The Herr Lectures Series

Dr. Carla Peck is Professor of Social Studies Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. She is the Director of "Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future." Her latest book, Rescuing Reason: How History Education Can Help Save Democracy, will be published in 2026 by the University of Toronto Press.

In her lecture, Dr. Peck will explore the politicization of the social studies curriculum in Alberta. She will show how the curriculum came to prioritize ideologically driven content and outdated instructional methods over the interests of students. She will present alternative instructional methods and discuss how social studies education can help save democracy.

The Abrahamic Religions: A History of Conflict and Cooperation" is a course in the history of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic interfaith relations. The course will include topics such as The First Crusade, The Spanish Inquisition, antisemitism, Zionism, religious pluralism, and coexistence. Dr. Graham will explain the causes of religious conflict and explore instances of interfaith cooperation. He will present numerous historical examples of both antagonistic and collaborative interactions between the three religions.

This course is done with the Herr Lectures and Life Long Learning Association, taught by Assistant Professor of Humanities at Burman University, Dr. Glen Graham

To bring leading experts to Central Alberta to address pressing social and political issues facing Canadians during a time of widespread partisanship, extremism, and misinformation.

To build bridges between diverse cultures, estranged social groups, and political adversaries by creating inclusive, respectful spaces for community, education, and thoughtful interaction.