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The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of birding in Nebraska's parks. Discover the diverse bird species that call these parks home and the best times and places to spot them. Learn about bird identification techniques, Nebraska’s Important Bird Areas designated by the National Audubon Society, and the importance of habitat conservation. Enhance your birding skills and learn how Nebraska's parks provide vital resources for both residents and migratory birds, making them prime locations for bird enthusiasts.

Enjoy a live, virtual presentation by Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Learn from a zoo educator and caretaker about the elephant herd. Meet the elephants from the public viewing platform, then virtually journey to the non- public areas of the Elephant Barn for a tour behind the scenes. Discover how the animal care staff trains and enriches the lives of Nebraska’s largest zoo residents. Learn about the care of the five elephant babies now at the zoo.

Growing numbers of Americans believe that extraterrestrial aliens have landed on Earth. Over the past year alone, the Department of Defense collected nearly 500 reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, formerly known as UFOs. While most of these were quickly resolved, some cases remain unexplained. Explore both theory and evidence for the idea that aliens have crossed the vast oceans of space to visit our planet. We will consider the Fermi Paradox, the Drake Equation, and the Rare Earth Hypothesis; we will give time to the sociology of UFOlogy; and we will consider the evidence for and against claims of alien presence. All are welcome to enroll, but spot checks for human DNA may be performed.

Explore Buddhism as it is lived and practiced by communities within and outside Asia today. Learn about the ways in which Buddhist communities live out Buddhist teachings through rituals, festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, and ethical living. Discover the diversity that is the Buddhist tradition, plus various communities that live out the dynamic religion.

Dance Fitness is perfect for older adults who want to add some movement to their lives but would like to adapt the easy-to-follow choreography to their own fitness levels. You will be encouraged to do what works for you and will be shown options for raising and lowering the intensity. In the process, you’ll move to great show tunes, standards and world music while improving your balance, brain function and cardiovascular endurance. Wear comfy clothing and come prepared to move. And yes, you can dance in a chair.

Learn through this hands-on course how to gather information from family members and check facts using trustworthy sources. Explore places to research, like libraries and online databases, and learn how to find information in newspapers and census data. Discover how to document and organize your findings and understand your ancestors’ lives in the social context of their lives. Find ways to tackle research challenges and connect with local and online genealogy groups for support. Confidently begin the journey that preserves your family’s story for future generations.

From the comfort of your own home, join in meditation, breath-work, balance, and mindful movements to reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. Class is for all levels, but poses will include a variety of positions requiring students to get on/off the floor. Instructor will provide modifications as needed. Learn some yoga tidbits to use in your future practice both on and off your mat. No equipment is needed but a yoga mat is encouraged. Consult with your physician prior to participating.

We will discuss major foreign policy issues facing the United States. The Foreign Policy Association has selected eight topics, and we will cover the final four in Term 4. The course is a continuation of Great Decisions from Term 3. Each topic will be covered through FPA’s 25-minute “Master Class” video lecture as well as written articles. You will be expected to read articles prior to watching the video each day of the class. Topics to be discussed in Term 4 include the future of NATO and European Security; AI and American National Security, India; between China, the West, and the Global South, and After Gaza; American Policy in the Middle East. Class members may purchase the “Great Decisions Briefing Book” online at www.fpa.org.

Step back in time and engage with history as questions are posed to iconic historic figures. Edith Kermit Roosevelt has been called the “first of our modern First Ladies.” Behind the scenes, she was a trusted advisor to her husband. She was said to be an excellent judge of character and her children said she had “a longer head in politics” than her husband. How influential was Edith?

Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States from 1868-1875. During this time, most journalists and historians thought the Grant administration accomplished very little and was involved in political corruption. What does Ulysses say about those accusations?

Ansel Adams is known for his black and white photographs of the western United States. He was an innovator in the science of photography and organizer of professional photographers. Ansel was also an environmentalist and advocate for photography as art.

Even if you didn’t attend Part 1, join us for Part 2, and continue to explore the ways that music, specifically choral music, has been composed and used to build a variety of communities—that of the composer within his/her creative cohort; of the performers; of audiences; and of scholars and commentators, past, present, and future.  We will focus especially on the concept of “community” in the framework of the arts, and how community is built by artists. We will consider six such artists, living in the ages of “Enlightenment and Brotherhood” (18th and early 19th centuries), and “Romanticism” (later 19th century): Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Their use of the choir had some things in common, but also interesting differences resulting from their individual artistic, narrative, and expressive intentions.