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"Whoever controls the past controls the future. And whoever controls the present controls the past." The struggle over America's historical narrative is not new, though it has intensified in recent years. Debates over how slavery is taught and remembered continue to shape public discourse, raising important questions about history, identity, and national memory.

This course examines how the institution of slavery influenced the nation's founding, economy, laws, and enduring social divisions. As William Faulkner observed, "The past is never dead; it's not even past." The Founders' decisions regarding slavery continue to echo throughout American history, challenging the nation in its pursuit of the Constitution's promise of "domestic tranquility."

Drawing on historical evidence, participants will explore how the legacy of slavery has been passed from generation to generation, reflecting the biblical passage that "the sins of the fathers have been visited upon their children" (Exodus 34:7). The course also considers how the American story might have unfolded differently had slavery not been woven into the nation's earliest foundations.

Taiwan is an island nation that considers itself to be a sovereign state but is not recognized by most countries in the world. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any attempts by Taiwan to declare independence or seek diplomatic recognition. The United States has a complex relationship with Taiwan, providing it with military and economic support, but not formally acknowledging its status as a country. The tension between China and Taiwan has increased in recent years, as Taiwan has elected pro-independence leaders and China has increased its military presence and pressure on the island. Taiwan is a flashpoint between the United States and China, as any conflict over its future could escalate into a major war that would involve regional and global powers.

Taiwan and the United States have shared values, economic ties, and security interests. Taiwan is a leading democracy and a technological powerhouse in the Indo-Pacific region, and a key U.S. partner in trade, health, and critical supply chains. The U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but maintains a robust unofficial relationship. The U.S. supports Taiwan's self-defense capability and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side of the Taiwan Strait. China, on the other hand, views Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary and considers any U.S. involvement in cross-strait affairs as interference in its internal affairs.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.
Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.
Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

 

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.
Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.
Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.

 

If one word defines the American experiment, it is equality. Thomas Jefferson declared that “all men are created equal” and called the principle "self evident," yet from the nation's founding, Americans have struggled to define and achieve that ideal.

This presentation traces the evolving pursuit of equality across generations, examining how it has been expanded, challenged, and reinterpreted in law and society. Through key moments in American history, participants will explore the nation's ongoing effort to transform a founding principle into lived reality.

View and discuss two engaging TED Talks (visit TED.com) in a salon-type setting where free-thinkers spark each other's minds and hearts through spirited presentations and conversation.
Be stimulated, and become better educated and acquainted. Salons such as this were popular occasions for sharing knowledge and building friendships from Renaissance times up until the 1940s. TED has again popularized this concept with TEDx - local, independently organized events - in vibrant learning communities all over the world.
Participants are sure to leave motivated and more meaningfully connected with the world around us.