Professor: Corinne Bayerl

credits 4.00

• CRN 22678: Monday & Wednesday, 8:30-9:50am @ CHA 202

In this class we will study the achievements of codemakers and codebreakers from various cultures and investigate why public recognition for these achievements was late in coming, if it was given at all. During the first weeks of class, we will focus on the work of Arab medieval cryptographers (Al-Kindi, Ibn Adlan, and Ibn ad-Durayhim), which, although truly groundbreaking, had little influence on the evolution of European cryptography during the Renaissance. We will ask which obstacles—access to sources, reliable translations, cultural prejudices—are still hampering our knowledge and recognition of Arab cryptography in the West today. The second part of the course will be devoted to a study of the ways in which two groups of 20th-century codemakers and codebreakers—British and American women cryptanalysts and Native American “code talkers”— have received belated public recognition and representation in mainstream media, and what this recognition means for their descendants and communities today. You will have the opportunity to interact with several guest speakers.

Graduation Requirement:  This class will fulfill an Arts and Letters Colloquium and the Global Perspectives (GP) cultural literacy requirement.  If a student already has completed an Arts and Letters Colloquium, this course will fulfill both of the following requirements: an Elective Colloquium and the Global Perspectives (GP) cultural literacy requirement.