Humanities College Activities 2008-09

Each fall, the Humanities College takes a trip to a major city, and just like in recent years, 2008’s trip was to New York City.  The bus full of sleepy yet eager students and faculty rolled out of campus on the morning of Saturday, October 18, 2008.  After a quiet three-hour ride, the bus pulled up in front of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Senior Fellow Alf Siewers—also an English professor and medieval studies guru—proceeded to give an informative tour on the history and architecture of the church, referencing the religious and medieval works the students studied in class.  Afterwards, everyone was able to look around on his or her own.

When lunchtime approached, the bus dropped off the students and faculty close to Times Square.  Roaming for food, souvenirs, picture taking, and more commenced before the college met back at the Majestic Theater.  As was tradition, the Humanities College arranged for (discounted!) tickets to see a Broadway play, and this year’s was a matinee show of the Phantom of the Opera. 

After enjoying an enticing performance, students and faculty rode over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Here, the students were able to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the classical works they studied in class as Senior Fellows Stephanie Larson and John Hunter—professors of classics and comparative humanities, respectively—toured them through the newly reinstalled Greek and Roman Art Galleries.

Following their tour, everyone was let loose to explore the rest of the museum and head back into the bustling streets of the city.  More time for food, souvenirs, pictures, and other shenanigans (in moderation) went underway.  The evening ended in full circle: a bus full of sleepy yet eager students and faculty rode back to school, ready once more to hit the books.