Le Guin Portal (List View)

Zhuangzi is often presented as the second thinker of classical Daoist thought after Laozi, but in terms of impact on East Asian philosophy and fine arts, Zhuangzi is probably the more significant figure. We will read the text together, taking plenty of time to discuss participant interpretations, all within the framework of the preceptor-provided cultural and historical commentary. Zhuangzi is simply delightful, treating weighty topics with a light and humorous touch. Come join us for Free-and-Easy Wandering through this most idiosyncratic of classical Chinese texts! [show less]

Ursula K. Le Guin explores themes of power, love, nature, gender, art, politics, and more through her richly-developed world of Earthsea, drawing upon literary, philosophical, religious, and anthropological interests in doing so. We will walk on the islands of Earthsea and dive into its waters as we discover beloved, and maybe hidden or controversial, aspects of Le Guin’s masterpiece. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Earthsea Series consists of 3 modules exploring a different Cycle of Le Guin's expansive work: • Module 1 explores A Wizard of Earthsea and The Tombs of Atuan, • Module 2 explores The Farthest Shore and Tehanu, and • Module 3 explores The Other Wind and Tales from Earthsea •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NOTE: Students can jump in at any month/part of the Series. [show less]

This present module is for Module 1 of the Earthsea Series, exploring A Wizard of Earthsea and The Tombs of Atuan. Ursula K. Le Guin explores themes of power, love, nature, gender, art, politics, and more through her richly-developed world of Earthsea, drawing upon literary, philosophical, religious, and anthropological interests in doing so. We will walk on the islands of Earthsea and dive into its waters as we discover beloved, and maybe hidden or controversial, aspects of Le Guin’s masterpiece. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Earthsea Series consists of 3 modules exploring a different Cycle of Le Guin's expansive work: • Module 1 explores A Wizard of Earthsea and The Tombs of Atuan, • Module 2 explores The Farthest Shore and Tehanu, and • Module 3 explores The Other Wind and Tales from Earthsea •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NOTE: Students can jump in at any month/part of the Series. [show less]

This present module is for Module 2 of the Earthsea Series, exploring_The Farthest Shore_ and Tehanu. Ursula K. Le Guin explores themes of power, love, nature, gender, art, politics, and more through her richly-developed world of Earthsea, drawing upon literary, philosophical, religious, and anthropological interests in doing so. We will walk on the islands of Earthsea and dive into its waters as we discover beloved, and maybe hidden or controversial, aspects of Le Guin’s masterpiece. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Earthsea Series consists of 3 modules exploring a different Cycle of Le Guin's expansive work: • Module 1 explores A Wizard of Earthsea and The Tombs of Atuan, • Module 2 explores The Farthest Shore and Tehanu, and • Module 3 explores The Other Wind and Tales from Earthsea •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NOTE: Students can jump in at any month/part of the Series. [show less]

This present module is for Module 3 of the Earthsea Series, exploring_The Other Wind_ and Tales from Earthsea. Ursula K. Le Guin explores themes of power, love, nature, gender, art, politics, and more through her richly-developed world of Earthsea, drawing upon literary, philosophical, religious, and anthropological interests in doing so. We will walk on the islands of Earthsea and dive into its waters as we discover beloved, and maybe hidden or controversial, aspects of Le Guin’s masterpiece. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Earthsea Series consists of 3 modules exploring a different Cycle of Le Guin's expansive work: • Module 1 explores A Wizard of Earthsea and The Tombs of Atuan, • Module 2 explores The Farthest Shore and Tehanu, and • Module 3 explores The Other Wind and Tales from Earthsea •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NOTE: Students can jump in at any month/part of the Series. [show less]

What makes a utopia? What kind of world do we want to live in, and how do we create a better society? The Dispossessed, often subtitled “An Ambiguous Utopia,” wrestles with weighty questions related to utopia, dystopia, and their relationship to the life of the individual. The novel approaches these questions through the themes of anarchism, socialism, capitalism, individualism, and solidarity. Unlike many utopian visions, Le Guin’s is as ambiguous as the title suggests, raising questions without pushing the reader toward a universal answer. In this module we will consider Shevek’s journey between worlds, including the literary, philosophical and political aspects of the novel, and will deepen our understanding via class discussion. Session 1: Context & introduction to the book. Chapter 1 Session 2: Chapters 2-3 Session 3: Chapters 4-5 Session 4: Chapter 6 Session 5: Chapter 7 Session 6: Chapter 8 Session 7: Chapters 9-10 Session 8: Chapters 11-13 [show less]

Ground-breaking when it appeared, and profoundly influential in both science fiction and feminist literature, The Left Hand of Darkness, offers an extended meditation on the nature of sex and gender in society. These ideas are explored in the thematic contexts of intercultural contact, language, and identity in a story that emphasizes both political intrigue and individual relationships. Approaching the novel through its literary, philosophical, and anthropological aspects of the work, we will discuss and consider all the above and more. Session 1: Context and introduction to the book. Introduction and Chapters 1-3 Session 2: Chapters 4-6 Session 3: Chapters 7-8 Session 4: Chapters 9-11 Session 5: Chapters 12-14 Session 6: Chapters 15-17 Session 7: Chapters 18-19 Session 8: Chapter 20, A Gethenian Calendar and Clock [show less]