Spring 2022 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Classic Films

Coordinator

Course Description

Virtual meetings to discuss a film, selected primarily from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) offered the previous week. Participants will be invited to join the virtual meetings via email – there will be a button to click to access the Google Meet site. Please contact Tobey Marsceill to register.

Reading US History, Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent

Coordinator

Course Description

We will read and discuss Daniel Okrent’s Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Why did Americans give up a private right and how does the legacy of Prohibition continue to affect us today? His answers may surprise you. Why did the Walgreens chain see massive growth during those years? Why did progressives who supported women’s rights find allies in the KKK? Why did the courts rule the sale of sacramental crème de menthe legal? Join us to explore US history together in this lively account. Get a copy of the book and come prepared to discuss pp. 1-52 at the first session.

Experiencing Great English Literature

Coordinator

Course Description

During each semester we discuss a novel, selected poetry, and a drama. This Spring the novel will be Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native. In the novel Egdon Heath, “the untamable Ishmaelitish thing”, mirrors the relationships of the characters with each other and to nature and with the conflicting demands of nature and society. Poetry will be selected from the The Seashell Anthology, Christopher Burns, Ed. The drama, Hamlet, is perhaps Shakespeare’s most puzzling play. Hamlet is a timeless and universal everyman, conflicted and confused, human and yearning to know truth.

Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Coordinator

Course Description

This discussion group focuses on the challenges we face as we adapt to a sustainable society. We examine the consequences of our current path, acidification of the oceans, rising sea levels, migration, increasing temperature, etc. And we explore how these consequences of climate change could be mitigated by using carbon-free energy sources. We’ll learn about opportunities afforded by nuclear and other carbon-free forms of energy and their effects on electrical distribution, as well as our own food choices, and how we promote biodiversity.

Refighting the Civil War

Coordinator

Course Description

We will use Ken Burn’s documentary, The Civil War, followed by a discussion and question and answer period, then another presentation period continuing the format we have been using.

Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Imaginative Drawing with the Non-Dominant Hand

Coordinator

Course Description

In this class you will explore your heart’s wisdom with drawing exercises that I presented around the world for twelve years for the Louise Hay International Teacher Training. You will learn that you have within you all the resources you need to do what you came here to do, to express your talents and abilities, to improve the quality of your life, to change old patterns, to fulfill your dreams. Drawing is a sacred activity because it connects your conscious mind, unconscious mind and supra-conscious mind.

Exploring Creativity

Coordinator

Course Description

Class will be a workshop where individuals work on their personal art goals in a sharing environment. Participants can exchange knowledge and offer “gentle” feedback to each other if they want to. Bring the supplies you will need for your own project. Everyone must bring a plastic or similar material sheet or tarp to put under their workspace. We are fortunate to be invited to use the space and therefore this requirement is a must. Also, the church requires that anyone entering the church MUST WEAR A MASK.

Money Skills for Retirees

Coordinator

Course Description

Retirees have different financial challenges than younger people. We no longer save for retirement, but now grow and use the money we saved. We’ll cover diversification, interpreting your financial statements, taxes, socially responsible investing, thematic investing, investing outside the market, creating a personal investment plan and using tools in making investment decisions. The class is designed so that we’ll learn just as much from our classmates as from guest speakers. We will have a mix of presentations, guest speakers and reviews of our investing successes and failures.

Novels New and Old

Coordinator

Course Description

During the Spring session we will discuss the following novels:

• The Man Who Lived Underground by Richard Wright
• A Separate Peace by John Knowles
• Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
• The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine
• The Friend by Sigred Nunez
• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
• Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kell

Raspberry Pi for Tinkerers

Coordinator

Course Description

Learn Raspberry Pi features, explore different operating systems, sources of free software and project designs, and create your own project to demonstrate. This is a seminar or DIY type class. Participants must have a Raspberry Pi computer by the third week and agree to demonstrate projects. A Pi costs between $50 and $100 to completely set up and attach to a monitor or TV. New class participants are welcome. The course coordinator and other participants will provide advice on selecting the best Pi for your interests. Tinkering interest is required. Previous Pi experience not required.

Women’s Journeys toward Self-Discovery

Coordinator

Course Description

Writing journals and memoirs helps you shape your life story while also clarifying what it has meant to you. This class will use prompts to help you enter into your writing as a stepping-stone toward deeper self-awareness. These prompts are meant to be suggestive, and class members are free to modify them as they choose. The class will continue to build a sense of community, based on discussion in an open non-judgmental atmosphere. Discussions are based on class members’ writings, and all sharing is voluntary and respectful of each person’s privacy.

Biographies

Coordinator

Course Description

We are biography readers who enjoy sharing their experiences. Presentations are participants’ responsibility. It is optional for participants to do a presentation. We will examine the lives of men and women who went into political, military, and entertainment careers. What factors caused them to enter these professions? Did they make contributions to national or international history? Not all are of heroic proportions. Some of the best life stories are about people who have fallen into oblivion, but lived interesting lives. Controversial personalities add particular spice to discussions.

Whither the State: Politics and Public Policy

Coordinator

Course Description

Review of state and national political developments. Examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

This course meets every other Tuesday.

Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Course Description

For those who love reading and discussion, this is the perfect entertainment. One hour each is devoted to a short story and an essay. There is always a lively, opinionated, and friendly atmosphere with a welcome for all participants. Come join us as we delve into the ever-fascinating world of short stories and essays created by some of the best writers who have put pen to paper. Texts to be used: Best American Short Stories 2021 and Best American Essays 2021.

Between the Covers: A Thousand Years of Manuscript Illumination

CANCELLED

Coordinator

Course Description

Using PowerPoint presentations and discussion, we’ll examine the rich visual tradition of illuminated manuscripts produced in Europe from the Late Antique to Early Modern periods. In order to understand the complexity present in these hand written and illustrated books, the manuscripts will be placed within the time and space they were created using analytic tools associated with style as well as interpretations of the pictorial content.

This course meets Tuesday and Thursday for 3 weeks.

Jazz

Coordinator

Course Description

We are a congenial group of people who share an interest in and enjoyment of music called jazz. We have presenters from within the group as well as outside experts who share with us music ranging from early New Orleans to contemporary jazz. No musical skills are necessary – only an interest in learning about and enjoying this truly American music genre. Class members learn about upcoming jazz events and a group outing is organized, if there is enough class interest.

Not So Happy Days: History and Mystery in the 1950s

Coordinator

Course Description

Nostalgia for poodle skirts and sock hops aside, the 1950s was a turbulent decade and we’ll explore it by means of these crime novels:

• Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders, John Mortimer
• Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson
• The Big Nowhere, James Ellroy
• Child 44, Tom Robb Smith

Topics to be covered: racism, McCarthyism, Stalinism, beginnings of the Cold War. It is best to have read the books in advance as we will discuss them as mysteries, including the endings, as well as histories. The Mystery to Me Bookstore on Monroe St. will stock these books and give a discount to class members.

Helene Androski was a reference and instruction librarian at UW Madison Memorial Library and has taught History and Mystery classes, formerly through UW DCS, for 25 years.

Global Affairs and the Media

Coordinator

Course Description

We focus on international events and concerns, addressing national issues as they relate to the world. A guest speaker or a member of the group does a presentation for about 40 minutes, and then takes questions or comments for about 20 minutes. After a break, we discuss items of interest that members have brought to this meeting (all members are invited to have a news clipping or summary of an item of interest). In this way, we hope to increase our exposure to high-quality sources of news and information and to expand our appreciation of the importance of global affairs.

Continuing Philosophy

Coordinator

Course Description

The class will be reading and discussing Classic Asian Philosophy: A Guide to the Essential Texts by Joel Kupperman, Oxford 2006 (second revised edition only). An introduction to Asian philosophy via its canonical texts. Kupperman ranges from the Upanishads to the Bhagavad Gita through Confucius to Zen Buddhism. The author explains the philosophical roots of these various canons. This is a revised version of his earlier 2000 edition. Contact Ed Cothroll to register.

You can read the preface to the book if you link to: Classic Asian Philosophy : A Guide to the Essential Texts in SearchWorks catalog (stanford.edu)

Current Events AM

Coordinator

Course Description

This class will discuss hot and current events on the local, national and international levels. Some topics will be very current and others will be ongoing issues. Topics will be determined each week at the start of the session. All viewpoints are encouraged. The format will be very casual and interactive. Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to forward relevant links about current topic for discussion.

From Serenity to Insight: Three Buddhist Mindfulness Practices

Coordinator

Course Description

Meditation is an important component of the Buddhist approach to living a good life. This class will note various aspects of practice but will focus on three styles of mindfulness. While these styles will look familiar to repeat participants, a new component is a focus on the concept of Samadhi (concentration or unification of mind) and an introduction to Jhanna States. These Jhanna States are a powerful potential outcome of Samadhi. While these states usually take time and practice to access, this introduction can pave the way. This class is for beginners and experienced meditators.

Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Observational Drawing

Coordinator

Course Description

In this class you will explore my unique approach to perception and observational drawing that I learned during my 5-year Art Apprenticeship with Norwegian artist, Jan Valentin Saether. You will learn my 5 Keys to observational drawing and whether you are a beginner or an advanced artist, you will gain a new way of seeing the world around you. Drawing is the core method of researching, investigating, developing and communicating ideas. Today, drawing is viewed as an essential skill for everyone. It is a sacred activity because it engages your mind, your heart and your unique point of view!

Biographies Eastside

Coordinator

Course Description

Class members may volunteer to present a biographical sketch on a person (or group) of their choice. Participants need only do a presentation once or at most twice a year. Otherwise there is no preparation or homework, just join the discussion. We learn a lot and enjoy lively discussions. Contact Helen through email.

Current Events PM

Coordinator

Course Description

This is an in-depth discussion course on current events in Wisconsin, the United States and the world. Course members choose the topics and lead and moderate a discussion or two. We email readings and website links prior to each discussion. Each presenter may invite a guest with some first-hand knowledge or experience on the topic for the discussion.

Frontiers in Life Science

Coordinator

Course Description

This class will bring us to the “cutting edge” of scientific research. Each week a different researcher or science expert reports and discusses his or her innovations, inventions and/or discoveries. The UW Biotechnology Outreach Directory has brought a variety of researchers to this class during the past several years. Topics have included: bird flu, heart disease, cancer, aging, stem cells, DNA sequencing, nanotechnology and others. You will be able to discuss your questions and concerns with these science experts each week.

Writing Workshop - WED

Coordinator

Course Description

“The scariest moment is always just before you start,” said Stephen King in On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Maybe you haven’t written the first word. Possibly you’re polishing that manuscript. Our writers group will provide you with the feedback, structure and support you need to push forward or get started. All writers are welcome, regardless of your experience or the type of writing you wish to pursue.

Andy Millman’s writing has appeared in several outlets, including “Whistling Shade,” “Points in Case,” “Midwest Review,” “The Big Jewel,” “Zest Literary Journal,” “Black Heart Magazine,” “Flash Fiction Magazine,” “The Helix,” and “Pif Magazine.”

Film History

Coordinator

Course Description

The Hays Office Production Code, largely ignored since 1924, disappears as a concern with the coming of sound - the gangster film and the musical having benefited the most. Shoot-outs, car chases and bloody victims abound. The musicals provide bedrooms, bathrooms and boudoirs, to say nothing of the racy production numbers. The censors will strike back hard.

Life Maps

CANCELLED

Coordinator

Course Description

This class is for people interested in modern literature, film, music, philosophy and the visual arts, who want to explore connections between these areas and their own life searches. Both parts of the dialogue are equally important. We’ll focus on the poetry of Pulitzer Prize winner Gwendolyn Brooks. We’ll explore her poetry both as an expression of African American life and larger universal issues. We will use The Essential Gwendolyn Brooks, which is available courtesy of the Library of America at and other online stores.

Reminiscence PM

Coordinator

Course Description

Participants write stories about their pasts and share them with the class. Sometimes they’re funny, sometimes they’re sad, and sometimes they’re simply fleeting memories that we want to capture with our pencils. We choose our topics from our childhood, our family life and our careers to express who we are. No experience required!

What in the World Happened

Coordinator

Course Description

This course is made up of presentations on eclectic historical topics of interest, from prehistoric times to the present. Presentations last 45 minutes to an hour (or more, depending upon presenter and topic), with time remaining for questions and answers. Enthusiastic Q&A’s are the norm. Some of the topics for this semester will include: The Occupation of Japan, Machiavelli and the Decline of Democracy in the EU, and The Census. One day is set aside for Good Reads – brief reports on books that may be of interest to the members.

Truth Decay

Coordinator

Course Description

Former President Trump and many of his supporters deny the fact that he lost the 2020 election. Millions reject the facts of climate change or the importance of vaccinations. Traditional news media are accused of reporting fake news, while upstart media make no pretense of sticking to facts and striving for truth. This course will look at evolving attitudes toward human rationality and objective methods for seeking truth. We will also explore media technology from the printing press to the Internet and their implications for journalism that pursues truth and propaganda that seeks to persuade.

Between the Covers: A Thousand Years of Manuscript Illumination

Coordinator

Course Description

Using PowerPoint presentations and discussion, we’ll examine the rich visual tradition of illuminated manuscripts produced in Europe from the Late Antique to Early Modern periods. In order to understand the complexity present in these hand written and illustrated books, the manuscripts will be placed within the time and space they were created using analytic tools associated with style as well as interpretations of the pictorial content.

This course meets Tuesday and Thursday for 3 weeks.

Women’s Journeys toward Self-Discovery: A Writing Workshop

Coordinator

Course Description

Writing journals and memoirs helps you shape your life story while also clarifying what it has meant to you. This class will use suggested prompts to help you enter into your writing as a stepping-stone toward deeper self-awareness. The class will continue to build a sense of community based on trust, active listening and discussion in an open, non-judgmental atmosphere. Discussions are based on members’ writings, and voluntary sharing with respect for each person’s privacy. 

The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee, guided book discussion

Coordinator

Course Description

Heather McGhee’s thought-provoking book, “The Sum of Us” describes how policies that denied opportunity, services, housing, or wealth to Black people also hurt everyone. The course will examine evidence concerning facilities that were closed rather than integrated, housing policies like redlining and sub-prime mortgages, criminal justice inequities and severe cuts to programs and services to help poor and low-income Americans. We will also explore policies and programs than can combat these inequities. The book is available through Madison Public Library or at many bookstores.

Writing Workshop-THURS

Coordinator

Course Description

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Maybe you haven’t written the first word. Possibly you’re polishing that manuscript. Our writers’ group will provide you with the feedback, structure and support you need to push forward or get started. All writers are welcome, regardless of your experience or the type of writing you wish to pursue.

Andy Millman’s writing has appeared in several outlets, including “Whistling Shade,” “Points in Case,” “Midwest Review,” “The Big Jewel,” “Zest Literary Journal,” “Black Heart Magazine,” “Flash Fiction Magazine,” “The Helix,” and “Pif Magazine.”

We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

Course Description

We read and critique contemporary mystery novels and short stories. Members take turns leading the discussion focusing on the author, settings, characters, plot development, and conclusion. Readings are chosen at the end of each semester for the next semester. Full-length novels alternate weekly with short stories. The short stories are selected from the anthology The Big Book of Female Detectives edited by Otto Penzler. The first class we will discuss The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. Novels can be found in the South Central Library System. Anthologies are usually purchased.

Reading Vladimir Nabokov, Albert Camus, and Graham Greene

Coordinator

Course Description

During this semester we will read works by three authors: Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov (ISBN: 9780679723424), The Plague by Albert Camus (ISBN: 9780679720218) and The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene (ISBN: 9780143107552). For the first class, please read the Forward, Canto I, and the Commentary for Canto I in Pale Fire.

PLATO Travel

Coordinator

Course Description

PLATO Travel Group participants are adventurous, curious, and eager to share their experiences and information from trips all over the planet. Members present travelogues of their adventures and information on their destinations in a friendly atmosphere where exchange and discussion are welcome. The group compiles information on various travel companies and tips for specific trips, and members socialize and explore trip materials during a mid-presentation break. We encourage members to bring friends interested in a trip topic and/or joining PLATO, and armchair travelers are always welcome!

After Glasgow: Challenges Confronting the Paris Agreement and Multilateral Climate Action in the 2020’s

Coordinator

Course Description

In November 2021, the global climate conference in Glasgow concluded with mixed results. Critics from a variety of perspectives voiced skepticism about the efficacy of the Paris Agreement, and perhaps multilateral climate action generally, to address the threat that climate scientists forecast will intensify during the 2020’s. The course will examine the conference process and results, and the implications of those results for the Paris Agreement system in the 2020’s. We will identify the most pressing challenges confronting this system and the decisions made in Glasgow for addressing them.

What Really Happened on 9/11?

Coordinator

Course Description

Questions still remain about 9/11. Why did we attack Iraq? When 9/11 survivors were suing the Saudis, why did a powerful lawyer friend of President Bush defend the Saudis? What was VP Cheney monitoring as an aircraft approached the Pentagon? Why do Clarke's and Cheney's version of Cheney's actions on 9/11 sharply disagree? Why did AG Ashcroft issue a gag order on an FBI whistleblower? Whose slogan was “It’s not about oil.”? Through readings, DVDs and lively discussion, together we'll try to answer these and other questions