Wednesdays, October 15 - November 19
10:00 - 11:30AM Central 

More than any other invention of the past 150 years, the telephone has transformed how we communicate and conduct business. But how was it invented, and why did it have such a profound impact?

This course explores Alexander Graham Bell’s groundbreaking 1875 concept for transmitting sound over an electric wire, his struggles to commercialize the telephone with his father-in-law, Gardiner Hubbard, and his rivalry with inventors Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison. We will also examine the rise and fall of AT&T as a corporate giant and the evolution from wired networks to today’s cellular and smartphone technologies.

Speaker: Bernard (Bernie) Carlson 

Bernard (Bernie) Carlson is Vaughan Professor Emeritus of Humanities at the University of Virginia and an expert on invention, entrepreneurship, and the role of technology in society. He has received the Sally Hacker Prize from the Society for the History of Technology and the William Middleton Prize from the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Carlson has also filmed Understanding the Inventions that Changed the World. Now based in Ireland, he directs the MS program in AgInnovation at the University of Galway, where he trains adult learners in product development, startups, and sustainable farming.

Tuesdays, October 14 - November 18
4:00 - 5:30PM Central 

Whether you’re in Macon, Memphis, Muscle Shoals, or Massapequa, music matters, and our varied musical heritage is one of the best ways to understand crucial moments in American history. This course will explore Indigenous expressions, colonial invasion, forced African migration, and the cultural shifts of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Through the interplay of genres and traditions, we’ll examine how music captures the evolving American experience.

Speaker: Matt Jennings

Matt Jennings, PhD is Professor of History at Middle Georgia State University. He has authored several books on Native American and local history, including New Worlds of Violence, The Flower Hunter and the People, and Ocmulgee National Monument: A Brief History with Field Notes (with poet Gordon Johnston). While he specializes in Native American history, he teaches in a variety of fields, including the history of music in America (perhaps as a way of compensating for his sporadic, and sophomoric efforts on the guitar, mandolin, and banjo).

Wednesdays, October 8 - November 12
4:00 - 5:30PM Central 

Become educated, entertained, and empowered to become more effective stewards of the natural world. Through real-life conservation stories—drawn from the instructor's personal experiences and her time as host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom—we will highlight the impact of passionate individuals working together to address complex environmental challenges.

This course explores how diverse perspectives, and unique skills contribute to conservation efforts, offering participants practical ways to take meaningful action in protecting wildlife and ecosystems.
 

Speaker: Stephanie Arne 

Stephanie Arne is an international wildlife conservationist, expedition guide, and storyteller. She is the former host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and has appeared on Animal Planet, The Weather Channel, The Harry Connick Jr. Show, and The Drew Barrymore Show. Arne’s expertise in wildlife conservation has earned her a seat on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Lion SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) committee and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Education and Communication Commission.

Mondays, October 20 - November 24
4:00 - 5:30PM Central 

This course explores the complex issue of Death with Dignity, also known as assisted suicide, through its historical development, ethical debates, legal frameworks, and cultural perspectives. The movement gained national attention through the advocacy of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, sparking widespread discussion on end-of-life choices.

Participants will critically examine evolving policies on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia while engaging in thoughtful discussions on this sensitive and often controversial topic. Designed to educate and foster awareness, this course provides a comprehensive look at the ethical and legal dimensions of end-of-life decision-making.
 

Speaker: Aleen Bayard

Aleen Bayard, PhD is an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University, teaching leadership and change management. She played a key role in Northwestern’s partnership with the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, developing the curriculum for the Certificate in Jewish Leadership and teaching in the program for several years. Bayard holds degrees from Stanford University, Columbia University, and Northwestern University and earned her doctorate from Benedictine University. Through her consulting practice, she develops programs on leadership, culture, employee engagement, and team performance.

Thursdays, October 9 - November 13
2:00 - 3:30PM Central 

Impressionist painters revolutionized art with a new style that emphasized changing atmospheric effects and luminous color harmonies. Their unblended brushstrokes of pure color and simple compositions broke dramatically with traditional pictorial techniques. Rejecting historical, mythological, and religious themes, they instead focused on the rapidly shifting aspects of modern life—capturing scenes from the countryside, the home, and the city.

This course examines the work of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, and Morisot from the 1860s to the 1910s, exploring their stylistic and technical innovations, personal lives, and the cultural forces shaping their artistry. Participants will gain an enhanced ability to experience nature and artistic depictions of it with a newly developed sensory, coloristic, and immersive awareness.

Speaker: Lauren Weingarden

Lauren Weingarden is professor emerita of art history at Florida State University. Weingarden’s publications explore the interrelations between literature and visual arts in 19th century cultural contexts. She is the author of several scholarly books and articles on the American architect Louis Sullivan and on French art and literature, particularly Charles Baudelaire and Édouard Manet. Her interdisciplinary work includes developing an embodied aesthetic model through which art viewers re-experience artists’ immersive encounters with modernity’s fragmentation and nature’s transience—a perspective that deeply informs her teachings on Impressionism.

Thursdays, October 16 - November 20
10:00 - 11:30AM Central 

From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle. In the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere, Darwin collected data that, after decades of study and reflection, formed part of the basis for his publication On the Origin of Species. The ideas presented in that volume remain the foundation of all modern biological thought. Drawing upon original source materials and the instructor’s photos, this course will present the historical and cultural context of Darwin’s era, follow the five-year journey, discuss how Darwin came to his ideas, and explain his theories in detail.

Speaker: Eric Simon

Eric Simon, professor of Biology at New England College, received his PhD in biochemistry from Harvard University. An avid traveler and award-winning nature photographer, Eric leads educational international trips to destinations including Belize, the Galapagos, Tanzania, Cuba, the Amazon River, and Patagonia. Simon is the author of a widely used series of college biology textbooks with over 2 million books in print that help teach biology to students in over 40 countries.

Tuesdays, October 14 - November 18
12:00 - 1:30PM Central 

Economics plays a central role in every aspect of society. This course examines the causes and potential solutions to inequality in the US from an economic perspective. We will explore the history of different types of inequality, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy levers available to address these issues. Each lecture, led by a subject matter expert with a PhD in economics, will stand alone. Topics may include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, economic mobility, discrimination in public policy, and the wealth gap.

Speaker: Geof Woglom

Geof Woglom, PhD is professor emeritus of economics at Amherst College, where he taught for over 40 years. He has held visiting positions at Cambridge, Harvard, and the London School of Economics, and was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town and at Nanjing University. He has served as an economic consultant for the International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Thursdays, October 16 - November 20
12:00 - 1:30PM Central 

Explore the world’s linguistic diversity. With more than 7,000 languages spoken today, their variety offers insight into the evolution of human language, thought, and civilization.

This course examines how languages develop, change, and interact over time. Through a journey across six mystery locations — one per week — we will uncover the historical relationships among languages and the migrations, splits, and connections that have shaped them. By studying the languages spoken in these regions, we will gain a deeper understanding of human history and what it means to be human.

Speaker: Asya Pereltsvaig

Asya Pereltsvaig, PhD earned her degree in English and history from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in linguistics from McGill University. She has taught at Yale and Stanford. An expert in language, history, and their intersections, Pereltsvaig is the author of Languages of the World: An Introduction. 

Thursdays, October 9 - November 13
6:00 - 7:30PM Central 

Beneath the surface of the Great Lakes lie thousands of shipwrecks, each with a story to tell. This course brings these lost vessels back to life through vivid storytelling and historical exploration.

We’ll examine the tragic sinking of the Lady Elgin, the haunting legacy of the Eastland, the mystery of the Western Reserve, and the enduring legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald, along with other unforgettable wrecks that shaped Great Lakes history. More than just maritime history, this course uncovers the human stories behind these disasters, the forces that doomed them, and the myths that linger today.
 

Speaker: Anna Lardinois

Anna Lardinois is an author, storyteller, and history enthusiast with a passion for uncovering dramatic and often chilling tales from the past. She is the author of Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Tragedies and Legacies from the Inland Seas (2021) and more than a dozen books on history, folklore, and ghostly legends. Lardinois founded an award-winning tour company specializing in haunted history and previously served as the Pfister Hotel Narrator, chronicling stories from Milwaukee’s most historic hotel. She has hosted the radio show Haunted Heartland and currently leads an online publication focused on entrepreneurship in Wisconsin.

Tuesdays, October 14 - November 18
2:00 - 3:30PM Central 

Have you ever felt like scientists are constantly changing their minds? Do you wonder when research can be trusted to guide decisions about health, behavior, or the environment?

This course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific process, exploring how modern science developed, what scientists actually do, and what makes research reliable. We will examine the strengths and weaknesses of scientific methodology, uncover common pitfalls, and identify red flags for pseudoscience and untrustworthy findings. Rather than relying on blind faith in science, we will learn how to evaluate research critically—and find trust in the process.

Speaker: Johnnie Hendrickson

Dr. Johnnie Hendrickson is a Teaching Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University; he holds a PhD in chemistry and is the author of the textbook Chemistry in the World. His academic work focuses on science communication, the reciprocal relationship between science and society.

Wednesdays, October 15 - November 19
6:00 - 7:30PM Central 

In this course, participants will explore the social determinants of health, the physiological mechanisms of stress, and the effects of stress on health and well-being. They will also examine stress- and health-related theoretical frameworks. Through this course, participants will gain an understanding of the factors that influence health and engage in discussions on the importance of equitably promoting health and well-being across populations.

Speaker: Faith Ogungbe 

Faith Ogungbe is a doctoral candidate in Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University in anthropology and biotechnology. Ogungbe is deeply committed to health equity and passionate about addressing issues that promote the overall health and well-being of all individuals. Her research interests include maternal and child health, and female reproductive health.

Tuesdays, October 7 - November 11
6:00 - 7:30PM Central 

African Americans have served in every US military conflict, fighting for both their country and their own rights. From Black patriots in the Revolutionary War to the 180,000 African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War, their contributions have shaped American history. After the war, Black soldiers gained congressional approval to enlist in the peacetime Army, leading to the formation of the “Buffalo Soldiers.”

This course traces their service from the War of 1812 to World War II, highlighting their valor in conflicts abroad and their struggle against segregation and discrimination at home. It is the story of their resilience, sacrifice, and fight for equality in a nation that often failed to recognize their service.
 

Speaker: John Langellier

John Langellier has spent decades researching African Americans in the US military, beginning in the 1960s. His work includes articles and books such as More Work Than Glory: Buffalo Soldiers in the United States Army, 1866–1916 and Buffalo Soldiers in Arizona, and an extensive National Park Service study on Buffalo Soldiers from the Eastern Seaboard to Hawaii. He has consulted and produced documentaries on African Americans in the armed forces for A&E and PBS, curated museum exhibits, developed curricula, and delivered programs across the US and Europe.

Fridays, October 10 - November 14
10:00 - 11:30AM Central 

This course explores the groundbreaking collaborations between John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, two of the most influential figures in independent cinema. Cassavetes revolutionized American filmmaking with his raw, character-driven storytelling, while Rowlands’ deeply expressive performances are among the most mesmerizing in film history.

We will examine Cassavetes’ unconventional filmmaking methods, including handheld cinematography, long takes, overlapping dialogue, and spontaneous performances. Rowlands’ emotionally intense acting style will be analyzed through her landmark roles in A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Opening Night (1977), and Gloria (1980).

We'll also explore the collaborative nature of Cassavetes’ productions, his rejection of Hollywood conventions, and his lasting impact on contemporary filmmaking. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how Cassavetes and Rowlands redefined cinematic storytelling with emotional depth and authenticity.

Speaker: Heather Brown

Heather Brown holds a PhD in English with a concentration in rhetoric and composition from the University of Maryland, an M.A. in English from the University of North Carolina–Wilmington. She has taught courses in academic writing, English literature, language and linguistics, women’s literature, feminist theory, and rhetorical criticism. Brown works as a learning designer, specializing in graduate and professional studies programs, including Northwestern University. She is also an adjunct associate professor of academic writing at the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Mondays, October 6 - November 10
2:00 - 3:30PM Central 

This course traces the life and innovations of Nikola Tesla, from his early years and university studies in Graz and Prague to his groundbreaking work in electricity and wireless technology. We will explore his collaborations and rivalries, including his work with Thomas Edison, the “War of the Currents” between AC and DC power, and his partnership with George Westinghouse, which led to the lighting of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Key topics include Tesla’s telautomaton invention, his wireless experiments, and his race against Marconi in the development of radio. We will examine the Wardenclyffe—Tesla’s ambitious wireless transmission tower, his work during World War I with Telefunken, and his interactions with Franklin Roosevelt. We will conclude with Tesla’s later-life invention of the particle beam weapon, his negotiations to sell it to the Allies during World War II, and the mystery surrounding his secret papers after his death.

Speaker: Marc Seifer

Marc Seifer, PhD is the author of more than 100 articles and a dozen books, including the acclaimed Wizard: The Life & Times of Nikola Tesla, Ozone Therapy for the Treatment of Viruses, and Tesla: Wizard at War.

A frequent speaker on Tesla and technological history, Seifer has lectured at every International Tesla Conference and has presented at institutions including the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic, West Point Military Academy, and the United Nations. His work has been featured in many major publications and has appeared on the BBC, NPR, and in The Tesla Files, a five-part History Channel series which has aired in 40 countries.
 

Tuesdays, October 28 - December 2
10:00 - 11:30AM Central 

Explore Motown’s golden era from the late 1950s to the 1970s, a period marked by groundbreaking songwriting, iconic artists, and profound social influence. Discover how Motown’s innovative production methods shaped its timeless sound, broke racial barriers, and adapted to shifting cultural landscapes to achieve worldwide acclaim. Featuring legendary artists and curated tracks and videos, this course concludes with a celebration of Motown’s transformative first 25 years. Join us to experience the enduring magic of Motown and its lasting impact on music and culture.

Speaker: Mike Agron

Mike Agron grew up in L.A., the heart of the recording and entertainment industry. He loved music so much he wanted to become a recording engineer. Fate had different plans, and he ended up with a successful career in hi-tech, including founding a webinar marketing agency. He has fulfilled his musical and entertainment passions by offering his varied and uniquely popular seminars to learners across the country.

Mondays, October 20 - November 24
12:00 - 1:30PM Central 

In Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning Schindler’s List (1993), a character quotes from scripture: “He who saves a life saves the world entire.” Through scene-by-scene analysis, this course explores variations on this theme across a selection of Spielberg films.

With a focus on dialogue and action that reveal characters’ inner beliefs and moral choices, we will examine how the world is saved—or not. We will analyze the following films: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies, Saving Private Ryan, Munich, and Schindler’s List.
 

Speaker: Bernard Epps 

Bernard (Butch) Epps earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University, graduating cum laude as an award-winning film production major. He received his MFA from the UCLA School of Film and Television’s graduate Producers Program, where he specialized in story development and working with screenwriters. At UCLA, he served as academic liaison to the MFA Producers Program faculty, including studio heads, development executives, and industry professionals. Epps has taught film appreciation courses with a strong emphasis on story analysis.