500 years ago, two worlds met: utterly alien, unknown, unsuspected to one another. Three men decisively shaped that encounter and its legacy for succeeding generations. In this first of three lectures, Columbus and the initial encounter are explored.

“Discovery” is the language of European conquest. Columbus remained convinced until his death that he had found Asia (though he speculated on touching the outer shores of Paradise). He was not the scrupulous explorer or dispassionate man of science that moderns have imagined: he was not out to prove the world is round; he was led back to Spain in chains after his 3rd voyage and died embittered, broken and disappointed. So who was this Genoese sailing for the Spanish crown, with a mysterious signature and messianic complex? What did he “discover” in spite of himself? How have his deeds been variously interpreted over the last 500 years? (This lecture can be taken independently of Dr. Gooch’s other summer lectures.)

Dr. Herbert Gooch is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at California Lutheran University. He formerly served as Director of the Masters in Public Policy and Administration program and Assistant Provost for Graduate Studies at Cal Lutheran. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley in History, he holds a M.B.A in Management and both masters and doctoral degrees in Political Science from U.C.L.A. He has written extensively and is a frequent commentator on political affairs locally and statewide. He has been at Cal Lutheran since 1987 and lives in Newbury Park with his wife. His interests include politics, film and travel.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.