Social Sciences   

We will explore the variety of people, places and cultures that make Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia their home through weekly expert lectures on topics of interest. Whether you are a new or longtime resident or an occasional visitor to these mountains, this course is for you! In summer 2025, dive into Appalachian history, culture, foodways, literature and music, as well as the impacts of railroads and the Vanderbilt family on Western North Carolina.

We will explore selected cultures from around the world by looking at their history and foods. Each week will include lecture, discussion of assigned readings and and a related experience such as a tasting or foraging walking tour. Note: Participants with food allergies may not be able to taste all foods; contact the instructor for more information.

We will investigate and critique neoliberalism, the paradigm of political economy that has guided the developed world for 50 years. The shakiness of “common-sense,” free-market ideology is evident in the present chaotic political-economic moment, and a transition is underway. We will examine how free-market principles got us here and consider current policies for clues about the shape of a new order. Prerequisites: Participants should have a general familiarity with political and economic trends over the past 50 years. Required textbook: The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era by Gary Gerstle (2022), ISBN: 978-0197676318.

From the greatest empire of the ancient world to the country we know today, Italy’s story is one of ingenuity, creativity and sheer survival. We will explore Italian art, music, history, language and food—everything from Renaissance artists to risotto alla milanese! We will learn a few basic phrases in Italian, hear Neapolitan songs, look at how Versace and Prada fashion designs reflect culture and take a virtual tour of Italy from Venice to Amalfi.

Utopian communities have been a part of America since its founding. We will take a closer look at some of the most important communities from the 17th to the 20th century and the religious, political, social and economic events that influenced their founding, development and legacies. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Utopian communities have been a part of America since its founding. We will take a closer look at some of the most important communities from the 17th to the 20th century and the religious, political, social and economic events that influenced their founding, development and legacies. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.