OF 0014.24 Social Climate Change: Socializing in an Age of Political Correctness

As we struggle to be both social and socially sensitive, it’s important to know what topics are off limits. There are definitely words we should never use. But are there still “safe spaces” where we can speak freely? If so, where are they? This program will explore how socializing has evolved over the last few decades, and how to safely have a polite conversation. With a combination of humor and caution, this class will identify topics that are still safe to discuss and those you should avoid. Using practical examples and real case studies, this interactive program will expose participants to the challenges of socializing in the brave new world of political correctness.

Format: 50% lecture, 50% interactive discussion

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Instructors
Wendy Patrick
OF 0014.25 Managing Virtual Impressions and Reading People Online

Whether attending Zoom calls for pleasure or to learn something new, this program will teach you how to make the best impression online. Exploring the psychology behind the well-documented phenomena of being judged by appearances, this program will help you make a splash both personally and professionally by using a variety of styles, fashion trends, and other methods of visual self-expression. From the most flattering attire to the best lighting and the most alluring background—real or virtual, you can set a winning mood before you say a word. And speaking of words, this program will teach you how to get other people to open up online and how to tailor your communication to the platforms you use. This program will also teach you to identify online manipulators, and enhance your ability to spot the phony sooner rather than later. Even the most seasoned people-readers can only learn so much in person. In today's world, online footprints are often sharper, more distinct, and easier to follow. We’ll explore the latest cutting-edge research on the art of reading people online, the qualities that have been proven to be most important, and how to best perceive and use them in any situation.

Format: 50% lecture, 50% interactive discussion

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Instructors
Wendy Patrick
OF 0014.26 The Practice of Qi Gong, an Ancient Chinese Technique for Energy Enhancement Level 1

Do you feel stressed, stuck, or anxious? Do you tend to run out of energy before noon? Are you interested in keeping your body and mind supple, strong and healthy? Join us for this 4-week immersion in the world of Chinese Medicine through the study and practice of Chi Kung, an ancient form of energy cultivation. You’ll unlock pockets of vital energy trapped behind doors of tension and stagnation. You’ll also learn about the acupuncture meridians in your own body and discover the possibility of turning your morning cup of coffee into your own Chi practice!

Format: 20% Lecture, 10% Interactive discussion, 70% Hands-on activity/practice

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OF 0014.27 The Practice of Qi Gong, an Ancient Chinese Technique for Energy Enhancement Level 2

Join us for this 6-week sequel to “Qi Gong for Longevity and Graceful Aging- Level 1” to deepen your understanding of how energy flows in your body, develop a strong center and increase flexibility and balance. You’ll learn how to connect with the spark of vitality within and assist your body’s innate healing powers to feel your best “self”!

Format: 20% Lecture, 10% Interactive discussion, 70% Hands-on activity/practice

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OF 0015.28 Wanderlust: Nomads-Hobos-Homeless

Wanderlust: the desire to travel and discover, often without destination. Nomadic culture was the norm in early history and continues today. In the late 1800s, migrant workers began searching for work due to a diminished global economy. Called, bums, tramps, hobos, migrant workers were (and in same cases, still are)considered social outcasts. Today, there is an uptick of homelessness due to the latest global epidemic. We’ll explore the migrant worker phenomenon, the history of homelessness, and other aspects of nomadic cultures.

Format: 80% Lecture; 20% Conversation

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Instructors
Nadine Ann Bopp
OF 0015.29 Liberalism, a Misunderstood Ideology

Liberalism has become a pejorative ideology.While not being a modern concept, it originated from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Liberal humanism emerged during the Renaissance, leading to the French and American Revolutions. Contemporary liberal ideology has morphed into opposing socio-political factions (left/right) prompting social upheavals responsible for our current extreme divisions and future scenarios for liberal society. This course is an in-depth review of historic figures, writings of classical liberalism from practitioners who shape our current political systems through ideas of private property, the rule of law, constitutional guarantees of personal freedoms, and the right to participate in our own governance.

Format: 80% Lecture; 20% Conversation

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Instructors
Nadine Ann Bopp
OF 0015.30 Inside the Marble Palace: The Powers, Dynamics, and Role of the U.S. Supreme Court

This course explores the U.S. Supreme Court as an essential part of the American political and legal system. It provides an in-depth look at the powers and dynamics of the Court and its individual justices, the role of other legal-system actors in bringing cases to (and arguing them before) the Court, and the Court’s awkward role as an unelected policy maker in a majoritarian-democratic governmental system. The course uses current controversies and currently docketed cases to illustrate questions about how the Court selects cases and hears argument, how it checks and balances elected officials (and vice versa!), and how "political" the Court is.

Format: 80% Lecture; 20% Questions and Group Problem-Solving

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Instructors
Glenn C Smith
OF 0015.31 Behind the Law in the News

This course will explore current events with a focus on constitutional law at the Supreme Court and in other corridors of power. Largely driven by what’s “hot” in the news when the course is taught (and responsive to issues that class members wish to focus on), this course will dig beneath the surface perspectives presented by the media and pundits; instead, we’ll focus on legal doctrines and tradeoffs behind these controversies. For example, assuming that the Court continues to take cases about vaccine and mask mandates, the course would focus in depth on the legal issues about personal liberty and religious freedom that underlie these controversies.

Format: 80% Lecture; 20% Questions and Group Problem-Solving

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Instructors
Glenn C Smith
OF 0016.17 Judaism's Gifts to the World: How Major Jewish Ideas Evolved Into Universal Values

By most indications, modern society is a model of moral progress. Yet when it comes to everyday values, we still grapple with the big ones…


- What are our responsibilities toward the less fortunate?

- How do we fashion a more moral and equal society?

- How can we make a move toward more cohesive family living?


Join us to unpack four (or six) of the world’s most cherished values and how they were delivered to humankind by the Bible. By tracing their fascinating journey to the mainstream, we’ll discover a timeless core of purpose, integrity, and clarity in each value—a powerful gift of guidance as we navigate our own daily choices.

Format:75% Lecture; 25% Q&A

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OF 0017.18 San Diego's Native Flora & Fauna: Human Interaction and Benefits

How do invasive plants and animals affect the ecosystem? Which native flora & fauna are harmful to humans; which are helpful? Discover San Diego's natural beauty, explore, and identify flora, learn some fascinating ways plants and animals interact, and how humans benefit from both, on a 2-hour, guided, easy trail walk in Mission Trails Regional Park. In March, the park is lush and green, and the animals are often more visible too!

Format: 75% Activity & Demonstration; 25% Question & Answer

Course Date(s)

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Instructors
Linda Hawley

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