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This module provides a broad survey of Oz's remarkable longevity as a franchise over the 20th and 21st centuries. We will discuss how Oz operates as a quintessentially American fairy tale that, like all fairy tales, is ripe for reinterpretation by each new generation. Session 1: Introduction to L. Frank Baum and the Oz franchise/The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (1900) Session 2: Bringing Oz to the big screen — The Wizard of Oz (dir. Victor Fleming, 1939) Section 3: Ozas 1970s Musical Extravaganza -- The Wiz (dir. Sidney Lumet, 1978) Section 4: Ozas 1980s Dark Fantasy -- iReturn to Oz (dir. Walter Murch, 1985) Session 5: Ozas Literary Fiction -- Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire Session 6: OzReinterpreted for the 21st Century: Wicked — Part One (dir. John Chu, 2024) Session 7: OzReinterpreted for the 21st Century, continued: Wicked — For Good (dir. John Chu, 2025) Session 8: Ozas American mythology — screening clips of other Ozadaptations not previously covered, as we discuss the question "What makes Oz so pervasive in American culture?" [show less]

Leadership is one of the most enduring and complex themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. From reluctant leaders like Frodo to commanding figures such as Aragorn, Tolkien explores leadership not as a single style but as a dynamic interplay of voices, virtues, and choices. This course examines leadership through Tolkien’s works using the GiANT 5 Voices framework, connecting modern leadership theory with literary analysis. Participants will identify their own leadership voice, analyze the leadership styles of key Tolkien characters, and explore practical leadership tools as they appear, explicitly or implicitly, within Middle-earth. The course culminates in applying these insights to real-world leadership contexts, helping learners grow as thoughtful, adaptable, and values-driven leaders. This course is ideal for all readers of Tolkien, leaders, and lifelong learners interested in the intersection of literature, leadership, and personal development. Course Outline Outline 8-Session Structure Week 1 Lecture 1: Discovering Your Leadership Voice Discussion 1: Leadership in Tolkien's World Week 2 Lecture 2: Leadership Voices in Middle-earth Discussion 2: Leadership Voices in Action Week 3 Lecture 3: Leadership Tools Discussion 3: Tools at Work through Tolkien Week 4 Lecture 4: Tapping into All Five Voices Discussion 4: [show less]

Unlock profound imagery and meaning in just a few words. This module explores the timeless art of haiku, blending theory with live practice. Each week, dive into the essence of the shortest form of poetry, from its core principles and spiritual roots with a special guest scholar, to its classic and modern masters. Then, immediately apply your insights in a collaborative workshop where your own haiku will come to life. Theory one day, transformation the next. Craft your visions, one word at a time. The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below: Week 1: Introduction to haiku Week 2: Cultural/Religious connections to Haiku with guest speaker Dr. Robert Steed Week 3: Haiku Classic masters: Matsuo Bashō, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, Masaoka Shiki Week 4: Modern Haiku [show less]

Using Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno’s seminal book, The Japanese Mind, let’s dive into a discussion-based exploration of some key concepts of Japanese culture. We will read and discuss concepts such as Gambari, 頑張,(do the best you can/ determination), Honne / Tatemae, 本音 / 建前(public/private self), and Wabi-sabi, 侘び寂び, (Japanese aesthetic sense). Let’s unpack the origins of these ideas tracing their roots in Shinto, Buddhism, and Japan’s historical evolution to explain how they became embedded in the cultural psyche. Each week features two interactive discussions focusing on core book chapters. This module is a perfect introduction for culture enthusiasts, travelers seeking depth, and anyone who wants to move past surface-level understanding to grasp the underlying principles of Japanese society. [show less]

Discover the seasonal heartbeat of Japan through its annual celebrations in this 8-session journey, where you’ll explore the profound beauty of cherry blossom viewings, the exhilarating chaos of summer festivals with booming taiko drums, the quiet reverence of autumn moon gazing, and the cozy tradition of hot citrus baths at winter’s end, all while uncovering the deep cultural meanings and seasonal mindfulness woven into each timeless custom. This class is taught in English and is a perfect fit for curious travelers planning a trip who want to move beyond the guidebook and connect with the "why" behind the festivals; the cultural enthusiasts who find joy in understanding how traditions bind a community to its environment and history; and the anime, manga, or film fans who have seen these celebrations in stories and now want to explore them more. Ultimately, it's for anyone seeking to add a layer of mindful seasonality and structured beauty to their own year, discovering how Japan's annual rhythms of celebration, reflection, and renewal can resonate anywhere in the world. [show less]

This is a reading-only module series for students of Japanese language who would like to improve their kanji recognition, vocabulary, and general reading skills in the language. The class is designed so new students may join at any point. We will select a reading and take turns reading it together, word-by-word, sentence by sentence. Short stories, poetry, essays, manga, newspaper articles, blog entries and so on are all sources for material that we can draw upon, always keeping in mind that our selections should be suitable for Japanese language learners of intermediate level (approximately JLPT N4-to early N3 level, or having completed the first two Genki textbooks). Recorded Series: All sessions of this series are recorded and provided afterwards to enrolled students in order to support the learning of the group. [show less]

“She’s coming! Strike up, Beth! Open the door, Amy! Three cheers for Marmee!” cried Jo, prancing about, while Meg went to conduct her mother to the seat of honor. This quote gives us a perfect glimpse of the March sisters and their mother: nurturing Meg, tomboy fiery Jo, gentle Beth, and ambitious Amy. The lives of the four March sisters have inspired several movies and continue to be popular. A beloved classic and based largely on autobiographical information, Little Women has never been out of print since it was published in 1868. Louisa May Alcott’s novel is more than a cozy tale of 19th-century family life; it’s a surprisingly sharp study of character and the role of women. This module focuses on Part 1 where the March sisters grapple with poverty, society’s expectations, and their own turbulent desires. We’ll move beyond nostalgia to examine the novel’s active tensions: Jo’s fierce independence, Meg’s longing for luxury, Beth’s selfless contentment, and Amy’s social ambition. We’ll also discuss how Alcott’s classic poses a question still relevant today: How do we forge our own path while staying true to the ones we love? [show less]

This module is an exploration of Japanese culture and history through the lens of its martial traditions. Each class will focus on one influential martial artist and examine the philosophy and culture of the arts they practiced. From Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings to Aikido's spiritual roots and Kano Jigoro's Educational ideas, this class hopes to paint a vivid picture of Japan through some of its most famous and influential characters. [show less]

The Art of Healthy Living”is an interactive wellness module designed to help participants create sustainable habits that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through a holistic approach, the course explores nutrition, movement, rest, stress management, relationships, and healthy habit formation. This course is ideal for those who are looking for practical and sustainable tools to improve their lifestyle, build healthier routines, and develop a more mindful and balanced approach to everyday living. [show less]

The last story Tolkien ever published is one of the most curious stories he ever wrote, and provides rare insight into his final thoughts on storytelling and the world of Faerie he first explained in "On Fairy-Stories." This module will explore the ways in which Tolkien explored philosophy, mythology, and the nature of inspiration in his final adventure into the Perilous Realm. Session 1: Introduction and the Golden Key Session 2: Smith (Part I) Session 3: Smith(Part II) Session 4: Smith(Part III) Session 5: The Drafts (Part I) Session 6: The Drafts (Part II) Session 7: Essay on Faerie Session 8: Overview and Conclusion [show less]

This month-long module would teach students the art of juggling, from the absolute basics to some of the more advanced flourishes and tricks. Juggling is actually much easier than most people think, and as long as students put in the practice and repetitions necessary to learn, most people can start successfully doing a 3-ball fountain by the end of the first session. Class 1: Basics, Concepts, Philosophy, 1/2/3-ball patterns Class 2: Review of 3-ball fountain, advanced 2-ball patterns Class 3: Overhand and Underhand Patterns Class 4: Knees and Bounces Class 5: Pillars, The Crane Class 6: Spins, Flourishes, and Back Patterns Class 7: Mill's Mess and the Weave Class 8: Synchronizing and The Kick [show less]

How did a small, persecuted Jewish sect from a remote province transform the greatest empire the world had ever known? The Roman Empire's conversion to Christianity is one of history’s most influential moments that reshaped the very soul of the West. This eight-lecture journey traces the often turbulent process that turned a pagan empire into the foundation of medieval Europe. We’ll move beyond simple tales of conversion to explore a gripping story of clashing worldviews, political opportunism, spiritual fervor, and astonishing adaptability. Session 1 - A World of Many Gods: Pagan Rome Meets a Jewish Sect Session 2 - The Offensive Faith: Why Christianity Was Different Session 3 - Seeds in the Cracks: Growth and Adaptation in the Second and Third Centuries Session 4 - The Imperial Convert: Constantine and the Cross of Victory Session 5 - From Faith in Caesar to Caesar's Faith: The Christian Empire Takes Shape Session 6 - City of God vs. City of Man: Collapse and Reinvention Session 7 - The Christian Landscape: Rites, Rivalries, and the Erasure of Paganism Session 8 - The Imperial Church: Justinian's Dream and the Legacy of a Baptized Rome [show less]