Leader: Curtiss Rude
Mondays, 4 – 6 PM | Oct 2-Nov 6  | New England College Lyons Building Room 103   

The class is based on a 2008 book, The Ascent of Money, by Niall Ferguson, adapted for an Emmy winning television documentary. Professor Ferguson reveals financial history as the essential back story behind all history. Banks financed the Renaissance while the bond market decided wars. Stock markets built empires and monetary meltdowns made revolutions. From ancient Mesopotamia right down to the present day the ascent of money has been an indispensable part of the ascent of man. But money’s rise has never been a smooth upward ride. Financial history has repeatedly been interrupted by gut-wrenching crises. Additional material, including videos, will describe the current global financial system and its history since 2009.

Curtiss Rude worked in the semiconductor industry in Essex Junction, Vermont, for 20+ years. His second career was as a high school chemistry and physics teacher. He has previously taught three LINEC courses on geography and astronomy.

FYI: Guests leaving their vehicles on NEC campus must obtain a temporary parking permit which must be properly displayed on the rear view mirror. Failure to do so shall result in ticketing, tow, or boot. Permits are available through the Department of Campus Safety 24 hours a day. NOTE: If you got a parking pass last term you may not need a new one. Check the expiration date.

Please fill out this Parking Decal Form and send to Campus Safety at DMcDivitt@nec.edu

If you can get the forms back before the classes begin, NEC can ensure they are completed, and you can receive your parking pass on day one of your class. You will simply need to go to Campus Safety to pick it up.

Campus Safety Map

Map of NEC Campus