No class 3/16 & 3/23

In the 20th century, European and Ottoman empires declined as the United States rose to global influence. While often voicing opposition to colonialism, the U.S. exerted its own power abroad. In competition with Russian and Chinese expansion, ideas of “American Exceptionalism” promoted democratic ideals overseas, even as racism, fascism, and prejudice persisted at home. This course examines forces such as Manifest Destiny, slavery, immigration exclusion, McCarthyism, the Cold War, and the policies of leaders including Kissinger, Cheney, and Trump.

Presenter: Steve Pollack lectures on culture, history, music and art in area schools, libraries, and community & continuing education groups.

CHOOSE A SESSION: MONDAYS OR THURSDAYS (No class 3/12 & 4/2)

Learn, discuss, and ask questions about the history and structure of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitutional Convention, and common arguments, misconceptions, and key details related to specific Articles and Amendments. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply their knowledge of the Constitution to current events.

Presenter: Jules Mermelstein is a retired UDT Commissioner, criminal defense attorney, teacher of history, gov't and constitutional law, and ACLU volunteer attorney. He currently serves on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Law Related Education Committee and the Montgomery Bar Association's Government Relations Committee. He loves class discussions and any questions you have.

This beginner-friendly, six-week course is designed for retirees who are curious about artificial intelligence (AI) and want to learn how to use it safely and effectively to simplify, enhance, and enrich their daily lives. Forget the complicated jargon—we’ll focus on practical, real-world applications of AI that you can use right now. The course will also explore how AI is transforming key fields such as medicine, law, and business.

Presenter: David Peltzman holds a graduate degree in Computer & Information Sciences from Temple University. He has worked over 35 years in the IT industry. He has taught at various universities specifically on Artificial Intelligence.

American democracy is threatened by technocracy and oligarchy. Who are the American oligarchs and how much power do they have? How do billionaire business and technology leaders influence government policies? Get insight into how the richest individuals and industries have been able to control governments through campaign contributions, lobbying, and corrupt self-dealing. We'll also explore how tech and media oligarchs wield unprecedented powers through AI, data surveillance, and social media in the "information age."

Presenter: Sanford Catz is a retired aerospace engineering manager from Lockheed Martin and an experienced lifelong learning instructor. He is an organizer and discussion group leader with the Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society and teaches multidisciplinary courses in science and the humanities through OLLI. He holds a Master of Engineering in Engineering Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University.

In this interactive class, participants will discuss and analyze viewpoints and positions expressed about current news reported on C-SPAN, weekend television news programs, and in print media. All perspectives are welcome and encouraged.

Presenter: Dan Shoulberg has been a moderator of currents events forums for over 20 years. He is the Program Coordination Volunteer for the Adult Discovery & Learning series at UDPL.

NO CLASS FRI 3/20 & 4/3

A provocative examination of the history of morals with discussions, forums and debates about the origins and development of morals and ethics and their relation to law and justice. We'll explore frustrating questions about whether morals are real, illusory or a language puzzle, including:

• Are morals innate, or only meaningful in a society?
• Do we understand morals through religion, or can we know them by common-sense?
• Are morals universal, or relative from society to society?
• How do morals differ from ethics?
• Do we measure morality on the basis of intent, or outcome of situations?

The purpose of the class is to gain a better understanding of how we measure morality/legality in our world, and how it affects our attitudes toward politics, business and social media.

Presenter: Steve Pollack lectures on culture, history, music and art in area schools, libraries, and community & continuing education groups.

NO CLASS FRI 4/3

Imagine sports talk radio, live at UDPL! Our interactive sessions will discuss hot sports topics, including the Super Bowl and other NFL issues, Spring Training and how MLB is shaping up for 2026 and beyond, the NHL and NBA seasons, and other relevant, current sports matters. Please join us for some exciting sports discussions.

Presenter: Jeff Thomas has played, watched, read about, lectured on and loved sports for almost 70 years. As an almost 50-year Temple U. and Phillies season ticket holder, Jeff very well understands the frustrations of Philly sports fans.

This engaging panel with members of the Wissahickon Faith Community Association brings together voices from different faith traditions and perspectives to explore how mutual understanding and respectful dialogue can strengthen our shared community. Designed for a thoughtful, welcoming audience, the conversation will focus on shared values, lived experiences, and practical ways people can foster connection, compassion, and unity in everyday life.

Panel Participants:

Reverend Dr. Charles W. Quann

Reverend Andres Wagner

Reverend Monica Hall

Father Emmanuel Williamson

Rabbi Gregory Marx

Shams Huda