Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Major Historical Trends: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
Speaker
Ira Meslik
This discussion group meets every two weeks to delve
into a period of history guided by a quality book. This
quarter, we’ll use Genghis Khan and the Making of
the Modern World by Jack Weatherford, a professor
of anthropology. It is a comprehensive account of
Genghis Khan’s life, his military strategies, and the
lasting influence of the Mongol Empire on global
civilization, highlighting his role in facilitating trade,
promoting religious tolerance and fostering cultural
exchange. Weatherford argues that the Mongol
Empire played a crucial role in shaping the modern
world by connecting diverse cultures, encouraging
scientific advances and improving commerce
across Eurasia.
There are no prerequisites for joining this group’s
discussions other than a curiosity about history.
Each session will be led by a different member of
our long-running group. The discussions will be
interactive, offering an opportunity to gain insights
and viewpoints from people of diverse backgrounds,
experiences and perspectives.
The book is available in paperback, hardcover,
audio, and Kindle versions. Look for Genghis Kahn
by Jack Weatherford, ISBN: 978-0-609-80964-8
(paperback).
July 14: Through Chapter 3; pages 1–78
July 28: Chapters 4–6; pages 79–159
August 11: Chapters 7–8; pages 160–217
August 25: Chapters 9–10; pages 218–271
into a period of history guided by a quality book. This
quarter, we’ll use Genghis Khan and the Making of
the Modern World by Jack Weatherford, a professor
of anthropology. It is a comprehensive account of
Genghis Khan’s life, his military strategies, and the
lasting influence of the Mongol Empire on global
civilization, highlighting his role in facilitating trade,
promoting religious tolerance and fostering cultural
exchange. Weatherford argues that the Mongol
Empire played a crucial role in shaping the modern
world by connecting diverse cultures, encouraging
scientific advances and improving commerce
across Eurasia.
There are no prerequisites for joining this group’s
discussions other than a curiosity about history.
Each session will be led by a different member of
our long-running group. The discussions will be
interactive, offering an opportunity to gain insights
and viewpoints from people of diverse backgrounds,
experiences and perspectives.
The book is available in paperback, hardcover,
audio, and Kindle versions. Look for Genghis Kahn
by Jack Weatherford, ISBN: 978-0-609-80964-8
(paperback).
July 14: Through Chapter 3; pages 1–78
July 28: Chapters 4–6; pages 79–159
August 11: Chapters 7–8; pages 160–217
August 25: Chapters 9–10; pages 218–271
Speaker Bio
Facilitator: Ira Meislik, who last took a history
class, History of Western Civilization, taught by
Professor Eugene Dominic Genovese, in 1962, is
living proof that you don’t have to be an expert to
love this group.
class, History of Western Civilization, taught by
Professor Eugene Dominic Genovese, in 1962, is
living proof that you don’t have to be an expert to
love this group.
14
28
11
25