Do you enjoy talking with others about news of the day, hearing what they think is important, and why? If so, you’ll enjoy Hot Topics. We expect probing and exciting sessions that look at current items in the news. Members of the class take turns selecting a hot topic of the week – one that will stir discussion – and presenting key material to the class. The person presenting the topic gets things rolling with a few questions to stimulate discussion.
Don’t be surprised if at times the discussions become intense and controversial. Class members should plan to read the Providence Journal and either The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal – or both – along with other news sources they might want to look into. Any medium will do, paper or electronic, if the topics are timely, and hot.
Some of the topics presented recently include the American Presidential Election, Artificial Intelligence/ChatGPT, Ethics and the Supreme Court, and Politics of the U.S. Debt Limit.
Format: Each week one member of the group will choose one article on a current hot topic. After briefly presenting it to the group, they will pose the questions and lead the discussion. The coordinators will act as moderator of the session and help ensure that all viewpoints are heard.
Resources/Expenses: Participants will need access to the Internet and will share articles drawn from newspapers, journals, magazines, and/or news releases with the group by email. No expenses are anticipated.
Coordinators: Hugh Campbell & Lee Golden have successfully coordinated this very popular course many times in the past.