Thankfully we have 6 other History Classes for you to choose from. Check our top choices below or see all classes for more options.
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research See all classes by this school
Explore the evolution of a foundational aesthetic concept through philosophy, literature, music and visual art. Examine how its meaning has shifted across history while shaping ideas about emotion, culture and politics. Engage with influential thinkers and artistic works to gain a deeper understanding of its lasting relevance.
Nov 16th
6:30–9:30pm ET
Meets 4 Times
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research See all classes by this school
Examine influential ideas that shaped modern critical thought through the writings of leading twentieth-century philosophers and social theorists. Explore concepts connecting culture, politics, history and art while considering their relevance to contemporary society. Engage with thought-provoking texts that encourage deeper analysis of today's world.
Nov 16th
6:30–9:30pm ET
Meets 4 Times
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research See all classes by this school
Delve into the historical origins of totalitarianism and its modern implications in this thought-provoking course, exploring Hannah Arendt's profound analysis of imperialism, anti-Semitism, and the erosion of individualism. Uncover the connections between racism, nationalism, and the collapse of social cohesion, and gain new insights into today's refugee crisis and statelessness.
Nov 16th
6:30–9:30pm ET
Meets 4 Times
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom
Delve into the complexities of participatory democracy, exploring its diverse interpretations and potential for societal transformation. Through readings and discussions, you'll engage with classical and contemporary thinkers, examining how civic participation can reshape political power and address social inequalities. Consider whether participatory democracy offers a genuine alternative to existing systems.
Nov 17th
6:30–9:30pm ET
Meets 5 Times
Brooklyn Institute for Social Research See all classes by this school
Explore how tragedy and decolonization intertwine through literature, theory, and political struggle. From the Haitian Revolution to contemporary liberation movements, examine how writers and thinkers like Césaire, James, Fanon, and Soyinka reimagined tragedy to confront history, violence, and the pursuit of freedom.
Nov 18th
6:30–9:30pm ET
Meets 4 Times
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The very idea of imaginary numbers appears at first glance preposterous, like something out of science fiction or the wildest philosophy. A real or ordinary number multiplied by an “imaginary unit” somehow mathematically produces a “complex” number that has both theoretical and practical applications. Rene Descartes, who coined the “imaginary” terminology, deemed them preposterous. And yet, imaginary numbers are indispensable—not only in geometry, number theory, and physics, but also for engineering and design in everything from aerospace to robotics to video games.
How did imaginary and complex numbers develop from their early roots in ancient classical algebra to their manifold applications today? And what are their implications not only for science and technology, but for our very philosophical conceptions of mathematics, and indeed mathematics’ relationship with physical reality?
In this course we will study the mathematics of imaginary numbers, their historical development, and questions they raise in the philosophy of mathematics. Students will trace their history and explore imaginary and complex numbers from an algebraic and geometric points of view. In particular, we will examine the elegant geometric interpretation of imaginary and complex numbers as forming a two-dimensional “complex plane,” which accelerated the acceptance of complex numbers as legitimate mathematical objects.
We will then investigate how applying calculus within this context gave rise to the field of complex analysis—which has proven to be remarkably useful in physics and engineering – and the field of complex dynamics which led to discovery of beautiful mathematical objects such as the Mandelbrot set—and the recognition of fractal geometry in natural phenomena like clouds, plants, geological formations, and more.
Finally, we’ll discuss not only our overarching questions but what are the further potential theoretical and practical implications of imaginary and complex numbers.
This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.
Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.
In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
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The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, established in 2011, offers liberal arts education and research opportunities to local communities while supporting young scholars. With a mission to engage various intellectual traditions, the institute aims to provide accessible education and foster active, engaged citizens.
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