Was the United States founded as a Christian nation? Or was it founded on the bedrock principle of church- state separation? How did the founders envision religion's place in American public life? And what do their ideas mean for us today? In this class, we will explore competing perspectives on these questions and try to gain some insight into why they are so hard to answer. We will analyze historical sources, including founding documents and landmark cases, alongside contemporary voices who mobilize the authority of the founders in remarkably different ways. Our aim will be not to resolve these thorny disputes but instead to understand why they continue to matter- and why they remain so contested. We'll explore this topic more with open class discussions.

October 13 and 20

Isaac Weiner: Returning OWLS favorite- Professor Weiner is a scholar of religious studies with research interests in pluralism, law, and culture. He is the co- director of the American Religious Sounds Project, which documents the diversity of Religious life, and is co-editor of Religion Law.

This course will focus on an in- depth analysis of short stories. The aim is to equip participants with the tools to analyze these stories, create their own narratives, and refine them. This course is designed to enhance storytelling skills and will cover four distinct sessions on the following topics, including participant discussion.

1. "Where to Start: Beginning Stories" Studies effective story openings, discusses what makes them compelling, and how they foreshadow future developments in the narrative before crafting their own beginnings.

2. Landing the Plane: Ending Stories" emphasizes the importance of strong story endings, analyzes exemplary conclusions to understand how they fulfill narrative expectations, and engages in practical exercises to create resonant endings.

3. "Plotting in the Drafting Stages" explores the role of plot in narratives, covering the relationship between plot and character, and examining how pivotal events shape storytelling through examples from short stories.

4. "Over-Plotting" addresses the pitfalls of excessive plotting in story drafts, examining how overreliance on plot can lead to predictable narratives, and engaging in discussions and exercises to foster innovative, engaging story development.

October 22 and 23

Jerry Gabriel: An Ohio native and graduate from the Ohio State University, Jerry's first novel, Deserters, was published in May 2026. He is the author of two collections of stories. The Let Go (Queen's Ferry Press, 2015 and Drowned Boy (Sarabande, 2010), which won the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction, was a Barnes & Noble "Discover New Writers"pick and was awarded the 2011 Towson Prize for Literature. His stories have appeared in One Story and Epoch Fiction. The Missouri Review and Alaska Quarterly among other publications. He has received numerous grants and fellowships. He lives in Maryland with his family and teaches writing at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

Jerry 

Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the vibrant history of Columbus! Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating tale of this remarkable city. We will trace its roots from prehistoric times to the time it became the capital city. We will uncover the colorful stories behind its renowned dining scene, celebrating the beloved restaurants that have shaped its culinary landscape throughout the years. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning architecture and breathtaking public art that adorns the streets of Columbus. We will also learn about the enchanted waterways, including the canals, to discover how they influence the city's development and character. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the rich heritage and dynamic spirit of Columbus.

Presenters include: Jack Benjamin, current President, and Diane Frush (Board of Trustees) of the Columbus Historical Society; Kay Bea Jones, emeritus professor of the Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture; and Peter Bowen Riley, Professor of Humanities at Columbus State Community College