Social Sciences   

Skip the lecture and dive straight into this hands-on crime-busting class taught by “Dr. Danny” – two-time winner of ASU’s Teacher of the Year award, Professor Emeritus, PhD in Advanced White-Collar Crime, and a lifetime of experience working on all sides of criminal justice. Guided by his experience and expertise, we will examine the critical thinking and investigative skills necessary to solve crimes. Using real crimes as our case studies (including some that involved Dr. D), we will work together to solve the “how” of these crimes, get inside the minds of criminals to explore the “why,” and even role play the courtroom showdowns between prosecution and defense that determine the execution of criminal justice.

Join Al Dart, a registered professional archeologist, to learn about Native American ceramic styles that characterized specific eras in the US Southwest prior to about 1450. Mr. Dart will discuss how archaeologists use pottery for dating archaeological sites and interpreting ancient lifeways. You will gain an understanding of the importance of context in archaeology, how the things people make change in style over time, and how different styles are useful for identifying different cultures and for dating archaeological sites. His many illustrations include examples of ancient pottery types that were made throughout the American Southwest from about 2000 to 500 years ago.

Millions of years of evolution have refined how plants and animals survive in nature. From flight to medicine, we can observe and study how challenges and problems were solved by natural selection and efficiently mimic them to solve human challenges. The conservation and economic implications of this business model are just beginning to be used and appreciated. Join Dr. David Pearson as he discusses the intersections of ecology, conservation, ecotourism, and education to develop methods that promote sustainable use of biodiversity.

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.

This lecture will focus on the origins of modern-day bioethics, including a discussion of the atrocities that gave rise to these fundamental principles. The lecture starts with a pre-WWII view of humanity and medicine; we then proceed to discuss the Nazi atrocities and Tuskegee Syphilis experiment that drove society to prepare seminal documents such as the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report. Finally, the lecture will focus on each of the principles that comprise bioethics: beneficence, justice, non-maleficence, and autonomy.

Have you ever wondered why Arizona State University (ASU) consistently ranks #1 in the U.S. for innovation, according to U.S. News & World Report? It’s not just about having brilliant students; it’s about the creative, proven methodologies that drive our venture development success—taking ideas from inception to pitching in Silicon Valley and even on Shark Tank (yes, ASU students have been featured!). Join Dr. Danny as he highlights the methods, theories, and practices behind ASU’s established approach to venture development, including discussion of some of ASU's most innovative student ventures, spanning fields from sustainability to biomedical devices and beyond.

Economics plays a central role in shaping every aspect of society. This course examines a series of prominent policy issues with economics at their core. We will explore the origins of these issues, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy tools available to address them. Each lecture will be standalone, delivered by a subject matter expert with a Ph.D. in economics. Potential topics include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, and more, with final selections based on the most relevant and timely issues at the start of the course. 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.