Upcoming History, Genealogy, and Social Science Seminars

The famine is undoubtedly the most horrific and influential event in modern Irish history. Although the magnitude of the tragedy is overwhelming, it is important to seek to understand its long-term consequences. We will explore how the famine resulted in a number of changes for Ireland, the British Empire, and the world, including the Irish diaspora to America. Please read part one of The...

Few people were both as influential and ignored as George F. Kennan, the American diplomat credited with originating the Cold War “containment” policy who later deplored how containment became an open-ended, militarized crusade. This seminar will examine some of Kennan’s important writings and assess whether there can be a place in public affairs for his style of dispassionate but deeply-felt...

Human beings have observed celestial phenomena and incorporated them into religious, economic, social, and political life for millenia. This seminar explores some of the relationships of ancient astronomy and cultural behavior evident at archaeological sites in North America, including medicine wheels, Hopewell earthworks, the great population center of Cahokia, and Fajada Butte in Chaco...

This seminar will explore the history of medieval and early modern Spain where Christians, Muslims, and Jews interacted in complex and vibrant ways. Those interested in studying the ideas of convivencia (coexistence) and contention in the past and present will find this seminar engaging and accessible. We will read excerpts from a variety of works, including historical treatises and...