History & Government   

Long before John Wayne rode the range, artists Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell were painting the drama, danger, and romance of the American frontier. This illustrated lecture explores the visual dialogue between Western painting and film, revealing how the compositions, themes, and storytelling techniques of these pioneering artists influenced Hollywood’s greatest directors. Through film clips and side-by-side comparisons, we’ll discover how John Ford translated Remington’s action-packed paintings into scenes from "Stagecoach" (1939) and "The Searchers" (1956) – and why both artists and filmmakers shared an ambivalent nostalgia for the vanishing West. We’ll also trace Russell’s personal ties to early Hollywood stars such as William S. Hart and Douglas Fairbanks, and examine how the Western became America’s quintessential multimedia tradition – moving seamlessly from magazine illustrations to motion pictures. Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns, American art, or the mythology of the frontier, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how these art forms shaped – and continue to shape – our collective imagination of the American West. Course fee includes museum admission.

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the U.S. Southwest was home to a rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures. This class explores what archaeologists currently understand about these early peoples during “precontact” times, before non-Native settlers entered the region and began documenting its inhabitants. Because written records are scarce for most of the region until the late 1600s, much of what we know comes from archaeological evidence. Archaeologists have pieced together the past using material remains, organizing this long history into cultural periods: the Paleoindian, Archaic, Early Agricultural, Early Ceramic, and Formative. During the Formative period, beginning around 200 CE, the most prominent and widely recognized cultures of the Southwest emerged – Ancestral Pueblo, Mogollon, Hohokam, Patayan, Sinagua, and Salado. Join us for a journey through time as we uncover the lives, innovations, and enduring legacies of these ancient peoples whose influence is still visible across the landscape of the Southwest today.

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.

From down-on-their-luck hobos who struck pay dirt with cow manure to lost English gentlemen who found their way out West, ASU Professor and History Detective Eduardo Pagán will provide an overview of the fascinating people who contributed to the rise of Phoenix from the ruins of the Hohokam settlements.

In October 2026, OLLI travels to Central Europe in the footsteps of Mozart. In preparation, this class explores Mozart’s music through the lens of locations significant to his career: Munich (where his opera Idomeneo premiered), Salzburg (his birthplace), Vienna (where he spent his final decade), and Prague (where he enjoyed extraordinary popularity). Open to both travelers and non-travelers alike, the class offers unique insight into the composer’s music and the four cities that inspired and sustained him.

For more than a century between 1775 and 1880, America was a nation on the move. It was one of the greatest mass migrations in human history, as hundreds of thousands left their homes in the East to forge new futures in the West. This presentation explores the complex network of routes that shaped the nation’s identity. We will follow Daniel Boone’s footsteps through the Cumberland Gap – blazing the Wilderness Road – travel the Oregon Trail’s vast, dusty prairies that led farm families to the fertile Willamette Valley; the California Trail, which drew hundreds of thousands of gold seekers; and the Santa Fe Trail, a commercial highway that linked the US and Mexico through profitable trade. The journey was fraught with danger, demanding resilience and claiming many lives to disease, starvation, and unforgiving terrain. This presentation also acknowledges the profound, and often tragic, impact that westward expansion had on the Native American tribes who had long inhabited these lands.

Join us for a conversation about public memory and immigration detention. We will discuss the digital archive "DETAINED: Voices from the Migrant Incarceration System" – a collaboration among the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Salvavision, the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP), and formerly detained individuals – that collects and publicly archives the stories of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants incarcerated by immigration authorities in Arizona. Since 2020, "DETAINED" has recorded, contextualized, and shared the oral histories of dozens of system-impacted migrants and asylum seekers, illuminating how immigration detention dehumanizes, silences, and isolates. Through this public-facing archive, the project preserves a vital primary record of detention from the perspective of detainees, presented through multilingual text, audio, and visual art.

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.

Fleeing religious persecution in Europe, Jews first arrived in the New World in the 17th century and have since built vibrant and influential communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. This highly visual presentation by leading travel journalist Dan Fellner will take us to historic synagogues in the Caribbean, South America, and the United States, including three of the oldest Jewish congregations in the U.S., all of which received letters from President George Washington affirming religious freedom in America. From Charleston to Curaçao, and Alaska to Argentina, we’ll explore the survival and resilience of Jewish life in places you might least expect to find it.

Joe DiMaggio was born into a family of fishermen, but he had no interest in that life. He dropped out of his San Francisco high school and took on odd jobs before discovering baseball. DiMaggio went on to have a legendary career with the New York Yankees, winning nine World Series titles. His smooth play in Yankee Stadium’s vast center field earned him the nickname “The Yankee Clipper.” Off the field, he married Marilyn Monroe, the world’s most famous woman at the time. Throughout his life, DiMaggio was admired for his poise, dignity, and classic sense of style.

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” Her paintings are more than art – they are a visual autobiography, rich with symbolism, emotion, and personal history. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of this iconic Mexican artist, whose bold self-portraits continue to captivate and inspire across generations. From her close relationship with her father to the devastating bus accident that shaped her physical and emotional world to her passionate and turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, each chapter of Frida’s life is vividly reflected in her work.

Join Jim Turner to explore Arizona’s history from its admission as the 48th state in 1912 through the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. We will trace the legacies of frontier mining and cattle ranching alongside the rise of early Progressive politics, Native American reservations, boarding schools, and the trading posts that connected diverse communities. The class will examine Arizona’s role in national and international events, including General Pershing’s punitive expedition along the border, the arrival of health seekers and tourists drawn to dude ranches and ranch schools, and the emergence of auto tourism and early motion-picture production. By connecting Arizona’s frontier past with its modern identity, participants will gain insight into how cultural diversity, economic opportunity, and environmental limits have shaped one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.

The ancient Kingdom of Morocco has a fascinating history, beautiful and historic cities, a mix of cultures, remarkable artistic and architectural achievements, fantastic food, friendly people, and an incredible natural setting of mountains, deserts, and Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches. It is an easy and enjoyable place to visit and explore. This session will include an overview of the Kingdom of Morocco and a travelogue showcasing its wonders. Morocco is well worth the time and energy. Scottsdale even has a long-standing sister city relationship with Marrakech, with regular cultural and community activities. Come and explore!

This interactive lecture focuses on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, its aftermath, the rebuilding process, and future implications. We will also explore the global ramifications of nuclear weapons technology. Mary Jane Parmentier, a professor at ASU with a PhD in International Studies and an MA in International Relations, recently attended the 80th memorial of the bombing in Hiroshima, Japan. She will share her experiences, incorporating Japanese perspectives and contemporary analysis, during the class.

This class examines the ideology and practice of slavery in late medieval Italian cities such as Venice and Genoa. ASU professor Dr. Hannah Barker will discuss the laws that defined slave status, the demographics of the enslaved population, the types of labor associated with slavery, and some of the consequences of this practice for medieval Italian society.

Travel the world through cheese! Sample a curated selection from different regions while learning how geography, culture, and trade have shaped their distinct flavors and traditions. We’ll also explore how climate, sustainability, and globalization continue to influence this beloved food today.

Discover the history behind the Christian proclamation of the Nicene Creed – a unifying statement of faith for Christians worldwide. Pastor Matt Knopf will explore the background of the creed’s establishment and creation, tracing the events of the historic Council of Nicaea under Emperor Constantine. You’ll also learn about the archaeological excavations currently underway in the ancient city of Nicaea, which offer new insight into this pivotal moment in Christian history. Join us for a fascinating exploration of one of the most significant developments in Christian proclamation.

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO REGISTER. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER IN OLLI SYSTEM.

Women of the ancient world were not just “goddesses, whores, wives, and slaves” – they were often powerful political, cultural, and economic influences, essential to the functioning of the societies of Greece and Rome. How much power did women have? The answer might surprise you!

This presentation by Captain Barney Rubel, USN (Ret.), Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, explores the geography and geometry of American security using world maps and Venn diagrams. It examines the relationship between the world’s oceans and U.S. security interests, linking maritime strategy to the broader framework of national security strategy. The session also reviews major theories of geopolitics, key provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and foundational statements of U.S. security strategy.

Following Presidents’ Day, we will explore how to understand the office of the presidency in 2026. Presidential power is often associated only with post–World War II America – but is this accurate? We will examine the differences between executive authority in foreign policy and domestic policy, and consider how a president’s ability to act is influenced by party support. Midterm elections are often viewed as a referendum on the presidency. In this election year, we will also ask whether presidential campaigns have always been long in America, how campaigning tactics have changed since the founding generation, and whether partisanship and gridlock are unique to modern history. Join us for this timely discussion, which uses presidents from various periods to deepen our understanding of America’s – and the world’s – most powerful office.

Join this virtual tour of national war memorials in the U.S. and beyond, examining them as public art, cultural history, sites of dark tourism, and spaces of collective memory. Cultural anthropologist Kelly Nelson will share six different purposes that war memorials can serve and invite participants to compare realistic and abstract elements in monuments. We will also explore what the upcoming national memorial for the post–9/11 war on terrorism might look like.

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.

This class will explore how and why the press became a protected “business” and examine the early relationship between the Founders and the media. We will discuss Presidents and the media in wartime – how presidents have “used” the press, from party newspapers to radio, television, and now digital platforms. The class will also cover the rise of right-wing media in the 1980s and how the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine enabled Rush Limbaugh and his acolytes to dominate the airwaves. Additionally, we will investigate how Twitter (now X) and other online platforms have influenced presidential communication. Finally, we will examine current threats to press protections and how the courts are responding.

The First Amendment’s speech and press freedoms are cornerstones of American democracy. Their presence – or absence – affects who we are as individuals, as a nation, as a culture, and as a species. A common question arises: Do we stand for principles that encourage or limit these freedoms? Just as journalists ask “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” to evaluate a story, we’ll do the same with this topic. Finding answers will take us into the realms of law, history, philosophy, journalism, and politics. As the title suggests, this two-session course will examine the origins of free expression as a value – how it developed in the United States – and the current realities of speech and press freedom in contemporary America.

What is the definition of a “survivor,” and what were the common denominators for almost all survivors? Certainly, fear, food insecurity/starvation, and trauma. However, it would be erroneous to paint all survivors with the same brush—each experience is unique. This diversity is shaped by pre-war, war, and post-war factors, including age, geography, socio-economic status, family circumstances, and the wide range of wartime experiences. Post-war experiences also had a significant impact on survivors. This presentation includes examples from the speaker’s family, among others.

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 078) and one in the afternoon (Class 079).

Join Dr. Matthew Peeples, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, for a one-of-a-kind class designed by an OLLI at ASU Intergenerational Learning Service Scholarship recipient. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of archaeology and discover how modern technology is transforming the way we study the past. Throughout this course, you will learn how archaeologists use new technologies to record and collect data from rock markings left behind by prehistoric Indigenous peoples. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a powerful tool to document and interpret rock markings and understand the valuable role of technology in advancing archaeological knowledge.
 

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 078) and one in the afternoon (Class 079).

Join Dr. Matthew Peeples, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, for a one-of-a-kind class designed by an OLLI at ASU Intergenerational Learning Service Scholarship recipient. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of archaeology and discover how modern technology is transforming the way we study the past. Throughout this course, you will learn how archaeologists use new technologies to record and collect data from rock markings left behind by prehistoric Indigenous peoples. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a powerful tool to document and interpret rock markings and understand the valuable role of technology in advancing archaeological knowledge.
 

"Steve Bergsman Presents Fabulous Female Singers of the Fifties" is a 90-minute multimedia presentation that combines discussion of the songs and singers of the 1950s with on-screen visuals and, of course, audio of the era’s greatest tunes. The show is based on two books Bergsman wrote: "All I Want Is Lovin’ You" (about white female singers of the era) and "What a Difference a Day Makes" (about Black female singers of the era). The program moves chronologically. With the recent passing of Connie Francis, Bergsman has updated the presentation to highlight her contributions. It begins with songs like Teresa Brewer’s "Music! Music! Music!" and Patti Page’s "Tennessee Waltz" from 1950 and concludes with Connie Francis’s "Where the Boys Are," which is actually from the 1960s.

Register for this class by clicking this link: https://azmusicfest.org/events/fabulous-females-of-the-fifties/

Join Randy Otto for a one-hour class and a 90-minute performance portraying Winston Churchill. The class runs from 2:00–3:00 p.m., followed by the show from 4:00–5:30 p.m. Whether delivering Churchill’s iconic speeches or engaging in one-on-one dialogues during “Ask Winston,” Otto conveys the essence of quick Churchillian wit, fierce tenacity, and the “never give in” resolve that inspired not only the British people but also rallied the free world in defense of liberty and freedom. Through his dedication, research, and passion for storytelling, Otto brings to life the complexities of this remarkable leader, highlighting the enduring relevance of Churchill’s legacy and the lessons it offers for future generations. During the class, Randy will discuss the history behind Churchill and explain how he prepares and recreates the character. The session also includes his renowned “Ask Winston Anything” segment.

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.

Come experience Indigenous creativity at the Heard Museum! Dan Hagerty, Chief Advancement Officer, will welcome you with a 30-minute presentation about the museum. Following the welcome, enjoy a guided tour with Heard Museum Assistant Registrar Roshii Montaño (Diné) of Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School, which showcases landscape paintings by the renowned contemporary Cherokee artist Kay WalkingStick in conversation with classic works from The New-York Historical Society’s 19th-century Hudson River School collection. The exhibition examines contemporary Indigenous art within the changing discourse of American art history while also sparking critical discussions on land dispossession. After your tour, stay for lunch at the Heard Museum Courtyard Café and visit the newly remodeled Heard Museum Shop.

For many of us, one of the first things we do in the morning is drink a cup of coffee or tea. This class encourages us to think more deeply about these caffeinated beverages and their significance. We will discuss what led to their globalization in the early modern era, the first, second, and third waves of coffee, and efforts to promote fair trade coffee, drawing on a Global Intensive Experience in Guatemala led by Dr. Sarreal at ASU. We will also explore the third most popular caffeinated beverage – yerba mate – widely consumed in southern South America and the subject of Dr. Sarreal’s book Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation. Why did coffee, tea, and chocolate globalize in the early modern era while yerba mate did not? Join us as we uncover the hidden histories behind your morning cup and sample some yerba mate.

Grand narratives of global history often emphasize human movement across the Atlantic – when they consider oceans at all. Yet the Pacific Ocean has long been a vital arena of human activity, rich in stories of migration, cultural exchange, and ecological transformation. In this engaging talk, Dr. Toby Harper presents the Pacific not merely as a backdrop but as a central force in shaping global history. Together, we’ll explore how the Pacific has connected peoples, plants, animals, ideas, and artistic traditions across vast distances – revealing a world history that is deeper, broader, and more interconnected than the familiar Atlantic-centered view.

Dr. Eduardo Pagán, Bob Stump Endowed Professor of History at Arizona State University, will delve into the nature of Violence and Order in Territorial Arizona. Taking 1874 as a case study, he explores what essentially was a low‑intensity warfare amid weak civil institutions, which illustrates how violence enforced territorial settlement and mirrored wider Western trends of high per capita homicide rates in sparsely populated frontiers. He also examines spatial patterns to determine where violence is most likely to occur, under what circumstances, and with what means. Finally, by examining the per capita death rates, he will also investigate which populations were most affected by frontier justice.

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.

In 1993, a mysterious and deadly disease outbreak struck the Four Corners area, killing young Navajos. What came to be understood as a novel hantavirus represented a wave of newly emerging infectious diseases around the world. We will get an inside look into the life of an epidemiologist investigating notorious disease outbreaks – from hantavirus to West Nile, from Valley fever to plague, and from COVID to bird flu. We will go into the deep past to understand how pathogens have moved around the world, explore the threat of bioterrorism and man-made disease outbreaks, and learn what it might all mean for responding to future pandemics.

The Phoenix Art Museum presents more than 30 examples of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts drawn from the most important Florentine Baroque art collection outside of Italy, assembled over more than 40 years by Houston-based art collector and co-founder of the Medici Archive Project, Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl. Featured artworks by local Florentine artists and artists across Europe reflect Florence’s flourishing art industry, as well as the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Medici Grand Dukes on the Renaissance and Baroque movements. Led by Phoenix Art Museum docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

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.

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.

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.

From poisoned cups to daggers in the dark, the ancient world was rife with rumor, suspicion, and political intrigue. Was Alexander the Great murdered by his generals? Did Nero set the Great Fire of Rome to build his Golden House? Were the Bacchic rites really a secret underground cult? Who mutilated the sacred herms of Athens, bringing on military disaster? This class explores famous conspiracies – real, imagined, and exaggerated – from Greece and Rome. Together we’ll sift fact from legend, see how ancient writers shaped stories of treason, and consider why conspiracy theories held such power then – and why they still capture imaginations today.

Some 27 million visitors prepared for the twentieth century by attending the World’s Columbian Exposition, which once occupied nearly 700 acres on Chicago’s South Side. Most had never even seen a light bulb, yet they were suddenly greeted with more electric lights than were then in use in the entire city of Chicago. The Fair was a striking blend of the palatial and the modern: its Greco-Roman buildings evoked Renaissance grandeur, while the visionary architecture of Louis Sullivan hinted at the future. Elegant concert halls—where thousands heard Handel’s Messiah—were complemented by the music of John Philip Sousa and Scott Joplin. This course will revisit the architecture, art, and music of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Previous technology systems, such as the railroad and electrification, dramatically changed human, natural, and built systems at regional and global scales – but that’s nothing compared to what today’s rapid – and accelerating – evolution across the entire frontier of technology might do. Even today, AI writes music, novels, and Ph.D. dissertations, and creates fascinating paintings and videos from simple verbal commands. It is becoming impossible to know whether a picture, video, or voice is real or fake. That call from your mother might actually be from an AI, which could then use your voice to scam money from your friends and bank accounts. Meanwhile, many start-up companies are developing “brain chips” that could enable telepathy between humans, as well as metacognitive mixtures of AI and human cognition that may surpass the most gifted humans. Scientists are increasingly treating the human aging process as a curable disease, believing that our children may live healthy lives of 150 to 200 years – perhaps much longer. These are only a few examples in a future where our planet, and humans themselves, become design spaces subject to deliberate change in ways never before possible. The psychological, political, economic, and social implications are vast, but we are not helpless: there are ways to think about and prepare for this turbulent period of change.

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.

Before the huge steam-driven machines that cut through the Suez and Panama Canals, magnificent canals and aqueducts shaped civilizations from ancient times through the Industrial Revolution. In this class, we follow the story of how humans learned to move water. Cultures that began with primitive irrigation channels, dug to water a few meager crops, eventually built canals that connected Europe to Asia and the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. These canals changed the world long before the age of steam, internal combustion engines, or electric power. We’ll also explore how human ingenuity used downhill-moving water to propel boats uphill. Our journey takes us to China, Egypt, the Pontine Marshes south of Rome, the French Riviera, England’s coal country, and finally the early American frontier—where a four-foot-deep ditch became the information superhighway of its time.

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.

Artificial intelligence holds almost unlimited potential benefits for individuals and society, but it also presents many risks. These risks include threats to safety, security, privacy, fairness, inclusiveness, autonomy, and democracy. This presentation will briefly discuss these risks and the need for governance. However, due to factors such as the “pacing problem,” traditional government regulation is incapable of keeping pace with AI and managing its risks. Two other systems will be needed to supplement – or even stand in for – government regulation in managing AI risks. The first system is comprehensive AI risk management frameworks promulgated by standard-setting organizations such as ISO, IEEE, and NIST. The incentives and pressures needed to encourage companies to align with such private standards will be explored. The second system is criminal and civil liability, and the dimensions, opportunities, and challenges of holding AI companies accountable for harms they inflict will be discussed. The effectiveness of these two alternative systems of governance will be critical for achieving the safe and beneficial implementation of AI.

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.

In this talk, you will discover how the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings are connected to unwashed socks. We will take a detailed look at the Sistine Chapel artworks, uncovering fascinating facts and sharing funny and informative stories about the people and scenes depicted on the ceiling. The session will also cover a brief history of the Sistine Chapel and explore Michelangelo’s thoughts and poetry regarding the painting of the ceiling.

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.

This discussion examines the Rule of Law in American history. We will begin with concepts of Natural Law and the Rule of Law, trace its development through Greek and Roman courts, and explore its relationship with democracy. The course will also cover the Rule of Law and individual rights, concluding with a focus on the Rule of Law as a promise. This topic is as important now as ever.

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 1946 film "Notorious," set during World War II, features director Alfred Hitchcock and actors Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman at the height of their talents. In this twisted spy thriller and anguished love story, Hitchcock evokes darker shades of suspense and passion than in his previous works by casting two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars boldly against type. On one hand, "Notorious" tells the story of a man in love with a woman who must seduce and then marry another man as a spy for the U.S. government. On the other hand, the film is a tale of geopolitical intrigue that blends myth and reality, exploring themes of Nazism, the atomic bomb, and America’s Good Neighbor Policy.

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.

Who are your heroes? Why did they influence your life in nature and conservation? Come learn about famous conservationists and nature leaders who inspired others to become today’s ardent and passionate advocates. We will discuss why Teddy Roosevelt is considered the most powerful voice in the U.S. conservation movement and why Arizona is arguably the richest state in public lands. Together, we will explore these questions: Why are these individuals examples of leadership, and why is their impact important today? Where are the modern-day leaders that your children and grandchildren can recognize and celebrate as nature legacies?

Stand up for your rights! Your high school civics teacher, Glenn Beck, and Bob Marley all urge you to stand up for your rights – but what are they? The original Constitution lists very few. Although the Bill of Rights adds several, many rights – such as the right to vote and public education – were never included by the framers. You might think of the Ninth Amendment: all those rights not listed, we still get to keep, right? The problem is, as Justice Robert H. Jackson quipped, “[T]he Ninth Amendment rights which are not to be disturbed by the Federal Government are still a mystery to me.” This presentation examines the “mystery” of what rights are, their origins, and how we balance them in law and society.

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.

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.