Wednesday, September 9

The Future of Economic Society

Is the current economic and political order entering a period of transformation, and if so, toward what? This seminar intends to examine the strengths and challenges of various forms of organizing a society’s economic system and corresponding issues of that society’s governance structure. Various models can be examined through the lenses of economics, political science, and history. Participants are expected to critically explore whether contemporary developments represent the adaptation or evolution or emergence of a new order for the twenty-first century.

Masculinity

What does it mean to be a man when traditional male roles and privileges can no longer be assumed? This seminar will explore whether masculinity is undergoing a genuine crisis—and why some responses emphasize dominance, hierarchy, and a return to older gender roles. Are strength, courage, ambition, and competitiveness inherently masculine, and must they conflict with empathy, equality, and care? Can society develop a positive vision of masculinity that gives men purpose and dignity without limiting women’s freedom or authority? The discussion will examine how uncertainty about manhood can become a powerful political force—and what healthier models of masculinity might look like.

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon

Starting with the famous Roswell incident in 1947, there seems to be a growing body of “evidence” that beings from unknown planets are present on our planet. A recent documentary entitled Age of Discovery along with a book by Lewis Elizondo “Imminent” claim a massive government cover up. In response, the Trump administration agreed to release all materials held by the defense Department on this subject. This seminar will explore the science and psychological and sociological issues the possible existence of UAPs raise. 

Happiness

This is our annual opportunity for personal reflection rather than an academic exercise. How do you understood the meaning of happiness at different moments in your life? How have you sought happiness for others? For yourself? 

Jazz

With roots in blues, ragtime, European harmony, African rhythms, spirituals, vaudeville, and dance musical styles, with a strong improvisational approach, jazz developed into a quintessential American art form. In time, the various strands of Jazz rudiments developed into a sophisticated musical format with a high degree of musical sophistication. 

Other American art forms, including Abstract Expressionism and Modern Jazz Dance were inspired and developed by the growth of jazz and helped to establish an entirely new culture based strictly in the traditions of American artists. 

In this session, we will explore the rudiments of what separates jazz from other musical compositional and performance practices and how these relate to other creative and expressive art forms in American and international culture.

Moral relativism

Do universal ethical truths exist or are moral judgements only reflections of particular cultural perspectives? This seminar examines whether moral values are objective or relative, and explores the implications for tolerance, human rights, intercultural criticism, and the possibility of principled moral judgment in pluralistic societies.

Reconstruction: An Unfinished Project?

Reconstruction (1863-1877) has been a contentious subject for Americans. Although the 13 th ,

14th and 15th Amendments provide a federal framework to protect civil liberties and guarantee the basic rights of citizens, federal and state policies have narrowed that power to curtail the

enforcement of civil rights for all. This seminar will consider why Reconstruction collapsed in

1877 leaving a legacy of racial exclusion, voter suppression, race and class divisions that

continue to undermine labor and social reform movements. We will also address the larger issue

of whether the United States has the institutional and cultural capacity to foster a genuinely

multiracial republic that assures all citizens receive the privileges and immunities to which we

are Constitutionally entitled.

Evolutionary Psychology and Society

Does modern technology activate an imbalance between our naturally evolved left brain (reductive/analytic) and our right brain (holistic/integrative) functions? If so, can this help us to understand increases in tribalism and mental health disorders?

Liberty’s Many Meanings: 250 Years of American Debate

In today's America, liberty and freedom have lost purchase; superseded by concerns for "democracy," which now appears to be our goal, rather than a means to achieve our goal. What is the relationship between liberty, freedom and democracy? What do the terms mean today? What did they mean to the founders, who clearly distinguished liberty from license or unfettered action?

Liberty's Many Meanings: 250 Years of American Debate

Liberty, Freedom and Democracy: Allies or Rivals?

In today's America, liberty and freedom have lost purchase; superseded by concerns for "democracy," which now appears to be our goal, rather than a means to achieve our goal.What is the relationship between liberty, freedom and democracy? What do the terms mean today? What did they mean to the founders, who clearly distinguished liberty from license or unfettered action?