Social Science   

Students will learn the "story" of money, with special focus on the myriad ways this enormous power of creating the currency we need has been fought over for centuries/millennia. We will use PowerPoint slides and video clips featuring currently active economists who have worked in the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, China, South America, and Russia. Yuval Noah Harari says ironically the greatest story ever told was that of money! We will look at how the German economist, Richard Werner, explains how Japan cancelled all of its WWII debt and sprang into action with a new, unencumbered economy. We will see how the federal reserve was foisted on Wilson and the US by bankers pretending to oppose their own bill! It's a fascinating, sometimes glorious or sordid history. Recently a movement called Public Banking has sought to democratize the money system, but in the instructor’s opinion, it has already been carefully steered into unproductive, dead ends.

Hot News and Cool Views is an open discussion forum to explore and discuss breaking news and events in the world.   All differing views, opinions, and knowledge are welcome and an integral part of our spirited discussion each week.   Respect and polite discourse have always been the platform for this class, and we strive to keep each class fascinating, informative, and timely.  Divergent political leanings and personal backgrounds add "sizzle" to the class, and the result is an entertaining and often controversial ninety minutes!  An agenda with supporting news articles is sent out a couple days ahead of each class for review.  Ideas and articles from the group are always welcome, and these are integrated into the agenda.  Hot News and Cool Views will help you stay current on regional, national, and global news.  Please join us for a journey around the world with our fast, fun class that is better than a strong cup of coffee to get your day going!

Together we will unpack what race means historically and socially, and how racism functions in American society. We will establish common vocabulary to support fruitful conversations, and we will dive into the history of racism in our country, including how that history has socialized us, and where we see the impact of that history today. We will also learn about, discuss, and wrestle with topics like Implicit Bias, Microaggressions, Whiteness, IRO and IRS (how all of us internalize messages about race), and Racial Trauma. Pre-work will be assigned weekly via email, containing assignments that should be completed before the start of the class to prepare students for class teaching and discussion (about two hours each week: videos/reading/reflective writing). Classes are structured to build on the previous lessons and topics, so attendance at all six classes is expected, as is a high level of engagement. This is not a class where you will sit back and passively obtain information.

The dynamics of the federal government in 2023 are uncertain at the time this is being written (late August). No matter who wins the November elections, there will be much to discuss. Early classes will cover the November election results, who will lead the House and Senate, how the election results will determine relations between the executive and legislative branches, and between the House and Senate if different parties control the two chambers.  Current events in the country and in Congress and the executive branches will be discussed. The intersection of current events with constitutional provisions will be a central point of the class.  Classes will begin with short lectures, followed by open class discussion where all viewpoints will be welcomed.  Students will be encouraged to respect a variety of opinions. 

Have you ever encountered an individual with an apparent learning disability and wondered what his or her life is like?  This course will explore common disability categories as defined by the public schools.  Disabilities are typically life long and impact individuals in a variety of ways into later life.  We will discuss causes of disabilities, characteristics of people with specific disabilities, and what we can do to help.  Students will have the opportunity to share their own experiences as an individual living with a disability themselves or their experience with others.  Sharing is completely optional and confidentiality will be required.  A slide presentation and lecture will begin each class, followed by class discussion and sharing.  There is no required reading or personal experience necessary - just curiosity and compassion.