Fall 2009 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 14 through NOVEMBER 13

Monday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

FUN FLICKS OF THE 1930’S -- M
Don Demski, Coordinator

During the grim years of the 1930's Hollywood churned out some of the happiest, giddiest, "feel good" movies ever made. This was the era of Fred and Ginger, Mickey and Judy, Eleanor Powell, the Marx Brothers, W. C. Fields and the greatest choreographer of them all, Busby Berkeley. We'll watch the best of these classics and discuss how they helped America survive the Great Depression.
(Maximum participants 50, minimum 10)

WINSTON CHURCHILL—A CHAMPION OF FREEDOM -- M
Bob Masterson and Wally Whitley, Coordinators

Sir Winston Churchill was arguably the greatest leader of the 20th century, and one of the greatest democratic statesmen ever. His friend, colleague, and esteemed political foe Clement Attlee memorialized him as "the greatest Englishman of our time—I think the greatest citizen of the world of our time." Join us as we take a look at the life and times of this great man. We’ll follow the ups and downs of Churchill’s life from his birth in 1874 to his death in 1965. Along the way we’ll learn about the events of British history and World history, which occurred during his amazing 90 years.
NOTE: THIS IS A REPEAT PRESENTATION OF A STUDY GROUP ORIGINALLY PRESENTED IN FALL 2007. ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS STUDY GROUP WILL BEGIN IN WEEK 3, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 AND FINISH ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009 (8 WEEKS TOTAL).

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 and their portfolios during this recession. Basic principles will be covered along with strategies for achieving higher income both tax-free and taxable. There will be a fee of $5.83 per participant for cost of binder, payable first day of class, by check only.
(Minimum participants 5)

FROM MING TO MAO: 500 MORE YEARS OF CHINESE HISTORY -- M
John Wiese, Coordinator
It seems that nine weeks is not enough to cover 5000 years of China’s history so this study group picks up where we left off in the Spring – roughly 1500 AD. Attendance at the Spring study group is not necessary in order to enjoy this study of the fall of the last great dynasties and the rise of Communism.
Concluding the session will be a screening of the Bernardo Bertolucci film “The Last Emperor” which won nine Oscars including “Best Picture.” This study group will include Teaching Company lectures by Professor Kenneth J. Hammond and contributions from study group members.

Monday 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MUSICALS: FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD -- PL
Judith Ross, Terri Collins and Nora Kulm, Coordinators
There is a certain magic about the Broadway musical—a thrill and exhilaration that conjures up the memorable songs, the stars, the spectacular productions. This study group will explore the exciting world of stage musicals and their film adaptations. We will follow the 200-year evolution of the American theater from its roots in minstrel shows, African American jazz and vaudeville to the elaborate shows of today. We will ask you to think about live productions or filmed musicals you've seen and to discuss one of your favorites. NOTE: Peer participation is a crucial element of this study group.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

CLASSIC FILMS -- PL
Gordon Palmer and Ray Rukstales, Coordinators
Each week we will see a film and discuss various aspects of the film, including actors, directors, stories, music, etc. We will concentrate on “Classic” films of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, when all the great Hollywood movie studios were in their heyday. Films are generally over 40 years old. Class members are encouraged to present one of their favorite films from this era. Coordinators will provide assistance to presenters, if desired.

Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

MYTHS, RUMORS AND URBAN LEGENDS -- M
Jim Kacena and Bob Allen, Coordinators
We will study a ton of them – some true, some false and some “filled with remembrances of our youth”. There will be un-graded quizzes, power-point presentations and lots of fun. Subjects will include “Resurrection Mary”, “Big Foot”, the “Bermuda Triangle” and other mysteries. We dare you to attend.

ORIENTAL BRUSH PAINTING -- M
Carolyn Simons, Coordinator
Learn the basics of the art of Oriental brush painting. Discover the “Four Gentlemen” of the ancient art of ink painting on rice paper. First-time participants will pay a fee of $25 for materials. Former students are welcome to attend the sessions as a workshop (bring your own supplies and equipment).

Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

SHAKESPEARE, THE BARD -- PL
Mary Ann Mroz and Kathryn Dublinski, Coordinators
Join us to enjoy reading Shakespeare aloud and watching the DVD plays. Romeo and Juliet is a real romance that has it all: love, passion, mad blood stirring, and then tragedy. Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy, that intertwines two different love stories. We suggest the Folger editions, to be purchased/acquired before the class meets.
(Maximum participants 15, minimum 8)

WHO WROTE THE “WHO DONE ITS”? -- M
Carolyn Simons
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.

Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

CINEMA ACROSS THE GLOBE -- PL
Judith Ross and Harry Trumfio, Coordinators
Travel the world this fall with Judith and Harry as your movie tour guides. Observe lifestyles and situations that are both different, yet similar to our own, as we watch films from around the world. Each week a subtitled film will be viewed, analyzed and discussed. Don’t delay: book your World Cinema adventure today.

(Maximum participants 40, minimum 6)

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 administration in Washington contending with domestic and international situations of historic proportions, there will be no shortage of issues to discuss. Your participation will make for an interesting and thought-provoking exchange of ideas. All Democrats, Republicans and Independents are welcome!
(Minimum participants 15)

HIGHLIGHTS OF LITTLE KNOWN PRESIDENCIES -- M
Tom Dooley, Debby Miller and Earl Arnold, Coordinators
Forty-three men have served as President of the United States. Some, like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, FDR, Kennedy and Reagan are recognized as key historical figures. Others are neither well known nor long remembered. Yet each of their presidencies added notable aspects to American history. This study group will focus on the presidencies, achievements and shortcomings of such men as Monroe, Quincy Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, McKinley, Taft, Harding, Coolidge and both Harrisons. Come prepared to gain insights into little remembered but highly significant aspects of US history.

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION -- M
Harry Trumfio, Sue Harty and Anita Brandes, Coordinators
Come back with us to France, 1789. The country is being rocked by financial problems and social upheaval. The common people pay heavy taxes while the clergy and nobles pay none. The bourgeois and laborers lack the freedom and political power to do anything about their plight. The success of the Americans, the writings of Enlightenment thinkers and growing discontent inspire the French people to rise against King Louis XVI. Walk with us as we explore events and learn about the people who made these years the most tumultuous in French history.
(Maximum participants 48, minimum 10)

Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

A POTPOURRI OF SCIENCE II -- M
Don Carlson, Coordinator
“Does Science Give us the Truth?” We will start here, and then go on to look at “Mysteries of the Universe”, “Parallel Worlds”, “Alien Faces” and Time. Additional topics include “How Life Began”, “The Permian Extinction”, possibly our earliest ancestor, and genetics. The format will be video and lectures with time for class discussions.
(Minimum participants 8)

THE HIGH MIDDLE AGES -- M
Les Miller, Anita Brandes and Kathleen Miller, Coordinators
Words like "crusade" and "inquisition" stir passions, while institutions developed between 1000 and 1400 continue to shape political alignments, social attitudes, and habits of thought. This study group will examine events and ideas of the era of knights and ladies, saints and scoundrels, troubadours and philosophers, in light of recent scholarship.

Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

CHOREOGRAPHERS OF STAGE AND SCREEN -- M
Barb Henry and Jan Mullins, Coordinators
The choreographer’s contribution to stage and screen is an important element in a musical’s story telling. Focusing on one choreographer each week, we will view selections from Busby Berkley, Fred Astaire, Michael Kidd, Gene Kelly, Jerome Robbins, Onna White, Bob Fosse, Hermes Pan and others.

CHRISTIANITY IN THE AGE OF SCIENCE -- M
Rem Stokes, Coordinator
This study group is the tenth in a series on the evolution of Christianity. It deals with the conflicts that have arisen between the Christian values provided in the Bible and the realm of science: scientific findings, perspectives and theories. NOTE: this is a stand-alone course, not dependent on attending the previous sessions in this series.
(Minimum participants 8)

Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO SEASON -- M
Howard and Mary Robins, Coordinators
The eight operas of the Lyric 2009-10 season will be presented in lecture format with musical highlights. Tosca, Faust, Ernani, Katya Kabanova, The Merry Widow, Elixir of Love, Damnation of Faust, Marriage of Figaro--each class will be presented by a member of Lyric’s Award Winning Education Corps. This study group will be conducted during the first 8 weeks of the fall schedule. NOTE: Participants will be required to submit a check for $15 payable to Lyric Opera Education Dept.

GREAT ARTISTS OF THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE -- M
Bob Masterson, Coordinator
No era of artistic achievement is as renowned as the Renaissance, and no country holds a higher place in that period than Italy. The supreme works created in Florence, Rome, Venice, and other Italian cities by such masters as da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian have never been equaled. To view these works is to enter a world that is incomparably rich, filled with emotion and drama. 
Altogether, the Renaissance lasted about 120 years, and the period of the High Renaissance a little over 40 years. No later Western art can be discussed without reference to this era—especially as it matured and flourished in the cities of Italy. NOTE: THIS STUDY GROUP WILL BEGIN IN WEEK 3 ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009 AND END ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009 (A TOTAL OF 8 WEEKS).

Friday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: HIS LIFE AND TIMES -- M
Tom Gavigan and Joel Menig, Coordinators

Join us for a journey through the life and times of our sixteenth president. Along with viewing the Teaching Company’s “Mr. Lincoln-The Life of Abraham Lincoln”, we will supplement our journey with coordinator presentations and group discussions. Lincoln was a fascinating, sometimes controversial, and in many ways enigmatic man. Come join in for what we are sure will be an informative and interesting experience.

NOTE: An ICL field trip to Civil War related sites in the Chicago area will be conducted on October 2. Bill Hinchliff will be the trip guide, and there will be bus transportation. This field trip will take the place of our study group session on October 2. We will make up for that session on November 20. ALSO NOTE: taking the field trip is voluntary: those who take the trip will pay a fee—to be announced—but you may attend the study group sessions and choose to not go on the trip.

MUSIC OF THE RENAISSANCE -- M
Steve Wolf, Coordinator

Join us to hear and learn about the music of this extraordinary era. We’ll have video and audio performances, video lectures by Professor Robert Greenberg, documentaries and documents from the period. We’ll sample courtly dances, soulful ballads, madrigals and sacred music—Catholic and Protestant. We’ll learn about wonderful and unusual instruments of the period, and we’ll get acquainted with the leading composers. Explore the most exciting and innovative musical era in history.
(Minimum participants 10)

 

 

Updated Aug 10, 2009