Social Thought and Issues   

Drawing on speeches from the past 100 years, this course focuses on how political speeches persuade, inspire, divide, and shape history. Participants will analyze famous and lesser-known speeches from campaigns, debates, concessions, policy addresses as well as from other political events. Using video clips, transcripts, guided analysis, and  discussions, we will explore how content, delivery, audience connection, timing, and historical context influence a speech’s effectiveness and lasting impact. Together, we will examine why some political speeches inspire nations, shape history, or define a political era—while others fail, backfire, or disappear entirely. 

Conflict Resolution Through Effective Communication explores how communication shapes conflict and how everyday disagreements can become opportunities for growth. Through interactive discussions, role plays, self-assessment exercises, and practical activities, participants will improve active listening, constructive feedback, and communication skills; acquire better self-awareness; and learn strategies for managing difficult conversations. The course does not have any prerequisites, just curiosity and openness for experience sharing and learning. 

This five week course provides an introduction to all aspects of current knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders: from its history to current information and perspectives, including interventions, schooling and behavior management. 

This five-week course explores the underlying causes, evolving dynamics, and possible resolutions of major global political conflicts in the modern era. Through interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from political science, history, sociology, and international relations, the course examines how power, ideology, identity, and resource competition shape conflicts across regions. Participants will engage with classical theories of conflict and peace, study contemporary case studies, and discuss realistic pathways toward sustainable resolution and global cooperation. 

Amidst enormous social upheaval after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Isabel Wilkerson published her book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. In it, Wilkerson drew connections between racism in America and the caste system of India (as well as the ideology of Nazi Germany). Is the caste system the same as racial discrimination? Is there a caste system in the U.S.? What can the experiences of millions of marginalized caste people in India and the U.S. teach us about inequality, identity, and justice? In this course we will discuss these questions guided both by Wilkerson’s book as well as the experiences of instructor Mahesh Admankar, a member both of an oppressed caste in India as well as a person of color in the United States. Course Note: This class was taught in Fall 2025 and has been updated with new material and content. Purchasing and reading Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is not required for this course. Readings will be provided by the instructor. 

This course covers the topic of psychological trauma and how it affects people, from some trauma-related disorders to the ways in which it helps people grow. It first covers the different types of trauma and the ways that it can manifest, including its classic definitions to contemporary understandings. Then, the course will cover some trauma-related psychological disorders and the best ways that people with trauma histories can be supported in mental health care. The course then considers how people can make meaning, find hope, and flourish after experiencing trauma. 

The Salon provides an opportunity to discuss perspectives, exchange ideas, critique concepts and share perceptions and thoughts with others in a convivial, collaborative environment. Each class session will focus on a different topic. Writings, videos, and/or audio clips on the topic will be presented in class as a springboard for dialogue and group interactions

Conspiracy theories often emerge during times of uncertainty, or fear when people seek simple explanations for complex problems. While some conspiracies proved to be true, most conspiracy theories rely on weak evidence, selective reasoning, or misinformation spread through media and social networks. Studying conspiracy theories is important because they influence politics, public health, and social trust. For example, conspiracy beliefs about vaccines or elections can shape public behavior and create divisions within societies. This course, therefore, explores what conspiracy theories are, why they deserve critical study, and how they can be identified and evaluated. 

This course explores why women’s participation in the workforce continues to differ across industries, income levels, and stages of life. We will discuss major barriers women face, including childcare costs, workplace expectations, gender norms, and the motherhood penalty. The course will also examine strategies that support women’s career advancement, policies that reduce inequality, and how technology and changing work environments may shape the future of women’s employment. Through real-world examples, research findings, and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of women’s economic experiences and the challenges and opportunities ahead.