HUM S53 - Passport To The World

Course Description

The Passport Series is a political science series covering world relations and political issues from around the world.  For Summer term lecture and speaker descriptions, see our brochure at Emeritus Summer Schedule.pdf

Course Outline

Thursday, June 13 From Utopian Dreams to Global Realities: Perpetual Peace and the Planetary Republics. We will explore the 18th century philosophies of the “Century of Lights” during the Enlightenment and the concept of peace that laid the groundwork for modern ideas of global governance and universal citizenship. Milton Arrieta-Lopez, Ph.D., will analyze the contributions of Immanuel Kant and Karl Christian Friedrich Krause, the practical implications of implementing their ideals in the current state of global peace, and the future trajectory of global governance and the realization of universal citizenship.

Thursday, June 20 Chicago’s Migrant Crisis: Why Has This Issue Polarized BIPOC Communities? Nearly 25,000 migrants have been bussed or flown to Chicago since August 2022. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration struggles to fund and find shelters. A pilot partnership between city, state and federal governments expedites work permits for asylum-seeking migrants. Meanwhile, tensions rise within Chicago’s Black and Latino communities over the city's migrant crisis. Veteran journalist Maudlyne Ihejirika delves deep into this polarizing issue to unveil perspectives of Chicago’s Black and Latino communities and consider potential solutions.

Thursday, June 27 Invisible Forces? Exploring Some Root Causes of Migration Oakton professor Megan Klein, Ph.D., will examine the immigration crisis as a social problem through a discussion and analysis of hidden factors that shape migration patterns. In particular, we will focus on climate change, the war on drugs, and geopolitical conflict. We will also discuss current policies and alternative paths forward.

Thursday, July 11 A Report Card for the 118th Congress. This lecture will examine the developments of the 118th Congress. EJ Fagan, Ph.D., will examine the laws they passed, the fallout from the fall 2023 Speaker of the House controversy, and other notable events that took place in Congress from 2023-2024. Topics will include congressional productivity, changes to each chamber's leadership and composition, and what we might expect from the remainder of the 2024 session.

Thursday, July 18 Cascade of Wars. Just in the past 36 months, an astonishing number of armed conflicts have begun, renewed or escalated. Some had been fully frozen, meaning that the sides had not sustained direct combat in years; others were long simmering, with low-level fighting erupting intermittently. All have now become active. Why? Join Paul Poast, Ph.D., as he explores whether these numerous conflicts are coincidence or if they reflect larger changes in the international system.

Thursday, July 25 Recent Decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Join Julie Strauss, Ph.D., as she discusses major decisions handed down by the Supreme Court in the 2023-2024 term. The Supreme Court docket includes questions surrounding domestic violence and gun ownership; possible racial gerrymandering in South Carolina; and the accessibility of medical abortions through the use of mifepristone. Don’t miss this stimulating lecture.

Thursday, August 1 The Alternative für Deutschland Party and its Significance for German and European Politics. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) political party was founded in 2013 based upon "Euro-skeptical" populist and nationalist principles. It now polls 20%, placing it above all but one of the six major German political parties. Is the AfD a dangerous right-wing extremist force, or is it a constructive force representing conservative voters? Philip Franz Seitz, Ph.D., retired U.S. Foreign Service officer, offers his analysis.

Thursday, August 8 The Great Climate Change Migration Has Begun. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers and changing weather patterns produced by human-induced climate change will lead unprecedented numbers of people to flee their homes and move to safer areas. This great climate change migration is expected to involve over one billion people and has already begun. Dr. Peter Hudis, Oakton’s Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Humanities will focus on the people fleeing Southeast Asia, Central America and parts of Africa