Narrative and History with Harvard Scholar Theodore Young

Language of the Soul Podcast

A stimulating conversation with Harvard scholar Ted Young, presently Associate Provost at Art Center College of Design. We explore the nuances of Historical Fiction, Foundational Fictions, and even modern trends toward whitewashing, revisionist history and aspirational retellings. We parse between propaganda and Renaissance-style self-fashioning, exploring the intent of a given work versus its ultimate exploitation in historical dialectic.
Guest Bio: Ted Young is a college administrator and professor. He received his Ph.D. in Romance Languages & Literatures from Harvard University, his MA in Spanish & Portuguese from UC Santa Barbara, and his BA in English & Portuguese, also from UCSB. He has published a book in Portuguese on a 2,600-page Brazilian historical novel, co-edited the book A Twice-Told Tale: Reinventing the Old World-New World Encounter in Latin American Literature and Film, and has published numerous papers and delivered lectures nationally and internationally on topics including literature, film studies, Latin American and foreign language studies, and issues of race and cultural identity. His most recent book chapter is “The Role of Community Colleges in Liberal Arts Education” in From the Desk of the Dean: The History and Future of Arts and Sciences Education. Ted has worked at UCSB, Harvard, UCLA, FIU, and Pasadena City College. Currently he is Associate Provost at Art Center College of Design.

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Now more than ever, it’s tempting to throw our hands in the air and surrender to futility in the face of global strife. Storytellers know we must renew hope daily. We are being called upon to embrace our interconnectivity, transform paradigms, and trust the ripple effect will play its part. In the words of Lion King producer Don Hahn (Episode 8), “Telling stories is one of the most important professions out there right now.” We here at Language of the Soul Podcast could not agree more.
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1. Academic Background and Language Learning (00:00:00)

2. The Connection Between Story and History (00:15:30)

3. Perspectives on History and Truth (00:23:01)

4. Art, Propaganda, and Intent (00:37:01)

5. Interpretation and Meaning in Literature (00:46:44)

6. Interpretation and Intention in Literature (00:53:11)

7. Aspirational Storytelling and Historical Responsibility (01:04:54)

8. Limits of Trigger Warnings and Safe Spaces Debate (01:16:00)

9. Parenting Styles and Cultural Differences (01:29:04)

10. Expressing Gratitude and Future Collaboration (01:35:42)