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The age of the Baroque roughly coincides with the 17th century, one of the most transformational periods in European history. Despite the many variants of this style, its most salient features include emphasis on sensual richness, drama, movement, and emotional exuberance. Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine discusses the main currents of Baroque art in Italy, Spain, France, and Holland and how they reflected significant social and cultural developments sparked by forces including religion, government, global exploration, and science. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)

Tour guide and author Christopher Skutela leads you off the beaten path in Krakow, revealing sites where tourists don’t tend to go. Explore historic neighborhoods, one of the hidden health resorts in Poland, and a former socialist utopia district. Then get a breath of fresh air at Kosciuszko Mound and Bielany Hermitage and Woods.

Dancing has provided some of the most ecstatic moments in film history—whether it’s Fred Astaire gliding on the ceiling in Royal Wedding, Moira Shearer pirouetting through the dreamscape of The Red Shoes, or John Travolta burning up the dance floor in Saturday Night Fever. Sharing more than 75 video clips, media historian Brian Rose surveys 130 years of thrilling movie dance performances.

The Borgias—a family synonymous with murder, rape, incest, and torture—have been immortalized by historians, authors, and a pair of dueling series on Showtime and Sky. But was it all sex, simony, and scandal? Art historian Elizabeth Lev examines their political aspirations, religious conflicts, fascinating artistic commissions—which, despite their extraordinary beauty, could not redeem the family's reputation—and the surprising epilogue to the clan’s inevitable downfall.

Starting in the 15th century, many European nations competed to acquire pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices from Asia, as well as porcelain, silk, tea, and more. In this quest to obtain goods from abroad, these countries built empires, established colonies, and left virtually no corner of the globe untouched. Former foreign correspondent Adam Tanner examines why this historic Western focus on Asia is essential to understanding our world today.

During the reign of Justinian, the Eastern Roman, or Byzantine, empire reached its largest extent since the last Western Roman emperor was deposed in 476. In addition, Justinian and his wife, Theodora, oversaw reforms that laid the foundation for later Western law and saw the construction of the magnificent church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Yet his attempts to impose religious unity failed, and his wars caused widespread devastation. Historian David Gwynn explores contradictory assessments of Justinian, both historical and modern.

Yoga can be a lifestyle medicine that promotes brain health, mental health, and overall well-being. Linda Lang, a certified yoga therapist, offers an opportunity to learn how to embrace yogic thinking and simple and gentle breathing techniques to cultivate a healthier—and calmer—relationship with your body and mind.

While surrealism originated in Paris in the 1920s, it had enormous international impact. Art historian Michele Greet follows the spread of surrealism to Latin America with a special focus on exhibitions such as the surrealist exhibition in Lima, Peru, in 1935 and the International Surrealist Exhibition held in Mexico City in 1940. The work of female artists in the movement, including Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, and Remedios Varo, is also covered. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Throughout the centuries composers have been drawn to the perfect simplicity of shorter musical forms—from preludes, bagatelles, and overtures to art songs, impromptus, and nocturnes. But creating these exquisite musical jewels is a demanding art. Pianist and scholar Rachel Franklin shows how it’s done using miniature marvels by Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Bartok, Brahms, Faure, Webern, Debussy, and others.

From Indonesia to Iceland, hundreds of islands across the globe were formed by once so-called submarine volcanoes. Submarine volcanoes are exactly what they sound like: volcanoes located beneath the ocean’s surface, which behave differently than terrestrial ones. Dive deep with volcanologist Samuel Mitchell as he explains what is known about these volcanoes and why we should be both curious and cautious about them.