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Spring 2008 Study Groups Also see: Past Study Groups
MARCH 24 through MAY 23 Monday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. “THE HISTORY OF IMPRESSIONISM” M Bob Masterson, Coordinator Who were the Impressionists? They appeared in a period of upheaval. They saw the rebuilding of Paris, the rise of industrialism, the ruin of the Franco-Prussian war. They displayed their works – paintings that were startlingly, even shockingly, new in a series of exhibitions from 1874 to 1886. And by the 1890s this “loose coalition” of artists who rebelled against the formality of the French Academy had created the most famous artistic movement in history. Join us as we learn about these artists and their times. Our guide will be Professor Richard Brettell of the Teaching Company. NOTE: This study group will continue into the summer session. Monday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. “INVESTING IN RETIREMENT” M “MUSIC OF THE IMPRESSIONIST ERA” M Steve Wolf, Coordinator Towards the end of the Romantic Era, Debussy and Ravel led the development of a new music that was rich and sensuous in representing mood and atmosphere – music relating to perceptions and images, often evoking concepts of color, light and texture. Sessions will employ video, audio, and PowerPoint material. Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. "CLASSIC FILMS” PL (Note: 9:00 a.m. start time to allow for discussion) Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. “ILLINOIS – LIVES AND LEGENDS OF THE PRAIRIE STATE” M Jim Kacena and Bob Allen, Coordinators Subject matter will include the State’s historical beginnings and early pioneer spirit…many of its citizens who have had a significant impact locally, nationally, and internationally in all aspects,…its diverse regions, from the Little Egypt sector in the south to its bustling metropolitan areas in the central and northern parts… Considerable attention will be given to the little-known, but interesting and important, facts and fallacies. Format will be lecture, PowerPoint, videos and participant discussions “HOW TO BE A RESPOSIBLE PATIENT, PART 2” M Sue Harty, Peter Marron, Cathy Jensen, Margo Temple, Coordinators You’ll learn about risk factors for major causes of disability and death and how you can be proactive in terms of early detection and prevention to maximize your chance of living a full and healthy life. We will use Dr. Sheldon Cohen’s books: The Patient’s Guide to the Complete Medical Examination and the Prevention of Medical Errors and Am I at Risk? The Patient’s Guide to Health Risk Factors. Order books from Amazon.com. Dr. Cohen will be featured as a guest lecturer and will be available for book signing after this lecture. (Note: Date and time of Dr. Cohen’s lecture will be announced at a later date.)
“WAS SOCRATES REALLY SERIOUS?” M Don Carlson, Coordinator Socrates is claimed to have said, “…the unexamined life is not worth living.” What is the examined life? Videos of philosophers presenting their views will be followed by class discussion. Maximum participants: 15
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. “SUN STYLE TAI CHI” M [ICL members will be asked to pay a $15 fee (payable before the first class) 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 comfortable shoes (gym shoes) plus a willingness to learn and have fun are all that is needed. Sun style has 31 easy to learn moves and is one of the five major and newest Tai Chic styles. 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.
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. “SHAKESPEARE: ROMANCE, TRAGEDY, COMEDY, HISTORY” PL Carol Mary Johnson and Mary Ann Mroz, Coordinators We will read out loud and view the plays: Richard II and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. “Deposing your king for fun and profit, abdication and murder – love and marriage, wrongs are righted, love and friendship are restored.” More word play, running jokes and topical allusions. No previous exposure required or necessary. We recommend the FOLGER edition of the plays. Jan Biegert and Ruth Sellers, Coordinators Even non-New Yorkers will enjoy the timely reporting, reviews, and essays as well as the short stories, poetry and of course, those famous cartoons! Each week we will discuss one article and the fiction section in depth. Everyone is expected to lead a discussion on at least one occasion. Participants will be notified of the magazine issue and readings for the first class in advance. Copies of the magazine may be borrowed at local libraries or there are forms for student rate subscriptions available at the Roosevelt bookstore. Minimum participants: 12 Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. “AMERICAN PRESIDENTS – FOR BETTER OR WORSE” M (Note: 3:30 p.m. end time to allow for discussion) David Sullivan, Terri Collins, Sue Harty, Coordinators In this film study class, we will explore the “Heart of Darkness” and the colossal “goodness” of selected real and fictional American Presidents, their women and their legacies. Class participation will be encouraged.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Bob Gilden, Coordinator Come participate in a lively, stimulating and provocative discussion of current events. With the forthcoming presidential election, credit crunch, and the Iraq war and other foreign conflicts, there will be no shortage of issues to discuss. Your participation in the discussions will make for an interesting and thought-provoking exchange of ideas. “CITIES AND REGIONS OF THE WORLD” PL Don Dierson and Debby Miller, Coordinators Learn about the attributes and amenities, landmarks and landscapes, aesthetics, dining and dancing, government and geography – and many other facts and fantasies of about 18 of the top regions and cities (two per weekly session). Study group participants will be asked to select their favorite city or region and tell us all about it. We will look at films and related materials of the different places you have visited or dreamed about. Harry Trumfio and Sue Harty, Coordinators FAMOUS TRIALS. Courtroom trials are the stuff of high drama, involving tales of scandalous deeds, reversals of fortune, and impassioned rhetoric. Trials are theater and history. They 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 most famous trials in history. Come join us and explore the facts of famous cases and the impact decisions have made upon the justice system and society. Study group participants will be asked to research and present a trial of interest to them. The coordinators will provide resources and bibliographies. “WELLNESS JOURNEY – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FEEL GOOD” M Bill Niedbala, Coordinator Participants will take an entertaining romp through the numerous mind/body pathways of Wellness. Using Dr. Candice Pert, world renowned pharmacologist, as the backdrop, we will journey through her personal experiences with arthritis, diet, self esteem, depression, family relationship and spiritual growth. Lively discussions and information sharing will serve as a cornerstone of our interactive class. DVDs, audiotapes, new books, speakers may be used. “HISTORY OF THE SUPREME COURT, PART 2” M Les Miller, Coordinator This semester we will watch the last 18 lectures in Professor Irons’ History of the Supreme Court course, which will cover cases from the end of WWI through 2000. The coordinator will discuss recent cases on themes covered by Professor Irons as well as other current issues “THE ROOSEVELTS: A TREMENDOUS TRIO” M Earl Arnold and Tom Dooley, Coordinators TR – FDR – ELEANOR. Three members of the same family dominated the history and headlines of the USA and the world for more than six decades, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. Trust Busters, Rough Riders, Bull Moosers, New Dealers, World War II Warriors, Suffragettes, Campaigners, Heroes, Heroines, UN Delegates and hundreds of other personalities and events that shaped the nation from the 1890s through the 1940s will be brought to life in films, facts and fictions as we trace the adventures, achievements, shortcomings, and personal life experiences of Eleanor, Teddy and Franklin. “THE OLYMPICS – THE ULTIMATE TEST OF EXCELLENCE” PL Nancy Cygan and Elizabeth Denny, Coordinators Everyone loves something about the Olympics: How it connects us to the ancient games, the theatrics of the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the honor of running the torch and of course, the amazing athletes. In anticipation of the Beijing Summer Games, come share your enthusiasm for the world’s most exciting sporting event where, for a short period, the world comes together in celebration. Study group participants (two per week) will be asked to select an Olympic topic of their choice and tell us about it. Bring your topic to the first class or we’ll provide you with some ideas. Wednesday 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. “FILM NOIR: THE BLACK AND WHITE OF IT” M [Notes: 1). This 5 week study group begins Wednesday March 26 and ends Wednesday April 23, 2008. 2). 3:30 p.m. end time to allow for discussion] Anne Schneider and Harry Trumfio, Coordinators Join us in the moody, dark, shadowy world of film noir. The world is populated by femmes fatales and regular guys who fall for them along with shady characters and likeable people who are pulled into the dark world of murder and mayhem. We will view five films, including Detour and Out of the Past as we explore this interesting genre. Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. “CHRISTIANITY IN AN AGE OF IDEOLOGY” M Rem Stokes, Coordinator This study group is the seventh in a series on the evolution of Christianity. It focuses on the influences of the nineteenth century, including Marx, Darwin, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and the rise of nationalism. This is a stand-alone course, not dependent on the previous study groups. “SOME MYSTERIES OF THE WORLD” PL Margo Temple, Norine Tempelman, Bob Long, Coordinators Ever wonder about Edgar Cayce, “the sleeping medical prophet”; the Lines in the Nazca desert or about UFOs? Class interaction will be a major part of the “hunt” for answers while examining some perplexing wonders (AND the fun!) The last class will be held in the Penthouse, and will feature guest speakers and local TV coverage focusing on the Paranormal. The date will be announced later. “GREAT BOOKS: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS” PL Mary Bombera, Coordinator This study group will use the new collection of short stories, The Seven Deadly Sins Sampler, to explore the hidden recesses of sinful thought and behavior. Authors such as William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, and Anton Chekhov present different ways of looking at sin which will stimulate lively discussion and serious reflection. Each member will be expected to lead a discussion on one story. Books are available at: greatbooks.com “ORIENTAL BRUSH PAINTING WORKSHOP” ” PL Carolyn Simons, Coordinator This class is for former students who have learned the skills needed to paint Oriental Brush. Please bring your own supplies and equipment. This is a workshop only
Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. “AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT” PL Carolyn Simons, Coordinator “As Time Goes By” we may take a trip to “Provence”. We may attend the wedding of the “Vicar of Dibley”. Though it was “The Worst Week of My Life”, she did find “My Hero”. There are so many comedies. So join us for a good laugh. “THE ROARING TWENTIES/THE JAZZ AGE” M Joe Maladra, Peter Marron, Sue Harty, Coordinators This study group continues our review of key periods in American history. The 1920s are often characterized as a period of prosperity and optimism but also a decade of serious cultural conflict. It was the decade of Jazz, bath tub gin, the “Flapper”, the advent of a woman’s right to vote, the Model T, the $5 work day, the first transatlantic flight, radio and the movies. But it was also a decade of rising intolerance, isolation, and provincialism as evidenced by the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the anti-radical hysteria, restrictive immigration laws, and prohibition. We’ll use PowerPoint presentations, peer participation and lectures to study the events and people who made this such an exciting era.
Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. “I, CLAUDIUS – WE, AMERICA” M (Note: 3:30 p.m. end time to allow for discussion) Kathleen Miller, Marjory Larson, David (Sully) Sullivan, coordinators Exploration of ancient Rome and its influence on our modern milieu will include peer presentations and discussion of the classic BBC video series. How do our political, cultural and moral values compare with Roman imperial models? What can we learn from Rome’s success and eventual failure?
Friday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. “REMEMBERING YOUR MEMORIES” PL Vern Johnson, Dorothy Murphy, coordinators We will pick a time frame and you will write what you remember for future generations to know what you did and when. These writings will serve as a way for your offspring to know how you felt or dealt will a particular event or time. “LONDON” M (Note: this 5 week study group begins Friday, April 4 and ends Friday, May 2, 2008) Bob Allen, Coordinator We will study the history of London and then go into a great deal of detail about Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s, The Globe Theater, The British Museum, Portobello Market, The British Portrait Museum, Parliament, Jack the Ripper, Kew Gardens, the Cabinet War Rooms, Tate Britain and St. Martin-In-The-Fields. There will be lectures, PowerPoint presentations and discussion.
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