lecture recording on 04 March 2025 at 12.24.04 PM

Student Protests and Issues

• Students at the college level have a long history of protesting against social injustices.

  • Examples of issues include outdated textbooks and excessive college tuition.

  • Colleges, like Victor Valley College, have begun taking steps to reduce costs for tuition and books.

  • A notable point is that for this course, no textbook is required.

Right to Protest

• Major global issues have sparked protests on college campuses.

  • Examples: Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict, leading to protests for support on either side.

• The First Amendment protects the right to peaceful protest, emphasizing freedom of speech.

  • Acknowledgment of differing opinions about the right to protest.

Lesson Topic: Roman Gods

• Jupiter: The chief god in Roman mythology.

  • Known as the god of the sky, he is associated with thunder and lightning.

  • Comparison with Norse mythology: Jupiter is analogous to Odin.

  • Protector of Rome and law.

  • Married to his sister Juno.

  • Fathered many gods, including Mars, Vulcan, Minerva, Vesta, and Apollo.

  • Worship practices included sacrifices, large temples, and festivals.

Sacrificial Practices

• Animals were frequently sacrificed to honor Jupiter.

  • Elaborate on the process: killing an animal, burning it, and offering its smoke as a prayer to Jupiter.

  • Discusses similarities between Roman sacrifices and biblical references, such as the story of Abraham.

  • Emphasizes the importance of these rituals in expressing faith and devotion to gods.

Temples and Public Worship

• Romans constructed large temples dedicated to Jupiter as places of worship.

  • Temples were used not only for worship but also for judicial purposes.

  • Recognition of the financial resources available to the Romans for such constructions.

Festivals and Celebrations

• Importance of festivals in honoring the gods; these celebrations included communal gatherings and often had joyous undertones.

  • Comparisons made to modern street parties like Mardi Gras.

Additional Roman Gods

• Juno: Queen of the gods, goddess of marriage and fertility.

  • Shared protective role over the Roman Empire with Jupiter.

• Minerva: Virgin goddess of wisdom, also associated with the arts and medicine.

  • Highlights the importance of poetry in ancient culture.

  • Comments on contemporary poetry and its role in storytelling.

• Vesta: Goddess of the hearth and family.

  • Importance of family gatherings and home life in ancient Rome.

  • Discussion on the challenges of modern family meals with technology distractions.

Upcoming Midterm

• The midterm will consist of 30 questions covering both Roman and Greek gods, including areas of dominion (e.g., Pluto as god of the underworld).

• Review provided materials thoroughly to ensure understanding.