History and Current Events   

With recent rhetoric about a "51st state", what do you know about Canada, the amazing country to the north of us? This course will cover the history of British Columbia, placing it within the larger framework of Pacific Northwest history. Students will examine and compare U.S. and Canadian political structures and policies. It will also highlight cultural differences, including First Nations histories and perspectives. Learn about regional heroes, must-see natural wonders, historical landmarks, and unique culinary delights. There will be ample opportunities to share collective expertise and to engage in individual scholarship about all things Canadian.

Take a journey through the ancient and early Christian periods in architectural history - from the celestial significance of ancient ziggurats to the symbolic ordering of Byzantine mosaics. This course explores how architecture changed over centuries, shaped by shifting cultures, philosophies, and artistic ideals. Along the way, you'll look at key buildings that defined each era, get to know the ideas behind their appearances, and draw connections between structures that were built worlds apart.

By the end of the course, you'll have a solid understanding of the cultural backgrounds informing major architectural movements, be able to identify significant buildings and their symbolic features, and recognize how architecture from different times and places connected in surprising ways. No background in architecture is needed - just curiosity and an appreciation for the built world.

Myth is far more than an ancient story; it is a foundational framework passed down through generations to help humanity make sense of the world around them. Early cultures looked to these sacred narratives to unlock universal mysteries, explain natural phenomena and find harmony within their environment, and articulate moral truths. From the thunderbolts of Zeus to the grandeur of the Odysseus, Graeco-Roman mythology has shaped Western art, language, and culture. In this course, we will explore the world's most enduring divine stories; from cosmic creations and divine intrigues to heroic quests and the fragile boundary between mortals and gods, examining how classical and Roman cultures seamlessly intertwined art and mythology to mirror their deepest values, morals, and cultural identities.

Explore the living cultures, histories, and contributions of the Coastal and Plateau tribal groups of the Pacific Northwest. In this course, students will learn about the enduring traditions of Native communities, from ancient practices to contemporary cultural expressions. Through tribal voices, stories, hands-on experiences, and experiential activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and how they may differ from dominant modern American culture.

The course highlights the rich cultural knowledge, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Native peoples to the Pacific Northwest. It also invites exploration into your own relationship with the land and provides resources for further exploration.

The U.S. Constitution is at the center of so many conversations today—but how well do we really know it? This course offers a lively introduction to the nation's founding document, exploring what it is, how it was created, and why it continues to shape our daily lives. Often described as a "living document," we'll explore how the constitution has adapted and evolved. Designed as an accessible primer, this course will give students useful background and fresh perspective on one of the most influential documents in history—helping us all better understand its enduring role in American democracy today.

While the flamboyant character Indiana Jones may have been inspired by early real-life archaeologists and adventurers looting, destroying, and collecting golden statues, today's archaeologist values slow, careful excavation and data preservation. Join me as we meet the very real, extraordinary individuals who discovered new sites and excavated treasures unseen for millennia. Along the way, we will explore the unique characteristics of archaeology in Egypt, including site types, excavation methods, and preservation conditions, examine the contributions of leading Egyptologists and their discoveries, and consider how archaeology has shaped our modern understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.

This lecture-based class examines the eastern Mediterranean world of the Bronze Age Minoans and Myceneans, Archaic and Classical Greece, and the Hellenistic societies emerging from Alexander the Great's conquests. We will explore archaeological remains, selections from ancient literature and philosophy, and modern scholarship all within the context of social, political, and cultural history.

This participative discussion class looks at national and international current affairs each week. Discussions include politics and other topic matters suggested by the group. Events are considered based on their effects today and into the future, historical context and leadership.

This participative discussion class looks at national and international current affairs each week. Discussions include politics and other topic matters suggested by the group. Events are considered based on their effects today and into the future, historical context and leadership.