A fractal is a pattern that repeats itself at every power of magnification, such as a tree which repeats the same trunk-and-branch design at the level of the whole tree, the branch, and the individual leaf. The famed Astronomical Clock in the center of Prague, which we've adopted for our logo, is something of a fractal, presenting daily, monthly (lunar), annual (solar), and astronomical time with each movement of its sophisticated mechanism.
The stories by which we know ourselves and our histories comprise fractals, too. We can study in one course the history of U.S. foreign policy throughout the 20th century, or sharpen our focus to the Cold War, or sharpen still more in one course to see the patterns of the Cold War play out in the Cuban Missile Crisis, or even in an individual presidency, such as a course on the administration of John F Kennedy.
The stories by which we know ourselves and our histories comprise fractals, too. We can study in one course the history of U.S. foreign policy throughout the 20th century, or sharpen our focus to the Cold War, or sharpen still more in one course to see the patterns of the Cold War play out in the Cuban Missile Crisis, or even in an individual presidency, such as a course on the administration of John F Kennedy.
The power of narrative is precisely this power to scale, to enlarge or compress, to tell a whole story no matter how deeply or broadly into a topic we want to travel. Each level of magnification reveals patterns and relationships that inform our knowledge of the past and of ourselves; each story at every level remains a coherent whole, disclosing its themes and insights.
FractalPast is an online suite of history courses that allow learners, as the great historian David McCullough put it, to understand “who we are and why we are the way we are.” FractalPast courses are live seminar-style lectures and discussions - NOT pre-packaged videos, taped lectures, or scripted audiocasts. At FractalPast, you are not eavesdropping on someone else’s course or passively watching a video. We’re fully interactive, so you are too. You are not only free to contribute with your insights and your interest, you are encouraged to do so.
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To understand "who we are and why we are the way we are." |
Unlike degree programs or affiliated seminars that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, FractalPast courses are only $85 each, to keep learning affordable. |
No tests, no exams, no attendance, no requirements of any kind. Just you, a passionate teacher, and the wonder of learning about the past. |
Each class is unique, responsive to student interests, and focused on understanding (rather than grades or gate-keeping). |
Our unscripted lessons let you ask questions, explore what interests you, and indulge your individual curiosity. FractalPast courses are taught and led by a PhD trained historian with over twenty years classroom experience. Our courses are designed at every scale to offer a complete narrative, yet one that points the way to further understanding and discovery.
Interested in learning history for learning's sake? We would love to have you. Visit the current courses page to take a look at our upcoming course schedule, or visit the "What To Expect" page to read policies, FAQs, and to better understand how we offer our learning-focused, no-pressure courses.
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