Join international operatic tenor and retired ND Professor Mark Beudert (live) and the legendary Leonard Bernstein (on video) as we make the workings of classical music understandable. You will be AMAZED at how much you learn!

What future awaits humanity, and how shall we shape the desired tomorrow? How does technology influence our choices? Are we aware of AI’s benefits and pitfalls? Do we understand the fundamental difference between Techno Feudalism vs. Techno Emancipation? Insights from Marshall McLuhan and others on how technology is the medium of the message as we experience emerging technology and Human Life.

Or maybe you are rethinking religion in an age of crisis and wonder if AI is contributing to the crisis? If AI is sparking a contemplation on faith, spirituality, or profound questions within you, rest assured, you’re not alone! A multitude of individuals, like us, find that technological advancements—be it AI, space exploration, or bioengineering—nudge us to reevaluate long-standing philosophical and religious concepts. The relationship between AI and religion is complex and evolving. It will likely remain a significant reflection area as AI continues to advance.

There is one required book -- The Gypsies by Jan Yoors from Waveland Press. I will show you how to access the book in the first class. Students will also be assigned online readings and video links, including from the History Channel. A key website for accurate information about Romanies and Travellers is www.gypsyloresociety.org where I will recommend specific links as well as links to other reliable websites such as www.ASAnet.org . Other resources such as the documentary -- American Gypsy: A Stranger in Everybody's Land -- will also be discussed and explained as well as my lectures and study guides.

The course will explore an almost forgotten time period of North American history, 1754-1763, The French & Indian War. This event had a lasting effect on this continent, made England a world power, and helped bring about the American Revolution. You have the opportunity to observe and discuss many pieces of equipment, uniforms, maps, furs, and other items. The war itself and methods of fighting in it will also be talked about. The instructor has been a teacher and a French reenacting soldier. He has participated in events in Quebec, Canada and 8 different states. He will bring some new and interesting ideas to the class through his experiences.

A look at many rebellions and revolutions in Poland between the partitions and the Treaty of Versailles. It includes quite a cast of characters including Napoleon.

In the last year, two books written by South Bend authors have been published. The first is ARA by Mark Hubbard about the life of the legendary Notre Dame football coach. The second is Mr. Churchill in the White House by Robert Schmuhl, retired ND professor, about the British Prime Minister's visits there during two presidencies. The course will discuss each book for five weeks.

This semester will present the Catholic response to the Protestant Reformation (first semester.) We will discuss the Council of Trent (1545-1563.) We will consider the historical theological & political context if this monumental Council. We will examine the popes who were leaders of the Catholic Church at the time of the Council. We will also discuss the cardinals & bishops who were involved in the Council. Also we will consider the reforms which the Council made in the the areas such as seminary training, the sacraments & Eucharist. We will also talk about the new religious orders & the men & women that took up the cause of reform & the spread of Catholicism to the New World.