History & Government   

Deterring war and other levels of aggression between states in our highly interconnected and interdependent world is more complex than ever before. China and Russia not only have modernized and expanded their nuclear forces but have made common practice to challenge the interests of the U.S. and its allies around the globe. This class will explore the risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities associated with aggressive geopolitical competition and examines the strategy implications for nuclear weapons, cyber, and information warfare as well as the rapid onset of new technologies.

This class is back by popular demand and expanded to two sessions. We will examine the related concepts of economic warfare, geoeconomics, economic statecraft, and economic coercion. It outlines the ways major powers conduct various forms of economic warfare and discusses specific cases, including Russia’s weaponization of food and energy, the U.S.'s weaponization of international financial systems, and China’s weaponization of import and export markets. Lastly, it explores how we think about protecting key industries while balancing cost and efficiency imperatives with contemporary security needs. Note: No knowledge of economics is expected or required to understand the subject matter in this class.

The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 was the single largest event that opened up the Western U.S. Many historians describe it as "the moonshot of the 19th Century." This two-session class will discuss the politics behind Lincoln's decision to sign the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862, the role of the Big Four (Stanford, Hopkins, Huntington, and Crocker), and the fateful story of Theodore Judah. The fisrt session focuses on the Union Pacific (east to west construction) while our second session discusses the Central Pacific (west to east construction).

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 related to Tribal Nations' water interests, collaborating with both Tribal leadership and government agencies and stakeholders.

Constitutional lawyer Bob McWhirter leads this lecture that invites us to look closely at the foundational ideas behind American democracy. We will trace the origins of these rights and why the assertion "All men are created equal" was so revolutionary. Together, we will explore key questions: What are these rights, and where do they come from? Who is included when we say, “We the people…”? What does it mean to have rights in today’s society? How do democracy and the rule of law evolve as we move forward?

Everybody loves them, everybody wears them: Jeans are undeniably one of the most iconic garments in fashion history, embodying resilience, practicality, and the spirit of innovation. But did you know that these beloved blue pants were made world-famous by an ambitious Bavarian Jewish immigrant who combined an exceptional business acumen with German ingenuity? Join German historian Anette Isaacs for an exploration of the Gold Rush era, when the grit and determination of pioneers like Levi Strauss helped shape the American Dream. Discover how Strauss' remarkable journey—from a modest upbringing in Germany to becoming a global symbol of entrepreneurship and innovation—led to the creation of a garment that transcended class and culture to become a timeless classic. This presentation will weave together history, fashion, and the legacy of one man’s vision that continues to influence the world today.

Many people today might not suspect that Arizona was once too progressive for Congress, or that it took the territory three tries before it was admitted as a state. Join us as we explore the fascinating political evolution of Arizona in this class, where Dr. Eduardo Pagán will guide us through the state's transformation—from a progressive territory in the nineteenth century to a predominantly red state in the twentieth century, and its shift toward a more purple state in the twenty-first century. Dr. Pagán will discuss how national issues, economic development, and demographic changes have shaped Arizona's political landscape over time.

Signed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act aims to support older Americans living independently in their homes and communities. Join us for an engaging overview of the Older Americans Act, designed for individuals unfamiliar with the law and its services. This session, led by Dr. Aaron Guest (Assistant Professor of Aging at the Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging at ASU) will provide insights into the bill, discussing key provisions, benefits, and services offered under the Act. Participants will understand how the law is applied in Arizona, how the Act impacts their lives, and the resources available to them.

From 1610 to 1670, Dutch art flourished in the Netherlands. Artists transformed previous genres of art by investigating how light reflects off different surfaces, revealing the enlivened and true character of their subjects. The "Dutch Art Expanded" collection pairs landscape, portraiture, interior, and still life paintings with prints and decorative art objects from the broader works at Phoenix Art Museum. Alongside these works, the installation features artworks by Arizona-based artists Rachel Bess and Alanna Airitam, whose practices are inspired by hidden histories and aesthetic concerns associated with the 17th-century movement. Join us for this class led by Phoenix Art Museum Docent, Susan McGee, to explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

The eruption of Thira (modern Santorini) around 1600 BCE was one of the most powerful volcanic events in human history with far-reaching consequences for the flourishing Minoan civilization on nearby Crete. This talk explores the eruption’s impact—tsunamis, climate disruption, and societal collapse—while examining archaeological and geological evidence that sheds light on this ancient catastrophe. Was Thira’s eruption the beginning of the end for Minoan Crete, or did other factors seal its fate? Join us for a fascinating journey into the past, where science and history intertwine to reveal how natural disasters shape civilizations.

Historians, beer enthusiasts, and curious minds alike will enjoy this exploration of the history of brewing. We will begin in the distant past with the invention of beer around 4000 BCE. Then we will journey through time to the modern rise of craft brewing. Along the way, we will dive into fascinating topics including medieval brewing, beer in Shakespeare’s era, colonial brewing, Prohibition, indigenous brewing traditions worldwide, and the evolution of beer commercials. This course meets during happy hour, so feel free—nay, encouraged—to raise a glass and toast to history while we learn. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

How did Walt Disney's life and vision shape the creation of an entertainment empire? How did early challenges influence the company’s identity and creative output? And how did Disney grow into a global powerhouse? This course explores these questions and more as we delve into the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global entertainment giant. Topics include the rise of Disney animation and theme parks, the company’s 1990s revival, and the strategic acquisitions that transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. We will also examine Disney's future and gain insights into what it’s like to work behind the scenes at the company. Throughout the course, we will consider diverse perspectives—from those who revere the Magic Kingdom to those who critique it and everywhere in between. This course offers a comprehensive look at how Walt Disney’s vision became a cultural force shaping today's entertainment industry. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.