Meta: prefix; (from Ancient Greek μετα- (meta-), from μετά (metá), from Mycenaean Greek, meaning 'after' or 'beyond'); meanings related to change, transcendence, or something that is higher or beyond.

I derived a huge sense of value from the polymathic conversations because they enabled me to transcend my own isolated perspective and view the world in a more holistic fashion.  ~ Grace Chediak, Harman Fellow 2014

In Ancient Mycenaean Greek, the prefix "meta-" is used to indicate a concept that is more comprehensive than the original concept it's attached to. Think physics to metaphysics, narrative to metanarrative.  Meta has other applications too; it can denote a change of state, and “beyond-ness.” It tells the story within the story. 

Meta, as a mode of inquiry, hovers (giving a bird’s eye view); it transcends; it gives us a framework where we ask the bigger questions about the universe, about us, and about our place in it. Along these lines, meta guides us into deeper and, as our Harman Fellow mentions above, more holistic stories of ourselves and the world around us, teaching us that everything is more than the sum of its parts.  Meta, in its truest meaning, is quantum; it is a companion to polymathy.

For this year’s Polymathic Pizza Series, we will apply meta to all sorts of inquiries:  from meta-physics to the metaverse; from metanarrative to metamorphosis. To broaden our meta-exploration, we invite students and faculty from every corner of the university, to bring their expertise and curiosities to the conversation. The fields of physics and metaphysics tell us that the universe is ever expanding; join us as we expand our own explorations in infinite and quantum ways.

All sessions held on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 6:30 unless otherwise noted.

The ACADEMY FOR POLYMATHIC STUDY guides its inquiries through four flexible pathways or QUADRANTS: (1) critical and integrative thinking; (2) study of the polymaths; (3) the tapestry of knowledge; and (4) communication. To explicate these quadrants more fully, USC professor EDWIN McCANN conducts four conversational workshops during the spring terms from a philosophical, historical, and practical point of view. Attendance at these sessions covering all four quadrants is required for certification as an Academy fellow.

Fall 2025

Q1&2: Tuesday, September 9 | 5p to 7p    

Q3&4: Tuesday, October 14 | 5p to 7p     

Q1&2: Wednesday, November 5 | 5p to 7p      

Q3&4: Wednesday, November 19 | 5p to 7p