Brexit? Russia? Fall Speaker Forum Addresses Popular Topics

HEALDSBURG CA — The Healdsburg branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) is taking sign-ups for its upcoming fall forum, a popular learning series that runs October to November and open to the community, with this session's agenda addressing Britain and Russia.

Two separate, six-week courses are offered. The Tuesday courses will be taught by the ever-entertaining scholar Bruce Elliott and acclaimed Russian-born writer Anastasia Edel.

Bewildered by Brexit? Elliott will explain how England "has come to this divisive time," — with the professor adding zest to his lectures appearing in the garb of the times, organizers said.

How much do you know about Russia? A session taught by Edel gives an inside view to current political, economic, and cultural landscape of the current Russian government.

The forum courses are held at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, at 115 North St. in Healdsburg.

Schedule details:

BRITISH REVOLUTIONS: From the English Reformation to Brexit with Elliott, a Ph.D. who teaches at Stanford, UC Berkeley and SSU. Forum classes: Tuesdays, Oct. 8 – Nov. 12

"For all its vaunted antiquity and heritage, historically Great Britain was the most precocious of nations. Britain led the way into the modern era in many areas – social, political, cultural – fostering changes so profound as to be considered revolutionary. Sweeping through five centuries of British history, this course will lend background to the key revolutionary stages, from Henry VIII’s break with Rome to the Brexit secession from the European Union. Along the way, we’ll highlight leading characters, the Kings, Queens, and Knaves, who helped set the tone for their times, from Elizabeth the Virgin Queen, to Oscar Wilde, to Winston Churchill. As we provide context for Britain’s most significant historical moments, class lectures will be illustrated by extensive visuals."

UNDERSTANDING RUSSIA: Politics, History, and Culture with Edel , who teaches Russian culture and history at UC Berkeley. Thursdays, Oct. 10 – Nov. 14.

"Russia continues to dominate the news cycle- but how much do you actually know about the country and its people? Venturing beyond headlines, this class will give an inside view of Russian history, politics, and culture, looking into the very mind of the nation. What is behind Russia’s current slide into autocracy Which national myths, beliefs, and historic developments feed Putin’s anti-democratic ideology? Taught by an acclaimed writer and cultural critic, the course follows a multimedia format that intertwines the country’s latest political and cultural developments with historical perspectives expressed in film, music, and literature. Participants will emerge with understanding of Russia’s current political landscape, as well as possible motivators behind the actions of the Russian government."

Registration is underway. The enrollment fee is $95 for the six-week course and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Sign-up details and more information can be found here.

Proceeds support local educational programs and scholarships for women and girls.

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