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.
The merchants, explorers, pilgrims, and refugees who traveled the often-treacherous trade routes of Asia from the second century B.C.E. through the 15th century brought treasured commodities and new ideas with them. Crossing massive mountain ranges, unforgiving deserts, and dangerous open seas, these routes could be a source of untold riches or of disaster. Robert DeCaroli, professor of art history at George Mason University, focuses on the ways Asian societies participated in, benefited from, and were changed by trade and travel. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit)
Begin your watercolor portrait journey stress-free as you study photographs of well-known sculptures to practice monochromatic portraits and then build up to painting a portrait of your choice.
Throughout the history of Western music, men have claimed most of the spotlight and accolades as performers, composers, teachers, impresarios, patrons, and instrument makers. Less attention has been paid to the scores of brilliant creative women who played these roles—along with many others—and who were relegated to the less brightly lit corners of the musical word. In a four-session series, speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin brings these women and their often-untold stories to life, showcasing them with live piano performances and historical and contemporary media clips.
Whether you want to work in digital or film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition.
Each of the District’s neighborhoods has its own unique character, rooted in everything from the well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture of Georgetown to the up-to-the-minute transformation of the Southwest Waterfront. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, explores far beyond the National Mall to find the history of the city revealed in neighborhoods that include LeDroit Park, Dupont Circle, and Mount Pleasant.
The adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the start of the French Revolution—events that occurred in remarkable chronological parallel—were for much of the last two centuries seen as contrasting, but equally indisputable, pillars of modernity. Historian David Andress examines their shared, complex interaction with the continued growth of the British Empire and how far the political turning-points of this moment also hinged on shifts in technology, trade, and exploitation that had a global reach.
Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, brought a unique voice to children’s literature, seizing on classic folk tales and giving them a decidedly American spin. From the landmark 1939 film adaptation to this year’s release of Wicked: For Good, Baum’s fantastical creations continue to shape our cultural landscape. Celebrate the wonderful world of Baum as author Daniel Stashower explores his life and legacy and actor Scott Sedar reads from Baum’s most beloved works.
