History/Politics   

In this class, we will read "The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-45," volume three of Rick Atkinson’s compelling history of WWII. Beginning with the Normandy Invasion, Atkinson chronicles the advance of the Allied armies across Europe, which he describes as “the most prodigious undertaking in the history of warfare.” Along the way are memorable portraits of Eisenhower, George Marshall, General Patton, Omar Bradley, and, of course, FDR and Churchill. More than just a recounting of battles, this book is a vivid portrait of war’s effect on soldiers and civilians. Class time will be spent discussing what the class finds most interesting about each reading. Please borrow or purchase Rick Atkinson's "The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-45" (2014), paperback.

Human beings have been remarkably successful as a species. In a blink of evolutionary time we have gone from a marginal population of a few thousand on the African savanna to inhabiting and dominating every continent. This is a story of what we are and where we came from; how culture, cooperation, language, and intelligence developed together and define what we are. Please borrow or purchase the book: "The Secret of our Success: How Culture is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating our Species and Making us Smarter."

1968 is often described as one of the most turbulent years of the 20th century, marked by assassinations, war, protest, and cultural upheaval around the globe. Our readings, viewings, and discussions will endeavor to understand, 60 years after the fact, why seemingly everything erupted at once and what actually did or did not change. We will focus on systems under stress - democracy, race relations, generational conflict, media & spectacle, and global protest. To some, 1968 was the year of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Yet it was also the year of the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy assassinations, the riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Prague Spring, the antiwar movement and the Tet Offensive, and the Black Power movement. Students should purchase or borrow the book "1968: The Year That Rocked the World" by Mark Kurlansky. Participants should keep in mind that 1968 is a moment of powerfully contentious - and sometimes raw - expression in art, music, and literature.

This class adds to the 250th Anniversary Year of the American Revolution in South Carolina 1780-81. We'll use an 8'x5' flat projection map of colonial Carolina countryside from the coastal shoreline to the backcountry at the base of the mountains. Colonels Marion, Sumter, and Pickens will lead their legions against the various British forts which are attempting to hold strategic areas for the British troops of General Cornwallis and the Loyalist supporters of the Crown. During the conflict, General Greene's southern army will support the patriots. The class will include lectures about the conflict as well as information on movement and combat for the 1/72nd scale troops. "The Patriot" and Disney's 8-part series of the "Swamp Fox" will be shown. Class will meet at the American Legion Post 28, and students are responsible for their own transportation. 

In this course, students will learn about the history and culture of American Indians and explore the rich contribution they bring to our nation's history. We'll have some lectures, readings, one pretty good film that brings up an important concept in the topic, and have discussions throughout. The one thing that will be most important is that it will be an ongoing conversation in which we can learn together about a critical part of our American story. There is no true education that is not rooted in a good conversation, and there is no America without our Indian heritage! 

 

In an increasingly polarized society, engaging in conversations around controversial subjects can feel…be overwhelming. This course aims to equip participants with essential communication perspectives and strategies necessary to share in meaningful discussions without deepening divisions.

The judiciary is a common element in any functioning political system. Although it lacks an army or taxing authority, in the American democracy it has acted as a check on the more vigorous legislative and executive branches. Throughout US history how well the courts perform this function has been uneven. It generally depends upon the ability and inclinations of the chief justice. In this class, key decisions of the US Supreme Court will be discussed in terms of their impact on political trends and events with an emphasis on how the sitting chief justice may have influenced rulings. The record of the current chief justice will be compared to earlier court leaders.

Maybe you've lived in South Carolina all your life, or maybe you have moved here only recently, but you have questions about how state government in the Palmetto State actually works. In eight weeks, we'll look at the state constitution, the legislature, the executive branch and judiciary, local government, and recent trends. This class will be a mix of history and politics, and we'll look at how things are supposed to work, how they actually work, and how they got that way. The class will be mostly lectures, but with time for questions and some conversation about our own experience in state and local government.

Students in this class can expect to get an overview of the period 1754-1783, with emphasis on the years 1775-1781. Political and military aspects and personalities will dominate, but economics, ideology, religion, race and gender will be included. Informal lectures will be intended to spark Q&A and open discussion. Videos, maps, music, shared readings (computer links provided) and a possible visit to the Cowpens Battlefield will round out the course. The instructor will draw upon books old and new, primary and secondary, and current journalistic offerings related to the 250th anniversary that you may have heard about. Please purchase or borrow the book by Edmund Morgan, "The Birth of the Republic, 1763-1789" (4th edition).  A few other books will be suggested but are not expected to be read by all.

Many faith traditions rely on the adoration and redemption of great ancient worthies. A few do not and go as far as to decry any such adulation. This respectful exploration will review the spiritual, social and psychological aspects of what is for many an indispensable messianism and for others a false and dangerous hero worship. It is the overwhelming agenda to bolster the needs of faith while at the same time to cast a critical eye on time-honored religious dogmas. Please purchase or borrow the book: "There Is No Messiah―and You're It: The Stunning Transformation of Judaism's Most Provocative Idea" by Rabbi Robert N. Levine (2002). 

The topic of immigration is in the forefront of our body politic. This eight-week course will explore how immigration has shaped—and continues to shape —the United States. Learners will trace major immigration waves, examine the laws and policies that govern who can enter and stay, and separate common myths from evidence-based realities. The course will explain the pathways to citizenship, recent changes in immigration policies and enforcement, and the lived experiences of immigrant communities today. Special attention is given to the economic, cultural, and demographic impact of immigrants in Spartanburg County, helping learners connect national issues to local life. Optional recommended readings: "One Mighty and Irresistible Tide: The Epic Struggle Over American Immigration, 1924 - 1965," by Jia Lynn Yang and "Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)," by Daniel Nayeri.

In this course, we will explore community, conversation and the ways that words matter. We will practice some words, phrases, attitudes and ways of thinking about interpersonal relationships. Our techniques will be drawn from Civil Discourse -- EUREKA! -- Empathy, Understanding, Respect, Endorsement, Common Ground, and Assertion. We will spend most of our class time experimenting with language and addressing communication challenges. No lectures, no homework, no tests, action-packed, full of fun and new ways to think about talking! Can we talk??? Let's try it and see!