How do we make sense of wars? Why are some states more stable politically than others? Why are some states wealthier than others? Why haven’t we had a world government up to now? Why are some countries more nationalistic than others?Is immigration a blessing or a curse? How much do major world religions impact global dynamics? In the last decade the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have formed an economic bloc to protect themselves against Western style capitalism. More and more countries are trading in local currencies that can threaten the dollar as a world currency. The BRICS countries help each other to be more independent in its political and economic decisions. We will provide answers to all the questions above through the theories we study.

For writers and would-be writers of fiction,memoir and essays. Expect to write at least seven pages a week.Improve your writing through short craft assignments, weekly “Wild Pages,” in-class exercises and by critiques of your own work and work of fellow students. You’ll also be encouraged to participate in a public reading at the end of the quarter.

Registration in person only.

Limited to 10 students SPACE FILLS QUICKLY!

Have you ever wanted to write your memoir or leave a legacy for your loved ones? This eight-week course will help you write, share and preserve the life stories only you can tell. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, the Guided Autobiography process offers a structured, supportive environment to help you reflect on your life and the events that shaped it. Each week you’ll receive prompts to write two-pages at home on a theme such as family, career, friendship, travel and more.You’ll bring your writing the following week to read aloud in class. Sharing life stories is an ideal way to find new meaning in life and put pastevents into perspective. No writing experience is necessary, just an openness to appreciate and share the unique life that is yours. Returning students are welcome and will receive an all-new set of themes.

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Limited to 9 students.

Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ essay “We Were Made for These Times” calls for a mindful response to the outrage many are experiencing over the latest degradations of our civic life and norms. Her prescription is not to lose hope,but rather to have the courage to apply our skills and our lifetime of wisdom and experience to mending the part of the world within our reach. This essay is an example of grassroots efforts of older adults around the world tore store civic life and norms, to model the principles of elder wisdom, intergenerational stewardship, and to repair and restore our lives, families and communities.This participation in the stewardship and repair of our civic groups gives us the opportunity to share our lived experiences collectively with the energy and innovation of the generations who follow us as we work toward the restoration of civic life.

Even though money permeates most aspects of our lives, we aren’t quite sure what it is. Gold, we would understand. Cash, mostly. But what of transactions involving credit cards? And most recently, what’s the deal with cryptocurrency? Is it money? Basic economic topics will be covered including how the Federal Reserve Bank influences interest rates and the money supply, the US dollar as the default world currency and how money really organizes our worlds — both economic and private. Students will be invited to set part of the agenda with your own topic interests.

Learn how to use your intuition in everyday life. Come as you are - everyone is psychic. We will explore what intuition is and how it works in your life. Each week we will delve into a new area to explore your gifts. We will share experiences and do weekly exercises.You will discover how to use a variety of tools to understand new ways of knowing yourself and the world within you and outside of you.

Life changes, health, relationships, retirement, family roles, routines and expectations can all look different from what we imagined. Sometimes those changes leave us feeling less connected, less certain, or unsure about what comes next. Living Fully Now™ is a warm, practical six week course for those who want to reconnect with their strengths, purpose, relationships and sense of possibility. This is not about ignoring loss or pretending everything is fine. It is about honoring what has mattered,recognizing the wisdom you have gained, and remembering that there may still be more life, meaning, connection, and joy ahead. Through guided conversation, reflection, simple workbook exercises and small weekly action steps, participants will explore how to feel more hopeful and engaged in daily life; recognize the strengths, wisdom, and resources they still possess; reconnect with people, purpose, curiosity and contribution; see meaningful possibilities for the future; and create a personal next-chaptervision and practical 90-day action plan. Participants work through the guided workbook together during class and may choose to continue with reflection and action activities between sessions.