Afternoon Academics   

Many Americans may have Irish roots yet know little about Ancient Ireland. Learn about the era from the Ice Age to the Norman Invasion in 1169. Where did the land come from? What are the bogs? Who were the first humans on this island? Who were the Celts and the Vikings? How did early Christianity come to them? Come see the ancient places and its people. The instructor has spent over three weeks viewing ancient places of this land. Join him in this journey.

Journey from Earth to the edge of the visible universe, making maximum use of the instruments to explore digital views of the cosmos. Join us to ¿see¿ what is unfolding in the Universe! Consider spacecraft like the DART mission to asteroid, Cassini, Hubble, Mars Rover, ALMA and other missions. Understand images and more from the James Webb Space telescope.

Discusses bee biology topics such as bee stings, reproduction and predators. Includes campus wide bee walks with instructor and a bee expert, with emphasis on looking for examples of what was discussed in class.

 Students watch and discuss a bee documentary with the instructor.  In the next session includes campus wide bee walks with instructor and a bee expert, with emphasis on seeing things discussed in the documentary. 

Learn about Buddhism and begin on a path to reduce suffering. We will meditate, learn about the historical Buddha, explore various traditions and options for continued practice, and practice metta (loving kindness) and gratitude. You will be prepared to confidently continue your practice via in-person or Zoom mediation services. 

Villages with Salish and Sahaptin speaking populations dotted southwest Washington rivers including the Columbia River. The people eventually became known as Cowlitz, a modern adaptation deriving from numerous spelling attempts. Their place in history has been mercurial as one of the most persecuted, resilient and emergent of Washington Tribes.

Learn about the underlying science behind fermentation, how the microbes involved transform ingredients, how, over millions of years, humans have coevolved with the microbes responsible for fermentation, and the similarities and differences in the fermentation of kombucha, beer, wine, cider, sake, spirits, bread, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, cheeses, soy, and meats. Includes two hands on experiences  making sourdough starts and sauerkraut.

One of the most unique and beautiful areas of the entire Pacific Northwest is right next to us. Let's examine some of the episodes that occurred in this stunning location: its geology and formation; Native American history there; changes in transportation: railway, canal, highway; the harnessing of river power; commercial endeavors; and efforts to preserve its beauty.

We live in a world transformed by the combined efforts, talents, and sacrifices of dreamers, inventors, engineers, and civil and military aircrew, all part of a process of technological development begun half a millennia ago. This class will focus on that process and the challenges, personalities, technologies, and historical interludes, that pushed it forward.

The civil rights movement eventually achieved equal rights legislation, but not without challenges. In the late 1960s complications arose as various groups confronted the enduring economic and social consequences of past oppression. These problems persisted in subsequent decades, and the idea of real equality remained elusive well into the 21st century. Continue this retrospective with the instructor born in the Jim Crow South through the medium of television.

Walking With Our Ancestors

The shadowy world of international espionage is one populated with fascinating characters, drama, and stories often more interesting than the most colorful imaginings of fiction. We will examine and discuss this often secretive and clandestine world beginning with the Punic Wars of Ancient Rome to the present day with emphasis on intelligence-gathering organizations, methods, technologies and in-depth studies of famous spy cases.