Nearly 30 years after a leading political scientist declared the triumph of liberal democracy across the globe, the world is seeing fledgling and established democracies struggle. From here at home, in the United States, to Venezuela to Poland, voters are seeing the deterioration of what was supposed to be the norm--democracy. The gains of democracy in the 20th century and early in this century are being usurped by a very speedy retreat to the number of young, fragile democracies falling to "strongman" or populist leadership. Examples of fledgling and failing democracies from the Americas, Africa and Europe will be studied. Maria Montalvo holds a Master's in political science and economics. This is her second course with CRI. She is a columnist for the Edmonds Beacon, and works as Executive Director in the non-profit education sector. 4 sessions.

Most people use less than 10% of their computer's capabilities to make things easier, more adaptable and helpful. Call them tricks, tips or accommodations, they include ways to see the screen better, manipulate windows, and adjust notifications and other settings. Explore surprising capabilities available in built-in apps common to Windows 10 and MacOS. Join us with your Mac or PC (optional) and learn how to improve your experience and usefulness with these devices. Brian Boston wants technology to work for you, develop your interests, and help connect with family and friends. Through four decades of computer support and training of support engineers, Brian's favorite students are end users. He educates and supports individuals and small businesses, advising on technology purchases, usage, maintenance and security. 1 session.

A hands-on guided workshop designed for adult beginners, introducing the basics of iPad navigation, finding and using applications ("apps"), and tips and tricks. Participants will need their own iPad and email account (and their passwords available to them at class). Included are: Finding your way around with touch and stylus; installing and troubleshooting apps; managing picture and videos; email, browsers and internet safety; introducing social media in the iPad. Kate Schwarz works in EdCC Technology Resource Center helping faculty with e-learning, instructional technologies and course design. She worked for many years at the University of California as a computer resource manager. Since moving to the Northwest, she has worked as in independent educational technology consultant for non-profits, both locally and on the East Coast. 2 sessions.

US-Russian relations are an issue in American politics and foreign policy. We will explore the realities of contemporary Russian politics and economy to understand Russia's position. Is it truly a superpower able to compete on a global scale with the US? Does Russia have the economic and power capabilities to act beyond its own region with its relative military weakness? We will examine the development of the Putin regime and politics since the collapse of the USSR to grasp the realities of what is termed an "electoral authoritarian" regime and the prospects for improved US-Russian relations in short to medium term. Professor Bradley Murg received his PhD from UW. He is assistant professor of political science and director of global development studies, SPU and faculty member at the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies. He is fluent in French, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese with proficiency in German, Dutch, Uighur, Tagalog and Latin. 1 session.

Explore indirect, often unexpected connections among Pacific NW coastal ecosystems which keep them productive and help us understand the big picture. Raised sea kayaking, surfing, and hiking, Chelsea Behymer established an early connection to her surroundings. She received her BS in marine biology from Hawaii Pacific U where she dove 'literally' into coral reef research, fascinated with the interconnectedness among and within ecosystems. She spent five years as an onboard naturalist in Alaska, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, Patagonia and the Pacific Coast of North America. While traveling as a naturalist, she realized a passion for teaching and the value of experiential learning, completing an MS in environmental education from Southern Oregon U. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in environmental science at OSU, with a research focus on informal science communication. 1 session.