Autumn session
As Lovely as a Tree
Mike Rechlin, Ph.D., professor of biology
Give me a land of boughs in leaf, a land of trees that stand (A. E. Housman). He who plants a tree plants a hope (Lucy Larcom). Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree (Martin Luther). God is the experience of looking at a tree and saying, ‘Ah!’ (Joseph Campbell). So, what are these wonders that elicit such praise in quote and verse? Learn about the trees at Principia and some of those in your neighborhood. Expect to step off the beaten path into the wilds of Principia’s 2,700-acre campus as you learn about trees — how to care for them, what they like, what we can learn from them, and even how they “talk.” You’ll gain a new appreciation for these wonders of nature, as well as the ability to recite the famous verse “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.…”
A Celebration of Psalms
Robert Rockabrand, D.M.A., professor emeritus of music Sara Rockabrand, M.M., retired professor of voice
Praise ye the Lord! Explore the most beloved book of the Old Testament and the music it has inspired. This course will include Bible history essential to an understanding of the Psalms, as well as insights into Hebrew poetic style. Enjoy live performances of some favorite solos set to Psalm texts, as well as recordings of thrilling choruses from major works like Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Students will participate in group reading and sing hymns with Psalm texts.
Mrs. Eddy and Master Shakespeare
Jeff Steele, M.A., Ph.D. candidate, Shakespeare Institute
In three instances within Science and Health and in five citations within her other works, Mrs. Eddy quotes the “great poet of humanity” illustrating the metaphysical truth of her writings. Many words and phrases used by Mrs. Eddy, such as “animal magnetism” and “mesmerism” trace back to Franz Mesmer, but what were those concepts called in Shakespeare’s day — 175 years before Mesmer? What is it about Shakespeare that earns an honored place in our Leader’s writings? How do his plays and poems show the interplay of fascination or mesmerism and its effects upon human interactions? Knowing more about the man and his times gives us further insight into his immortal place in literary history and Mrs. Eddy’s affections.
Bamboo Curtains and Asian Tigers
John Williams, J.D., assistant professor of political science
From China to India, Korea to Indonesia, and points in between, this course explains current events throughout Asia and provides background important to understanding these events. There is a nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula; China is a superpower; turmoil looms in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Myanmar; and stability finally reigns in Southeast Asia. Excellent preparation and review for readers of The Christian Science Monitor.
