Tuesday Session 2   

This course examines the development and role of military chaplains in the United States from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War. We will examine how chaplains have provided spiritual care, moral guidance, and pastoral support to service members across various wars. The course will explore how chaplains have served both faith and country, ministering to soldiers in times of war, shaping military morale, and navigating complex religious and political environments.

Can homelessness be solved simply with more social workers, mental health services, and housing? Or does it require addressing structural shifts in the capitalist economy, inequality, systemic racism, and neoliberal government policies? Patrick Markee answers these questions in Placeless: Homelessness in the New Gilded Age. We will examine homelessness today and possible solutions through his book, other materials, and guest speakers.

NOTE: This course will be taught at the Community Engagement Center in Homewood (622 N. Homewood Avenue, 15208) and via Zoom.

This course introduces ancient Mesopotamia art, exploring early cities (4,00-3,000 BCE), early dynasties, the Akkadian Empire, the Assyrian Empire, and the Persian Empire. The class will use richly illustrated lectures and guided case studies.

Rooted in trauma‑informed respectful practice, this course offers an engaging, hands‑on space where narrative becomes a catalyst for justice, community empowerment, and collective healing. Through mini‑immersive workshops, real‑world case studies, and guided creative exercises, members learn to craft true, personal stories that shift mindsets, challenge dominant narratives, and inspire action. Designed for advocates, organizers, and creatives, the course emphasizes purpose‑driven communication.

Stitch your way through history with this primer on the art of embroidery! From the Bayeux Tapestry to today's baseball hats, this timeless artform has shaped visual culture. This course will delve into the ways cultures have used sewing for decoration while teaching participants basic techniques. Part art history, part craft, this course will present a broad overview of sewing and its role in society from ancient times to the present day.

Are you interested in exploring the world of public health? Do you have questions about how new drugs are tested and approved? This course will cover basic public health topics, including public health history, health literacy, research bias, and types of clinical trials. We will also cover buzzwords like vaccine effectiveness, equity, and risk.

In a well-known Bible story, Abraham almost sacrifices his son Isaac. This course will look at this text from five different angles: midrash, which are stories about the stories in the Bible that help to explain them; paintings of the scene by different artists; the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling; the ways modern poets have used the imagery of this story in their work; and the viewpoint of Sarah, Abraham’s wife and Isaac’s mother. Advance reading is not required; all source materials will be provided during class.

The history of decorative glassmaking goes back 3,600 years, resulting in beautiful objects of art created throughout the ages, including vases, goblets, stained glass windows, and other decorative and useful items. From palaces and houses of worship to affordable household objects, this craft has evolved from a luxury item into a ubiquitous material for art, architecture, and personal use. This course will trace the development of glass blowing technology and will discuss various historical artistic styles in glass.