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.