Tuesday   

Over one million civilians—mostly women and children—died during the Vietnam conflict. Amid the devastation, volunteer doctors and U.S. military teams worked together in primitive hospitals to provide care and comfort to strangers in need. Civilian physicians treated everything from battlefield injuries to infectious diseases, often with limited resources. Their work helped build trust between local communities and American forces. This lecture tells their untold story of compassion in a war-torn land.

As Abraham Lincoln stated in his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865, both sides prayed to the same God and read the same Bible. Indeed, religious language, imagery, and ideas were pervasive during the Civil War era. Americans turned to their faith to explain the causes, course, and consequences of the war. Soldiers and civilians alike found comfort in religion and often viewed the war’s events through the lens of divine providence. The idea of sin—both individual and collective—also became a means of interpreting victories and defeats, including the ultimate outcome of the war.

For someone who wrote such extraordinary stories, how closely did fiction mirror reality? Alexandre Dumas lost his father at the age of four—a father who had been a celebrated, yet later forgotten, hero of the Napoleonic Wars. In many ways, the son’s vivid tales of adventure drew inspiration from his father's remarkable life. Join us as we explore the true identity behind "The Count of Monte Cristo." Discover the real figures who inspired "The Three Musketeers," and how their camaraderie came to embody the ideal of heroism. What kind of man was Dumas, who gave us some of the most enduring characters in literary history?

Join “Fortunato Film School" where ASU film professor Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on the 1970’s cinematic classic "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" – a Best Picture winner and one of the most honored films of all time! We will begin with a brief introduction on the background and making of the film. Then we will screen the film together with live commentary provided, giving you insights into the filmmaking process, fun facts, and some guidance on how to "read" a film creatively. After the film, we will discuss what we've learned and debate if it lives up to its "great film" reputation (and even discuss what that designation means in the subjective world of creative art).

Why do we use the term “trial by jury”? The Declaration of Independence indicted King George III for depriving the people of “trial by jury.” The Seventh Amendment preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20. Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution mandates that “the Trial of all Crimes... shall be by Jury.” The Sixth Amendment states that in “all criminal prosecutions,” the trial shall be “by an impartial jury.” Each of these references to “trial by jury” implies that there was once another option—and that the choice mattered. This class will trace the history of the jury, showing why it remains as relevant today as ever.

You’ve probably heard of ChatGPT or spoken to a voice assistant like Alexa or Siri — but what’s really going on behind the scenes? In this class, we’ll explore how today’s artificial intelligence can carry on conversations, help you write emails, answer questions, and even make decisions. We’ll look at how these “AI assistants” work in simple, everyday terms—and what they might mean for the future of work, learning, and daily life.

African Americans have served in every US military conflict, fighting for both their country and their own rights. From Black patriots in the Revolutionary War to the 180,000 African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War, their contributions have shaped American history. After the war, Black soldiers gained congressional approval to enlist in the peacetime Army, leading to the formation of the “Buffalo Soldiers.” This course traces their service from the War of 1812 to World War II, highlighting their valor in conflicts abroad and their struggle against segregation and discrimination at home. It is the story of their resilience, sacrifice, and fight for equality in a nation that often failed to recognize their service. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

Humans have been intrigued by Mars since they first gazed into the night sky. In just the past 50 years, we have seen spacecraft orbiting Mars and surface rovers exploring the planet for evidence of past climates and the potential for life. This class will focus on some key unanswered questions about Mars before moving on to the process of how an actual space mission is built. We will follow the steps from the initial concept through the design, fabrication, and testing of spacecraft and instruments. We’ll also examine mission operations and scientific results. ASU has a long history of participation in planetary exploration, including the development of nine instruments for NASA and international missions to explore Mars, asteroids, and Europa—a moon of Jupiter with a subsurface ocean that may contain life. The final class will include a tour of the labs on ASU’s Tempe campus, where these instruments are designed and built!

Join Dr. Jonathan Parrott, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, to explore the fascinating world of forensic entomology—the use of insects in solving crimes! Discover how tiny clues left by insects can provide crucial insights to crime scene investigators and scientists. Dr. Parrott will also share innovative research from Arizona State University, demonstrating how forensic experts—including DNA specialists—are unlocking new ways to understand and solve mysteries involving blow flies, maggots, and other insects at crime scenes.

Diego Rivera is often best known today as the husband of Frida Kahlo. However, during his life, he was an internationally famous artist born and raised in Mexico. You will learn how he and his friends developed a new art style, with examples provided. Rivera was especially renowned for his murals and had tumultuous relationships with several women. We will begin with his birth and early art and continue until we run out of time, discussing some of his works in detail. Frida Kahlo was born in Mexico and endured many difficult events in her life, including childhood polio, a serious bus accident, a long recovery, and several miscarriages. She used these experiences, along with personal symbolism and Surrealism, to express her suffering through her work.

Explore Motown’s golden era from the late 1950s to the 1970s, a period marked by groundbreaking songwriting, iconic artists, and profound social influence. Discover how Motown’s innovative production methods shaped its timeless sound, broke racial barriers, and adapted to shifting cultural landscapes to achieve worldwide acclaim. Featuring legendary artists and curated tracks and videos, this course concludes with a celebration of Motown’s transformative first 25 years. Join us to experience the enduring magic of Motown and its lasting impact on music and culture. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

This interactive session reviews the components of executive function (EF), including attention span, working memory, planning and mental flexibility, physical inhibition, and emotional regulation (self-control). The discussion will cover how and when EF skills develop, and how to keep these essential brain functions active throughout our lives. Tips for maintaining memory and problem-solving abilities will also be demonstrated.

The aim of this class is to provide members with a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by Indigenous Americans, both historically and in the present day. Instructor Greg Hansen, a member of the Southern Ponca tribe, leads the class through an intense and interactive experience delving into the candid realities of topics ranging from: Who is considered Native American, what is federal sovereignty, how one becomes a tribal member, the use of blood quantum, and the pros-and-cons of casinos. We will also cover federally recognized tribes located in Arizona.

Join Dr. Eduardo Pagán, a professor of history at ASU, as he leads us on a historical journey through fascinating—and often overlooked—events and individuals that illuminate different aspects of Arizona’s past. The stories will include how national debates entangled Arizona’s quest for statehood and introduce you to the most accomplished Arizona pioneer you’ve never heard of. As Dr. Pagán delves into these riveting histories, we’ll gain a firsthand look at some of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our great state.

Many birds of the desert-urban interface are familiar, but often misidentified and misunderstood! This class focuses on a dozen of our common species, including our state bird, the Cactus Wren; the whimsical and popular Gambel’s Quail; the noisy Northern Mockingbird; and the ubiquitous Anna’s Hummingbird and Mourning Dove. We’ll also discuss invasive species such as the city pigeon, European Starling, Great-tailed Grackle, and House Sparrow. Find out which bird is a medal-winner, which is a real estate developer, and which is on the Audubon watch list for declining populations. Part of the class will be held outdoors, with the hope of seeing some of these birds. Please bring binoculars, if you have them, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Is beauty truly only skin deep, or can it be understood as a measurable trait, similar to features like blue eyes or blonde hair? To what extent do humans differ from birds and other mammals in selecting mates based on physical appearance? In this class, we will examine human mate preferences alongside those of other species, drawing on evolutionary biology and psychology to gain deeper insights into the concept of beauty and its underlying significance.

Why is Casablanca considered one of the most iconic films of all time—and does it still deserve that title? Join ASU film professor Joe Fortunato for an in-depth exploration of the 1942 classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. We will begin with a brief introduction to the film’s historical and production background, followed by a screening of the film accompanied by live commentary from Professor Fortunato. As you watch, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insights, learn about cinematic techniques, and discover how to interpret film like a critic or scholar. After the screening, the discussion continues: what makes a film “beloved,” and does Casablanca hold up through a modern lens? Like a book club for movie lovers, this class invites you to watch and reflect!

Join Penny Friedberg, MBA, MS, on December 1st and 3rd for a two-session course designed for those cooking for one or two. In week one, the focus is on breakfast, highlighting the benefits of home cooking and offering practical techniques to make it more manageable. Participants will explore essential tools and cookware for a healthier kitchen and watch a live demo featuring granola, vegetables, and eggs. Week two shifts to dinner, featuring a thoughtful discussion on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fats, and oils, followed by a live cooking demonstration of stir-fry and other healthy dinner recipes.

Current students from Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski’s Medical Humanities course at ASU (HON 394 Poetry & Medicine) will lead this intergenerational session exploring the efficacy of reading and writing poetry as a means of navigating aging, illness, and loss, while promoting wellness and healing. Students will share excerpts from studies, lead discussions of selected poems, and engage attendees in short reflective writing exercises.

Native peoples have given us some of the most renowned military, political, and spiritual leaders ever recorded. Moved by their dedication to protecting their people, traditions, and homelands, this presentation delves into the lesser-known traditional stories and histories of great Indigenous leaders such as Crazy Horse, Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Wilma Mankiller, and the great Chief Joseph. Join Greg Hansen, Tribal Relations Coordinator for the Arizona Conservation Corps, to learn about these celebrated Native women and men through traditional storytelling and be inspired by their unyielding devotion to preserving their traditional lifeways.

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.

Over one million civilians—mostly women and children—died during the Vietnam conflict. Amid the devastation, volunteer doctors and U.S. military teams worked together in primitive hospitals to provide care and comfort to strangers in need. Civilian physicians treated everything from battlefield injuries to infectious diseases, often with limited resources. Their work helped build trust between local communities and American forces. This lecture tells their untold story of compassion in a war-torn land.

Join us for a fun, monthly hiking group exploring easy to moderate trails (3–6 miles) around the Valley. We’ll meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at designated trailheads, with the first location shared after registration. Some hikes may be led by volunteer trail docents who will share insights about local desert plants and wildlife. Future trail locations will be selected by participants during the first hike. Hiking sticks, snacks, and water are recommended. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, stay active, and make new friends while discovering the beauty of our desert surroundings. Hikes run once a month through December — come explore with us!

There is no fee for this SIG

This class will provide basic skills for drawing and painting on the iPad. We will navigate three digital art apps, explore techniques for creating digital drawings and paintings, practice using layers, and experience how to export completed digital images for printing. The apps featured in this class are Freeform, Sketchbook, and ArtRage Vitae Mobile Painting.

This class offers a hands-on introduction to one-point and two-point perspective drawing, techniques that create the illusion of depth on a flat surface by using converging lines. The first session focuses on one-point perspective, while the second session covers two-point perspective. Please take care of time zone changes towards the end of this course due to shifts in Daylight Saving time as this class meets from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in PST.

This course is an introduction to qigong and simple stretching patterns. Movements will be taught as physical and energetic exercises and as methods for improving present-moment awareness and mindfulness of subtle perceptions. Although qigong can be studied for a lifetime, this series will give you a taste of the practices. Students will learn a set of simple movements that can be integrated into a daily routine. The exercises will challenge and enhance flexibility, balance and coordination. Students will have access to videos on the instructor’s YouTube channel, and an optional DVD is available for purchase. This online course will include social time with other students using breakout rooms. No special clothing or experience is required. Come as you are, ready to have fun with others! Please take care of DST changes for the last session of class.

The Colorado River is neither the longest nor the largest of our rivers, but it flows through the most dramatic scenery in the USA. It is the very lifeblood of over 40 million people. A significant fraction of our country’s produce and animal products is grown with its waters and the power produced by its system of massive hydroelectric generators lights up the entire Southwest. Unfortunately, the waters of the Colorado are over-allocated. Now, after 25 years of serious drought with no end in sight, the River’s very well-being is in serious jeopardy. In this course, we will describe the River’s astonishing geology and geography, some early and modern history, its politics, and its very uncertain future. Please take care of time zone changes due to Daylight Saving.