Course Description

Instructor: Dan Zins (This is a discussion course)

I have long maintained, and continue to believe, that my generation, and my nation, suffers from a pervasive and malignant cynicism.  But in her best-selling book “Bright-Sided:  How Positive Thinking is Undermining America,” Barbara Ehrenreich makes a compelling case that residing on the other end of the pessimism-optimism continuum is no less dangerous.  As we examine her critique of the medical establishment, big business, why “God wants to be rich,” the “science” of positive psychology/magical thinking, etc., I encourage all of you to share your thoughts on what kind of realistic hope might be warranted at this perilous point in human history.