Global Issues

Saving Stuff: Preserving the Past for Future Generations (Livestream) All of us have family treasures that we have inherited or collected over the years. In this three-part series, learn how museum professionals take care of a wide range of artworks and objects, from sculptures and paintings to photographs and precious news clippings. Discuss the different ways in which objects deteriorate, tips for mitigating loss, and what you can do to protect your precious belongings. Part lecture, part workshop, and part behind-the-scenes at the Dennos Museum Center. Craig Hadley, Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Museum, will pique the interest of budding historians, preservationists, art historians - and anyone interested in learning something new. Bring your questions! Zoom link will be sent 2 days before the class begins. 3 Wed., Oct. 14-28 10-11 a.m. Instructor: Craig Hadley $45

Are We Becoming Two Americas? (Livestream) Are we concerned about a divided America? Contemporary political polarization dominates the daily news and much of our conversation. Deep political division, however, is only one element of an increasingly divided America. Behind politics, there is an even more serious slide toward “Two Americas.” The broader division is seen in social and economic patterns and threatens to lead to a country very different from what we have known. We will examine the ways this departs from our vision for America and present some possible responses to the issue. 2 Thurs., Nov. 12 & 19 1:30-3:30 p.m. Instructor: Phil Mikesell $29 Great Decisions in U.S. Foreign Policy 2020 - Part 2 (Livestream) Prepare to discuss the world! Join this lively discussion group to explore the remaining four global concerns from the 2020 program: US Relations with the Northern Triangle; China’s Road into Latin America; The Philippines & the US; and Artificial Intelligence & Data. Great Decisions briefing books, published by the Foreign Policy Association, are the primary resource and provide thought-provoking analyses complemented by updates and video segments. If you don’t already have the required briefing book (class text), it is available for purchase online at fpa.org under the bookstore tab. Please read the first topic prior to session one (US Relations with the Northern Triangle). 4 Wed., Oct. 28-Nov. 18, 3-5 p.m. Discussion Leader: Phil Mikesell $29

Individual Freedom and the Common Good (Livestream) From the beginning, Americans have embraced seemingly conflicting political goals. The Declaration of Independence emphasizes Americans’ “inalienable [individual] rights.” The Constitution sets as one of its purposes “To promote the general welfare.” Historically, public policy issues typically have been less about either/or and more about balance. Throughout US history, finding the ‘right’ balance between individual freedom and collective good has guided policy making. When war or other external threats appear, Americans come together, but in ‘normal’ times we tilt heavily toward our own narrower interests. Today, Americans seem skeptical of government programs aiming at any sort of common purpose. Does that matter? And if so, what might be done to restore a fruitful balance between narrow and broader interests?

2 Thurs., Oct. 22 & 29 1:30-3:30 p.m. Instructor: Phil Mikesell $29

NMC FALL SUMMIT

GLOBAL ISSUES, LOCAL IMPACTS Friday, October 9th pg. 27 9:30am-Noon

This event is jointly organizedby NMCExtendedEducationalServices,

International Affairs Forum, INFO & REGISTRATION AT NMC.EDU/EES

and Dennos Museum Center.

The First Amendment: Free Speech and Religion (Livestream)

The First Amendment to the Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.” But what does that mean, exactly? Where does the free speech of one person or group conflict with the sensibilities or protections of another? What about hate speech? Antiwar protests? When does the free exercise of religious beliefs effectively constitute the establishment of religion? We know that debates and controversy rage on issues that touch our deeply held religious and/or philosophical beliefs, such as abortion, war, sexual preferences, vaccinations, whether to preserve certain war memorials, etc. Together, we will discuss the scope of these First Amendment freedoms and cover some of the key U.S. Supreme court decisions on these issues. Reading materials will be sent via email. Be prepared for lively class discussions. 4 Thurs. Oct. 8-29 2-4 p.m. Instructor: Eleanor Lynn, J.D. $75