Spring 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

MARCH 23 through MAY 22

Monday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“ANCIENT ROME ”    M  
Joel Menig and Tom Gavigan, Coordinators
From kings to senators to emperors, Rome’s power over the ancient world stretched across three continents for almost 700 years. Learn how a small village of shepherds and farmers rose to immense power, and why the modern world owes a cultural debt to ancient Rome’s unique society.

Monday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“FROM YAO TO MAO: 5000 YEARS OF CHINESE HISTORY”    M  
John Wiese, Coordinator
In a world growing increasingly smaller, China seems a faraway and exotic land, with secrets and mysteries of ages past. Yet behind that veil lies one of the most amazing civilizations the world has ever known. For most of its 5,000-year existence, China has been the largest, wealthiest, and mightiest nation on Earth. For us Westerners, it is essential to understand where China has been in order to anticipate its future. This study group will include Teaching Company lectures by Harvard Ph.D. Kenneth J. Hammond and contributions from study group members.

“LOVE AND MUSIC IN THE ROMANTIC ERA: ROBERT AND
CLARA SCHUMANN AND JOHANNES BRAHMS”    M  
Steve Wolf, Coordinator
We will explore the intertwined lives and loves of three major figures in 19th century music: the celebrated pianist and sometime composer Clara Wieck, married to Robert Schumann and loved by Johannes Brahms. We will experience their beautiful, compelling music and learn about their complex life stories through video lectures, video and audio performances, PowerPoint presentations, live performance segments and discussion.

 

Monday 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

“MORE SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERIES”    M  
Jack McKee, Coordinator
Each week we will view and discuss one or two Sherlock Holmes mysteries as presented in 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 The Hound of the Baskervilles.

 

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“CLASSIC FILMS”    PL (Note: 9:00 a.m. start time allows for discussion)
Gordon Palmer and Ray Rukstales, Coordinators
Each week we will see a movie and discuss it. 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. You will have a chance to show the group your favorite movie from this era, if you wish.

“THE HOLOCAUST IN FILM”    M  (Note: 9:00 a.m. start time allows for discussion)
Sue Harty, Margo Temple and Leon Stein, Coordinators
This study group will examine documentary and feature films on the Holocaust to learn what these films tell us about the Holocaust as history, popular attitudes on the Holocaust, how memory is created, perceptions of the Jews, about the historical context in which the films were made, and the impact and function of the cinema as it pertains to the Holocaust.

 

Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“THE WORKS OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK”   PL
Bob Allen, Coordinator
We will study Alfred’s career with an in-depth look at his techniques and unusual preferences. Emphasis will be placed on several of his movies and his television programs, viewing several of them.
Note: This study group meets the first 5 weeks of the Spring schedule.

 

“FAVORITE INTERNET WEBSITES”   PL
Bob Allen and Jim Kacena, Coordinators
We will visit websites that are interesting, odd, weird, different, fun, amazing and dumb!
Note: This study group meets the last 4 weeks of the Spring schedule.

Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“SILENTS ARE GOLDEN”   M
Judith Ross and Jack McKee, Coordinators
Did you know that moving pictures began with a bet on a horse? Learn how Muybridge (Galloping Horse photos), Melies (A Trip to the Moon), Porter (Great Train Robbery), D. W. Griffith (Birth of a Nation), Eisenstein (Battleship Potemkin), Charlie Chaplin (Modern Times), et al. influenced silent films. View Singing in the Rain to discover how and why the silent film era ended.
Note: This study group will not be held if there are fewer than 5 registrants.

“THE NEW YORKER”   PL
Ruth Sellers and Jan Biegert, Coordinators
Even non-New Yorkers will enjoy the timely reporting, reviews, and essays as well as the fiction, poetry, and, of course, those famous cartoons. 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. Participants will be notified, in advance, of the magazine issue and readings for the first class. Copies of the magazine may be borrowed at local libraries or ask for a student rate when subscribing. Note: Maximum registrants 18.
Note: Maximum registrants 18.

“SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE”   PL
Kathryn Dublinski and Mary Ann Mroz, 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. Our class will continue with the reading and discussion of King Henry IV, Part 2. After that, we will begin the poignant Winter’s Tale. As a special treat, we will enjoy learning some of the music of that time as well. Come join us for merriment in pentameter form.
Note: Maximum registrants: 15; this study group will not be held if there are fewer than 10 registrants.

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“POSITIVE ENERGY THROUGH INTUITIVE WELLNESS”   M  
Bill Niedbala, Coordinator
Would you like to reduce fatigue, increase energy and work towards achieving inner peace? Using materials from Dr. Orloff, Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, we will examine the flow of positive energy within and around you to help you create your best self. Learn to build positive energy, through intuitive eating, gentle movement and emotional fitness activities. Discussions and information sharing, along with DVDs, new books and speakers will be used. Note: Maximum registrants: 30; this study group will not be held if there are fewer than 15 registrants.

“A POTPOURRI OF SCIENCE”   M  
Don Carlson, Coordinator
Come explore a variety of scientific areas of interest. Videos presenting such material as a dinosaur autopsy, the oldest primate skull ever found, mysteries of the brain and mind, greatest discoveries in biology, and other topics will be used as the basis for further discussion.

“CURRENT EVENTS”   PL  
Bob Gilden, Coordinator
Participate in a lively, stimulating and provocative discussion of current events. With a new administration in Washington contending with situations of historic proportions, there will be no shortage of issues to discuss. Your participation will make for an interesting and thoughtprovoking exchange of ideas.

“GREAT TRIALS, PART 3”   M  
Harry Trumfio and Sue Harty, Coordinators
High drama is the mark of many criminal and civil trials; some tell tales of scandalous deeds, reversals of fortune lathered with impassioned rhetoric by both the prosecution and the defense. PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, and audio lectures will help us to lift the blindfold of justice and find out the truth of these cases. Study group participants are encouraged to research and present a trial of personal interest. The coordinators will provide resources and bibliographies, and be pleased to provide any help they can to presenters. Note: this is a stand-alone course; attendance at previous sessions is not required.

Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

“SHINING SOME LIGHT ON THE DARK AGES”   M  
Les Miller and Kathleen Miller, Coordinators
Western culture was far from asleep between the decline of Rome and the Renaissance. Learn about the birth of a new worldview in the context of militant Islam and the Crusades, climate change and pandemics, saints and opportunists. There will be a mix of videos, focused discussion, multi-faceted peer participation.

“VIETNAM – A WAR LIKE NO OTHER”    M

Tom Dooley and Earl Arnold, Coordinators

From 1964 to 1975, a total of 2,709,918 Americans fought in Vietnam, 58,148 were killed, and 75,000 were severely injured. They were in such battles as Tet Offensive, Khe Sanh, Ap Bac, Operation Rolling Thunder and the siege of Saigon. Jungle warfare was dominant, as were aerial battles. This course will visually examine them all, along with the causes of the war, its results in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, its lasting effects on the American political, cultural and societal scenes, and rarely examined background data. There will be weekly opportunity for classroom discussion.

“CULTURE OF CUISINE”   PL
Debby Miller, Vern Johnson and Marilyn Lind, Coordinators
Join us as we explore the history and culture of various
cuisines. Everybody loves to eat, but few of us know where foods/dishes originated and for how many years we have been familiar with them.

 

Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

“CHRISTIANITY IN AN AGE OF CULTURAL WARS”    M

Rem Stokes, Coordinator

This study group is the ninth in a series on the evolution of Christianity. It deals with the conflicts that arise between two value systems: those Enlightenment values provided in the U. S. Constitution and the Christian values provided in the Bible.

Note: This is a stand-alone course, not dependent on attending the previous study groups.

"GREEK MYTHS REVISITED"       PL
Ruth Sellers and Mary Bombera, Coordinators
What is a myth? Why do we want to study myths? Why do myths continue to be retold in today’s literature and film? We will answer some of these questions by reviewing major Greek myths and gods. We will also read and discuss plays of the great Greek dramatists who retold these myths, and view scenes from films of modern adaptations of the plays. Required text: Classical Tragedy Greek And Roman: Eight Plays In Authoritative Modern Translations edited by Robert W. Corrigan. Recommended resource: Mythology by Edith Hamilton. New and/ or used copies are available online.
Note: Maximum number of registrants: 25.

"ORIENTAL BRUSH PAINTING"      PL
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).

"SOME MYSTERIES OF THE WORLD"     M
Margo Temple and Bob Long, Coordinators
Some of the hardest words for humans to say are…I DON’T KNOW! We want an accounting for every experience…when there isn’t one, one is invented! We’ll explore mysteries established science can’t explain… like theories of power vortices, alien contacts, paranormal experiences plus some developing and different ideas that might untangle previously unexplained phenomena!

 

Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

“SUN-STYLE TAI CHI”    M

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 nonimpact 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 who works with those who have disabilities. She tries to work within the capabilities of each student.
Note: Participants are required to pay $20 to the ICL office in advance of the first meeting. This study group will not be held if fewer than 10 members register.

 

Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“THE START OF THE AMERICAN AGE - AFFLUENCE AND
ANXIETY – 1946 TO 1960”   M

Joe Maladra, Peter Marron, Anita Brandes and George Stiver, Coordinators

This course on American history will cover the political, economic, social and cultural events of the period. Using videos, peer led discussion, and PowerPoint presentations we will review world affairs and politics that led to the Cold War and then the Korean War. We will discuss American life in the period including: the American family, the rise of suburbia, the youth culture, civil rights movement, television, the Pill, and the music, literature and arts of the period.

"WHAT HO! WODEHOUSE"    M
Carolyn Simons, Coordinator
Come and meet the wonderful personalities that dwell in the world of P. G. Wodehouse. You may know Jeeves and Wooster, but how about the Empress at Blandings, Lord Emsworth, Ukridge, Mr. Mulliner, Psmith and the Drones. “He who has not met Wodehouse has not lived a full life.”

"THE SHORT STORIES OF JEFFREY ARCHER"    PL
Chuck Simons, Coordinator
Explore the short stories of Jeffrey Archer, the only author to have topped the international bestseller lists with his fiction, non-fiction and short stories. His stories are witty, poignant, sad, surprising and unforgettable. Archer served five years in Britain’s House of Commons, 14 years in the House of Lords, and two years in Her Majesty’s prisons. A master storyteller of richly drawn characters and unexpected conclusions.

 

 

Updated Feb 13, 2009