Storytelling and the Human Condition
Overview
Course No. 20080
In this 12-lecture course, Alexandra Hudson—award-winning journalist and founder of Civic Renaissance—explores how stories across cultures and history help us understand fundamental human questions. You’ll examine how narratives shape our identities, connect us to others, and provide guidance for living meaningful lives.
From ancient myths to modern media, this course reveals storytelling as humanity’s timeless tool for exploring existence, morality, and our place in the world through “The Great Conversation” that spans civilizations.
Video Lectures
01: The Power of Narrative
Discover how stories help humans make sense of existence.
02: Myths and Origins
Explore creation myths as early existential frameworks.
03: Heroic Archetypes
Analyze cross-cultural hero journeys and their lessons.
04: Moral Parables
Examine how fables and tales transmit ethical wisdom.
05: Sacred Texts
Study religious stories as life guidance systems.
06: Philosophical Dialogues
Understand Socratic storytelling as truth-seeking.
07: Literary Masterpieces
See how great novels probe human nature.
08: Historical Narratives
Consider history’s stories about power and meaning.
09: Scientific Storytelling
Track how science frames nature’s narratives.
10: Digital Age Stories
Analyze modern media’s storytelling evolution.
11: Personal Narratives
Explore autobiography as identity construction.
12: The Future of Story
Speculate on storytelling’s next chapters.

