History/Social Sciences   

When Animal Farm was originally published, Stalin's Russia was the target. Today its themes about attacks on personal freedoms, the rewriting of history, and ways of governing compromised, seems particularly relevant.  Let's examine Orwell's allegorical masterpiece in terms of its relevancy in our times.

Recommended reading: Animal Farm by George Orwell, any edition.

Economics plays a central role in  every aspect of society. This course addresses a set of prominent policy issues where economics is at their core. We will explore their origins as policy matters, the underlying data and evidence, and what policy levers are available to deal with them. Lectures will be standalone, taught by a subject matter expert – all of whom have a Ph.D. in Economics. Potential topics include Climate Change, Social Security, Economic Inequality, and many more. The topics will be determined by what is most topical at the time of the course.  No reading is required. Course guide correction: The first meeting of this course is on Thursday, October 8th. 

Jackson was a military leader and the President of the United States. This course will discuss all aspects of Jackson's life, including but not limited to: his early life, plus his marriage and family, his status as a slave owner, involvement in pistol duels, his experiences in the War of 1812 (including the major battle at New Orleans and treatment of troops), involvement in Native-American removal westward, his presidency, controversies, an assassination attempt, and the Slave Revolt by Nat Turner with Jackson's response.

In this course, you will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam. The course will begin with the basic tenets of Islam, followed by its sources, the life of Muhammad, and a brief history of Islam. Next, we will analyze the concept of Jihad in Islam, & Islam in the later days. You will learn about the Islamic understanding of Jesus, Mary, & the People of the Book. Finally, we will discuss Islam in the current world. Ideal for beginners, this course answers questions of particular concern to those who care about the West’s relation with Islam. 

Citizenship in the US is a complex issue. What is it, and what happens to people who are denied citizenship and are stateless? This is a 3-part course.1: Why citizenship matters, why vulnerable minorities are excluded, efforts to end statelessness, and the impact of wars and conflicts; 2: Citizenship manipulation from Nazi Germany to the US; and international laws guaranteeing citizenship. 3: Statelessness today: the impact of 'climate migrants', wars and borders, and anti-immigration movements. Course fee: $10

YWCA St. Paul, located in the Summit Hill neighborhood, has been a staple of the community for over 100 years.  This course will explain what we know helps vulnerable families transition out of crisis, homelessness, and/or domestic violence situations into self-sufficient and stable living. We will discuss the intricacies of supporting vulnerable families,  Supportive Housing Programs, Youth Leadership Programs, Foster Care Youth Transition Programs, Career Pathways, and, most importantly, what you as an individual can do to support families in these situations.

Friday, 10/23: Todd Lefko, U.S. Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy

U.S. trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?

Todd Lefko is President of the International Business Development Company, an import-export firm dealing with water purification equipment, kilns, linen, art, and new technologies.

10/30 - No class.

Friday, 11/6: Christi Silver, The Future of Human Rights and International Law

As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?

Christi Siver is a Professor of Political Science at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. 

Friday, 11/13, No class.

Friday, 11/20: Anne Linnee, U.S. Foreign Policy: America and the World

The federal administration has broken from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This session explores the impact of isolation and diminished influence in relation to current U.S. foreign policy. 

Anne Linnee retired from the State Department in 2023 following a more than 20-year career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.