Turning Points: Re-Seeing History Through Art and Memoir
This course explores how six outstanding American artists and writers from widely diverse backgrounds represented key turning points in their individual lives. Focusing on one each week, we’ll sample three painters — Chiura Obata, Jacob Lawrence, and Hung Liu. Also deeply revealing of personal experiences, we’ll read memoirist Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, as well as activist James Baldwin and historian Annette Gordn-Reed. We’ll consider these personal turning points in relation to turning points in American history, such as emancipation, immigration, incarceration, and the Civil Rights movement. How might the connections between individual stories and historical movements help develop a more inclusive sense of what our shared American history might include?
Faculty Bio
Susan Van Dyne taught at Smith College for 40 years. She enjoys interdisciplinary teaching and sharing lively discussions with participants.
This is an In-Person Course
- Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Thursday, Jan. 18 and ends on Thursday, Feb. 22
- Classes meet for six weeks, two hours per session (1–3 PM)
- Course materials will remain available to view and enjoy through March 31
Member Praise for Susan Van Dyne
Susan Van Dyne is extraordinary. She is one of the best instructor's that I have ever had. She is worthy of accolades. Sign her up for more classes and soon! Susan got me to write once again. Her suggestions and prompts worked well for me. Our readings and video added greatly to my knowledge. Thank you to Susan Van Dyne and OLLI for an exceptional class.
Faculty Q&A
- Read an interview with Susan Van Dyne from our archive.