History & Social Sciences
How many sexes are there? Is sex the same as gender? Are men naturally more aggressive? Are women naturally more nurturing? Do all societies send men to war and women to the home front? Is homosexuality found in all societies? Do all societies view heterosexual marriage as the norm? Join us as we examine these questions and more through the lens of anthropology, the scientific study of humankind. Instructor: Julie Castillo.
Investigate the causes for calling a convention to amend the Articles of Confederation. Discover why and how the delegates chose to form a new government. Discuss the structure of the Constitution and political compromises reached to create a new government. Finally, explore issues involved in the state ratification debates, necessary for the constitution’s implementation and the formation of our first political parties. Instructor: Roger Swartz.
Have you ever seen an artwork in a museum and thought, “I could do that!” Everyone has an opinion about art and the answers are never black and white. This course explores the motives and symbolism behind some of history’s most commonly misunderstood art movements including Dadaism, Abstract Expressionism, and Minimalism. Students will also be provided with insight into some of today’s biggest controversies surrounding the creation, criticism, and collection of art. Instructor: Kara LaRose
Vast amounts of genealogical data available on the Internet are both “treasures” and “tribulations” for those searching family ancestry. Learn about the major providers of genealogical content, how to discern the difference between “good” and “questionable” data, and enhance your family tree searching skills. Explore a variety of sites to find valuable hereditary information. Instructors: Tom McCarriar and Jon Smith.
Love Korean period dramas with strong, rebellious heroines? This course explores Korea from prehistoric times to the 18th century through the achievements of women-as rulers, warriors, artists, doctors, and entrepreneurs. Using new research, women’s own words, and K-drama clips, we uncover how Korean women shaped history and carved out space in a patriarchal world-offering inspiration that still resonates today. Instructor: Linda Kato.
Examine the turbulent century-plus during which China laid the foundations of its modern state. We draw on first-person accounts of women from across China’s multi-ethnic regions who experienced the sunset of China’s last imperial dynasty and the fight for China’s future in both civil conflicts and foreign wars. Chinese women seized opportunities in modern manufacturing, education and teaching, healthcare, journalism, and the arts – including China’s emerging cinema and recording industries – and were to armed combatants, spies, and political leaders of the revolution and Pacific War. Instructor: Linda Kato. No class Nov 4, 11 & 25.
DNA has provided a broad range of applications to benefit science, ranging from ancient DNA, family history research, and medical screening. The use in forensic cases has progressed from methodologies for locating birth parents for adoptees, to providing identification of human remains, and solving criminal cold cases. Maryland was the first state to implement a law governing the use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). The use by law enforcement is still largely misunderstood. This class will explain the role of DNA as used in solving criminal cases and providing identity to human remains. No class Nov 24.
Art influences society by shifting opinions, instilling values, and transforming experiences across space and time, and is often a vehicle for social change. Have you ever wondered how art evolved from recognizable movements like Impressionism to the large variety of styles of art we have today? This class will explore the massive cultural changes that occurred during the twentieth century and look at how these changes caused artists to slowly break from set methods of painting and sculpting to create today’s artist: an individual with the freedom to choose any one of thousands of approaches to art. Art movements covered will include Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, and Postmodernism. Instructor: Kara LaRose. No class Oct. 2nd.
In the shadow of China and France: we will study Vietnam as “little brother,” as an independent nation, as a colony, as an adversary and finally as a friend and trade partner. After the last war ends, other conflicts begin with its neighbors. There are 13 years of harsh communist rule and a shackled planned economy leaving most of the country poor. A communist nation still in China’s shadow adopts economic opening, foreign investment and befriends its former enemies. Instructor: Len Lazarick.
After defeat in New York and retreat across New Jersey into Pennsylvania in 1776, George Washington incredibly rebounded by defeating the British in New Jersey over a three-month span. This campaign became the first of three turning points in the American Revolution. Explore key battles and strategies Washington used and examine the major impacts of these events. Instructor: Roger Swartz.