This seminar will look at the status of “the American Experiment” as we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America in 2026. The USA has survived a civil war, two world wars and numerous international conflicts to emerge as the world’s longest lasting democracy. Internal and external stresses continue to challenge the USA – how are we doing as a nation?

The seminar will discuss the origin of the United States, the quest for “a more perfect Union”, the attempts to undermine American democracy, the concept of Servant Leadership, the effectiveness of Constitutional checks and balances; the role of government in overall society; elected officials’ roles; strengths and weaknesses of our representative democracy and what the future holds as the United States of America turns 250 years old.

Are you apprehensive of climate change, “the climate crisis,” or conflicting claims of urgency and solutions? Do you want to better understand the breadth, depth, and implications of climate change, and identify effective and productive ways to help promote a sustainable global environment? Let’s explore together. Some topics we may consider:

• What is climate? Why is a global perspective important?
• What part do terminology and semantics play in our perceptions of, and responses to, issues related to climate change?
• Climate perception, science, popular culture, and policies – sorting ‘em out.
• What can I do to make a difference?

We will not be advocating specific approaches or “solutions.” Through a conversational style and visual learning aids, the goal is a broad awareness to help you chart your personal course for positive climate action.

Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in US history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.

The title of this class is a bit of a misnomer. It assumes that most of the participants may never serve on an actual jury, so the goal of the class is to discuss methodologies for improving small group decision making. A few of the Rules of Evidence will be used to enhance one’s ability to analyze the reliability of factual assertions. A side benefit is that after participating in the class, students will have a deeper understanding of news articles about trials and will enjoy critiquing TV shows and movies featuring trials. An extra bonus is that students will have the option to sit as jurors in a University of Dayton School of Law Mock Trial.

This interactive training will help participants understand where their implicit biases come from and what they can do to ensure they are looking at situations through an inclusive lens. The National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton (NCCJ) staff work hard to create a safe environment where participants feel heard, included, and safe. To assist with this, we start with a personal agreement and incorporate small and large group discussions.

This 4-week course will explore the national and local literacy challenges depicted in the documentary Sentenced, and then will focus on Montgomery County, Ohio. The course will address the root causes of literacy issues, barriers to overcoming them, and actionable solutions that can make a tangible difference. Through the documentary and supplementary readings, students will gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic, educational, and systemic issues related to literacy.

There has not been an execution in Ohio in over seven years and in 2024 only one person was sentenced to death. Meanwhile, innocent men have been released from death row and numerous recommendations for reform of Ohio's capital punishment system have yet to be implemented. Can Ohio live without the death penalty? The seminar will provide a history of Ohio's experiment with capital punishment and lay out the reasons for ending it now.

In a three-week seminar, we will discuss “real news” compared to “fake news,” and determine how to recognize and evaluate each. The first week’s content will introduce traditional concepts of “news” and trends in news content and delivery. In the second week, we'll examine current examples of real and fake news, and for the third-week seminar participants will be asked to submit their own examples of “real” or “fake” news for discussion. Based on the first two weeks’ observations, we’ll attempt to establish criteria so we can separate “real” from “fake” news.

This Zoom seminar will present a different TED Talk each week and then allow for class discussion on the topic.  Participants will watch the talk during class, then break into small groups to discuss.  If you like to delve into new and interesting topics and share ideas with other UDOLLI members, this seminar is for you.  It will offer all new TED Talks from the previous seasons and will include topics such as:  Self-Aware Robots, Human Population Decline, Atheism 2.0, Talking Politics with Strangers, What Makes A Good College and others.

A review of the original seven Articles of the Constitution and its twenty-seven Amendments. The 7,495 words of these documents have provided the foundation for the oldest and most successful republic in history.