In 2021, we ran over 2,500 Conversations across 1,500 unique topics, selling over 70,000 tickets to 10,000 learners, and garnering over 9,000 5-star reviews. It’s been a year - well, two - of nonstop life-changing events that have shaped our past, present, and future in so many different ways. As we make our way into the new year, we think about our New Year’s Resolutions and what we want to do better come January 1st. So as we think about self-betterment, development, and enrichment, we’ll be sharing 15 upcoming courses to open your mind and broaden your horizons.

For the cinephiles and movie buffs

• Cinematic Moments That Impacted American History: Led by Yale Film Professor Marc Lapadula, this course will discuss several movies (with accompanying film clips) that, for better or worse, made their indelible mark on the American history books.
• Justice in Film - Legal Dramas: Yale film professor Marc Lapadula will be discussing and analyzing a broad lineup of the best and most compelling movies released within the Legal Drama genre.

For the person who interested in Roman and Papal History

• The Aristocratic Families That Shaped Rome: In this four-part course, led by art historian and native Roman Cecilia Martini, we will delve into the most beautiful private palaces and art collections of Rome that still exist today. We will also use these artworks to connect to related pieces around the globe. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of Rome and the role of its aristocracy in the patronage of art.
• The History of the Popes: In this course, participants will explore the history of the popes from the days of Roman persecution to the pontificate of Francis I. Along the way, participants will experience the ways in which popes navigated world-shaking events like the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of medieval kings, the Protestant Reformation, the French Revolution, and the crushing might of Fascism and Communism. You can also check out our blog post on the 5 Most Interesting Popes in History
• All Roads Lead to Rome – Ancient Roman Technology and Innovation: Led by an expert on Ancient Roman Topography, Livia Galante, this course will focus on ancient Roman technology. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased comprehension of technology, architecture, and engineering in the Roman world.

For the ladies, by the ladies:

• Powerful Women of Imperial Rome: Led by an expert on ancient Roman topography Livia Galante, this course will focus on key female figures who lived in the Roman Imperial Age. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased comprehension on the political importance of women in antiquity.
• Modern and Contemporary Women Designers: Led by an expert on modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, Dr. Jennie Hirsh, this Conversation will explore the ways in which women have left an indelible mark on the history of twentieth- and twenty-first-century design. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the various furniture, lighting, and other industrial objects that these women introduced into the home and workplace.

For the person who loves fashion and jewelry

• Glitter and Gold – History of Western Jewelry: In this course, we will learn how jewelry evolved in the western world, from Ancient Egypt to the most famous jewelry houses such as Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels. We will analyze the different types of jewelry and their purpose through centuries, the symbology of stones, and the evolution of the jewelry trade.

For the bookworms

• Book Discussion – Virgil’s Epic Poem "The Aeneid”: During this three-part course, led by award-winning author, scholar, and professor Joseph Luzzi, we will discover what makes Virgil’s great work “tick” by exploring the brilliant formal and thematic qualities that give The Aeneid its unusual force, even now, two millennia after it was composed.
• Book Discussion – Cervantes' Classic Novel "Don Quixote”: Led by award-winning author and professor Joseph Luzzi, we will go deep inside Cervantes’ greatest work as we discover what makes it such a beloved classic worldwide. We invite you to explore the lecture outlines below for additional details.
• Book Discussion – Milton’s "Paradise Lost”: In this three-part course, led by award-winner author and professor Joseph Luzzi, we will explore the intellectual and literary riches of Milton’s great work “tick” as together we consider what gives the poem its remarkable inventiveness and relevance to our world today.
• Book Discussion – Classic Mystery Novel Puzzles: Led by multi-published crime writer and mystery expert William Bernhardt, this multi-part course will deepen our understanding of the most critical mystery novels out there. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future reading, participants will come away with a comprehensive awareness of this literary theme.

For the Anglophiles and UK lovers

• Britain's Royal Line of Succession: Led by award-winning guide Nick Salmond, the creator of the top-rated smartphone app Royal Family Tree, this Conversation will help expand your knowledge of the origins of the English Royal Family. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of each Monarch's place in history.
• A History of London–From Imperial Outpost to World City: Led by an expert on London's history, Don Brown, the Director of the London Society, this course will provide insights into the growth of one of the world's greatest cities. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away knowing much more about the history of the UK's capital and the reasons why it still captivates visitors.
• The Life of Sir Winston Churchill:Led by Don Brown, who gave our very popular seminar on Churchill last year, this Conversation develops and deepens our knowledge of Sir Winston. Participants will come away with a fuller picture of the life and achievements, not to mention the controversies, of the man.

Remote life has led to a renaissance of immersive online experiences, instantly delivered and enjoyed from anywhere in the world, and with our seminars and courses, Context does just that!