Political Science & Current Events

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287(g) & Immigration Enforcement in Florida: What it Means -- and What it Doesn't
Thursdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12 (In-Person & Zoom)
Fee: $35.00
Dates: 10/29/2026 - 11/12/2026
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:15 AM ET
Days: Th, Sessions: 3

Instructor: Mark Schlakman
Building: FSU Campus, Claude Pepper Center (opens in new tab)
Room: Broad Auditorium

Seats Available: 73

Zoom: A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants prior to start of the class.
Explore the federal 287(g) program and its role in state and local immigration enforcement. Examine current policies, Florida's immigration initiatives, including "Alligator Alcatraz," and the legal, policy, and public safety issues surrounding them. Consider multiple perspectives on law, governance, and public policy.
Review the Zoom "Guide for New Uses"

Democracy and Jimmy Buffett
Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21
Fee: $35.00
Dates: 10/7/2026 - 10/21/2026
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Days: W, Sessions: 3
Instructor: Nelson Easterling
Jimmy Buffet, in his song "Margaritaville," told us we all have to eventually admit that our problems are largely our "own damn fault." This course will use that sentiment to review the current state of governance in America and discuss avenues to improve the political future of the nation.
CLASS IS ALREADY IN SESSION

Registration for some classes will remain open after the session begins. If you see the Add to Cart option below, you may still register online. The prorated course fee will be reflected at checkout.

If the Add to Cart option is not available and you are interested in joining the class, please contact the OLLI office at 850-644-8115 or olli@fsu.edu.

Diving into 'The Atlantic'
Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12 (In-Session)
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 10/8/2026 - 11/12/2026
Times: 2:15 PM - 4:00 PM ET
Days: Th Sessions: 6

Instructor: Dennis Moore

These thoughtful in-person discussions will draw on the highly decorated monthly magazine founded in New England before the Civil War. Under current editor Jeffrey Goldberg, it continues to publish a range of highly respected journalists, including numerous Pulitzer Prize winners (think Ashley Parker and Anne Applebaum), several of whom appear regularly on PBS's "Washington Week with The Atlantic" (including McKay Coppins and David Brooks) on Friday nights.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

This class is already in session and is no longer available for registration. We hope you’ll explore other OLLI classes and upcoming opportunities this semester.

Great Decisions 2026 - Fall Forum
Thursday, Oct. 8, 15, 22
Fee: $35.00
Dates: 10/8/2026 - 10/22/2026
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:15 AM EST
Days: Th, Sessions: 3
Instructor: Mark Schlakman
This three-week mini-course will emphasize discussion and encompass two topical areas selected by the Foreign Policy Association for discussion -- U.S. Engagement involving the continent of Africa, and the Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World, thereby exploring different topical areas than were explored during the Spring 2026 semester. An open forum will be maintained in one instance in an effort to be responsive to emerging issues of the day.
CLASS IS ALREADY IN SESSION

Registration for some classes will remain open after the session begins. If you see the Add to Cart option below, you may still register online. The prorated course fee will be reflected at checkout.

If the Add to Cart option is not available and you are interested in joining the class, please contact the OLLI office at 850-644-8115 or olli@fsu.edu.

Pundits, Polls and Politics! The 2026 Mid-term Election!
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 10/6/2026 - 10/6/2026
Times: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM EST
Days: Tu, Sessions: 1
Instructor: Douglas Stowell
On November 3, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 in the Senate will be up for re-election! Hundreds of local and state offices/issues will be settled! Turn-out in POTUS elections is around 60%. Mid-terms? Barely 40%! This mid-term may be more consequential than any recent election. So, let’s dig into all the national issues, looking at how they rank – by party affiliation, generation, and region. We’ll look at some of the better forecasts of results and we’ll conduct our own on-line, in-class polls of issues/results. YES, we will forecast the House – Senate results by party!
CLASS IS ALREADY IN SESSION

Registration for some classes will remain open after the session begins. If you see the Add to Cart option below, you may still register online. The prorated course fee will be reflected at checkout.

If the Add to Cart option is not available and you are interested in joining the class, please contact the OLLI office at 850-644-8115 or olli@fsu.edu.

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