Democracy, Fascism, and Classic Hollywood
Join Dr. Mauricio Castro at The Learning Collaborative as he explores how iconic 1930s and 1940s films shaped American attitudes toward democracy and fascism through the World War II era. Through close analysis of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Citizen Kane, The Great Dictator, and Casablanca, participants will discuss with Dr. Castro the tensions between idealism and cynicism, propaganda and art, and isolationism versus engagement. The class will consider how Hollywood used narrative, character, and visual style to comment on democratic values and the threats posed by fascism, both abroad and at home. Each film provides a unique lens into the political anxieties and aspirations of its time.
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Are we what we ate? The Evolution and Archaeology of Food
Did humans evolve as meat-eaters, vegetarians, or something in between? How did we come to rely on an agricultural diet when we’ve only been farmers for 3% of human history? Were ancient empires built on beer? Dr. Robyn Cutright will discuss what archaeology tells us about the evolution of the human diet and the role of cooks, farmers, and breweries in the human story. Get your hands dirty (and your taste buds ready!) as you experience a variety of meat, tubers, corn, beer, and the cooking strategies that shaped our human diet.
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Authoritarianism and Resistance
Populist strongmen threaten to turn democracies into dictatorships all over the world today, just as they did in the fascist era a century ago. This is not a new phenomenon, but it now has a new twist. But anti-democratic movements have always called forth a pro-democracy resistance. New research shows that non-violent resistance movements are more successful than violent ones. When democracy has taken root in a country, it is surprisingly hardy and resilient. Dr. Weston will lead the participants through various topics and opening the sessions up to lively discussions. The suggested readings (encouraged but not required) are Strongmen: From Mussolini to Trump, How Democracies Die, Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know, and Democracy’s Resilience to Populism’s Threat: Countering Global Alarmism.
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