Lifelong Learning Collaborative: Alexander von Humboldt and the Study of Nature

Alexander von Humboldt and the Study of Nature
Coordinators: Chuck Nickles, Sidney Okashige
Humboldt. Does that name sound familiar? Well, there’s the Humboldt Current off Ecuador, the Humboldt penguin, mountain peaks, rivers, streets (even in Providence), parks, bridges and schools with that name.
In his time, Humboldt was known for his studies of nature and the environment. He spent most of his life exploring South America, kept journals as he traveled, and collected thousands of samples of plants, insects and animals. But, unlike the specialist modern scientists of today, Humboldt viewed nature holistically, recognizing in his journals and books the inter-connectivity of all living things. He was the first person to hypothesize that human activity could affect climate. He influenced Darwin, John Muir, Thoreau, Wordsworth, and others. We’ll examine the life of Alexander von Humboldt through his adventures and discoveries, and maybe answer the question of why he has been
largely forgotten.

Format: Class members will read the biography of Humboldt, watch an interesting YouTube documentary about him, and read selections
from his books. Participants will make presentations or lead discussions on particular aspects of Humboldt’s life, adventures, travels and/or
discoveries. This is a Zoom video conferencing class (see box on page 2 for more information).
Resources/Expenses: The Invention of Nature, Alexander von Humboldt’s New World by Andrea Wolf is available (used) online for $3.00 and
up in paperback.
Coordinators: Chuck Nickles is a retired physics lecturer who has facilitated several LLC courses. He’s also worked in precision measurement
systems, energy conservation and alternative energy. Over the last ten years, Sidney Okashige has enjoyed co-coordinating more than a dozen
LLC courses and treasures the wonderful friendships she has made taking and coordinating courses. One of her favorite classes is knitting, which she has taken repeatedly for many years.

Zoom Videoconference
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
10 weeks  REGISTRATION OPENS Monday July 22
Sep 10-Nov 12
Fee: $55
Class size limit: 16