Social Sciences   

Have you ever tried to conduct an interview for fun or work and ended up with a static, boring result that you threw right into the recycle bin? Using open-ended questions can result in rich, often surprising stories. We will learn to develop interview protocols, practice on fellow participants and take them to the next level to uncover great stories from family, friends and members of our communities.

The underpinning of our capitalist world by modern economic theory is as much philosophy as science. Economics has become an increasingly multidisciplinary profession as it tries to account for the messy human behavior that actually drives markets as opposed to modeling how people ought to behave. This course is therefore broad in scope and will provide a framework of how financial markets and the globalized economy function.

In this lively, discussion‑driven course, we will explore issues of national importance that shape our daily lives. Each week, we will begin with a short presentation for context and break into small groups for guided conversation, allowing everyone to exchange perspectives and deepen understanding. We will then reconvene for reportbacks, opening the door to a rich whole-group discussion that will bring together diverse viewpoints and encourage thoughtful, civil engagement.

Through detailed discussion of four unclassified case studies drawn from the U.S. Intelligence Community Case Method Program, we will broaden our understanding of deception and counter-deception in strategic as well as tactical contexts. Prerequisites: Participants are expected to arrive each week prepared for a detailed discussion of the instructor-provided texts. Note: Participants do not need to have participated in part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

We will explore and engage in interactive class discussion about topics related to mental health, illness and treatment including substance abuse; eating, attachment, conversion and mood disorders; autism; post-traumatic stress; and psychosis. Prerequisites: Part 1 of this course is recommended but not required.