Dostoevsky’s Petersburg
James Boobar, JC 2001
Location: Duke Hall, Room 108
Explore the interplay of the writings and life of Fyodor Michailovich Dostoevsky through text, story, and visual elements with the unique "Venice of the North," a city of fascinating history and beauty, St Petersburg, Russia. We will be considering how Dostoevsky's Petersburg still reverberates today.
Gaia Yoga: The Art and Wisdom of Living Holistically, Unifying Spirit, Self, Community, and Earth
Ano Tarletz Hanamana, JC 1990
Location: Hall of Letters, Room 205
After 25 years of living in off-grid intentional communities, eating all raw food, practicing permaculture, and developing holistic culture in Hawaii, I have deep clarity about how our culture and cultural consciousness affects every aspect of life. If we’re not living in a culture that is in alignment with our full human nature we will end up choosing between getting "the goodies" of society and being true to ourselves. This is not True Human Freedom. To experience this we need a new culture to live in or we will be compromised and crippled. There is another way … let me show you.
If Not Me, Then Who?
Jahmari Johnson, JC 2021, and Hedy Yu, JC 2019
Location: Larsen Hall, Room 125
Innovation isn’t just for the business-savvy. It is for anyone who has ever had the vision to reinvent the present and/or create what didn’t exist before: artists, businesspeople, policy writers, activists, etc. In this mini-hands-on-workshop, participants will learn and practice using design-thinking, a non-linear process that challenges assumptions and identifies alternative solutions. Current and past Johnston students will come together to tackle a topic or issue relevant to Johnston today, but design-thinking can be used in any and all aspects of career and life.
Interpersonal Reunion
Kirsten Orrahood, JC 2021, and Fred Rabinowitz, JC/CAS faculty member, Psychology
Location: Larsen Hall, Room 126
Throughout the course of Johnston’s history there has been a beating pulse of interpersonal relationships. Whether you partook in The Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships last year or decades ago, this is a space to reconvene and reignite the embers of old relationships and to kindle the sparks of new ones. We will engage in meaningful discussions about how this course has shaped you, how you form relationships, and will work to examine the long-term effects of Interpersonal Relationships. So, be present in the moment as we invite you to reembark on your interpersonal journey!
The Origins of Totalitarianism: A Sampler
Sharon Oster, JC/CAS faculty member, English, with Elise Eifler, JC 2019, Kate Emmons, JC 2019, Theo Whitcomb, JC 2019
Location: Hall of Letters, Room 105
Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951), the landmark political analysis of the major totalitarian movements of the twentieth century, Nazism and Stalinism, was frequently cited this past year due to a sea change in U.S. politics and culture. Arendt illuminates how the foundational principles of Democracy become eroded, signs of which we see today: starkly-visible white supremacist groups, police violence against people of color, anti-immigrant sentiment and policy, homophobia and misogyny, among other ills. In response, resistance movements have expanded at all levels, revising models for achieving social justice. We will have short lectures and discussion of Arendt’s theory.
Mead Brewing
Iyan Sandri, JC/CAS computer lab supervisor, JC 2008
Location: Stafford Complex (by Gregory, Appleton, Hedco, and Lewis Halls)
Rain Location: Gregory Hall, Room 176
This will be an informal panel and demonstration on home brewing mead. Iyan will discuss the process of brewing mead and how his interest in mead started in Johnston. Supplies needed for brewing will be present and questions related to brewing will be answered as they brew a batch of mead. Other home brewers (of any type) are welcome and encouraged to talk about their process.
How Your Brain Works When It Doesn’t
Barbara Schrock, JC 1975
Location: Hall of Letters, Room 211
We will start with a quick talk on How the Brain Works followed by a discussion of your favorite brain disorders, such as concussion, dementia, and Your Brain on Weed.
Living and Learning in the Literary Community
Rebecca Schuh, JC 2013
Location: Hall of Letters, Room 213
How does a person foster a dedication to community in the land of careers and bills? How can you make a love of writing and part of your lifestyle rather than a hobby? Since I graduated from Johnston, I've found the answer to both in my work within the literary community. Professionally, we'll talk about publishing book reviews, author interviews, and the world of online literary journals. Socially, we'll talk about online writing communities and literary events. As is the Johnston way, we'll also think about how those social and professional worlds intersect!
Doug Bowman Meditation Room Dedication
The dedication of the renovated Meditation Room in Bekins Basement to Doug Bowman along with a guided meditation.