Athens to Aspen: The Enlightenment, Shakespeare and the American Democratic Experiment
Marking the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, this seminar series will use the Bard as a lens through which to frame the Enlightenment ideas and ideals that shape the American Democratic Experiment. Following the structure of “Athens to Aspen”, the curriculum will comprise three, three-month thematic modules, each drawing upon: texts from the European Enlightenment, a Shakespeare play, and text about American politics and culture. The curriculum will not aim to chart historical links as such, but rather explore thematic affinities which illuminate some of the perennial elements of the human condition as they are encountered in a particularly American democratic idiom.
This year’s sessions will be moderated by a group of three skilled moderators who will team up to lead discussions on accessible texts that sparkle with the light of Shakespeare’s wit while illuminating the culture of American democracy. This year’s authors include Benjamin Franklin, Adam Smith, Shakespeare, and Arther Miller among others.
Moderated by Todd Breyfogle, Alexis Diaz, and Stephen Holley.
Dates and Times: Monday nights from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. October 20, November 17, December 15, January 12, February 9, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15.
Fee: $225 includes all sessions, reading materials and refreshments.
Marking the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, this seminar series will use the Bard as a lens through which to frame the Enlightenment ideas and ideals that shape the American Democratic Experiment. Following the structure of “Athens to Aspen”, the curriculum will comprise three, three-month thematic modules, each drawing upon: texts from the European Enlightenment, a Shakespeare play, and text about American politics and culture.