Fall 2008 Study Groups
Institute for Continued Learning

Also see: Past Study Groups

• PL--Denotes peer led format
• M--Denotes lecture or video format with interaction between participants and coordinator or visiting speaker

SEPTEMBER 15 through NOVEMBER 14

Monday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“WORLD WAR I: THE GREAT WAR” M   
Sue Harty, Bob Masterson, David (Sully) Sullivan and Harry Trumfio, Coordinators
Europe was easily the richest and most powerful region of the world at the start of the 20th century. An assassination by a terrorist in Sarajevo fanned the long smoldering embers of dispute to give rise to the “War to End All Wars. We will discuss not only the military aspects of the major campaigns, but also the political, social and cultural implications of this titanic struggle for dominance. . The coordinators will use a multi-media approach combining Teaching Company material, DVD’s and PowerPoint presentations. Participants are encouraged to take part in discussions and presentations. A list of subjects will be available at the first study group session.

“ MORE MINORITIES”  M

Kathryn Norcross Black, Coordinator

Again you will learn about a minority group member. We will listen to and ask questions of some unusual minorities. You may sympathize, you may disagree. Examples of likely guests include: the head of a school for the gifted; an ICL author; an atheist; a representative from the Theosophical Society; someone with HIV/AIDS; and more!

Monday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING” M    
Brian Magura, Coordinator
This study group is designed to help the retiree or near retiree gain a better understanding of investments..  This class will review some of the basic principles taught in the spring and summer sessions as well as build upon them with additional timely topics. The knowledge you acquire will help you become a better investor.  

Fee:  $8 per participant for cost of study binder.

“CONQUEST OF THE AMERICAS”   M    
John Wiese, Coordinator
Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas in 1492 initiated a collision between three distinct peoples and cultures: European, African, and Native American. The story of exploration and its impact upon the Indian cultures of the area will be told via a series of video lectures by Professor Marshall Eakin of Vanderbilt University. He will describe the wondrous accomplishments of the great Native American empires, the influences of European and African cultures, and the manner in which these three peoples combined to form a uniquely American culture. The video lectures will be supplemented by class discussion and mini-presentations by class participants.

Monday 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

“SHERLOCK HOLMES  MYSTERIES”   M  (Note: 3:30 finish time allows for discussion)  
Jack McKee, Coordinator
Each week we will view and discuss one or two Sherlock Holmes stories as presented from the PBS series (1984-1994) starring Jeremy Brett as Holmes.  The mysteries will be viewed in the order that they were published.  To prepare for the first class, read A Study in Scarlet.  

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“CLASSIC FILMS”    PL (Note: 9:00 a.m. start time allows for discussion)
Jack McKee and  Gordon Palmer, Coordinators
Please join us as we see and discuss the classic films of years gone by.  We will concentrate on movies of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s when all the great Hollywood movie studios were in their heyday.  You will have a chance to show the group your favorite movie from this era.

Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“INVENTIONS THAT SAVED THE WORLD”   M
Jim Kacena and Bob Allen,  Coordinators
We will examine key inventions from the wheel and the zipper to airplanes and cell phones. Discussions will involve PowerPoint presentations, videos and participant presentations focused upon the inventors and the impact their creations have had on our lives.

“ORIENTAL BRUSH PAINTING”  PL
Carolyn Simons, Coordinator
This is a beginner’s workshop to learn the basics of oriental brush painting.  Former students are also invited to hone their skills.  Please note: Beginners there is a fee for materials which will be discussed the first day of the workshop.  Former students:  Please bring your own supplies and equipment.

Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“MAKIN’ OF A TODDLING TOWN”   PL
Don Demski, Coordinator
You won’t learn anything about Daniel Burnham, Marshall Field or Potter Palmer in this class. You will learn about Big Jim, Big Bill, Big Al and Big Tuna. Meet the colorful characters who gave the city its personality. We’ll go to the World’s Fair, Riverview, ballrooms, theaters, restaurants, jazz venues and sports stadiums. They did things here that they didn’t do on Broadway!

“NEW YORKER”      PL

Jan Biegert and Ruth Sellers, Coordinators
Even non-New Yorkers will enjoy the timely reporting, reviews and essays as well as the fiction, poetry and famous cartoons of this magazine. Each week we will discuss one article and the fiction selection in depth. Everyone is expected to lead a discussion on at least one occasion. Please bring the September 8 issue to the first class and be prepared to discuss the fiction selection. Participants can borrow copies of the magazine from local libraries or subscribe at the student rate through forms available at the Roosevelt bookstore.

Minimum participants 15, maximum 25.

“WHO WROTE THE WHO DONE ITS?”   M
Carolyn Simons, Coordinator
Join us this fall as we hunt for clues and seek out facts about the authors who wrote the mystery novels we all love to read. If you have a favorite, you can share it with the group.

 

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“CURRENT EVENTS”   PL
Bob Gilden, Coordinator
Participate in a lively, stimulating and provocative discussion of current events. With the forthcoming presidential election, credit crunch, the Iraq war and other foreign conflicts, there will be no shortage of issues to discuss. Your participation will make for an interesting and thought-provoking exchange of ideas.

“GREAT TRIALS, PART 2 ”   M
Harry Trumfio and Sue Harty, Coordinators
Courtroom trials are the stuff of high drama, involving tales of scandalous deeds, reversals of fortune, and impassioned rhetoric. Trials are windows through which to examine the attitudes and passions of the day.  PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, and audio lectures will be used to examine some of the famous and not so famous trials of the past.. Study group participants will be asked to research and present a trial of interest to them.  The coordinators will provide resources and bibliographies.  Part 1 attendance is not necessary for participation in Part 2 of the study group.

“UFOs, AND OTHER PHENOMENA:  FAITH, SCIENCE OR WHAT?”  PL
Don Carlson, Coordinator
Experiences of UFO sightings, aliens, ESP, and other phenomena are often reported.  Perhaps you have had a personal experience.  Is there real evidence and science behind these phenomena?  Is the mind playing tricks on us?  Let’s see what we can uncover.

Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

“FREEDOM AND LIBERTY:  A HISTORICAL INSIGHT”   M  
Tom Dooley, Earl Arnold and Sue Harty, Coordinators
We will examine political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of freedom and liberty throughout history by focusing on various seminal eras: Greece, Rome, Christianity, Declaration of Independence/U.S. Constitution, World War II and the last decades of 20th century. Our presentations will be coordinated with The Teaching Company’s “History of Freedom” DVD, featuring Professor J. Rufus Fears (familiar to ICL members from the Winston Churchill DVD).

“CURRENT LEGAL ISSUES”    M

Les Miller, Coordinator

We will cover leading cases and statutes regarding freedom of religion and establishment of religion.  Current cases and legal issues in the news and other topics of interest to study group members will also be matter for discussion.

“TICKLING YOUR MUSE: CREATIVE WRITING FOR ALL”   PL
Pernetta Deemer,  Kathleen McGahey and Harry Trumfio, Coordinators
For newcomers and veterans alike, these sessions will address creative writing done during and outside the study group. Starter sentences and pictures will serve as ideas for short bursts of writing activity. We also plan workshops during which participants may share and receive feedback on things they have written for the study group or prior work they have done.

 

Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“CHRISTIANITY IN AN AGE OF REVOLUTION”    M

Rem Stokes, Coordinator

This study group is the eighth in a series on the evolution of Christianity. The second half of the 19th century was marked by political revolutions, the rise of nationalism, existentialism, socialism, communism, Darwinism, Nietzsche's nihilism and the problems of slavery and anti-Semitism -- all with profound influences on Christianity. This is a stand-alone course, not dependent on the previous study groups.

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 “AMERICAN SHORT STORIES”   PL

Mary Bombera, Coordinator

A new collection of stories, The New Grantos Book of American Short Stories, edited by Richard Ford, 2007, will be used. We will discuss two stories each week by authors such as John Updike, John Cheever and Flannery O’Connor. Each participant will lead the discussion of one story. The text is available at Amazon.com and other bookstores.

 

“FROM THE ATTIC WINDOW-QUILTING”   PL

Vern Johnson, Coordinator

Participants will make blocks with names of things that can be seen from an attic window.  You can look out, you can look in.  One block will require seven fabrics besides the two setting fabrics.  You can hand piece or machine.  Beginners are welcome.

Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

 

“SUN STYLE TAI CHI”   M      [ICL members will be asked to pay a $15 fee (payable up front) to participate in this 9 week session.]

Kim Curtis, Coordinator 

Tai Chi is a 2,000-year-old martial art from China. It focuses on teaching proper balance, flexibility, good posture and breathing. It is a non-impact sport. Loose-fitting clothes and gym shoes plus a willingness to learn and have fun are all that is needed. Kim Curtis is a certified Tai Chi instructor and works with those who have disabilities. She tries to work within the capabilities of each student.

 

 

Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“THE TURBULENT THIRTIES – NEW  DEAL AMERICA”   M

Joe Maladra, Peter Marron, Sue Harty, Coordinators

 The “Turbulent Thirties” saw America reinvent itself as it fought against the worst economic disaster in its history and the specter of a world war. It was a time of great technological and social advancement accompanied by unprecedented federal involvement in the economy and in the lives of American citizens, whether they lived on farms or in cities. Videos, PowerPoint presentations and peer-led discussions will all be used to bring the period to the study group.

“SHAKESPEARE  IN LOVE”   PL

Mary Ann Mroz and Kathryn Dublinski, Coordinators

For those who always were going to read these famous plays, and for those who wish to hear this beautiful language again, this course is for you!  First, we will read and discuss and then we will watch the DVD’s.  Join us for the merriment in pentameter form! King Henry IV, Part I and the Taming of the Shrew are two plays we will examine.

“WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF OPERA”  M  (NOTE: 8 weeks--begins SECOND week on 9/25).

Howard & Mary Robins, Coordinators

[Participants must submit a check for $20.00--payable to the Lyric Opera Education Department—to the coordinators at the first session.]

This is an introduction to the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2008-09 productions. Lectures and music from the operas will be presented by members of the Lyric’s award-winning Lecture Corps. The season’s operas are: Massenet’s Manon, Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, Berg’s Lulu, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, Leoncavallo’s Pagliaci, and Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio.

Friday 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

 

“BACH AGAIN BY POPULAR DEMAND”   M

Steve Wolf, Coordinator

Enjoy video/audio performances of the music of J. S. Bach. Learn about his life and times from authoritative lecture videos. Sessions may include guest lecture(s), live performances and peer presentations.

 

 “JESUS WAS A LIBERAL” (Part 2)  M

Joe Sheridan, Coordinator

This study group continues discussions begun during the summer session. If you wish to participate in spiritual lectures and debates then this group is for you.  Joe Sheridan, author of Jesus Was a Liberal, describes himself as a social liberal and economic conservative.  Each week his study group will consist of a short discourse and a long discussion on contemporary American politics.  Be prepared to share your point of view.  All opinions are welcome.  Attendance at the summer study group sessions was not required for participation in this session.

 

Updated Aug 2, 2008