Monday Session 2   

On a fundamental level, quantum physics determines the nature of atoms, molecules, and our entire physical world. The physics that makes things like cell phones , TVs, and computers work often seems bizarre and defies common sense.  This course briefly covers efforts over the last century to discover the basic physical principles of the microscopic quantum world with emphasis on central ideas and the major personalities involved. Some math is presented in this course, but this course is designed for students with limited background in math and no formal training in physics.

The nations (and/or regions) historically speaking a Celtic language responded to modernization and perceived political subordination and cultural suppression with wide-ranging movements in literature, arts, crafts, dancing, and sports. The Celtic languages featured prominently at the heart of this revival—or did they? To what extent were “traditional” activities revived, modernized, or simply invented? This course will explore all these issues, and more.

This class will examine major turning points in American women's history from the time of European contact to the late 20th century. Topics include women's changing economic role, family life, legal and political rights, race relations, and the impact of wars on women's lives. This class will include famous women such as Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman, and Margaret Sanger, and less well-known figures including Sarah Hale, Susie King Taylor, and Luisa Morena.

Beginning even before Madame Curie, women of science have been emerging into what was once a man's world. This course includes discussions of Wang Zhenyi, Elizabeth Blackwell, Maria G. Mayer, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Barbara McClintock, Mae Jemison, Josephine Baker, Jane Cook Wright, San Lan Wu, and Katherine Freese. These women span many disciplines and several centuries, and a few even won Nobel Prizes. Each class will shine a light on two of them for their inspiring work, which was often overlooked because they are women.

The class will cover some basic concepts of modern geology. Tectonics and mountain formation, folding and deformation of rock layers, prehistoric invertebrate life and fossils, Earth's internal structure and seismology, glaciers, and glacial features will be discussed.