations, masterpieces of religious or secular architecture, monumental sculpture, and painting. Many sites also represent the earth’s most magnificent features of physical and biological formation. This class, adopted from The Great Courses series, features lectures by Justin M. Jacobs of American University, and breathtaking visuals from six of the most outstanding World Heritage Sites. We invite and encourage a lively discussion of the selected sites.
May 12:
Paleolithic Cave Art of Spain and France
The Ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum
Easter Island and the Moai
May 19:
The Inca Estate of Machu Picchu
The Forbidden City of Beijing
Virunga National Park Gorilla Sanctuary
Toby Teorey is the current Chair of the Elderwise Council. He is retired from the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan and in retirement pursues his enduring love of world history, music, and culture.