Welcome to SPACE, our adult continuing education program which offers interactive monthly courses for personal enrichment! Learn more here.
Aidan Aannestad
SPACE Preceptor
Entranced by the machinery of language
He has an enduring interest in all of the different ways that different languages work, and in some of the more misunderstood mechanisms that they employ (e.g. information structure, tone).
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Current and Upcoming Modules
November 2025
Highlighted Modules
All Modules
Introduction to Linguistics
This course is a basic introduction to the scientific study of the mechanics of language, with a bit of an extra focus on considerations relevant to studying literature.
Media as Medicine: Iyashikei (癒し系) in Anime and Manga
Mixed Lecture/Discussion • Low intensity
Iyashikei (癒し系), or “healing type”, is a category of anime, manga, and games focused on healing the viewer by giving them a peaceful and relaxing experience. It achieves this with a focus on a beautiful environment, low-stakes stories, and a relaxing tone. In a time of natural disasters, political turmoil, and pandemics, this calming style has grown in popularity, and its influence has been seen in many works that might not be considered iyashikei proper. In this module, we will consider many aspects of the type of story, including its history, its status as a genre (or not), its value for its audience, what really “counts” as iyashikei, and the appeal of a story in which, some say, “nothing much happens.” Please join us for a relaxing discussion that may or may not soothe your soul.