History and Philosophy

SPRING 2012

New!
The Iliad and the Odyssey: Visions and Nightmares
at the Foundation of Western Civilization    Fee: $160
The epic poems Iliad and Odyssey are Europe’s oldest written literature. Emeritus instructor Douglas Gillette, M.Div., examines Homer’s fundamental questions: What is war? Is it glorious or nihilistic? What is the nature of love? What does it mean to be honorable? What are appropriate responses to provocation? What is the nature of deity? Whose side is God on? Learn about the latest evidence for the strong possibility that the Iliad influenced the Bible’s New Testament gospels.
HIS E19-71, OC/SK, 10 Fri., 2/3-4/6, 10 am-12 pm    CRN 40344

New!
The Topsy-Turvy History of France: Lots of Louis,
Two Napoleons, and one DeGaulle    Fee: $82
Historian Bill Haase explores the turbulent political history and culture of France, from Charlemagne and his predecessors to the stubborn, brilliant Charles De Gaulle. Although Louis XIV and Louis XV created unparalleled stability, the country has been weak and unstable for much of its history. Napoleon achieved great military success, yet much of France’s military history is a story of collapse. The French Revolution, despite its noble aims, was a murderous failure. Yet, France’s contribution to culture has been spectacular, its cuisine legendary, its art awe-inspiring, and its music and literature sublime.
HIS E20-71, OC/SK, 5 Wed., 3/7-4/4, 1-2:30 pm    CRN 40460

New!
Tips and Techniques for Genealogy
Research via the Internet    Fee: $64
It’s easier than ever before to research your family history—thanks to the Internet. Paul Davidson, computer programmer and genealogist, demonstrates how to access billions of genealogical records now available on-line. Class sessions include time for your own explorations.
HIS C17-71, OC/SK, 4 Wed., 2/8-2/29, 2-3:30 pm    CRN 41415

New!
New Ways of Mapping the Earth    Fee: $20
From Google Earth to global positioning systems (GPS), computer advances have changed the way we navigate and interpret our geographic environment.  Valerie Krejcie, cartographer and educator, explains how geographic information systems (GIS) have expanded access to mapping from a small group of specialists to a larger audience, and how these systems are used to track missiles, diseases, crime, packages, and more.
HIS E42-71, OC/SK, 1 Fri., 3/9, 1-2:30 pm    CRN 41416

Children of Abraham    Fee: $128
Jews, Christians, and Muslims all claim to be “Children of Abraham.” Marianka Fousek, Th.D., Harvard, explores what these religious have in common - and what divides them. What role do these similarities and differences play in current political conflicts?
HIS S12-71, OC/SK, 8 Thu., 3/22-5/10, 10 am-12 pm    CRN 40637