Mark Twain

And The Award Goes to Laughter

Harper College popular presenter Myra Loris takes an in-depth look at the role of humor, wit, and wisdom as part of the American Experience. Loris will focus on Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and other American humorists who, while they were amusing the masses, also promoted social change and the expansion of equality.

white house

And The Award Goes To … National Treasures! with Myra Loris

National Treasures looks at some of our monuments, icons of the American Experience, that illustrate American idealism, creativity, and historical relevance. Topics include the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII and Vietnam Memorials, and the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. If you haven’t yet experienced a Myra Loris lecture, come. Myra is a…

franklin, jefferson, washington

Harper College: The Rule of Law

As political humorist P.J. O’Rourke famously put it, “The U.S. Constitution is less than a quarter the length of the owner’s manual for a 1998 Toyota Camry, and yet it has managed to keep 300 million of the world’s most unruly, passionate and energetic people safe, prosperous and free.” In the last of her five-part series, Why I’m Optimistic, Myra examines, both current issues challenging Constitutional norms and historical examples of the power of the rule of law to, eventually, attempt to provide “Liberty and Justice For All.”

Women's suffrage Votes for Women

Harper College: Do Not Forget the Ladies

In the fourth of her five-part series “Why I’m Optimistic”, Myra Loris explores, both personal and historical, reasons for optimism in an often complex and confusing world. “Do Not Forget the Ladies” will look at the historical and ongoing struggle of American women.

Earth being held

Harper College: Onward and Upward

In the third of her five-part series “Why I’m Optimistic”, Myra Loris looks at the many ways in which science, technology, and protection of the environment have accelerated as priorities in contemporary America, often in the face of opposition and deregulation. She will discuss advances in space and medicine, the fight against climate change and much more!

Harper College: A Child Shall Lead Them with Myra Loris

In the second of her five-part series “Why I’m Optimistic,” Myra Loris takes a look at the prominence of young people as agents of social change and expanded equality both past and present. Topics include the Children’s March of 1903, the Children’s Crusade of 1963, the “Never Again” March of 2018, and much more. She breaks down trends and events in contemporary American life that encourage optimism;in short, why we have reasons to be optimistic.

Smiley face among many frown faces

Why I’m Optimistic with Myra Loris

In the first of her five-part series, Harper College Instructor Myra Loris presents Optimism Overall: a look at prominent contemporary and historical philosophies about the power of optimism. She’ll include a breakdown of trends and events in contemporary American life that encourage optimism; in short, why we have reason to be optimistic.

Agriculture graphic

Why It Matters: Culture

What is the role of the arts and culture? Harper College instructor Myra Loris explores some of the ways in which culture has reflected and created a unique American historical experience. Review the New Deal Arts Programs at the 1933 and 1965 World’s Fairs, art as a propaganda tool during WWII, and more.

Waving at ship

Why It Matters: Immigration

Harper College instructor Myra Loris shares current issues relating to immigration and when, historically, we have addressed the issues in successful and meaningful ways, advancing both the individuals involved and the nation. Focuses on the work and ideas of Jacob Riis, Lillian Wald, Jane Addams, LBJ and more.

Why It Matters: Infrastructure

Harper College instructor Myra Loris explores the current state of US infrastructure and when, historically, we have successfully mastered the infrastructure challenges that an expanding nation required. She will examine the Transcontinental Railroad, the Erie Canal, the WPA, the Federal Highway Program and more.