Event—Center for Renaissance Studies

Discovery, Exploration, and Legacy: The Shifting Influence of Alexander von Humboldt in Latin America

A graduate seminar that critically examines the complex relationship between the intellectual and scientific explorer and the longer construction of the Americas from 1492 to the end of the eighteenth century.

Alexander von Humboldt, Carte du Mexique et des pays limitrophes situés au nord et à l'est [to 42° N. Lat.]. Paris, 1811 (Case oversize G 98 .425 Pt. 3 Atlas, pl. [3])

Description

The renown of Prussian polymath Alexander von Humboldt was consolidated through a series of popular books describing his 1799–1804 expedition in the Americas—often described as the “second discovery” of the continent. His contributions, deeply informed by the Age of Exploration and European Enlightenment, spanned the burgeoning disciplines of physical geography, botany, meteorology, ethnology, and many others. This graduate seminar critically examines the complex relationship between the intellectual and scientific explorer and the longer construction of the Americas from 1492 to the end of the eighteenth century. Through an in-depth exploration of Newberry holdings, the seminar will challenge traditional narratives surrounding discovery, exploration, and legacy to recontextualize Humboldt’s overall influence. The insights gained from this seminar will play a key role in shaping an upcoming exhibition at The Newberry, offering unique and new curatorial opportunities to influence the presentation of Humboldt’s legacy.

Learn more about the instructor, Emmanuel Ortega.

Schedule and Format

The seminar will consist of six meetings on Zoom and two in-person meetings that will take place over two days. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will take place from 12-3 pm.

October 1 - Zoom 

October 8 - Zoom

October 15 - NO CLASS 

October 22 - In-person at the Newberry 

October 23 - Field Museum (morning TBA)

October 29 - Zoom

November 5 - Zoom

November 12 - Zoom

November 19 -  Zoom

December 3 - In-person at the Newberry 

December 4 - In-person at the Newberry (morning TBA)