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It’s Complicated: The Histories Behind What We Think We Know

We all know that the world is complicated and that people disagree about many things. It is easy to lose track, however, of just how complicated things are. Every day we make use of ideas, take sides in debates, and rely on historical narratives, but in doing so we can ignore the complex histories that shaped those ideas, sides, and narratives.

The Gutenberg College Community classes for 2021-2022 will dive into some of these histories in hope of shedding light on the ways we think now. In each class, a Gutenberg tutor or community member will select a topic based on his particular passions and expertise, and he will complicate the issue by looking at its history in some way.

Perhaps there were rival accounts of it, and one killed off the other. Perhaps the idea in view has mutated over time. Perhaps what is now seen as good was once seen as bad. Perhaps the deep disagreements in a contemporary debate come from the differing historical traditions adopted by each side.

This series will examine an eclectic array of topics, but by teasing out some of their historical complexities, the goal is to illuminate various facets of our lives now. Because sometimes the best way to bring clarity is first to make things complicated.

DETAILS

2022 Spring classes start Wednesday April 6.

Classes will meet every other week on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Pacific time, at Gutenberg College. Both in-person and Zoom options will be available.

Since we are Zooming our community classes, we hope friends across the country can join us. To make that more convenient, our Community Classes will start at 6:30 p.m.,  and the lecture time/discussion time will be one hour, followed by an additional one-half hour for those who want to continue asking questions.

The lectures (only) will be recorded and made available to registered participants who may not be able to attend at the designated time.

Zoom Attendee Requirements:

All attendees will need to register for instructions about how to join us online. (You can register to attend the series or to attend individual classes as shown below.) You will receive the Zoom link when you register. You are not required to participate (just watching is encouraged!), but you must register to attend. The discussions will not be recorded.

COST

There no cost for in-person attendance.
Zoom cost (registration necessary):

  • Price per quarter (5 online classes): $40
  • Price per online class: $10

Gutenberg would be happy to provide financial assistance if requested. Please inquire.