Great Decisions: Eight Pertinent Global Issues
Lectures on Amercian/ Ancient History
Contemporary Issues in Politics and Events
Great Courses
ZOOM Great Decisions with Michael Mageau – Monday, March 8 at 1 pm – Global Supply Chains and National Security: by Jonathan Chanis
The shutdown of global supply chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic brought to the fore an issue with the high level of global economic interdependence: what happens when one country is the main source for an item, say face masks, and then can no longer supply the item? Countries suddenly unable to meet the demand for certain supplies are faced with growing calls for economic nationalism. What are some of the lasting effects that the pandemic could have on global supply chains and trade? How would this affect national security?
ZOOM Iran: In Search of Connections with Howard & Susan Rotblat-Walker – Wednesday, March 10 at 1 pm
Iran: In Search of Connections is a view of the country arising from Howard and Susan Rotblat-Walker’s travels there in 2018 and thoughts from Howard’s previous residence, 1968-70. Howard and Susan wanted to experience today’s Iran while delving into and connecting with its historic past. The presentation particularly focuses on the historic connections to the development of Western culture, as well as the many enjoyable aspects of traveling to Iran.
Howard Rotblat-Walker grew up in Chicago and has lived in Rhode Island since 1978. He resided and conducted research in Iran from 1968-1970 and received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago for his study of an Iranian provincial bazaar. He has maintained an active interest in Iran since then. In “retirement,” Howard pursues his interest in fine art photography. His work can be seen on his website hrwfineartphoto.com. Susan Rotblat-Walker loves traveling, history and the arts. She speaks several languages including Japanese, having spent a year living and teaching English in Tokyo. She has a BA from Middlebury College where she majored in East Asian History and graduate degrees in education and cross-cultural studies from Bank Street College and Brown.
ZOOM Great Decisions with Michael Mageau – Monday, April 12 at 1 pm – The Future of Persian Gulf Security: by Lawrence Potter
Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond? The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play? Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond?
ZOOM Roger Williams with Park Ranger John McNiff – Wednesday, May 26 at 1 pm
Roger Williams and his ideas were considered dangerous in the 1600s. Not insightful, not enlightened—outright dangerous. Join National Park Ranger John McNiff as he explores why and to whom Williams’s ideas were considered dangerous.
John McNiff is a Rhode Island native. Raised in Warwick, he attended Rhode Island College and received his BA in History with a minor in Anthropology in 1979. After studying archaeology in England and working on numerous archaeological projects throughout New England, he received his MA in Anthropology, specializing in archaeology, in 1990 from SUNY Binghamton. In 1996 John began working with the National Park Service and in 1997 was stationed as a Park Ranger at the Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main Street in Providence.