Fall 2024 Potpourri I

September 9 – Manifest Destiny: Fact or Fiction with Diana Ahmad
In 1845, journalist John L. O’Sullivan coined the term “Manifest Destiny,” the belief that the United States was destined by God to spread its empire across North America. Manifest Destiny served as justification for 19th-century expansion to California and Oregon, and later to the southern and western Pacific Ocean. The significance of Manifest Destiny lies in its belief of American self-confidence and sense of superiority. Learn what Manifest Destiny means and its impact on the United States.

September 16 – How Children Understand Race with Erin Winkler
There is a myth in popular culture that children are “colorblind” or don’t notice race. This leads many adults to avoid engaging young children about race or racism. In this presentation, Prof. Erin Winkler will review the research on children’s understandings of race, including how ideas about race form, what children learn and when, why we see changes at various ages, why all of this matters and how adults can help children understand racial identity, racism and racial inequities in age-appropriate ways that empower the young children in their lives.

September 23 – Surviving the Medical System for Seniors with Jerrold Weinberg
Senior citizens, despite often long and successful careers, are often surprisingly unprepared for their future lives, especially regarding health issues. This lecture will provide practical advice on how to maximize your health and successfully navigate the complicated medical system.

Instructors

Diana Ahmad, Ph.D.

Dr. Ahmad is a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita of American history at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. She specializes in history of the American West, including animals on the overland trails and the expansion of the U.S. ... read more

Erin Winkler

Dr. Erin N. Winkler is associate professor of African and African Diaspora Studies and Urban Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she also serves on the advisory boards of Childhood and Adolescent Studies; Ethnic Studies; and Latin American, Caribbean, ... read more

Jerrold Weinberg

Jerrold Weinbeg, M.D., has been a practicing Obstetrician/Gynecologist in the Detroit Metropolitan area for 50 years, the last 25 of which he specialized in menopausal medicine. During his career he also developed a passionate interest in Jewish medical ethics, quality ... read more