my library
“Me, poor man, my library
Was dukedom large enough.”
Past Courses
All of the following are classes that I have created and taught.
Folly and the Vietnam War
Employing historian Barbara Tuchman’s definition of historical folly — the pursuit by government of policies contrary to their own interests — students consider the growth and development of the Vietnam War by comparing government policy and ‘boots-on-the-ground’ realities.
The Russian Revolution: 1860-1921
Described as neither fully Western nor Eastern, Russia is an enigma that must be understood through the unique and complex dynamics of its history. Students explore the tragedy of the Russian Revolution by gaining a view of Russian society in the years leading up to revolution, learning how the events were fundamentally shaped by Russian history and culture.
The Bible as History and Literature
Considered the greatest of human stories by atheists and theologians alike, the Bible presents a magnificent and comprehensive view of human nature. Its stories of violence, betrayal, love, and beauty have influenced nearly every work of Western literature. While simultaneously learning about the book’s historical context and cultural influences, students will analyze and understand the endurance and resonance of one of our earliest pieces of literature.
China’s Revolution: The Famine Years
Mao’s dedication to China’s Great Leap Forward resulted in one of the greatest mass killings of human history. An examination of the famine years of 1958-1962 reveals the extent to which Mao’s philosophy damaged the lives of millions and fundamentally altered Chinese society. Students consider the major actors — Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, Lin Biao — and the tangible effects of their decisions on the lives of ordinary people.
The Rise and Fall of Napoleon
While Napoleon Bonaparte is famous for his military genius, his other exceptional roles as statesman, philosopher and champion of the people are often overlooked. In this comprehensive journey through the life of one of history’s greatest players, students gain insight into the dynamics of power, 19th-century politics, and the strength of personal will. Hailed by Frederick Nietzsche as the closest example of his “ubermensch,” students will understand what exactly Napoleon offered to make him such a powerful and enduring character in history.
A History of the World Through Economics
Economic transactions have been at the center of human relationships throughout history. Important moments in economic history — taxation in the Bible, Thomas Aquinas and the “just price,” mercantilism and the Dutch Puzzle, Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, and Karl Marx’s Capital — reveal much more than mere fiscal practice; rather, they provide important insight into the development of human history.
A History of the World Through Philosophy
Students explore the lives of nine eminent philosophers — Plato, Aristotle, Bacon, Spinoza, Voltaire, Kant, Schopenhauer, Spencer, and Nietzsche — understanding how their lives influenced their philosophies, and in turn how these philosophies have come to influence millions of thinkers, producing tangible changes to political policy and social structures.
Currently Reading
A Peak into My Shelves
Here are some of my favorite books in my library.
If you would like to see a more comprehensive look at the books I am using for research projects, classes, or my history and fiction essentials, you can view them at:
