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Thinking About the Future: Session 1
with Joe Dvorak
How do we think about the future? How can we separate wild speculation from considered exploration? How far should we look into the future, and how does such thinking affect our own lives in the present?
This class is the first in a series. Each course in the series contains a short introduction on methods of future thinking and 3 topics, each discussed in separate sessions. This series is heavily discussion oriented.
2026 American Great Decisions - ZOOM Course
with Ruth Harmon
Co-Facilitator: Carl Hays
Join participants who have an abiding interest in 2026 international and national issues. Each week we will consider a different current issue, watch videos and discuss the issue.
Book: 2026 Great Decisions Briefing Book by Foreign Policy Association- NOT REQUIRED
Economic History of Tariffs in the United States
with Karen Christensen
Co-Facilitators: Evelyn Porter, Carl Hays
This class will be led by Waubonsee Economics Professor Elior Iseli. It is an overview of the tariff system of the United States since 1920. We will explore the latest changes that have occurred under the Trump Administration.
ET: The Folklore, Conspiracies, and Science of Extraterrestrials
with Joe Dvorak
This course will discuss extraterrestrial beings— aliens. We will discuss several of the most prominently asserted alien species, and the role of supposed aliens throughout human history. We will then apply science to several aspects of beliefs about aliens. We will conclude with an exercise of creating our own alien based on conditions on a known exoplanet and the principles of exobiology.
Anti-War Activist Woman - Medea Benjamin
with Carolyn Hopkins
Facilitator: Carl Hays
Medea Banjamin protests often and is arrested often. When protesting an Obama speech, Barack stopped, saying: "The voice of this woman is worth listening to— obviously I do not agree with much of what she said—these are tough issues." She heckled Donald Trump's acceptance speech with a sign saying "Build Bridges Not Walls." In addition to Madea Benjamin, the course content will focus on Enis Kanter Freedom. He came from Turkey to play in the NBA and is known for his stance on human rights. He wore his cause on his basketball shoes painted with protest messages.
Free Speech in An Age of Rage
with Carolyn Hopkins
Facilitator: Carl Hays
Free speech is a human right. Free thought is the essence of being human. America was founded on free speech. The First Amendment of The Constitution is the greatest commitment to free speech in history, yet many oppose it.
BOOK NOT REQUIRED: The Indispensable Right: Free Speech In An Age of Rage by Jonathon Turley