The epic journey of Tiger Woods has been recreated throughout the centuries. From King David in Scripture to Martha Stewart, we can witness the seeds of self-destruction in the unfolding of the success of these once "heroes." Great icons were celebrated, even revered by many…and then, and then. Fallen from grace they were reviled, judged and shamed. Machiavelli forewarned us 200 years ago; "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." But wait! There’s more. By some mysterious grace, fortune or mistake, the journey becomes a celebration. As life-long learners, together we will explore history and remember others who have been on similar epic journeys. What lessons can we learn from the past? Is it possible to forecast the future?

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Has the future of America changed because our political landscape is transformed by recent increases in presidential power? Guest presenter, Richard Kiefer, WCC Professor of Political Science and History, will speak about the politics of our time.

How do we let freedom ring in our lives when political discord, digital technology, and information manipulation threaten our sense of personal rights. Using ideas from Timothy Snyder’s book, On Freedom, class participants will spend much of the classroom time in small discussion groups. The structure of the discussions will be centered on ideas Snyder has on how freedom functions in healthy societies. His ideas can be used as a base for how we want to structure our world to maintain our rights as people. We may know that we want to maintain personal freedom, but what does that look like? How can we best serve each other and serve our society to ensure the rights of all?

On Freedom by Timothy Snyder NOT REQUIRED

Facilitator: Carl Hays

In a world of fake news, conspiracy theories, and post-truth, psychologist Steven Pinker helps us make sense of making sense. Join our discussion of Pinker's new book about rationality and hear him explain how our brain is not a basket of delusions and why being rational is essential but scarce.

Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters by Steven Pinker NOT REQUIRED