AI + U

October 24 - December 6, 2019

Canada is a world leader in the development of artificial intelligence. Now we must fathom the ethical and political questions it raises.

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Elizabeth Ivory
The China Dream

October 25 - November 25, 2018

When we launched our program on China in fall 2018, little did we know what the coming months would bring. Former ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques and others provided the insights we continue to need to understand Canada’s complex relationship with China.

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Elizabeth Ivory
Rivers: Currents of Change

April 5 - May 5, 2018

Rivers are old geography rich with mythology. They are the highways of history that have floated canoes, scows and steamboats across prairies and through mountains. We have built bridges over them, disgorged our waste into them, dammed them and done our best to change rivers – at our peril.

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Andrew J. Ryther
Russia

October 26 - November 24, 2017

How well do we know Russia? Its geography and history is epic. In the span of a century, it moved from a Tsarist past to the world’s first socialist republic. Then came the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today Russia is a country still defining itself, and a country the West is reluctant to trust.

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M R
Canada’s Arctic 2017

March 30 - May 7, 2017

Canada is a Northern Nation. Canada's Arctic makes up over 40% of our landmass and is home to more than 100,000 Canadians. It is an essential part of our national identity and it is vital to our future. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, Northumberland Learning Connection presents a program on the Canadian Arctic.

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M R
Exploring Islam

October 27 – December 2, 2016

Since the 7th century, Islam has existed in breathtaking variety as a religion, civilization, cultural and political force. To understand the Muslim experience, we will discuss different approaches to the study of Islam; learn about important episodes in Islamic history, and consider the experiences of Muslim women and youth.

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M R
Frontiers in Genetics

March 31 – May 5, 2016

Advances in genetics attract controversy.  Darwin’s theory of natural selection was attacked for the questions it raised about the origins of man.  Today, stunning breakthroughs in genetics promise to cure disease and feed the world. They also introduce ethical dilemmas and questions of security.

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Elizabeth Ivory
Making Sense of Now

October 22 - November 27, 2015

What we do and think about today would be unimaginable to previous generations - even to our slightly younger selves. During this 10th anniversary NLC program, we’ll examine how ideology, technology, environment, food and culture have undergone radical changes in recent years.  By placing the “now” in historical  context and imagining the future, we’ll have fun making sense of the contemporary world!

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Elizabeth Ivory
BEYOND A YARDSTICK

March 26 - May 1, 2015

Measurement began when people started counting on their fingers. Now we measure the incomprehensible, the invisible, and the untouchable: the size of the universe, electric currents in the brain, and the emotion aroused by music. Our spring 2015 series explores the nature of measuring, its current frontiers, and what it is telling us about our world and ourselves.

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Elizabeth Ivory
THE FUTURE OF THE PAST

October 23 – November 28, 2014

When it comes to archaeology, everything old is new again. Today’s archaeologists are unearthing fresh insights about our distant and more recent past. They’re collaborating with anthropologists and scientists, and applying precision tools like lasers and drones  to challenge theories about how societies functioned and evolved. From re-examining ancient fire and food practices to considering how contemporary politics influenced discoveries – and even excavating Nazi labour camps – they’re deepening our understanding of humanity. 

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Elizabeth Ivory