History & Politics   

Childbirth was the most dangerous time of their lives for medieval and early modern European women, with a twenty-five to thirty percent maternal mortality rate. A variety of childbirth practices and rituals were used to attempt to ensure their survival during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This class examines relics and other devotional aids, magical charms and amulets, the shift from midwives to physicians, popular gynecological texts (some written by women), and the variety of surgical instruments and accessories used, such as birthing trays, birthing stools, and linens.

Duluth’s Superior Hiking Trail weaves through the neighborhoods of Duluth. Learn both fun and interesting stories as well as discover some dark Duluth characters. Most information is little known or unknown to most Duluthians.

In 1066, William the Conqueror began the construction of what is considered the Medieval weapon of mass destruction. Four thousand castles later, the story of England can be told through the events surrounding these remarkable structures and the people who inhabited them. A number of specific castles will be talked about, including the Tower of London, Dover, and Warwick Castle. 

Note: This class differs from the hybrid class offered during the pandemic.

This class explores ancient imperialism and the responses of non-member groups to it, primarily as witnessed among the Greeks. To gain a deeper perspective, participants will also briefly explore the responses of the Persian Empire's non-Greek neighbors, particularly the Jews as reflected in the Hebrew Bible and the Egyptians after their conquests and centuries-long domination by Persian rulers. The class raises timeless questions.

The movie Oppenheimer won the Best Picture Oscar in 2024. It vividly depicts the remarkable achievements and the tragic humiliation of this brilliant and enigmatic man, known as the father of the atomic bomb. This class will explore his life and view the motion picture in its entirety, while discussing the challenges of making the movie, the moral ambiguities involved, and the controversial legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.

While change rarely has one cause, Thomas Paine mattered. Before Paine, the norm was pyramidal societies claiming divine right through foundations clouded in mystery. Demolishing those assumptions, he ignited a worldwide demand for republics grounded in written constitutions. Before Paine, “democracy” connoted anarchy and mob rule. He transformed “democracy” into a viable governance model and expressed goal of most countries today. Before Paine, nations became allies to oppose other nations. He foresaw republics proliferating worldwide and associating to pursue peace and commerce. Before Paine, reformers favored arcane writing displaying their erudition and elitism. He labored to communicate to everyone “in language as plain as A, B, C.” Join the journey exploring Paine's complex and consequential life and work, a substantial revision of Rich’s 2023 University for Seniors class.

What is Hermantown known for? While hockey may come to mind, the city's true historical legacy lies in its iconic little red brick houses. These homes were a product of the Homestead Project, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, which sought to help Americans recover from the devastation of the Great Depression. In the 1930s, as unemployment soared and many struggled to survive, FDR's administration launched various programs to bring people back to the land and support rural communities. In Hermantown, eighty-four families were selected to join the Jackson Project, a cooperative effort designed to create self-sustaining communities. 

This class will delve into the rich history of these homes and the lasting impact of the Jackson Project on the town, with one session held at the Hermantown History Center.

This class will examine the history and culture of Ancient Egypt, a cultural continuum that stretched from before 3000 B.C.E. to the time of Alexander the Great, c. 330 B.C.E. In addition to an examination of the political history of Ancient Egypt, the class will devote attention to social and cultural developments in Egypt, including literature, art, architecture, religion, social structure, government, and the worldview of the Egyptians.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led an epic American journey through the Louisiana Purchase at the behest of Thomas Jefferson. Using Ken Burns's documentary and Stephen Ambrose's unequaled descriptions in Undaunted Courage, this class will study this adventure from its beginning in Washington D.C., to its end in St. Louis, Missouri.