The Humanities

Jenny Santa Maria, artist, instructor

Explore how artists across time have used imagery to challenge injustice and inspire social change. From Picasso’s Guernica to Keith Haring’s bold public works, art emerges as a powerful form of expression and protest. Following the lecture, participate in a guided draw-along to create your own “Seeds of Change,” using color and form to express personal values and ideas.

Tuesday, July 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
XHUMN 374, $49

Michael Norris, PhD, art historian

Discover the life and work of Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828), one of America’s most accomplished portrait painters. With more than 1,000 works created in the United States and Europe, Stuart captured many of the nation’s founding figures, including George Washington. Known for his engaging personality, he used conversation to reveal the character of his subjects, creating portraits that remain central to America’s visual identity.

Tuesday, July 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
XHUMN 370, $49

Lyndell O’Hara, PhD

Elizabeth Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole, born in 1752, was the seventh of eleven children and part of Philadelphia’s vibrant artisan community. Apprenticed to an upholsterer, she became skilled in the creation of military flags, a craft long associated with her name. Explore her life beyond the legend, including her role during the Revolution, her resilience, and the evolution of her legacy in American history.

Tuesday, July 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
XHUMN 367, $49

John Miraglia, instructor, Kean University

Reconsider the American Revolution not as a regional rebellion, but as part of a global conflict involving powerful nations and competing interests. Examine diplomatic strategy, economic alliances, and international military engagements. Explore how events across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond shaped the outcome of the war and influenced the emergence of the United States on the global stage.

Wednesday, July 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
XHUMN 371, $49

Russell Dutcher, MA, military historian

Step into the hidden world of espionage during the American Revolution through the story of John Taylor, scholar, soldier, and intelligence operative under George Washington. Explore New Jersey’s critical role in spy networks and covert operations, and learn how ordinary citizens contributed to the war effort. Gain insight into the strategy, secrecy, and courage behind this lesser-known dimension of the fight for independence.

2 Sessions

Thursday, July 23–30, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
XHUMN 375, $69