Event—Adult Education

The American Archetype

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How can we take a humanistic approach to some of the biggest American myths?

Batman Comic Book, 1940. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Class Description

This class provides a humanistic look into the two predominant American myths: the American Dream and the lone cowboy on the Western frontier. By outlining the moral consciousness of these myths, a discussion around the American archetypal hero will follow, exemplified by the midcentury comic hero, Batman; F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Gatsby;" Norman Rockwell's "The Connoisseur;" and George Gershwin's "An American in Paris."

Elizabeth Newkirk is an American classical pianist and writer. She specializes in music of the early twentieth century, and her scholarship explores American culture, mannerisms, and archetypes. A passionate humanist, she values a broad perspective for an enriched assimilation of the arts.

Materials List

Required

  • Digital Course Packet

First Reading

    • Please read through/view all the materials in the Digital Course Packet.

Cost and Registration

One session, $53 ($48 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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