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Huntington U: A History of Death

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
San Marino, CA

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Huntington U: A History of Death

Thursdays, Oct. 5 - Nov. 9, 2017
1 -3 p.m

Gideon Manning, visiting scholar at Claremont Graduate University, will lead a six-week class examining the history of death from Greek antiquity to the modern era. Death is a biological event, but it is always more than this: it is a historical event in the fullest sense, affecting economics, government organization, and cultural and social practices. This is easiest to see when death occurs on a massive scale, as in epidemics, like the Black Death, or in times of war, like the U.S. Civil War. Lectures and discussions will cover a range of topics: What is the ideal death? How does a good death relate to a good life? How should we plan for death? How should we mourn? Is death to be feared? Is immortality desirable? This course will provide an opportunity to witness the changes that have occurred in how death is experienced, represented, and has been conceived in Western culture. Weekly reading assignments will come from the history of medicine, ancient and contemporary philosophy, the Old and New Testament, sociology, history of economics, and literature. Class meetings will include interaction with the diverse holdings of The Huntington's collection.

Class is held in the Seaver Classroom in the Munger Research Center. Please check in with Huntington staff in the Munger Lobby.

Reading list will be sent via email upon registration.

WAIT LIST POLICY:
Occasionally a space may become available, so please visit this event page again at any time. If you would like to be put on a wait list please email publicprograms@huntington.org with your name, the name of the program, and your contact information. You will receive a response ONLY if there is an opening.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Refunds will be issued only if cancellation is made at least 5 days prior to the event. Cancellations made within 5 days of the event will not be refunded.