Current Exploration Seminars

ENG 448/THR 448/HUM 448/COM 440
Early Modern Amsterdam: Tolerant Eminence and the Arts

Nigel Smith, William and Annie S. Paton Foundation Professor of Ancient and Modern Literature, professor of English, and chair of the Committee on Renaissance and Early Modern Studies

Inter-disciplinary class on early modern Amsterdam (1550-1720) when the city was at the center of the global economy and leading cultural center; home of Rembrandt and Spinoza (Descartes was nearby) and original figures like playwrights Bredero and Vondel, the ethicist engraver Coornhert, the political economist de la Court brothers and English traveling theater. The course will go from art to poetry, drama, philosophy and medicine. Spring break is in Amsterdam with museum visits, guest talks and participation in recreation of traveling theater from the period.

SPA 204 
Spanish for a Medical Caravan in Ecuador 

Paloma Moscardó-Vallés, lecturer in Spanish and Portuguese.

This is an advanced Spanish course focusing on health and medical topics. Its main purpose is to put students in contact with the reality of health care in the indigenous communities of Ecuador. The first part of the semester will prepare the students for a medical caravan that will take place during Spring Break. All students are required to take part in this trip where we will collaborate with a group of eye doctors from Pennsylvania (Conestoga Eye group) who implement the work of a local clinic in Riobamba (FIBUSPAM).