The Scholar's Attic: Recent Episodes
Angela Goff
Originally recorded April 16 and 20, 2021. Tree Huggers, Logos, the Gaia Theory, and Coca-Cola. It's all connected....
Originally recorded April 13, 2021. A quick overview of psychology, sociology, the plusses and minuses, and their respective entanglements.
Originally recorded in snippets on March 9 and 12, 2021. A quick look at, and words of warning from, Frank R. Stockton's most famous short story.
Originally recorded on March 30, 2021. This is the big overview and explanation of the propaganda project that makes the bulk of the end-of-year project for this course. Students will create two opposing pieces of propaganda on an issue represented or touched upon by their Reader's Choice book. (Reader's Choice, for us, is a relevant novel written within certain time periods or parameters, that is relevant to our historical studies at the time. In this case, students were allowed to choose any American or British novel written between the mid-1860s and the mid-1960s.) In case you didn't catch all the titles that the students are reading this go-around, they are:
White Fang
The Daybreakers
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Old Man and the Sea
Call of the Wild
Catcher in the Rye
1984
The Grapes of Wrath
Christy
Black Beauty
Peter Pan
The Screwtape Letters
The Great Gatsby
The Invisible Man
Silverlock
Special guest speaker Dr. Robert Schaefer from the University of West Georgia speaks about Martin Luther King Jr's "Letters from a Birmingham Jail." This episode is largely unedited and may include interruptions, extended pauses, etc. A cleaner version, with the student Q&A afterward, will be made available later. Originally recorded March 26, 2021.
Originally recorded March 9, 2021. Video referenced in this presentation can be found here >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFICRFKtAc4
Originally recorded March 9, 2021. Some presentations may have dropped from the recording because (a) the student was out that day, or (b) the research threw some serious questions on which side the individual was fighting for.
Recorded the same day as our episode on the Vietnam War (3/23/2021). It made sense to fill the remaining time with a short discussion on how Asian world views have penetrated American culture in ways we don't consciously see any more.
Senior Seminar presentation from Cameron focuses on the causes, entanglements and "resolution" of America's most controversial war to date. Originally recorded March 23, 2021. The video showing various booby traps used in the war (non-gory - it's a museum tour, not a re-enactment) can be found here>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmBl3RGItAE
A class discussion on common themes in film, and ways to break apart the techniques used to sway audience sympathies. Focal TV episode referenced here: The Obsolete Man, from the original Twilight Zone series. Originally recorded in segments on March 16 and 19, 2021.
An overview of the era that defined the postwar years: materialistic, idealistic, squeaky clean on the surface but with a lot of hypocrisy and prejudice swept under the rug. From movies to interstates to the early modern civil rights era, and more. Originally recorded in segments on March 12 and 16, 2021.
Originally recorded on March 5, 2021. The title says it all - a hard and heavy-hitting subject, but with a thread of hope and restoration worked throughout. Soli Deo Gloria.
NOTES: The video clips mentioned here (shown in class but not included on the recording due to Copyright and other issues), are taken from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: https://www.ushmm.org Specifically, the videos "Einsatzgruppen" and "The Liberation" were shown to the class. I highly recommend that you thoroughly explore this website to know more about this momentous event that impacted the entire human race on so many levels.
Posted for anyone who glitched or was not able to plug in yesterday, so you can hear the whys, wherefores, and the how-tos of using your new login information. A slightly different version with video/screen-share so you can see what I'm talking about is posted here >>>>> https://youtu.be/ZOtiUOKbu4s
One of our seniors, Caitlyn, presents a phenomenal brain-bending tour of Existentialism- where it originated, who the big contributing thinkers were, and how it permeates our culture today. Originally recorded on February 23, 2021. NOTE: The photograph I referenced that shows a crucifix submerged in a jar of the photographer's urine is actually from 1987. It was photographed by Andres Serrano and is often called "The Piss Christ."
A quick tour of why this film is so historically important: to cinema, as a time capsule of pre-Nazi Germany, and to understanding the mind of Adolf Hitler. Recorded on February 15, 2021, with the view in mind that listeners have watched, or will watch, the movie themselves. This podcast gives a full list of things to look for, but the biggies are these:
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use of silence vs sound (some portions have a soundtrack, others do not)
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the notion of "honest thieves" in the criminal underground (and a well-organized one, at that)
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the way in which the 'kindermurder' is marked and hunted down - by the police AND the criminal underworld
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use of "old school" detective work: fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, and psychology
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the kangaroo court scene: what is said on the murderer's defense; how the murderer defends himself in "court"
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the maddeningly ambiguous ending - why would Jewish director Fritz Lang end the movie this way?
As of this posting, the full movie is available, uninterrupted, on YouTube HERE>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0C2Te59egQ
Originally Recorded Feb 12, 2021 - the second half of our conversation about Hitler's rise to power (started in Episode 51). Here we focus more on Hitler, Mussolini, and the rise of the police state in Europe.
The Great Depression was a time of intense hardship in America. But Germany? They had it much worse.
Originally recorded on November 9 and 17, 2020. A look at one of the most timeless Christmas stories ever written, including some reading tips for getting in the right "brain space" for this book.
Recorded November 17, 2020...except for the last 30 minutes, which took place on January 8, 2021. Basically this is one broad, breathless look at the mindset of an era, focusing on all the following (plus other tidbits): personalities from WWI * Tolkien in the trenches * the mindset of the WWI Era * standing armies * underage enlistments and the draft * Schlieffen Plan * visiting the trenches * strategy on the fly * gentleman's rules of combat * the Ladies from Hell * the warrior mindset * Why men as the warriors? * Zimmerman telegram * Woodrow Wilson * The Lusitania * the Bolsheviks give Russia a personality change * the Yanks jump in
An overview of changing philosophies of the early 20th century, with a focus on the intentional - and unintentional - impact of Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud.
A supplemental episode extending our conversation from episode 38, "Yellow Journalism." Includes the Citizen Kane connection, as well as details on the "Clickbait worksheet" and how that, plus sections of the movie Citizen Kane, were used in class.
Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, Nellie Bly, and the reminder that False News, Fact Checking, and Media Wars are not a new thing. Not even close.
LINER NOTES: Here is the approximation of what the captioning on the Pulitzer/Hearst cartoon says:
PULITZER: Say, young feller, vatch de tome. [Watch the tone.] I'm de tome. You gant buy id. [You can't buy it [the tone of the news].] I'm a goot ting put don't push me. See! - Pulitzer.
HEARST: Say, this is my war. I bought and paid for it. and if you dont' stop bothering me about it I'll have you put off the earth, see? PS This is Hearst.
All three of the key "yellow journalism" cartoons we talked about in class today (including the Yellow Kid) can be found on History.com HERE>>> https://www.history.com/news/spanish-american-war-yellow-journalism-hearst-pulitzer
Here are your instructions for this test, due to be scanned in and emailed to me no later than 11am on Tuesday, 1/26/2021. Let me know if you have any questions!
A brief flyover of the biggest pandemic in recent memory, at least before Covid hit. Thanks to Mrs. Allison Earle for being our guest speaker on this episode!
Recorded November 3, 2020. Thanks to Selah, one of our Seniors, for a well-researched presentation on medical advancements in the early 20th century! From insulin to blood transfusions, heart surgeries to shock therapy, she covers some of the more complex advancements to shake the medical community in the early 1900s.
NOTE: Selah also references some excellent YouTube videos and some movies, which trailers (and YT videos) she showed in class (Not included in the recording, because audio-only on a movie trailer isn't near as informative). If you would like to look at the trailers and videos referenced in this presentation, you can find them here:
WWI Legacy: Prosthetics Video: https://youtu.be/M4NgZON8wb0
Canada History Week: The Discovery of Insulin Video: https://youtu.be/5Y3UaOteM0o
"Breathe" movie trailer: https://youtu.be/7_YnYrLfjxA
"Radioactive" movie trailer: https://youtu.be/mU0oOUTo5zo
A look at the Robber Barons/Captains of Industry, Social Darwinism, and a brief explanation of some "economic sense" of the late 1800s.
A compilation of all the lovely lessons in Victorian manners during our discussion of the 1800s.
An episode in which we look at the family feud that became the prelude to WWI, while the Victorian Era was drawing to a close.
A class discussion focused on John Green's Crash Course History Episode #23, "The Industrial Economy." On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6tRp-zRUJs&t=1s Our class discussion not only covers the points he gives in his 12.5 minute presentation, but we also branch out into child labor, the beginnings of the FDA, and more. It's a lot for so short a podcast!
A recap of some imperialist ideas, plus the first part of a closer look at the British Empire and how imperialism impacted things at "ground level" in Australia, South Africa, and India - with plenty of applications to America's own colonial experiences as well.
A look at the beginning of death culture, the obsession with celebrity, and the drive for entertainment that exploits others and encourages the "train wreck" syndrome. In other words - a look at how 21st Century culture has its roots in the late 1800s.
An in-class addendum to the pre-recorded lecture on Imperialism - this time, with a distinctly African focus.
A compilation of some of our ongoing Dracula discussions since the Quarter Exam (starting 10/2/2020).
The speed dial version of how Imperialism changed the face of the world. Full props to Dr. George Grant and the Gileskirk curriculum for providing the backbone of this discussion. Fasten your seatbelts - there's a lot squeezed into this short episode! EPISODE ERROR: I say that there are three reasons behind the migration movement; there are FOUR. If you're taking notes, be on the lookout....
Today we take a break from all the revolution, upheaval, philosophy, and brokenness of Modernity, and talk about...pictures! Specifically, how careful framing of even the most mundane subject can grab the attention, sway the opinions, and demand the sympathy of even the most jaundiced audience members. This is foundational to our ongoing study of visual media, and will be a key component in future film analysis studies.
The continuing saga of revolution, warfare, Karl Marx, - and COWS. (Yes, we cover the Two Cow System in the episode...among other things.) Tune in as we finish our tour of the Revolutions of 1848!
The first half of a two-part look at the rise of Napoleon, his fall, and how it set the stage for the first modern wave of global riots and protests.
Today we look at the Industrial Revolution through a largely American lens, looking at a FEW of the major inventions and inventors that transformed American life, and the respective cost of a revolutionary versus reformational mindset when it comes to technological change.
Here's a glimpse of my dad's "50 Year Project" with his political cartoon collection, how we're using them in class, and the insights students are getting by using them in a parallel study with current events of 2020.
Another look at Pride and Prejudice, this time focusing on themes and character growth. Also a quick look at Emily Dickinson, her legacy, and an unexpected way to break down her poetry.
Apart from a few housekeeping details, this summary of today's class - with additional info I did NOT cover in class - focuses on Pride and Prejudice, Austen's storytelling motifs, and tips for how to really sink your teeth into this book. Please reference the "HalfWay Mark" handout that was given in class for this discussion.
The pattern of every modern revolution of the past 230(ish) years. With the French Revolution as our template, we draw sobering parallels between then and now, and several other revolutions in between.
A wrap-up of the "bottom line" of the Philosopher's Chart (4th column on that chart), as well as 3 key paintings by French artist Jacques-Louis David and how they function as fine art AND propaganda: The Tennis Court Oath, the Death of Marat, and the Coronation of Napoleon.
A how-to on writing an abstract for our world view studies, using John McWhorter's "The Great Awokening: Atonement as Activism" as our initial article. The in-class worksheets needed for this discussion are (1) ISM Journal Entry -- "How-To" Template, and (2) The ISM Shortlist, both of which should be used as templates and resources for future ISM Journal entries.
A quick introduction to the worldview abstracts that students will compile this year in their ISM Journals.
Character mapping, major themes, and more than a few entanglements from Jane Austen's beloved classic.
A look at the first half of one of the most notorious revolutions ever. From the coronation of Louis XVI to the storming of the Bastille.
In which we wrap up our study of the Enlightenment thinkers, plus a quick Visual Media Intro with tips on ways to break down the world views behind it.
A lead-in to our discussion about the French Revolution. Our focus: The distinguishing characteristics of the Modern Age, with a brief synopsis on how we got there. Core charts and framework taken from the Gileskirk Curriculum by Dr. George Grant.
Today we focus on Pride and Prejudice, with some attention to which movie versions are most helpful for understanding/visualizing the book, as well as how to best use the footnotes from the annotated hard copies you are reading. We also begin our survey of the Enlightenment, with a look at Rene Descartes and Baruch Spinoza.
Today we cover: The 7 Deadly Sins; The 3 Core Motivations for Sin; the 2 ways sin is expressed; the 9 personality types; the 5 (6?) love languages, and the 10 unchangeable attributes of life. So, it's a weird counting episode of sorts, but it also maps out the "nuts and bolts" of why we humans mean well, but sin anyway, sometimes with disastrous unintended consequences. Why is the Modern Age so messed up? Here's your beginning point for understanding it. [PODCAST ERROR: The 6 block city radius of Seattle, Washington has declared itself independent, not Portland Oregon.]
A short tour of 4 views of history, what they say about the human experience, and why it matters which you buy into. (Recorded 26 July 2020)
A quick tour of how to read "The New Road to Serfdom" with the reading guide, a couple more technology FYIs, and a word about 1st semester reading (especially Dracula). Also, I'm sorry for cutting a couple of my words short during the cutting/editing process...I promise you're not missing any intervening sentences!
A quick FAQ about the upcoming school year, including projects, world views, study groups, mask usage, and a whole lot more. If you have your Modernity packet - keep that syllabus and technology survey handy, because that is what we focus on here!
A wrap-up to the 2019-2020 American Experience year, with practical end-of-year notes as well as a moment of reflection and encouragement.
A painfully short summary of The Trail of Tears, Transportation and Communications in the West, plus a blink-and-you'll miss it mention of Hearst and the Newspaper Wars.
A quick look at Mormonism, how it impacted America, and how America impacted it. We explore if it's compatible with American government and society, as well as if it's compatible with Christianity.
A quick tour of Melville's most overlooked novel, with prescient applications for our own time. Fasten your seat belts!
From guest speaker, Alex Dromm: An overview of the major battles of the War of Northern Aggression from Fort Sumter to Gettysburg and the tactics used by both sides of the conflict. We recommend you listen to this while looking at his PowerPoint presentation, posted on Edmodo (March 2020 folder).
The South secedes from the Union - the short version. (That's why you all have history books, yes?)
In which I talk about habits, asking "why" and commonality of experience in culture. Originally recorded on 3/18/2020. Sorry for the notification dings - I'll keep tweaking those internal controls.
A quick tour of "The Great Triumverate."
PODCAST ERROR: At the 4:20 mark - I refer to a span of time as "from the Napoleonic Wars to the eve of..." I meant the CIVIL WAR. Not the American Revolution. facepalm ALSO: At the 29:23 mark - Webster was chiefly concerned with manufacturing in the NORTH.
A brief blurb about why I'm doing this and what serves as the backbone of my research and lectures.
Main Source: Gileskirk Curriculum, 2003 edition, by Dr. George Grant. Includes a quick recap of the War of 1812, a brief explanation about chronology of lessons, and a focus on the rising divide leading into the Civil War and the vastly different world views that defined them.