Humanities   

From ancient times, to the Ottoman Empire, and to the Victorian Era, flowers were used to communicate messages and emotions. The practice of floriography allowed for silent communication for those illiterate or unable to display emotion because of cultural customs. Although we are now more open about such expressions, floriography is still associated with particular colors and flowers sent or received.

A brief introduction to the religious beliefs, practices and values of Eastern Religious Traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. We will explore the history of each of these religions, as well as their philosophy, mythology, rituals, practices, beliefs and values. Special consideration will be given to the impact of these traditions on the modern western world.

A brief introduction to the religious beliefs, practices and values of Eastern Religious Traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. We will explore the history of each of these religions, as well as their philosophy, mythology, rituals, practices, beliefs and values. Special consideration will be given to the impact of these traditions on the modern western world.

Humans have been using drugs for a long, long time. Signs of the high life in animals goes way beyond cats and catnip. Many scholars believe that religions have always, in one way or another, involved drugs. The term entheogen was developed in the 20th century to describe the use of psycho active substances to assist individuals in experiencing a chemically induced spiritual high. We'll examine they ways that drugs have been used over the centuries as part of the community's religious practice.

The ancient world greatly feared slave rebellion, and designed as a deterrent various means of death by torture, one of which was crucifixion. Jesus death on the cross was for centuries an embarrassment for the Christian community. It was only in the sixth century that artists began portraying Jesus on a cross. We'll examine the ways that this art form evolved over the centuries and found expression in made different cultures.

Our goal is to normalize conversations about death. We cover how we can plan for our own death and communicate our wishes to our family, friends and caregivers. We'll talk about the role of a death doula as well as the steps to take in advance to prepare for our death. We will discuss dying at home after-death care and new options for environmentally friendly burial or cremation. After the presentation, there is time for Q&A and discussion of death-related topics that come up for you.

Our goal is to normalize conversations about death. We cover how we can plan for our own death and communicate our wishes to our family, friends and caregivers. We'll talk about the role of a death doula as well as the steps to take in advance to prepare for our death. We will discuss dying at home after-death care and new options for environmentally friendly burial or cremation. After the presentation, there is time for Q&A and discussion of death-related topics that come up for you.