This in-person program encourages and develops group discussion on critical worldwide issues, be they social, economic or political, in a complex and changing world. The topics to be discussed will be selected by course members from a list of important issues presented at the first meeting. Most weeks, a volunteer member of the group will provide subject background and questions to help initiate discussion. A guest speaker may be invited on occasion. The program strives to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to participate and that the tradition of civil discourse will be maintained in a stimulating setting. Time will also be set aside at each meeting for discussion of topical international events.