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.

If you are curious to learn about birds and don't know where to start, this series is for you! We will begin with basics of bird id while looking at birds as we visit the trails at the various St. Joseph County Parks located throughout St. Joseph County. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. If you don't have binoculars, no worries! We have optics available. April 14 St. Parick's County Park: Harvest Room April 21 Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Astor Room April 28 Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter May 12 Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Nature Center May 19 South Bend-Elkhart Bird Sanctuary: 59395 Clover Road May 26 Beverley D. Crone Restoration Site

This course introduces the fundamentals of quantum mechanics—from Planck and his constant to basic applications of Schrödinger’s equation and the resulting structure of atoms. With this foundation, we’ll take a relaxed, engaging tour through the elements, using the periodic table as our roadmap. Along the way, we’ll explore how these elements appear in everyday life, including the 60+ elements found in the phones we carry. Prerequisites include either the Fall 2025 Forever Learning course Mathematics and Quantum Physics or one semester of high school physics, some calculus, and college-level probability.

Are you curious about how the brain works? Did you know our brain’s main purpose is to keep us alive? Would you like to know how caring for your brain can help build community resilience? If these questions peak your interest, please join us to learn how NEAR-P* Science can help you, your families, and our community flourish. The course will give you practical tips on caring for yourself while diving into the broader mission, vision and goals. Trauma-Informed Care and the local Self-Healing Communities Collective (SHCC) movement (SHCC is also known as Self-Healing Communities of Michiana https://www.selfhealingmichiana.org). All materials will be provided.

Ever wonder how our amazing immune system works? It's all about how the body detects and eliminates harmful threats or invading pathogens that, if left unchecked, will cause disease or worse. This course will examine our immune system in detail, concentrating on how specific cells, biochemicals and barriers interact to protect us. Knowledge of basic biology is helpful, but not necessary as applicable concepts will be explained and questions answered.

Step into the sunshine and let your creativity wander! The Joy of Nature Journaling is a relaxed, playful course for anyone eager to explore the outdoors with curiosity and a sense of fun. No experience needed—just an open mind and a love for the natural world. Learn quick sketching skills, simple nature photography, collage, and gentle guided writing. Your naturalist instructor shares fun facts and easy techniques as you slow down, notice small wonders, and create joyful pages that celebrate the beauty around you. *Runs April 1 - May 6 in the Brown Barn at St. Patrick’s County Park. A journal and a pencil will be provided. Please bring a $5 copy fee to the first class.

Explore how 130 years of Catholic teaching on work, dignity, and technology—spanning from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Leo XIV—can guide us through the challenges posed by AI and automation. This course draws clear connections between social encyclicals and urgent digital questions: What defines just wages in a gig economy? How can we preserve human creativity when AI encroaches on creative labor? Can technology truly serve, rather than replace, people? Join a thoughtful exploration of faith’s enduring principles—human dignity, solidarity, and the common good—offering historical wisdom and practical hope for a just, digital future—it’s a conversation about the choices we’re making right now.