In-Person and Online Program: Drawing on his new memoir, The Road Taken, Patrick Leahy recalls pivotal moments in our nation’s history, from the post-Watergate reform era to ground-breaking Supreme Court confirmations and stress tests like 9/11, the war in Iraq, January 6, and Donald Trump’s impeachment trials.

In-Person and Online Program: NBC News correspondent Ali Vitali witnessed a 2020 presidential election in which highly qualified and experienced women candidates again dealt with a different level of scrutiny than their male counterparts. She analyzes why it’s so hard for a woman to be taken seriously as a presidential contender, what will it take for men and women to be held to the same standard—and what happens next.

Capture the essence of your favorite animal or pet in a one-of-a-kind acrylic portrait filled with color, personality, and affection.

From charming parks to neighborhoods that reflect a rich immigrant heritage to terrific beer and BBQ, St Louis, Missouri, has much to offer visitors. PBS television host Darley Newman leads a lively virtual tour of the city, uncovering the lesser-known backstories of its iconic landmarks and locally loved hidden gems—and plenty of reasons why St. Louis is an ideal destination.

In the 21st century, the life and accomplishments of inventor, engineer, and futurist Nikola Tesla have risen from almost total obscurity to topics of fresh interest. Author Marc J. Seifer, one of the world’s leading Tesla experts, surveys his most significant discoveries that continue to influence today's military technology and diplomatic strategies.

Once upon a time, fairy tales were not the short, simple children’s stories we all know. Instead, they often carried subtle messages or warnings, or ridiculed powerful figures. These subversive stories were created in 17th-century Paris literary salons, safe forums for aristocrats—mostly women—to gather and share often coded tales. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman explore these mostly forgotten tales and their deeper meanings.

Some of the world’s greatest movie scores were composed by some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians. With film clips, commentary, and live piano demonstrations, concert musician and movie fanatic Rachel Franklin delves into the hidden magic of some of the finest jazz-inspired music from films including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Sweet Smell of Success, Alfie, and Birdman.

The 1401 competition between master artists Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi for the commission to create a set of bronze doors for the Florence Baptistry is generally considered the event that fueled the Renaissance. Rocky Ruggiero, a specialist in the Italian Renaissance, explores the creative duel that led to competitions among great artists becoming one of the central leitmotifs of the period. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)