This seminar explores the institutional, civic, commercial, and residential buildings that shape our everyday surroundings—many of which participants have likely passed countless times. Focusing on some of the most recognizable buildings of the 19th through 21st centuries in Dayton and beyond, Tom Thickel examines the stories behind their designs, the architects who envisioned them, and the cultural and historical contexts in which they were created. Although this is a repeat seminar, new buildings, photographs, and updated information have been added for Spring 2026. Two optional field trips are planned. Transportation and any admission fees, if applicable, are the responsibility of participants.

Moderator Michael McFadden leads this seminar exploring classic British comedy films featuring some of the genre’s most celebrated actors. Each session will include a brief introduction to the film, a full screening, and a facilitated discussion following the viewing. Participants will examine the humor, themes, performances, and cultural context of each selection. Films to be screened and discussed include I’m All Right Jack (1959) starring Peter Sellers; The Wrong Box (1966) with Ralph Richardson; The Man in the White Suit (1951) and The Ladykillers (1955) starring Alec Guinness; and Green for Danger (1946) featuring Alastair Sim.

Are you perplexed by the seemingly ever evolving and expanding acronym: LGBTQIA+? What do all those letters stand for, and why are some hospitals and doctors’ offices now asking about this? What’s the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity? Are sex and gender the same thing, or is there a difference? Is there really a “gay lifestyle” or culture? And why is there such a focus on people who are Transgender in today’s political climate?

In this seminar, all these questions will be addressed, and more. LGBTQ+ historical and cultural issues will be explored, and issues related to implicit biases and stereotypes will be examined. We will also examine US public policy, past and present, and its effects on people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in healthy discussions.

Participants will tour the Michael and Debbie Carter Center for American History at Sinclair Community College and explore Our American Journey, an immersive exhibit dedicated to telling underrepresented stories of Black history in the United States. Through artifacts, multimedia displays, and curated narratives, the Center highlights the experiences, contributions, and resilience of African Americans from the era of enslavement through the civil rights movement and beyond. This guided experience invites participants to engage with historical stories that may be unfamiliar, offering new perspectives on the nation’s past and its ongoing journey toward equity and justice.

This seminar explores how pharmaceutical companies use direct-to-consumer (DTC) television advertising to promote prescription medications. We will examine the structure and strategies of these ads, using YouTube examples to highlight key techniques. Participants will also review the FDA’s 2024 guidelines for DTC television advertising and learn how to critically analyze ads for their impact on public perception, awareness of side effects, health behaviors, and overall health literacy. Through discussion and case studies, we will consider how these ads shape both consumer choices and broader conversations about healthcare.

This six-week, in-person seminar will focus on participants presenting their own written poetical works in a public forum, including open-mic sessions with fellow seminar students during class. It will culminate with a lunchtime (11:30am-12:30pm) public reading for the last two class sessions in either the cafeteria or auditorium, schedule/availability permitting.

Students will be encouraged to compose poems outside of the classroom and practice presenting their poems during the seminar session. Class maximum of 16 participants due to time/presentation constraints and fluidity of classroom participation.