Fertility rates have been declining in the U.S. and abroad for several decades—from the post-war Baby Boom to an unprecedented fertility low. The depth of the current decline is greater than demographers had anticipated, and if it continues, will force changes in important societal institutions like retirement funding. This class will address first, the current dimensions of the decline in fertility and likely causes (there are many), and second, the record of policy successes and failures. During the course of the discussion, the class will consider what should be the goals for policies regarding fertility.

Welcome to the world of Ursula le Guin—one of the greatest writers of science and fantasy fiction. Each of this class’s four sessions will cover an aspect of le Guin’s writing. To provide a focus for the wide-ranging scope of her novels and stories, the instructor will spend some time on one work in each of four general categories. In this 4 session class, you will cover: Session 1- Introduction and Earthsea I The first trilogy: A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan and The Farthest Shore, Session 2 - Earthsea II The second trilogy: Tehanu, Tales from Earthsea and The Other Wind; Session 3 - The trilogy Annals of the Western Shore: Gifts, Voices and Powers; Session 4 - Other novels and stories. Please keep in mind, participants do not need to have read all the books to be discussed - or indeed any of them.