How Does Economics Effect Our Social Order We live in changing and uncertain times that stress our democratic free market social order. How are you impacted by this and how can we keep our economic system working well for everyone? Can our market economy deal with concerns about the climate, an aging population, poverty, pandemics and international relations to name a few of the issues that are impacting our social order. Are you optimistic that our economy can help our social order support our values and hopes? Academic coursework in economics is not a requirement for this class.

Join international operatic tenor, Pavarotti competition winner, and ND professor (retired) Mark Beudert for a free-wheeling exploration of the life and works of the great and complex German composer!

In each of the 20 selected developed countries (10 happy, 10 not so happy) we will explore the history, ethnic makeup, geography, climate, environmental performance, GDP per capita, employment, taxes, cost of living, pensions (social security), housing, life expectancy, diet, corruption, crime, freedom to make life choices, religion, health care, type of government, strength of currency, maternity leave, childcare, education, military service, unfriendly neighbors, public transport, and more. Is there a common thread(s) that makes the happy countries happy, and a common thread(s) that makes the unhappy countries unhappy? We shall see.

In the last 100 years, we have become increasingly aware of the consequences of scientific and technological knowledge. Benefits, such as the reduction of childhood mortality, are indisputable. But other advances, such as greatly increased life spans, bring mixed blessings. Longer lives weigh down support systems, and many of the elderly endure pain in their later years. Other byproducts of “advances” cast a shadow over our planet: nuclear weaponry, micro plastics, and global warming. In this short course, we examine two papal encyclicals: John Paul II’s Fides et ratio and Francis’s Ladauto sí and explore how they bear on the question of science, technology, and the good life.

Great Decisions is a national discussion program created by the Foreign Policy Association. Each year eight timely topics are chosen for the creation of a short video and classroom discussion materials. Interested students will watch a topic video each week, followed by instructor-led discussion. The 2026 topics are America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy, Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy, U.S.-China Relations, Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation, Ukraine and the Future of European Security, Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order, U.S. Engagement of Africa, The Future of Human Rights and International Law.

It has been more than 60 years since President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. This class will review the official investigations, media coverage, examination of the medical evidence, photos and films, various theories, and an assumption that the truth about this tragedy still matters in 2026.

Bring your latest needlework project and come form a hearth circle. Each session we’ll explore a range of topics: the history of knitting in America; when some needles went to war and others stayed home to mend or protest; knits and knitters of fame, infamy and anonymity; knitting traditions from around the world; science of the spin, and more. Class time will include hands-on demonstrations, light refreshments and perhaps a sing-along or two.

A look at Poland's many rebellions and revolutions to regain independence. Includes heroes of the American Revolution, Napoleon and many other notable figures from history.