Lecture Series
During the summer and winter terms, BOLLI offers its members complimentary lecture series led by distinguished scholar-teachers.
Summer 24 lectures will be offered on Zoom only. Please carefully read the description for information. All times are Eastern Time.
Please note: BOLLI membership is required to participate. Register for membership online or contact program coordinator Dom Restivo.
Summer 2024 Lectures
This course will look at a range of challenges facing China today. Is the development model that led to China’s ‘rise’ no longer effective? Has China’s rapid growth in power provoked opposition to the point that China no longer can grow as it had in the past? Has the Chinese Communist Party lost its ability to adapt just as the country faces some of its greatest challenges?
Scott McKnight
Research Associate, University of Toronto
Five Thursdays, May 30-June 27, 2024
2:00pm-3:30pm ET
Location: Zoom
Join Gil Harel to discuss the genius of Broadway productions such as The King and I, A Chorus Line, Sweeney Todd, Phantom of the Opera, and Fun Home.
Gil Harel
Professor of Musicology
Monday, June 10 - Friday, June 14
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET
Location: Zoom
"Which is the merchant here? And which the Jew?": Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice
A week on The Merchant of Venice, with particular attention to the two characters who steal every scene they're in: Shylock and Portia, and the moral and religious attitudes each takes towards the other's moral and religious attitudes.
Billy Flesch
Professor of English
Monday, Aug. 12 - Friday, Aug. 16
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET
Location: Zoom
Billy recommends the Folger's edition for ease of use. You can buy a hard copy online.