Posted inChinese History

The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860): How Did Trade Disputes and British Demand for Opium Lead to Military Conflict and Unequal Treaties? Examine the Causes, Course, And Devastating Consequences of These Wars for China, Leading to Loss of Sovereignty, Opening of Treaty Ports, And Marking the Beginning of a Century of Humiliation.

The Opium Wars: A "High"-ly Unfair Trade (Lecture Hall - Professor adjusts his glasses, a twinkle in his eye. A projection screen displays a slightly cartoonish image of Queen Victoria…
Posted inChinese History

The Qing Dynasty’s Establishment (1644): How Did the Manchu Conquerors From the North Establish and Consolidate Their Rule Over Han Chinese? Explore the Military Strategies, Political Policies (Including the Queue Order), And The Initial Challenges Faced by the Qing in Establishing a Stable and Enduring Empire.

The Qing Dynasty's Establishment (1644): From Barbarian Hordes to Mandarins in Magnificent Robes! (A Lecture on Military Prowess, Political Shenanigans, and Really, Really Bad Haircuts) (Opening Slide: Image of a…
Posted inPhilosophy

Philosophy of Language: How Does Language Work, and What is Meaning? Explore the Branch of Philosophy That Investigates The Nature Of Language, Its Relationship To Thought And Reality, How Meaning Is Created And Communicated, And The Role Of Language In Shaping Our Understanding Of The World.

Philosophy of Language: How Does Language Work, and What is Meaning? (A Philosophical Deep Dive 🤿) Welcome, intrepid explorers of the linguistic landscape! Prepare to have your brains tickled, teased,…
Posted inChinese History

The Ming Dynasty’s Fall (1644): What Internal Rebellions and External Threats Led to the Collapse of the Ming and the Rise of the Qing? Examine the Role of Peasant Uprisings (Like Li Zicheng’s), Manchu Invasion, And Internal Corruption in Bringing an End to This Dynasty and Ushering in a New Era of Rule.

The Ming Dynasty's Fall (1644): A Comedy of Errors Leading to the Qing (Lecture Hall Doors Slam Open with a Dramatic Flourish. Dust motes dance in the single spotlight illuminating…
Posted inPhilosophy

Philosophy of Technology: How Does Technology Shape Us and Our World? Explore the Philosophical Questions About The Nature, Impact, And Implications Of Technology, Asking How Technology Influences Human Life, Society, Values, And Our Understanding Of Ourselves And Reality.

Philosophy of Technology: How Does Technology Shape Us and Our World? (Lecture Hall Ambiance with a Slight Whirring of Projector) (Professor enters, wearing a slightly rumpled tweed jacket and a…
Posted inChinese History

The Forbidden City’s Construction (1406-1420): Explore the Design and Building of the Imperial Palace Complex in Beijing, Examining Its Architectural Significance, Symbolic Meaning, And The Immense Resources and Labor Required to Create This Center of Imperial Power and Ceremony, Which Remained Home to Emperors for Centuries.

The Forbidden City's Construction (1406-1420): A Lecture Greetings, intrepid architectural explorers! 🏛️ Welcome to today's lecture where we'll be diving headfirst into the magnificent, utterly bonkers, and frankly, terrifying undertaking…
Posted inPhilosophy

Animal Ethics: Do Animals Have Rights? Explore the Philosophical Questions About The Moral Status of Animals, Asking Whether Animals Have Rights, Whether It Is Morally Permissible To Use Animals For Food, Experimentation, Or Entertainment, And Examining Different Ethical Frameworks Applied to Our Treatment of Non-Human Animals.

Animal Ethics: Do Animals Have Rights? A Wild Ride Through Moral Mazes 🦁🧠 (Disclaimer: Prepare for philosophical heavy-lifting mixed with a dash of absurdity. Side effects may include existential crises…
Posted inChinese History

The Voyages of Zheng He (1405-1433): Beyond the Treasure Ships, Explore the Massive Naval Expeditions Led by the Ming Dynasty Eunuch, Examining Their Scale, Purpose (Tribute, Diplomacy, Trade), And The Mysterious Decision to End These Voyages, Leaving a Void in Maritime Exploration.

The Voyages of Zheng He (1405-1433): Beyond the Treasure Ships (A lecture that sets sail on the seas of Ming Dynasty ambition and mystery) Ahoy, history buffs and armchair admirals!…
Posted inPhilosophy

Environmental Ethics: Our Moral Responsibilities to the Natural World – Explore the Branch of Ethics That Examines The Moral Relationship Between Humans And The Natural Environment, Asking Questions About Our Obligations To Protect Nature, The Moral Status Of Animals, And The Value Of Ecosystems, Addressing Issues Of Sustainability and Conservation.

Environmental Ethics: Our Moral Responsibilities to the Natural World - A Lecture (Professor stands behind a lectern covered in fake moss and a plastic potted fern, sporting a slightly-too-enthusiastic grin.)…
Posted inChinese History

Marco Polo’s Visit to Yuan Dynasty China (late 13th century): Fact or Fiction? Explore the Accounts of the Venetian Traveler in Kublai Khan’s Court and Examine the Historical Evidence for His Journey, Considering What His Writings Revealed About the Wonders of Yuan China to Europeans and Sparked Future Exploration.

Marco Polo's Visit to Yuan Dynasty China (late 13th century): Fact or Fiction? 🐉 Silk Roads, Spicy Noodles, & Suspect Stories! (Lecture Style: Engaging, slightly irreverent, and packed with historical…