For curious minds who love to learn the hidden influences in culture, our critical theory and philosophy mini-courses offer an in-depth look into the most important minds in history.
We help participants master difficult philosophical concepts by teaching with simple language and creating a space for conversation.
Read and discuss a new thinker each month in this online course series. At the beginning of the month, participants receive a short introduction to that month's thinker and a list of supplemental resources, including articles, podcasts, and videos to read, listen, and watch before we meet together online for our live discussion.
We aim to read a key text together, and then participants read as much or as little of that thinker's writings as they can. We also dig into as much of the supplemental material as we have time or interest for.
On the last Saturday of each month, we get together for about two hours and discuss that month's thinker. By the end of the meeting, participants have a solid grasp on that thinker's major contribution to critical thought and the ways their ideas are manifested in culture.
Participants have complete access to course materials, including the recordings of all live discussions. While we emphasize the live element and the online discussion, many participants choose to remain self-paced and work through materials on their own.
All participants are welcome to start discussions and share resources in our private Facebook group.
Jessica S. Manuel is a reader, writer, and college professor. Her work explores the intersections of contemporary theories and philosophies with classic and contemporary literature.
She earned her B.A. in English with an emphasis in Critical Theory and a minor in Theological Studies from The Master's University. She went on to earn her M.A. in English (Literature) from San Francisco State University where she studied 19th-20th Century Literatures with a special studies emphasis in Critical Theory. After examining the intersections of psychoanalysis and contemporary literature, she wrote her thesis on Haruki Murakami's use of the unconscious in Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.
After earning her M.A., she continued her education at University of California, San Diego where she studied and earned certificates in teaching adult learners, literature, and online teaching and learning. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design at Clemson University.
Jessica offers online adult literature courses and reading groups for life-long learners through Book Oblivion Academy and also teaches writing and literature courses at the college level.