Learning at the ‘people’s university’

The public library is sometimes referred to as the people’s

university because of its support of lifelong, independent learning.

Inquisitive students of all ages, whether enrolled in school or not,

can use the library to find materials in various formats that

encourage intellectual growth.

Listening to programs from the Teaching Co. is a great way for the

high-minded to receive college-level instruction. The Teaching Co. is

a leading producer of educational materials in the audiocassette

format. Professors from leading U.S. universities narrate its

signature series of lectures, the Great Courses.

Each set consists of several 30-minute lectures and is accompanied

by a booklet containing a detailed outline and a bibliography for

further study. Topics are drawn from an array of disciplines

including ancient and modern history, philosophy, literature, the

fine arts, science and mathematics.

The Newport Beach Public Library is pleased to offer access to

selected courses in the compact disc and DVD formats. Here is a

sampling of the cerebral feast that is available at the library:

Father Joseph Koterski expounds on ancient moral philosophy in

“The Ethics of Aristotle.”

Professor Koterski, who teaches at Fordham University, provides an

overview of Aristotle and his contributions first before focusing on

his most important work on ethics. Throughout this course, the

professor suggests ways in which the thoughts of this one philosopher

from long ago are still relevant today.

Peter Saccio examines the form and content of the dramatic works

and poetry of William Shakespeare in “Shakespeare: The Word and the

Action.” Professor Saccio teaches at Dartmouth, has written

extensively on the famous playwright, and has directed productions of

several of his plays including “Twelfth Night,” “Macbeth” and

“Cymbeline.”

Listeners will find this an entertaining and informative

introduction to the Bard’s work.

Richard Brettell sheds light on the history of Impressionism in

“From Monet to Van Gogh.” Professor Brettell is an art historian from

the University of Texas at Dallas, a museum consultant, and a curator

of numerous exhibitions of Impressionist art. This lecture series on

DVD provides an illuminating look at the leading artists of a

movement that ushered in the age of modernity and changed how we view

our own world.

Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the forces at work in the physical

world in “My Favorite Universe.” A visiting lecturer at Princeton

University, Mr. Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium in

New York City and has written numerous articles and books on the

subject of astrophysics. This lecture series grew out of a series of

essays he wrote for “Natural History” magazine. Together, they

provide a clear introduction to the essential principles of physics

including density, quantum theory, gravity, and relativity.

Salim Yaqub analyzes the history of relations between the U.S. and

the Arab world in the “United States and the Middle East: 1914 to

9/11.” Professor Yaqub teaches history at the University of Chicago

and has written a book titled Containing Arab Nationalism that will

be published in 2004. This timely account of the history of American

political involvement in a region mired in conflict will help broaden

the listener’s understanding of events making headlines today.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Steven Short. All titles may be

reserved from home or office by accessing the catalog at

https://www.city.newport- beach.ca.us/nbpl/.