In-Person   

Rob Reiner was one of the most beloved entertainers of the last fifty years. His films The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally represent cinema Hollywood just doesn’t make any more for the big screen: small character dramas that explore our capacity for kindness and growth as humans in the most outrageous or most ordinary of situations. We will look at the comedic timing, gentleness, and genre-bending nature of these two films to help us understand why Reiner’s work remain eminently watchable and memorable.

Join us, along with Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski and Dr. Susie Bendix for this two-session interactive course, we'll explore the connections between physical movement and generative writing, as well as the healing power of both. We'll also use movement as a portal to deeper self-discovery and expression, generating poetry (and/or short narrative) in the process.

This course will explore the fraught relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and General George McClellan. Focusing on their differences in background, personality, and strategic vision. We'll look at the evolution of the relationship during several military campaigns, Lincoln's decision to remove McClellan from command, and the irony of McClellan's presidential candidacy.

In this class, with ASU's Dr. Ken Sweat, we will examine the use of plants and other organisms, such as algae and fungi traditionally grouped with plants, as evidence in criminal investigations. Starting with the wood grain of the ladder left at the Lindbergh residence and continuing into modern genetic techniques, we will review how plant evidence has been in the past and can be expected in the future to help solve crimes, prosecute the guilty, and free the innocent.

Spices once drove exploration, shaped empires, and transformed cuisines. In this flavorful session, we’ll trace the ancient spice routes that connected continents and cultures—from pepper and cinnamon to saffron and turmeric—while tasting examples that reveal how geography and trade influenced global cooking. Along the way, we’ll discuss how colonization, preservation, and modern culinary trends continue to shape the story of spice today.

When you or your family members decide how to spend your limited budget of time and money every day, are your choices rational or irrational? Classical economists assumed that we make well-informed decisions, rationally designed to optimally maximize benefits. Behavioral economists amassed data suggesting our decisions are often shockingly irrational and oversimplified. Evolutionary psychologists suggest a third view—that our decisions are neither ultra-rational nor fecklessly irrational. Please join Dr. Douglas Kenrick, President’s Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, to learn more about how evolution made us smarter than we think.

This class will provide an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its interconnection with Federal Indian Policy and history. It will include a look at where Arizona Tribes stand in securing their water rights within Arizona and the Colorado River Basin, as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso is a research fellow who analyzes and develops recommendations on Tribal Nations' water interests, collaborating with Tribal leadership, government agencies, and stakeholders.

Stress is gaining increased attention across the U.S. and globally due to its significant impact on physical and mental health. At the same time, mindfulness is emerging as a powerful, evidence-based tool for well-being, demonstrating how the simple act of self-awareness can help downregulate the body’s stress response, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life. This presentation explores the neurobiology of stress and its effects on the brain and body, the science of neuroplasticity and our ability to rewire thought patterns, and practical, data-driven techniques to regulate the nervous system in the face of everyday and high-stakes stressors. With a dynamic blend of science, humor, and real-world application, this session will leave you thinking differently about stress, and empowered to lead your life with greater clarity, calm, and purpose.

In 2026, Route 66, America’s iconic “Mother Road,” celebrates its 100th anniversary. Join acclaimed author and travel writer Roger Naylor as he takes us on a lively and insightful journey through the history, culture, and enduring charm of this legendary highway. Discover how Arizona played a pivotal role in preserving Route 66, becoming its greatest champion and caretaker. Roger will share stories of the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant small towns, and quirky mom-and-pop eateries that still thrive along Arizona’s stretch of the road. Don’t miss this chance to rediscover the road that shaped a nation and continues to inspire wanderers today.

Join Arizona Broadway Theater’s Director of Education, Stephen Hohendorf, for a lecture class exploring the magic behind "Cats," one of the most iconic musicals in theatre history. Based on the whimsical poetry of T. S. Eliot, "Cats" transports audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle cats during the night of the Jellicle Ball, where each cat shares their story through dynamic dance, acrobatics, and unforgettable music while hoping to be chosen for a journey to the Heaviside Layer and a new life. In this engaging session, participants will learn about the history and lore of the show, explore ABT’s unique makeup design process, and even create their own original cat character makeup. Featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score—including the beloved song “Memory”—this class offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical artistry that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. This class includes the matinee showing of "Cats" and lunch on Sunday, June 28. *Excludes meal upgrades, alcoholic beverages, and dessert.

Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection, Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan celebrates the originality and virtuosity of 36 women artists who have explored sculptural expression outside the traditionally male-dominated field of Japanese studio ceramics. The exhibition’s 40 avant-garde works featuring motifs of flora, geology, human anatomy, and fantastical abstract forms illuminate the technical achievements and creativity of leading women ceramicists from post-World War II Japan. Led by Phoenix Art Museum Docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Note: Classes 023 & 024 are the same class.

Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection, Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan celebrates the originality and virtuosity of 36 women artists who have explored sculptural expression outside the traditionally male-dominated field of Japanese studio ceramics. The exhibition’s 40 avant-garde works featuring motifs of flora, geology, human anatomy, and fantastical abstract forms illuminate the technical achievements and creativity of leading women ceramicists from post-World War II Japan. Led by Phoenix Art Museum Docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Note: Classes 023 & 024 are the same class.