University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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li (!I ilnamB A iH it ual Mnrlb Cathedral of the Dormition, Vladimir, Russia MOSHE LAZAR Theme Year 29

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In the year ninetecn-hundred-cighty-two, our modern educa- tional institution stepped backward in time to explore the Middle Ages. Delving into our mysterious past, students ex- perienced many facets of The Medieval World , USC ' s inau- gural Theme Year program sponsored by the Center for the Humanities. Students explored medieval art, philosophy, lit- erature and politics throughout the year in two unit courses. Rarely do students have an opportunity to select a number of courses focusing on a theme, says Moshe Lazar, a profes- sor of Comparative Literature and organizer of this year ' s program. The Medieval World was highlighted in March by a Medieval Laughter symposium, a look into comic and grotesque genres throughout the Middle Ages. Students par- ticipated in a weekend of seminars by distinguished medi- evalists, the American premiere of the Polish film The Kni ght , and an outdoor performance of a fifteenth century Dutch drama. Possible future Theme Year topics include gender studies, creativity and romanticism.

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Above: A WHIRLPOOL OF STARS - This galaxy in the constellation Leo was photographed at Hale Observatories. s a . S o a o a o U o o JS a, Above: CHECKING THE METER - Mark Giompapa works with a photometer. 30 Astronomy