Courses

Atoms, Energy and Society: The Power and Peril of Nuclear Physics

Instructor: Cas Milner

Nuclear reactors have a long history, beginning with the Manhattan Project. After decades of being out of favor, primarily because of public perceptions of danger, they are reemerging as part of our energy future. Microsoft has committed $1.6 billion to reopen one of the Three Mile Island reactor units, Google is funding the development of small modular reactors by Kairos, and Bill Gates has invested $1 billion in a TerraPower reactor under construction in Wyoming. Why is there new interest? Will the new reactors be safe? What will happen to the used radioactive reactor fuel? Are there risks related to terrorism and nuclear weapons proliferation?

Join us for a fascinating one-day exploration of nuclear energy’s history and evolving role in the global energy landscape. Discuss the promises and challenges of nuclear energy, including safety concerns, environmental impact and its potential to reduce carbon emissions.

Led by Cas Milner, adjunct professor of physics at SMU and veteran SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute instructor, this class offers a balanced, thought-provoking look at nuclear power’s past, present and future – perfect for curious minds eager to understand the basic science and social impact behind the headlines.

A Century of Showstoppers: American Musical Theater From 1925 to Today

Instructors: Blake Hackler and Joel Ferrell

Sashay into the exciting world of musical theater through a delightfully innovative one-day course that will whisk you through the rich history of this beloved art form. Picture the energy of Manhattan in the early 20th century: As cultures clashed and merged and World War I reshaped global politics, young American musical artists longed to tell deeper, more complex stories that reflected the world they experienced. These unique changes sparked a creative explosion and shift from operetta and vaudeville to daring musicals with heartfelt stories and unforgettable tunes. Starting with the groundbreaking Show Boat (1927), we’ll explore a century of beloved musicals and learn how composers like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Shaina Taub and Michael R. Jackson keep the tradition alive today.

Join Joel Ferrell, professor of practice in theatre and inaugural director of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre, as well as Broadway actor, writer, director and SMU faculty member Blake Hackler for a fun, insightful look at the musicals you love and discover new favorites. This one-day course will be the perfect accompaniment to the excitement of Saturday night’s Ima Leete Hutchison Concert celebrating musical magic!

Crafting Radiance: A Jewelry–Making Experience

Instructor: Jacqueline Gala

Make your own artistic creation in this one-day course. Jacqueline Gala is a Taos Pueblo and Hopi silversmith who has designed and created jewelry for more than 35 years. With a background in photography and painting, her creativity spans multiple outlets. Her jewelry is shown at jewelry shows, galleries and museums and is widely collected in international circles.

Although her favorite combination includes silver and turquoise, the inspiration and symbolism in her jewelry are continuously expanding her horizons in the quest to create new unique designs. Check out her work at jacquelinegala.com, learn from her expertise and come away with your own masterpiece. Equipment and materials for use during the course are included in the course fee.

Fly-Fishing in the Land of Enchantment

Instructor: The Solitary Angler

Experience a uniquely crafted all-day fly-fishing trip with the well-trained staff of The Solitary Angler. Catch a native Rio Grande cutthroat trout in the Rio Costilla within the spectacular Valle Vidal mountain basin of the Carson National Forest. Or visit the Rio de los Pinos, a fly-fisher’s haven, and take in the stunning canyon views of the Toltec Gorge. Enjoy the best of Colorado and Northern New Mexico along the way – magnificent scenery, beautiful weather and excellent year-round fly-fishing. For anglers seeking adventure far from the maddening crowd, your experienced guides are devoted to fishing and have trained anglers of all skill levels. They know when and where to cast a line and how to match your fishing skill level and aspirations with the right locations. Let them take you on a journey to reconnect with nature and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Note: Travel times to fishing locations may involve van rides that exceed more than one hour. SMU will coordinate with you on how to secure the required fishing licenses after registering for the course.

Intermediate Painting

Instructor: Gayle Weisfield

Calling all intermediate and advanced painters: this course is for you. Join Gayle Weisfield, award-winning watercolor artist and owner of Taos’ Western Skies Gallery and Studio, in this immersive watercolor painting class where her adventurous spirit and deep connection to western landscapes will inspire your creative journey. With a focus on self-expression and storytelling, Weisfield will guide you through developing your next masterpiece as you draw inspiration from the richness of the American West. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or vibrant scenes, this class offers a supportive environment for experimenting with or perfecting watercolor techniques and pushing your artistic boundaries. Prior painting experience is strongly recommended, as participants will dive right into creating their work of art. Materials will be provided.

Le Mariage Exquis: Carré D’agneau aux Oranges Amères et New Mexico Chile

Instructors: Georges Badoux and Keven Ann Willey

Explore the fusion of French elegance and New Mexico flavors with chef Georges Badoux in this hands-on cooking class. This year, master perfectly seared rack of lamb paired with classic French-style potatoes and a locally inspired vegetable dish. Elevate your culinary skills while blending rich traditions for a unique gourmet experience. Perfect for home chefs of all levels! Best of all, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of this one-day class.

Chef Georges spent nearly two decades running his own restaurants in Belgium before emigrating to the United States as a chef saucier (specialist in sauces). He helped found restaurants in Los Angeles before discovering the allure of Arizona and launching the acclaimed Le Bistro in Tucson, consistently rated as the top restaurant in the region. He will be assisted in class by his wife, Keven Ann Willey, who served for several years on the Pulitzer Prize board (and the Tate Lecture Series board) before retiring in 2018 as vice president and editorial page editor of The Dallas Morning News. Space is extremely limited for this one-day course.

Oppenheimer: Movie Viewing and Discussion

Instructor: Cas Milner

The movie Oppenheimer won seven Oscars in 2023, including Best Picture, and is based on the 2006 Pulitzer-winning book Oppenheimer: American Prometheus. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie traces the life of the “father of the atomic bomb” and stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and others in the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Participants attending this course will view the three-hour movie and, following lunch, participate in an in-depth discussion about the film with Cas Milner, adjunct professor of physics and veteran instructor of SMU’s Taos Cultural Institute Los Alamos course.

Presidents and Decision Points

Instructors: Jeffrey Engel and David Kramer

Easy issues don’t make it to the president’s desk. Only the most intractable problems require their attention, and their decisions drive our relations with the world and define their legacies. From crisis management to behind-the-scenes diplomacy, this one-day course will illuminate American history by exploring key presidential decisions that transformed our nation and shaped our world.

Jeffrey A. Engel, David Gergen Director of the Center for Presidential History at SMU and senior fellow of the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies, teams up for the first time with David J. Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and vice president of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, for this captivating one-day class. Be prepared for keen insights, enlightening perspectives and lively discussion about some of the most critical decision points in our nation’s history.

Six Decisions that Made the Modern American Economy

Instructor: Cullum Clark

Enter a lively, thought-provoking discussion of how a series of pivotal decisions by U.S. leaders during the final months of World War II and the early postwar years broke decisively with past policies and set the stage for America’s preeminence to this day.

We will consider how these decisions – on science and technology, higher education, emerging industries, international trade, modern infrastructure knitting the country together, and immigration – gave rise to an economy like no other, and why we’re at risk of undoing them today.

Cullum Clark, director of the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, adjunct professor of economics at SMU, and coauthor of The Texas Triangle: An Emerging Power in the Global Economy, will return to lead participants through this new course.

The Ultimate SMU-In-Taos Book Club

Instructors: Rena Pederson and Bryan Burrough

Two tales. Two award-winning journalists and authors. One unforgettable class.

American journalist and New York Times bestselling author Bryan Burrough teams up with award winning journalist Rena Pederson for the ultimate SMU-in-Taos Book Club.

First, discuss Burrough’s latest book, out June 3, entitled The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild, an epic reconstruction of the time and place that spawned America’s legendary gunfighters from Jesse James and Billy the Kid to Butch Cassidy and Wyatt Earp, and consideration of the ways Texas made it all possible.

Then, launch into new information about Rena Pederson’s latest work, The King of Diamonds, which tells the thrilling story of a brazen, uncatchable jewel thief who roamed the homes of Dallas high society during the Swinging Sixties.

As a special bonus, Pederson will give attendees a special sneak preview of her intriguing new book-in-progress, The Invisible Man.

These fast-paced, edgy page-turners will spark engaging discussions, with the authors themselves sharing valuable insights and answering questions. Prereading is encouraged to make the most of this unforgettable literary event.

Women of the West: Taos Artists and their Work

Instructors: Nicholas Myers and Jade Gutierrez

Explore the remarkable influence of women who shaped the history and culture of northern New Mexico in this enriching one-day class. Delve into the stories of powerful figures like Maria Martinez, Mabel Dodge Luhan, Dorothy Bratt, Agnes Martin and legendary artist Georgia O’Keeffe, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire. Discover the lasting impact of indigenous women and other key historical figures through engaging discussions and fascinating field trips to Martinez Hacienda and nearby museums to experience history firsthand.

Join returning husband-and-wife teaching duo Nicholas Myers and Jade Gutierrez for a brand-new course that promises a blend of storytelling, history and art appreciation perfect for lifelong learners. This is your opportunity to discover the extraordinary women who helped shape the cultural tapestry of northern New Mexico.