The story of life has always been one of great transitions and of crossing new frontiers. Each has ushered in waves of innovation, opportunity, and hazard. It might seem there are no more realms for life to venture, but NASA astrobiologist and author Caleb Scharf contends there is one: space. He discusses why he finds that journeying into space is life’s next great transition, an evolution of evolution itself in which he sees humans and technology as catalysts for an interplanetary transformation.
Bursting with big talent with big dreams, MGM in the 1940s and ’50s produced the most glorious string of musicals in film history: gems like On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, The Band Wagon, and Gigi. Grab a bowl of popcorn and join documentary filmmaker Sara Lukinson, who combines a lively lecture with an abundant sample of film clips that will have you singing in the rain. That’s entertainment!
How did room-sized computers and dial-up connections evolve into tools that can write, analyze, and even create? Information science educator Nancy Friedland focuses on the key moments in history that shaped today’s digital world and how these developments changed the way people communicate, access knowledge, and navigate daily life.
Spend three fascinating Friday evenings expanding your knowledge of the world of wine as you sip along with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable adventures. He explores the past, present, and future of Napa Valley. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.
The artistic ideals of James Abbott McNeill Whistler were informed by the Aesthetic movement and its emphasis on refinement, subtlety, and belief in the autonomy of art. His admiration for Asian art prompted experimentation with abstract color and composition. He also created visual arrangements and color harmonies that correspond to those in music. Art historian Aneta Georgievska Shine looks at how these ideals were expressed in Whistler’s works. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Ages 6 to 12. Follow the lives of Olympians Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph from childhood infirmity to Olympic glory in this soaring musical.
The Vikings have fascinated people for centuries, but new discoveries have transformed the view of their world. Archaeology and modern scientific techniques have revealed that Vikings were as good at trading as they were at raiding. In a daylong seminar, historian Jennifer Paxton traces how Vikings pioneered in creating an economic empire that reached from the far western Atlantic Ocean to the markets of Constantinople and Baghdad.
Whether you know how to knit a scarf but not much more, used to knit but now feel rusty, or are confident in your beginning knitting skills but want to make sure you're ready for an intermediate class or project, this workshop is for you.
