Rachel Sadon
T-minus 10 hours until Star Wars comes out. While the lines have already started forming, chock full of people who’ve take the day off expressly for this purpose, there is some recourse for those still suck at your desk—and it comes courtesy of Georgetown University.
Four professors have completely nerded out—decoding the series’ political universe, explaining the mechanics of a lightsaber, and answering other pressing “academic” questions—in a series of videos. As Yoda says, “Always pass on what you have learned.” But then again, Yoda also said, “You must unlearn what you have learned.”
So maybe watch the videos, and then forget about it?
Is Darth Vader a Hero or Villain?
Robert Bies, professor in the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, tackles the question of Darth Vader’s moral journey.
Patrick Johnson, of the Georgetown University Department of Physics, explains the mechanics of a lightsaber.
James Giordano, with the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics at Georgetown University Medical Center, discusses the famous Jedi mind trick and how mind control really works.
Decoding the Politics of Star Wars
Hans Noel, Associate Professor in Department of Government, and Jonathan Ladd, Associate Professor in McCourt School of Public Policy, discuss the politics of Star Wars.
Is Mind Control Ethical?
James Giordano, with the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics at Georgetown University Medical Center, discusses the famous Jedi mind trick and how mind control really works.
Leadership Lessons
Robert Bies, professor in the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, talks about what we can learn from Star Wars.
The Two Suns of Tatooine
Patrick Johnson of the Department of Physics shares how a planet can orbit two suns, just like Luke’s home of Tatooine.
Leadership Styles
Robert Bies, professor in the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, talks about the leadership styles on display in Star Wars.
