Arcadia Public Library

By returning to the roots of Islam and understanding how societies have found justification for their treatment of women within Islamic sources, this thoughtful and far reaching film is an essential resource that debunks myths about women and Islam. Renowned Muslim feminist scholars and journalists, including Asra Q. Nomani, Mona Eltahawy, Azadeh Moaveni, Dr. Amina Wadud, Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl and Asma Gull Hasan, detail how from early on very different...

Sport and spectacle have long been part of human affairs. We associate gladiatorial combat with the Romans, but it actually originated with the Etruscans, who held such combats and chariot races as part of religious observances. Study the exciting world of Etruscan sports and find out the context surrounding different types of games..

One stark contrast between Etruscan society and the Greek and Roman worlds is the relative equality of Etruscan women to men. They appeared in public and even danced and banqueted in mixed company, inspiring strident condemnation from foreign authors. Here, review the role of women as priestesses, wives, mothers, and members of society at large..

In this final lecture, you’ll trace the influence of Etruscan art and architecture in the Renaissance, when many exports of “Roman” culture were actually Etruscan. Then review what modern DNA research tells us about the origins and endings of the Etruscans—and the limits of our knowledge about this mysterious people even today..

Meet the Etruscans. Although you may not know much about them, this opening lecture quickly shows how they served as a conduit between the Greeks and the Romans, influencing much of what we think of as Western civilization. Begin by surveying their world to gain context for this mysterious people..

While much of their art incorporates Greek elements—confusing archaeologists for decades—the Etruscans have their own distinct myths and legends. Here, delve into some of those stories and meet heroes such as the Vipinas brothers, who were a pair of folk heroes rooted in history. Explore the relationship between myth and history..

Round out your study of the Etruscan view of the dead and the afterlife by examining wall paintings. Reflect on some of the key symbols around the transition from the living to the dead—including divers, underworld guides, and kings. Then consider how the Etruscan afterlife compared to Greek beliefs and mythology..

Much of Rome’s geography, architecture, and artistic inscriptions suggest strong Etruscan influence. After discussing three Etruscan kings who ruled Rome, Professor Tuck reviews the evidence—particularly in some of the city’s prominent temples—that Rome was, in fact, largely founded as an Etruscan city..

Sanctuaries reflect Etruscan religious beliefs and offer critical insight into their culture and politics. Examine the placement and design of several key sanctuaries, and contrast them with Greek temples. After reflecting on the geography of religious spaces, Professor Tuck turns to religious art and sculpture..

Simshar is inspired by true stories which occurred in the Mediterranean in the summer of 2008. This poignant film tells the story of 11 year old Theo who sets sail with his sea faring family on their fishing boat when an accident throws them into open water. Simultaneously in the Mediterranean, a Turkish merchant vessel has rescued a group of stranded migrants between Italy and Malta, but neither country will take them in. The stories collide and...