The History of the Senses

Seeing, smelling, touching, hearing, tasting - the world discloses itself to humans through the senses. Although this appears to be a highly individual process producing as many realities as there are people, it is also shaped by shared cultural norms and assumptions. What smells good in one society might be considered a bad odor in another. Likewise, what was an exquisite taste for 17th-century gourmets might be intolerable for modern tongues. With the growing interest in the history of the body, scholars have recently begun to explore the history of sensual experiences in different periods and cultures. They are producing fascinating work that is providing new insight into human culture and values. Our fall lecture series will highlight some of their findings.

• Robert Jutte, Institut fur die Geschichte der Medizin der Robert Bosch Stiftung. Stuttgart, The Five Senses During and After Industrialization. Thursday. September 20, 5-7 pm.

• E. Ann Matter, University of Pennsylvania. Visionary Science in Medieval Germany: Hildegard von Bingen`s SCIVIAS. Tuesday, October 2, 5-7 pm.

• David Howes, Concordia University. Freud`s Nose: The Denigration of Olfaction and the Birth of Psychoanalysis. Thursday, October 18, 5-7 pm.

• Emily Thompson, University of Pennsylvania. The Reverberations of History: The Culture of Listening and the Reconstruction of the Past. Thursday, November 1, 5-7 pm.

• Marjorie O' Rourke Boyle, University of Toronto. Adam's Finger: Michelangelo`s Touch? Friday, November 16, 5-7 pm.

• Constance Classen, Concordia University. Chocolate Ice Cream and Hot Orange Light: A Tasteful Exploration of Modern Art. Thursday, December 6, 5-7 pm.

All lectures will be held at the German Historical Institute 1607 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Refreshments will be served at 5 p.m. Lectures begin at 5:30 p.m.

Metro: Red Line to Dupont Circle. (Use Q Street North exit)

R.S.V.P.
Phone: (202) 387-3355
Fax: (202) 387-6437
E-mail: C.Brown@ghi-dc.org