Spring 2026   

Let’s get together for a two-hour in-person DISCUSSION about the current state of AI. The focus will be on your questions, concerns, and experiences with it… both successes and frustrations! This is not a lecture class, and it will be helpful, though not essential, for participants to have some familiarity with basic AI concepts. To facilitate discussion, class size will be limited to 30, and the class will be offered twice during the quarter to accommodate different schedules.

Let’s get together for a two-hour in-person DISCUSSION about the current state of AI. The focus will be on your questions, concerns, and experiences with it… both successes and frustrations! This is not a lecture class, and it will be helpful, though not essential, for participants to have some familiarity with basic AI concepts. To facilitate discussion, class size will be limited to 30, and the class will be offered twice during the quarter to accommodate different schedules.
 

In this interactive online discussion class we will delve deeply into this fascinating Bible story, exploring themes of sibling rivalry, the potential for individuals to grow into better people, the importance of forgiveness, and the concept of free will. We will look at parenting advice from a book on sibling rivalry, and we will discuss how painters, novelists and filmmakers have used creativity and imagination to bring Joseph’s story to life. We will be looking at the Bible as literature; no prior knowledge is necessary and people of all religions or no religion are welcome!
 

Upon taking the job of Thomaskantor in Leipzig in 1723, Johann Sebastian Bach was finally in a position in his career to realize his aspiration to provide "well-regulated church music" to the city’s main churches. Bach’s church cantata productions in Leipzig can be grouped into yearly cycles; the first ran from late May 1723 to early June 1724 and comprised over 50 pieces. Let’s continue our exploration through Bach’s first Leipzig cantata cycle. We will look at the overall characteristics of these works and select a few for deeper analysis. We will review the occasion for each cantata, analyze its text, and conduct light musical analysis to learn about Bach’s masterful musical language, then listen to the entire cantata in class. Whether you’re a Bach enthusiast already or new to his music, join us to get immersed in the world of one of the greatest composers in history. NOTE: No need to have participated in any of our previous Bach classes to enjoy this one.

Tiny in stature yet mighty in presence, Berthe Weill proved to be the guiding force behind many of the great artists we revere today. In an arena of academy and salon-sanctioned art, she championed the new, the modern, the extreme: the avant-garde. The Paris of the Third Republic was not a genteel society. The Prussian War and the Dreyfus Affair had a deep impact on artists, art, and its marketplace. Through it all, Weill embraced the change and welcomed Matisse, Modigliani, Rivera, and Picasso. This course will examine the numerous artist relationships that Weill nurtured, supported, and the long-term impact that this woman had on the art world under disastrous conditions of a world at war.

Join instructor Sally Holcomb, who began a "presidential odyssey" in 2021, undertaking visits to the U.S. National Archives’ presidential libraries and museums, as well as a wide range of sites important to the personal history of individual presidents. In the first part of this two-session course, you will learn about the evolution of the presidential library system and each of the libraries being overseen by the National Archives today, as well as the future status of the three libraries yet to open (Obama, Trump, Biden). The second part will be about other presidential sites, such as birthplaces, homes, places of death, gravesites, and memorials—places from which one can absorb tremendous insight about the people who have been elected to serve as President of the United States. Combined, the sessions will provide you with interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and even trip-planning tips to help you undertake your own "presidential odyssey."
 

Whether you’re new to technology or just want to feel more confident using it, this welcoming four-session course helps you build the digital skills needed for everyday life. Learn how to navigate your device, explore online tools safely, manage files, and communicate effectively through email and the web — all in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Each session combines short demonstrations, hands-on practice, and real-world examples that meet you where you are. You’ll gain confidence, independence, and a better understanding of how to use digital tools to connect, create, and thrive in a modern world. No prior experience required — just curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn together.

Join other story lovers as we talk about books, theater, and film. Each week, participants will share what they have been reading or watching. Any genre, fiction or non-fiction, is fine. We will enjoy great discussions as we connect book themes, topics, authors, and books that have found new life on the stage, in movies, and even in opera. You are guaranteed to go home with at least one new book suggestion, a new author to read, or a theme or genre to explore.

Monarchies are often seen as relics of the past, glittering symbols of tradition in a democratic age. Nearly thirty countries today still maintain some form of monarchy, from absolute royal families to modern constitutional systems. What keeps these institutions alive? What power do they hold? How have they adapted or resisted in the face of revolution, globalization, and public scrutiny? We will unpack what monarchy really is, beyond the crowns and ceremonies, and explore how kings, queens, and emperors continue to shape politics, culture, and national identity. We will examine different models of monarchy (absolute, constitutional, elective, federal, and symbolic) and survey each monarchy, from Europe and the Middle East to Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Using comparative analysis, students will gain insight into why monarchy persists in some regions but collapsed in others and what its survival tells us about legitimacy, tradition, and human fascination with hierarchy and spectacle.

In this course, we will define the design style now called "Mid-Century Modern," which took place from 1950 to the early 1970s. Due to the extensive subject matter, this course is a two part series. In Part I, we will cover Mid-Century Modern furniture, architecture, interior design, lighting, and textiles. We plan to continue part II in the fall which will feature the Mid-Century Modern designs found in industry, graphic design, glass and ceramics, and the designers behind the design.

CLASS CANCELLED

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This class is full. Please click the Add to Waitlist button below.

In this course, students will learn how to draw an accurate portrait using the methods of master artists. In a fun-filled, casual atmosphere, people will learn the basics of portraiture to draw friends and family. There will be demonstrations as well as group and individual instruction. Supplies needed: 3 pencils (2H, HB, 2B), kneaded eraser, small metal pencil sharpener, some paper stumps, and a 9” x 12” pad of drawing paper. An optional folding metal table easel is available on Amazon.

3/11/26 UPDATE: The geology topic and description have been updated from what was originally advertised. However, the instructor and the dates/times remain the same. Please let us know if you have any questions.

The Evergreen State has experienced incredible geologic change since the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia 750 million years ago. “Dynamic Washington” will lead you through the story of Washington’s geologic evolution as the topography and landmass were changed by tectonic forces, volcanism, glaciers, earthquakes, and natural disasters. We will learn how the timing and the sequence of geologic events led to the magnificent modern landscape of coastlines, mountains, and deserts we enjoy today. Join us this quarter as we embark on this fascinating geological journey through time!

The inclination to travel and explore the world dates back to the earliest civilization. This course explores in depth our innate urge to see and know the world around us. Session 1 examines the human instinct to travel and how travel has changed the world we live in. We discuss travel trends, their impacts, and the issue of tourist-site exhaustion. The course helps attendees examine travel options off and on the beaten track and how to travel smart and safely, regardless of their level of experience. Session 2 covers travel tips, destinations, and themed travel that caters to the novice, senior, or adventurous travelers amongst us. It also explores life as an expat, retiring abroad, and living part-time abroad as a "flex-pat."

What is a spice: a seed, bark, root, or resin? Do soil, rainfall, and harvest methods shape flavor? Is climate change transforming where spices can grow? We will explore spices as living plants, not historical artifacts. Each session focuses on a botanical group of spices defined by their key aromatic compounds, from sweet warming phenols to pungent sulfurous oils, tracing their origins, cultivation, and flavor chemistry. We will learn to recognize quality, use each spice effectively in cooking (whether it should be heated, bloomed in fat, or added raw), and pair them in savory or sweet dishes. We will also examine modern cultivation and trade: how drought and shifting temperatures are changing where spices thrive, what ethical and sustainable sourcing looks like today, and the hidden labor and exploitation that still shadow spice production. This course blends plant science, sensory learning, and mindful cooking, designed for anyone who wants to understand spices from the ground up.
 

We can’t seem to get over “Frankenstein.” Since the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel in 1818, novelists, dramatists, filmmakers, and other artists have produced literal and loose adaptations of this story about creation, science, parenthood, revenge, and ambition. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the story has largely been viewed as a monster tale, thanks to James Whale’s unfaithful but indelible 1931 movie adaptation starring Boris Karloff. Most recently, Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 film adaptation takes almost the opposite approach, vilifying not the creature but the scientist who rashly created a being he could not care for. In this course, we will spend one session discussing the novel itself (prior reading of the novel is encouraged but not required) and two sessions exploring some of the many adaptations, particularly in film. Every age, it seems, has its own Frankenstein, revealing both the timelessness of the story’s core themes and its suitability for many new settings and purposes.

We will free-write together for 12-15 minutes at a time, quieting the inner critic, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure, since no one will see these quick, rough drafts but ourselves. You will be introduced to different creative writing techniques at the beginning of each workshop, along with prompts focusing on memoir writing. Writers may also write about whatever they wish aside from the prompts, and may read their free-writes to the group. Participants provide only positive feedback on what they liked best, what stood out, or what they remembered most of the writer’s freewrite.

As America grew from the first communities in the New World to the fortunes of the Gilded Age, art, architectural styles, interiors, furniture, and decorative objects moved from basic simplicity to elegant, graceful forms. This course will focus on the popular styles and design influences from the Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Victorian, and Beaux Arts eras. The extraordinary influence of designers and craftsmen such as Duncan Phyfe, Charles Launnier, John Henry Belter, Stanford White, Henry Hobson Richardson, and many others will be discussed, as well as the social and political influences upon their designs. 

In 2021, Saul Griffith presented what we will learn is one of the simplest roadmaps to stop global warming: replacing all fossil-fuel-burning machines with electric devices and switching all electricity generation to renewable sources, primarily solar, wind, and hydro. In this course, we will examine current global and national energy use; the amount of electricity required to perform the same work; progress and trends in renewable electricity generation; and realistic timelines for future progress. We will learn what solar energy is; how wind farms and agrivoltaics work; the electrify-everything strategy; the roles of hydroelectric power and batteries; whether new technologies are necessary; the level of investment required to transition to renewable electricity; the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy; the challenge of intermittency; and the importance of maintaining adequate energy supply throughout the transition to fully clean energy.

We will dive into the free Google Drive services found in your Google account, which will simplify your life and make you more productive. We will show you how cloud-based apps work within the Google universe. We will cover the advantages of using Google’s office productivity apps — and the pitfalls. Touching on security and privacy, we will show how Google’s products can work with — and sometimes better than — the business software you might be familiar with. This class is for desktop/laptop computer users and will include information for mobile devices. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written material.

In this introduction to Google Docs, we will show you how to create documents and share work “in the cloud.” We will also discuss how Google Docs can fit into and simplify workflow across devices and operating systems. This class is intended for desktop/laptop computer users but will include information for mobile device users. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written materials.

Google Sheets allows you to organize, edit, and analyze different types of information using spreadsheets. In this introductory class, we will explore ways to use Google Sheets and navigate the Sheets interface. We will show you the basics of entering your information and basic formatting, including trying out some basic charts. If you are a dedicated Microsoft Office user, Sheets and Microsoft Excel can work together, and we’ll show you how to move between them. This class is intended for desktop/laptop computer users who are familiar with spreadsheets, and will include information for mobile device users. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written materials.

We will introduce you to the app and suggest ideas for using it for organizing yourself and others. Since an important feature of Google Keep is synchronization across devices, we'll show you how to accomplish basic tasks in both the desktop and mobile versions. We will explore what Keep is (designed to, similar to, dissimilar in) across devices and accounts, what the key Keep features are, some examples of use, and things to watch for. This class is intended for desktop and laptop computer users, but will also include information for mobile device users. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written materials.
 

Stay on schedule and never miss a moment with our Google Calendar and Tasks class. We will demonstrate how to navigate the Calendar app, create and manage multiple calendars, and organize your days with events and reminders. We will show you how to share events with others, integrate Tasks to keep track of to-dos, and sync everything across your devices for seamless planning. This class is intended for desktop and laptop computer users, but will also include information for mobile device users. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written materials.
 

Before Kandinsky, Malevich, and Mondrian, there was an artist who sensed and sought spiritual depth through the art of abstraction. Her purpose was not to render techniques and styles but to create and examine more closely the possible realms of visions and spirits within human consciousness. That person was Hilma af Klint, the creator of abstraction. In a series of two lectures, we examine the impact of 19th-century scientific discoveries and the cultural developments that affected the foundations of society and shifted awareness. We will address her cryptic, challenging symbolism and her mystic belief in representing the invisible through her abstractions. Realizing that the world was not yet ready for the message of spiritual abstraction, Hilma stated that her work was to be hidden for decades after her death. And it was… until now.

For more than 200,000 years, Homo sapiens have been moving around the planet, sometimes drawn, sometimes driven by a host of natural and man-made forces: from drought to floods, to crop failure, to war, to the quest for survival or the hope of a better future. We will examine the roots and the routes of human migration from our beginnings in Africa and trace our oft-branching journey into the 21st Century. Push and pull factors, and the vast implications of large numbers of our fellow and sister humans on the move, will allow us to understand and appreciate more fully events in the headlines as well as the mosaic of people who have settled in the Pacific Northwest. In the second session, we’ll explore the specific impacts of migration on the United States. Bring your own migration stories and all-over-the-map questions and comments!

Politics is serious business, especially for the American Presidency. The stakes are high, as are the potential consequences for the nation, citizens’ lives, and the world at large. Yet humor plays a central role in this political space as a strategy for communication and persuasion, for those in power (or seeking to be), and for those in opposition to the powerful. The current Presidency and the process that led to it are a fascinating case in point. In this course, we will explore the interplay of humor in recent years as competing forces strive to achieve their goals or frustrate each other’s agendas. With the assistance of political cartoonists, satirists, late-night comedians, movies, and street theater artists—and with the central players themselves—we will explore what humor does and can accomplish, both for the powerful and the powerless. Bring your questions, your skepticism, and your sense of humor, as we figure out together whether and how political humor is serious business. 
 

In this course, we will explore the work of four metaphysical poets: John Donne (1572-1631), George Herbert (1593-1633), Andrew Marvell (1621-1678), and Henry Vaughan (1622-1695). These poets reflected on themes both sacred and secular in intricate and often astonishing language. It was Dr. Samuel Johnson who labeled them "metaphysical," and he did not intend it as a compliment! We will focus on the sacred poems, and their extraordinary visions of the human and the divine, time and eternity. Optional recommended text: “Metaphysical Poetry,” Edited by Christopher Ricks, Penguin, 2006 (available in print and digital editions).
 

We all ‘know’ that the Beatles reshaped popular music in the 20th century, but their impact on fashion, film, politics, and popular culture is sometimes taken for granted. This course explores the Beatles’ extraordinary journey from postwar Liverpool to worldwide stardom and a legacy that reaches to the present day. We will trace their evolution from early Beatlemania to the innovative studio years to the parting of the ways, considering how their work reflected and transformed the turbulent 1960s. Along the way, we’ll examine the social and historical forces that shaped their rise, their impact on youth and identity, and the ways their image and music continue to resonate today. The course combines lecture, discussion, music, and video clips, but it is not a technical music appreciation class. No prior musical knowledge is required—just curiosity about the phenomenon that was, and is, the Beatles and the world they helped shape.
 

Explore marine life on Puget Sound tidal pools and beaches. You will find out what divers see in the Edmonds Underwater Park, what is living out in the Sound, and what can I see at low tide. We’ll be focusing on the Kingston and Edmonds beaches with their abundance of mollusks, sea stars, geoducks, moon snails, jellies, sea anemones, sand dollars, and more. We’ll also talk about the marine mammals and birds of prey, including the orca, sea lion, harbor seal, octopus, river otter, eagle osprey, great blue heron, and more.

The moon is our nearest celestial neighbor, the source of Earth’s tides and eclipses, and the constantly changing illuminator of the night skies. It likely formed by a giant asteroid impact in the early eons of the solar system and is said to be geologically "dead", but it may be a source of outer-space resources and may become the first human outpost in space. Along with the Apollo missions, all these and more are features of our moon and will be the topics to study as we look out at our solar system and join our closest companion in the grand celestial dance.
 

This class is full. Please click the Add to Waitlist button below.

American Indian cultures of the Northwest Coast are very unique when compared to other American Indian cultures. They were never really displaced from their native homelands, they were among the richest in food supply and natural resources, and they were complex in terms of social, economic, and spiritual practices. In this brief introductory session, you will learn a sampling of interesting characteristics and historical facts that best communicate the wonders of these great "salmon cultures." Totem poles, wood carving, the cedar longhouse, the potlatch ceremony, spirituality, art, and, of course, salmon are subjects which will serve as the focus for this class. You are encouraged to ask questions and participate throughout class presentations. You are invited to bring related artifacts, art, or other object of significance to class and participate in a "show-and-tell" session.
 

Celebrated internationally, Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) and Tove Jansson (1914-2001) are two Nordic authors and artists who have crafted some of the most beloved children’s books of the twentieth century. Even if you have yet to read one of Lindgren’s Pippi Långstrump adventures or Jansson’s Moomin stories, you would likely recognize these iconic literary characters by sight if not name. In this course we will read some of these women’s most notable works contextualized by a close examination of the authors’ lives and craftmanship. During a period of global upheaval, Lindgren and Jansson were creative contemporaries living in Sweden and Finland, respectively. By juxtaposing their unique works, these talented women infused their children’s novels with profound reflections on the human condition that remain relevant today.

3/12/26 UPDATE: The class mode changed from in-person to online. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Which comes first in a composer’s mind: the opera or the overture? Which is played before the opera begins? Why are overtures such an important part of the operatic experience? In this rare glimpse inside the complex brains of opera composers, former Metropolitan Opera violinist Erica Miner explores the history of opera overtures, the most compelling reasons for their existence, and the composers’ processes in creating them.

Did you know that toxic waste facilities are often located in or near low-income and minority neighborhoods and that this is not a coincidence? Did you know that the resulting health outcomes are unequal? Were you aware that countries most impacted by climate change are the ones that contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions? In this environmental justice course, we will explore how race, gender, age, socioeconomic class, and systems of oppression shape how societies conceive of and address environmental challenges. Throughout the course, we will share stories about successful community actions and inspirational examples of diverse leadership on environmental (in)justice issues.

For many years, historians dismissed Dwight Eisenhower as an average president, more interested in golfing than public policy. Today, they rate him as one of the great ones. This class will examine why his reputation has risen so dramatically. We will see how Eisenhower showed great leadership in guiding the nation through multiple foreign crises—the Korean War, the onset of the Cold War, and the Suez Crisis in the Middle East. On the domestic front, the class will look at how Eisenhower responded to the growing demands for racial justice from the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-communist crusade of Senator Joseph McCarthy.
 

The history of Western philosophy begins with the Presocratics. The name suggests this set of thinkers came before Socrates, but some were his contemporaries. The label once marked a difference in the kinds of inquiry the Presocratics and Socrates pursued, but scholarship now suggests such differences are inaccurate or misleading. While they would not have called themselves philosophers, these thinkers set themselves apart from their predecessors by seeking naturalistic explanations for the world rather than explanations based on the rule of gods. Some of their views included a world that was fundamentally water, cyclical change, air, fiery logos, or an unchanging, motionless substance. We’ll explore the views of these early Greek thinkers (including Pythagoras, of the famed theorem), whose shift in methods of inquiry set in motion the Western tradition of philosophy.

Public sculpture adds visual interest and allows pedestrians, in particular, to develop a relationship with it. Throughout the world, outdoor sculpture is often the centerpiece of public squares and piazzas. It gives the space personality and creates a sense of place. In this course, you'll learn a brief history of Western figurative sculpture in public spaces, followed by the instructor's own experiences in various locales in the Pacific Northwest, including in the City of Edmonds, where his public art is well represented. He will discuss the benefits to the community as well as the challenges of creating commissions that satisfy the decision-makers' requirements without sacrificing the artist's creativity and originality. He will bring an example of his work to class for discussion.

Since its television conception by creator Gene Roddenberry in the 1960’s, “Star Trek” has represented hope for a utopic future where humanity overcomes all forms of social inequality and conflict, forming the United Federation of Planets. Premiering in 1993, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (DS9) takes place on a space station above a planet recovering from a brutal alien occupation. The series became known for its progressive politics as the creators confront viewers with complex topics, including but not limited to feminism, workers’ rights, and immigration. We will explore fictional representations of social justice issues that remain relevant today. Through these space adventures, we will investigate the significance of expanding our social imagination and ponder what it means to have a more just society. This course is perfect for those with an invested interest in learning more about this iconic science fiction series, as well as those passionate about philosophy and social justice.

Fear sells—especially in the computer security industry. With pop-up warnings, pricey protection plans, and edgy advertising, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by threats that may not even apply to everyday users. But it’s possible to separate the need from the noise, focus on what’s worth worrying about, and build confidence in your own digital habits. Join us to explore how clarity, curiosity, and a few smart strategies can replace fear with a reasoned sense of safety.

The 19th century was a time of great change across Europe, as the basis of the economy was shifting from agrarian to industrial, a development that led to urban growth and the rise of the middle class. It was a time when philosophers and scientists questioned deeply held beliefs and when kingdoms ruled by monarchs were challenged by demands for democratic states governed by laws. It is against this background we shall consider Henrik Ibsen, the playwright who revolutionized modern drama by bringing the public sphere, politics and economics, into the intimate sphere of the drawing room. Our focus will be on two plays, “Pillars of Society” (1877) and “Rosmersholm” (1886), which class participants are encouraged to read. We will learn about Ibsen and his times in lecture. The real learning will come from the ideas and observations we share while discussing the plays in class!
 

This class focuses on spies who distinguished themselves from other spies, including the most dangerous spy; the most feared; the most beautiful; the most famous; the most damaging; the world’s greatest spy; the spy who saved the world; and the spy who was never caught. We will examine their biographical profiles, motivation, and the impact of their spying, as well as take a brief look at the techniques of their espionage tradecraft. 

This course will compare the shift in Europe from the benign era of the 1100s and 1200s to the disastrous period of the 1300s and 1400s at the closing of the Middle Ages; from papal disarray, to the deadliest of plagues, to the horrific Hundred Years War, and even the weather turned against them. It will be the end of the feudal way of life, and with that, the power structures, the ideals, and the very thinking had to change. If you enjoy a good disaster story, this is a class you will relish.
 

This is the final examination of Medieval history as Europe shifts from a world based on faith and fragmented kingdoms to a more secular, nationalistic world. It was a messy and glorious explosion of science and reason, affecting the practical world with new laws and inventions and opening up the world of art with proportion and perspective. It unveiled the heavens and the earth, promoting the exploration of new lands that delivered unbelievable wealth. All of this was epitomized in the year 1492, when the Muslims left Spain for good, when the Inquisition began in earnest, and of course, when Columbus landed in the West Indies, thus bringing Europe onto the world stage.
 

Haiku is the sole form of poetry that makes nature into a spiritual journey. Originating in Japan, haiku emphasizes being in the moment. Traditional haiku uses 17syllables (5-7-5). However, we will see that contemporary haiku is a little more free form in style. In this course, the instructor will share photographs online so participants can try their hand at composing haiku during class. It will be a relaxed atmosphere to maximize the fun and enjoyment of writing haiku poems. The course text is “Three Simple Lines: A Writer’s Pilgrimage into the Heart and Homeland of Haiku” by Natalie Goldberg.

The general perception about the survival of Titanic passengers is that women and children survived at a higher rate than men and that passengers in the upper classes survived at a higher rate than those in the lower classes. Recent research shows that this perception is not true in general. New sophisticated statistical methods are applied to the Titanic passenger data, and the results show that the aforementioned comparisons are an oversimplification of the truth. Note that no prior statistical knowledge is necessary for following this talk. While some statistical terminology and principles that are appropriate for a lay audience will be presented, the talk will focus on the social atmosphere of the time and the end results of the statistical analyses, not on the actual statistical analysis of the data.
 

We will cover the period from Washington’s election as President in 1789 through the end of Monroe’s Presidency in 1825 and the five administrations of the Founding Fathers: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. We will discuss Washington’s first cabinet, the first acts of the U.S. Congress, and the first key decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. We will examine the first endeavors in foreign policy and the tension between constitutional protections and national security issues, as well as major land acquisitions. We will see the effect of the Industrial Revolution on the growing urban population and the economic division between the North and South. We will discuss the changing relationship between Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans. We will survey the political and military evolution of the United States from a fledgling state on the Atlantic Seaboard in the late 18th century to a recognized power in the Western Hemisphere by the end of the first quarter of the 19th century.

It is not logistically possible to have a field trip, so I’m bringing the beach to you. This class features pictures of what you would see if you were walking with me at low tide from Apple Tree Cove Point, Kingston, down to Saltair Beach next to the ferry landing. We’ll talk about the marine life we see along the way and learn about the dynamics of the environment.

In addition to being a peace activist, a professor, and a husband and father, Northwest poet William Stafford (1914-1993) famously wrote a poem every day throughout much of his life. He said it was a matter of being alert, of paying attention to "the now-ness of things," and he urged students, readers, and his children to make attention their practice, too. He is truly a poet that we need in these times of distraction and disconnection. In this class we will take a look at a few of Stafford’s short essays about poem-making, and read and discuss poems from his posthumous collection, “Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems.”