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This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles— jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence — and the possibilities ahead.

This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group—Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others—revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course, and consequences.

Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

An interactive, exploratory workshop focused on the reasons and opportunities for post-retirement community engagement. As you navigate the transition into your third act – after careers and kids – you may find yourself asking, “What’s next?” Retirement is rich with opportunities, but it also has its challenges, and remaining an integral, relevant part of your community can be easier said than done. Personal fulfillment is as important now as ever, and your experiences tell a story worth sharing. This workshop will help you explore how to turn your skills, experience, and passions into purposeful community involvement. Discover local opportunities, navigate the transition into your third act, and find fulfillment in this new chapter – because retirement is just the beginning, and volunteering can make it your most meaningful stage yet.

Beethoven is one of the most significant composers of the 18th century, thanks to his ability to explore new ideas and expand the boundaries and aesthetics of his time. One of his greatest contributions as a composer was leading the music of the Classical era into the Romantic era. Join Dr. Nurit Jugend, composer and music educator, to examine Beethoven's three main periods as a composer and discuss two of his most significant and well-known works: the majestic Symphony No. 5 and the nature-inspired Pastoral Symphony No. 6. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of Beethoven’s music and his unique artistic voice.

From conflict in Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa to a global economy under strain and rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, today’s world can feel increasingly unsettled. Add to that a divided America and a rapidly shifting international order, and it is easy to feel both confused and concerned. But is this moment in history truly unique – or are we simply living through another turbulent chapter, much like those that have come before? This course will explore whether the challenges we face today signal a deeper, more fundamental transformation in the global order. Join us as we examine the roots of today’s crises, assess whether we are approaching a historic tipping point, and consider what this might mean for the future, both in terms of risks and opportunities.

The American Film Institute’s list of the best film scores includes many well-known classics – and a few surprises. The composers behind these scores led fascinating lives and built remarkable careers. With the help of vivid audiovisual examples, stories, and anecdotes, we’ll take an engaging journey through the creative process of composing these historic works – music that conveys what a film is saying without words and evokes emotions even the most brilliant dialogue cannot. With active student participation, we’ll also build our own alternative list of the top 25 film scores of all time!

Humans have been making unauthorized marks on walls for thousands of years. From ancient Roman political messages to today’s elaborate street murals, this visual journey explores our timeless urge to leave a mark. In this two-part course, we’ll travel through centuries of unsanctioned art – from medieval church graffiti to the explosive street art movement of the 1980s. Discover how outlaw artists like Basquiat and Keith Haring jumped from subway walls to museum galleries, and how modern masters like Banksy turn vandalism into million-dollar art. You’ll never look at a spray-painted wall the same way again!

By the age of 14, Dr. Danny, a lifelong enthusiast of computers and mathematics, envisioned a world shaped by “computer crime” – a phrase that would not enter public consciousness for another 15 years. Over the course of his career, Dr. Danny has gained firsthand experience with computer crimes, from innovative pranks as a college freshman to work that may have influenced historical outcomes in museums. In this engaging course, Dr. Danny draws on his expertise to introduce participants to the critical thinking and investigative skills necessary for solving crimes – “Criminology 101” in action. We will examine real-world cases ranging from money laundering schemes involving $30 billion, to the curious disappearance of over one hundred $15,000 trees, to ATMs mysteriously dispensing Euros. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their problem-solving skills and step into the role of investigator to solve these crimes firsthand.

Join Dr. Terence McAteer for this two-hour class that will take you inside the highest court in the nation and demystify its inner workings. We’ll explore how cases reach the Court, the criteria the Justices use to decide which ones to hear, and the deliberative process that leads to landmark rulings. We will pull back the curtain on the often-misunderstood third branch of government. Whether you’re a news follower, history buff, or simply a curious citizen, this course will leave you with a deeper appreciation for how the Supreme Court influences nearly every aspect of American life.

Join Amy Dolan from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to learn about bumble bee biology and conservation, and how community science volunteers across the U.S. are helping to map and protect these important native pollinators. Amy is an Endangered Species Conservation Biologist with the Xerces Society and the coordinator of the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, which covers Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. She is based in Grand Junction, CO.

In 1888, Bertha Benz made history as the first person to undertake a long-distance journey by automobile, showcasing the potential of her husband Carl Benz’s groundbreaking invention. Her daring 65-mile trip not only proved the practicality of the automobile but also ignited a global transformation in transportation. Join German historian Anette Isaacs as she brings to life the remarkable story of Bertha Benz – a courageous and visionary woman who helped drive the world into the modern age.

Sports and politics have always been connected, even when athletes and fans claim they’re separate. From the original Olympics to Jesse Owens competing in Nazi Germany in 1936, to Muhammad Ali’s resistance to the Vietnam War draft, the two have been intertwined – whether we like it or not. This course explores the historical relationship between sports and political movements, as well as how politics has shaped the world of sports. We’ll examine how teams, leagues, and athletes have navigated race, gender, law, and nationalism in a seminar setting that encourages discussion and participation.

Have you ever wondered who writes presidential speeches? This course traces the evolution of speechwriting from George Washington’s administration to today. Yes, Hamilton helped draft Washington’s Farewell Address, but no, Lincoln did not scribble the Gettysburg Address on an envelope. We will study the writing process presidents used and examine drafts from FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and George H.W. Bush. We will view clips from speeches and from former White House speechwriters describing the process.

Throughout his 1000-day presidency, John Kennedy pursued peace through a broad spectrum of initiatives. He saw a connection between learning and leadership and sought to use military deterrence, diplomacy, and soft power in novel ways. In this course, we will explore how his character and life experiences were the origins of those efforts. We will evaluate his powers of persuasion by listening to key speeches, and we will assess his successes and failures and their relevance to today’s world.

As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems advance, many futurist technophiles predict a world where machines will fight wars for us, thereby reducing human suffering and political risk. Yet history and strategy suggest otherwise. Dr. Amos C. Fox argues that the increasing reliance on unmanned and autonomous systems may actually make future wars longer, more destructive, and less decisive. Drawing on his recent research on attrition and decision-making in war, Dr. Fox explains that when policymakers no longer bear the full political cost of losing soldiers, they may be less inclined to end conflicts quickly. Destroying a fleet of drones does not carry the same emotional or political weight as losing human lives. Thus, wars may extend into multiple “phases,” compounding destruction and exhausting national resources. This talk explores the limits of technology in changing human behavior and strategic decision-making. Ultimately, Dr. Fox contends that war remains a deeply human endeavor – shaped by will, emotion, and political purpose. Machines may characterize the battlefield, but much of what we know about war will remain.

While most discussions of modern conflict focus on tanks, drones, and great-power competition, the majority of today’s wars are irregular – struggles waged by states and non-state actors for power, influence, and legitimacy among populations. This session explores how rapidly advancing technologies – artificial intelligence, social media, cyber operations, and autonomous systems – are transforming the way such contests are resourced, fought, and won. Drawing on recent lessons from across the globe, Dr. Gleiman examines how these tools and trends empower both governments and insurgent movements to mobilize supporters, manipulate narratives, and compete for control, sometimes without firing a shot. He will also discuss how the Department of Defense and allied nations are rethinking doctrine and education to adapt to this evolving landscape of conflict. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of how technology is reshaping not just warfare, but the very nature of political struggle in the 21st century.

It has been 250 years since the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, and it remains the best-known document in American history. Explore the Declaration as more than a founding document – discover it as a powerful work of language and revolutionary ideas. This course examines how Jefferson’s words on equality, liberty, and happiness have shaped American identity and inspired global movements. We’ll analyze its philosophical roots, rhetorical brilliance, and political arguments, asking what these ideals meant in 1776 – and what they mean today.

"Superman" (1978) – the classic big-screen treatment of the Man of Steel – ushered in the modern superhero genre and made audiences believe a man could fly. ASU film professor Dr. Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on this 1978 classic. The class will begin with a brief discussion about the background and making of the film. During the screening, live commentary will offer insights into the filmmaking process and guidance on how to read a film creatively. After the film, we’ll discuss what we’ve learned and debate whether it lives up to its reputation as one of the great superhero films and a landmark in American cinema.

This course will examine the cultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression. Known as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, and the Lost Generation, this period redefined values and norms. We will explore the vibrant world of 1920s Paris through F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Babylon Revisited and Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, considering the lasting legacy of the era.

Before she died in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland – powerful stories later published by her son. Irving Lubliner, professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University, will share excerpts from "Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust," shedding light on his mother’s fortitude and indomitable spirit, as well as his own experience as a child of Holocaust survivors. Participants will gain insight into the Holocaust through the eyes of a survivor and learn how the instructor, the child of two survivors, was shaped by his parents’ experiences.

The Great Patriotic War reached deep into the Soviet landscape, both physically and culturally. Artists capturing the efforts and effects of the conflict before, during, and after the war helped shape the Soviet perspective on its role in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. Using the siege of Leningrad as an example, this presentation highlights some of those artistic contributions.

The supplement industry thrives on promise – but how much of it is backed by science? In this course, we’ll examine the evidence behind some of the most popular products, from vitamin D to CBD (a best-seller that’s technically illegal to market as a supplement). Along the way, we’ll explore the regulatory gray areas, discuss why supplements remain largely unpoliced, and learn how smart consumers can separate hype from health – and spend their money where it matters.

Discover what life was like in World War II–era Los Alamos, New Mexico – the secretive site where the world’s first atomic bomb was developed. Drawing from research for her historical novel Hill of Secrets, author Galina Vromen explores the key decisions behind the use of the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and examines how those choices shaped post-war nuclear policy and continue to influence global nuclear proliferation today. Through historical insight, Vromen brings this pivotal moment in history to life.

Water is Arizona’s lifeline; however, that lifeline is under strain. As Colorado River water supplies shrink, groundwater levels decline, and cities continue to expand, the question becomes urgent: Where will Arizona find its next bucket of water? This clear and engaging two-part presentation series examines the state’s current water supplies and highlights innovative strategies that experts and communities are developing to meet future demand. Topics include desalination, advanced water recycling, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, water importation, cloud seeding, and groundwater recharge. Participants need no scientific background – only curiosity and concern for Arizona’s future. Whether you have lived in Arizona for many years or recently arrived, you will gain insight into the challenges ahead and the critical choices that will determine Arizona’s water future.

Join Denny Kato, a third-generation Japanese American and retired U.S. Army lieutenant, for an exploration of the rich and varied artistic practices that emerged within the Japanese incarceration camps of World War II. From visual art and handmade crafts to vocational training and cottage industries, this course examines how creativity became both a form of resistance and a vital means of survival. Through a multidisciplinary lens, you’ll uncover the resilience and cultural expression that flourished under some of the darkest conditions in American history.

Drawing as a form of relaxation and meditation? Absolutely! This course helps you tap into the creative, reflective side of your brain and take a break from the constant input of modern life. You’ll learn several relaxing styles of abstract, non-representational drawing — no experience or artistic talent required! Please note that the very last session of class takes place after clocks change for DST. As such, the start time for class (March 12) will shift by an hour for participants joining from an AZ time zone. 

Towering above the desert sands for over 4,000 years, Egypt’s pyramids remain some of the most iconic and enduring symbols of human ingenuity. In this three-session study group, we’ll explore the story behind these massive monuments - from the earliest experiments in stone architecture to the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our journey begins with the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first of its kind, and continues through the reign of Snefru, the “Master Builder” pharaoh whose innovations laid the foundation for the Giza pyramids. We’ll take a close look at the engineering techniques used to build these colossal structures, the workers who labored to bring them to life, and the religious beliefs that gave them purpose. Along the way, we’ll explore enduring mysteries—including a still-unexplained void inside the Great Pyramid, uncovered by modern scanning technologies. We’ll discuss what we know, what we guess, and what still puzzles experts today. Whether you're fascinated by ancient engineering, intrigued by pharaohs and the afterlife, or just want to better understand one of the world’s greatest architectural traditions, this study group offers a window into a civilization that quite literally moved mountains.

Discover what current research in neuroscience is revealing about how the brain and mind work — and how that knowledge is transforming patient care. Topics include AI, brain imaging, immunology, and genetics, with selected discussions on health, medicine, and biotechnology. Please note that the last two sessions of class take place after clocks change for DST meaning that class start time (Mar. 11 & 18) shifts by an hour for participants joining from an AZ time zone.

Gustave Caillebotte, a French Impressionist painter and art patron, used his family’s wealth to support his fellow artists. This class explores his paintings and his profound influence on the Impressionist movement.

Space junk, once consisting mainly of old satellites and booster rockets, is now dominated by small spacecraft from projects like Elon Musk’s Starlink. Each launch adds about 40 or more satellites to orbit, but one or two deorbit daily. While posing minimal safety risk, these satellites clutter low orbit and could make the region unusable — much to astronomers’ dismay.