On April 27 Madalina Rosca, Sarah Junghans and I journeyed to Kyrgyzstan to attend the international student conference on Freedom and Responsibility organized by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). Although free, responsible and legally aged, we didn’t go alone. Bartholomew Ryan and Bruno Macaes also came, to offer us their support and expertise.
Author: Archives
This Is Hungary Calling
On April 26 the students and faculty of ECLA had the privilege of welcoming Agnes Heller, one of the greatest living European intellectuals. Heller has become an outspoken critic of the political changes occurring in her native Hungary, where she now lives after many years teaching at the New School for Social Research in New
Soak Up The Sun
I am about to make a bold claim—that for ECLA’s Italy trip, the experience is much sweeter in hindsight. Our professors warned us that the trip was no spring vacation, and rightly so. I believe I recited several litanies of complaints along the way to Florence and in the city itself: about the inhumane 3a.m.
A Tourist In Florence
A tourist here, a tourist there, there are tourists everywhere. Before going to Florence, just like any other good tourist I researched in detail what the web had to offer about the Italian customs, you know, the little nifty tricks that could save one a euro or two. Some websites recommended having quick breakfasts, coffee
Subtly Disturbing
A life without love, devotion to a person or a profession, and a life without delicious food and drink is a cold and gloomy one. The lives of Martina and Philippa, two sisters in Babette’s Feast, are cold and gloomy. During the week dedicated to the Annual Conference, ECLA students, faculty, as well as our
Digitally Divine
Pope John Paul II introduced the world to the “Pope-mobile.” Pope Benedict XVI’s Church of the new millennium gives “mobile” new meaning. Released only a few weeks ago, the app Confession: A Roman Catholic App, available for iPhones, iPods, and iPads, allows those who are equally devout to their smartphone as to their faith to
The Fall Of the Roman Empire
“Teacher: How was the Roman Empire cut in half? Pupil: With a pair of Caesars!” On Friday, 4th February, 2011, Professor Peter Heather of King’s College London gave a lecture on the fall of Rome to students of the ‘Conservatism & Reaction’ course. Professor Heather began by stating that the Roman, Ottoman and British empires
A Fragment From Rome
I am going to tell you a story of a young man who found love. (Or the other way around). Enchanted by Beauty, sponsored by a ‘Valued’ group of people who once pointed at the villa of history… (this is too dramatic, but I can see you falling for a love story…). Let me try