Course

As the highest and most dramatic features of the landscape, mountains have come naturally to represent humanity’s highest and deepest values and aspirations. Drawing on personal experiences, extensive research, and his work with national parks and World Heritage sites, Ed Bernbaum explores the role of mountains in the mythologies, religions, literature, history, and art of cultures around the world, both traditional and modern. Illustrated with spectacular photography, the course also examines the implications of sacred mountains for mountaineering, the environment, and everyday life.

Faculty Bio

Ed Bernbaum is a mountaineer and scholar of comparative religion and mythology whose work centers on the relationship between culture and nature. His book Sacred Mountains of the World won the Commonwealth Club’s gold medal for nonfiction. 

This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course

• Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365 (3rd floor), at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
• Classes will also stream live simultaneously, and be recorded
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and ends on Tuesday, Oct. 13
• Classes meet for four weeks, two hours per session (1–3 PM)
• There is no class on Oct. 6
• All course materials will remain in Member Dashboards through Dec. 31