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Fall 2023 Course Schedule

Announcements

COVID Protocols

COVID protocols are specific to each host site. Please see the posting on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your coordinator.

Registration

To register for a course, please email or call the course coordinator.

Printable Fall 2023
Course Schedule

20 Pages Total  – November 1, 2023

Course Details

Click on a course title below to view detailed information about the course.

Monday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator/s

Location

1 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Classic Film Discussion Tobey Marsceill, Wes Marsceill Virtual
2 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Reading US History: Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic by Joanne Freeman Michael Stevens Virtual
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pathways to a Sustainable Planet Richard Steeves, Tony Praza Virtual
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Money Skills for Retirees Tom Eggert Virtual
5 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Novels New and Old Carol Spiegel, Marsha Urbaniak, Bonnie Dill Hybrid - Vista West
6 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Exploring Creativity Karen Wulff Christ Presbyterian Church

Tuesday

                                      

#

Time

Course

Coordinator/s 

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Biography Chuck Pils, Mary Becker Vista West
2 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CANCELLED: Five Great Thinkers - in Person on the Good Life Booth Fowler Oakwood Village West
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Short Stories and Essays Irv Klibaner Covenant Presbyterian Church
4 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Truth Decay - Annual Checkup Jack Mitchell Virtual
5 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Whither the State Dennis Dresang, Terry Shelton Virtual
6 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time (Starts Oct. 17) Alan Capelle Capitol Lakes
7 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Book Discussion: "The Flag, the Cross and the Station Wagon" (Starts Nov. 14) Alan Capelle Capitol Lakes
8 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Jazz Mike Lipp Wisconsin Bank and Trust
9 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Why Free Speech is not a Free Pass Allen May, J.D. Bethany United Methodist Church
10 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM History of the Hollywood Musical Michael Troudt Capitol Lakes
11 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM US History: 1961-1975 – 15 Years That Changed America Tim Otis Covenant Presbyterian Church

Wednesday

                                                                             

#

Time

Course

Coordinator/s 

Location

1 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Current Events – A.M. Mert Corwin Virtual
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Continuing Philosophy Ed Cothroll, Bill Colwell, John Miller Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
3 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Four Painter Profiles and Two Virtual Museum Tours Mary Em Kirn Oakwood Village West
4 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Global Affairs and the Media Leon Lindberg, Steve Hirsch, Kirk Elliott Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
5 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Craig Wille Virtual
6 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Drawing as a Sacred Activity Heather C. Williams Virtual
7 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Current Events – P.M. Meg Taylor, Jerry Burns Virtual
8 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Film History Jim O'Brien Oakwood Village West
9 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Writing Workshop – WED. Andy Millman Virtual

Thursday

                                                                       

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM What in the World Happened Chuck Pils Vista West
2 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Book Study Group: Poverty, by America Baxter Richardson Covenant Presbyterian Church
3 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Writing Workshop - THURS. Andy Millman Virtual
4 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Play's the Thing Tess Mulroney Madison Senior Center
5 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM We Love a Mystery Barbara Evans Virtual

Friday

                                      

#

Time

Course

Coordinator/s 

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Reading the Classics John and Jan Kinar Hybrid - Fitchburg Senior Center
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PLATO Travel Annette Bollig, Kevin Bollig, Lois Baseler, Linn Roth Capitol Lakes
3 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Ontology Work Chamber Heather C. Williams Virtual
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM How Did Jesus Become God? Part Two Tom Schlicht Madison Senior Center

Fall 2023 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Monday

1

M1 Return to top

Classic Film Discussion

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tobey and Wes Marsceill platoclassicfilms@gmail.com 954-695-2778

Course Description

Lights, camera, action! Join and discuss films selected primarily from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) shown the previous week and watched at your convenience in your own home. Think of us like a book club for movies, we discuss social relevance, learn about film techniques and cinematography, along with director and actor resume and history. You will be invited to join the Google Meet via email the morning of the discussion. Some movies may be shown off-hours so participants should have the ability to record/tape/or stream movies or obtain a DVD from their local library to fully participate.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Start Date September 18, 2023
End Date December 18, 2023
No Course DatesNovember 27
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 35
# of Sessions 13
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

2

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Reading US History: Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic by Joanne Freeman

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Michael Stevens Michaelstevens50@gmail.com 608-215-4887

Course Description

We will read and discuss Joanne Freeman’s Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic. This prize-winning book looks at the era between adoption of the Constitution and the Hamilton-Burr duel. Without political parties, American leaders created a politics around the idea of honor. Combining political and cultural history, Freeman shows how gossip, newspapers, and dueling were important tools for politicians like Hamilton, Burr, Adams, Jefferson, and less known figures. Participants should come prepared at the first session to discuss the Introduction and the Prologue. Download here: Course Syllabus and Course Coordinator Bio.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 18, 2023
End Date October 30, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 7
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

3

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Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Richard Steeves Coot42@gmail.com 608-833-5586
Tony Praza TonyPraza@gmail.com 608-772-1286

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. We will also take a field trip to a recycling facility.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 25, 2023
End Date November 27, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

4

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Money Skills for Retirees

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tom Eggert tleggert@wisc.edu 608 279-8608

Course Description

Retirees have different financial challenges than younger people. In general, we are no longer saving for retirement, but we are continuing to grow and use the money that we saved. We’ll cover topics such as the importance of diversification, taxes and retirement, investment decision-making, handling retirement fund distributions, creating qualified charitable distributions, leaving our kids money, understanding what should be in taxable vs tax deferred accounts and using tools (like the Morningstar rankings) in making investment decisions. The class is designed so that we’ll learn just as much from the experiences of our classmates as we will from guest speakers. We plan to have a mix of presentations, guest speakers and reviews of our investing successes and failures.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 18, 2023
End Date November 27, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

5

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Novels New and Old

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Carol Spiegel lookingglass18@gmail.com 608-206-3623
Marsha Urbaniak urbaniakmarsha@gmail.com 608-219-2394
Bonnie Dill thedills8412@att.net 608-434-8919

Course Description

During the Fall session we will discuss the following novels: 9/18 Safe From the Sea, by Peter Geye; 9/25 Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson; 10/2 & 10/9 Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles; 10/16 Nickel Boys, by Colin Whitehead; 10/23 Red at the Bone, by Jacqueline Woodson; 10/30 & 11/6 In Dubious Battle, by John Steinbeck; 11/13 & 11/20 Intimacies, by Katie Kitamura.

Location Hybrid - Vista West
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 18, 2023
End Date November 20, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

6

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Exploring Creativity

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Karen Wulff wulff.karen@gmail.com 608-770-8408

Course Description

This class is an ongoing 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. We are fortunate to use this space. Come and make a commitment to yourself to do art at least two hours per week. Join a group of people who enjoy working on their art together in a peaceful and supportive environment.

Location Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 18, 2023
End Date November 20, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 10
# of Sessions
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

1

T1 Return to top

Biography

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Chuck Pils cmpils3304@gmail.com 608-772-8575
Mary Becker scrabblenutmj@gmail.com 608-395-9450

Course Description

We are biography readers who enjoy sharing our experiences. Presentations are participants’ responsibility. It is optional for participants to do a presentation. We look at biographies of widely different people: historical; political; show business; environmentalists, etc.

Location Vista West
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date December 05, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 12
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

2

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CANCELLED: Five Great Thinkers - in Person on the Good Life

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Booth Fowler rbfowler@wisc.edu 606-770-2489

Course Description

I would like to explore the thought of five great Western thinkers as they consider the Good Life – what it is, what stands in the way of its achievement, and how to reach it. We will discuss one thinker each week: Plato, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Friedrich Nietzshe, and Sigmund Freud. The presentation proceeds through the voice of each thinker (that is, I roleplay them as I did in the courses I taught at the UW-Madison). This course is about their ideas, expressed in their voices. It is not devoted to critiquing their ideas or suggesting that the presenter himself is a great thinker! Time for questions and challenges to each thinker will be provided in the later part of each course.

Location Oakwood Village West
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date October 17, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size no limit
# of Sessions 5
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

3

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Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Irv Klibaner Irwinhklibaner@gmail.com 608-274-4089

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 include: Best American Short Stories 2022 and Best American Essays 2022.

Location Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 21, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

4

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Truth Decay - Annual Checkup

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Jack Mitchell jwmitch1@wisc.edu 608-274-6903

Course Description

“Truth” continues to decay as a concept and as a reality. We will check in on recent developments and review the basic theories of free speech, a free press, objective science and objective journalism, public relations, and propaganda. The course begins with a review of these concepts before the Internet and social media. We will focus more heavily, however, on how these technologies have upset assumptions about the path to truth. Download the Course Syllabus.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 07, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 16
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

5

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Whither the State

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Dennis Dresang dresang@lafollette.wisc.edu 608-438-0686
Terry Shelton Tkshelton1321@gmail.com --

Course Description

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

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 14, 2023
No Course Dates October 10
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

6

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An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Alan Capelle alandcapelle@gmail.com 608-215-9632

Course Description

Earth’s geologic timeline offers an immense and bewildering array of mysterious predators, and catastrophic mass extinctions that defied conventional wisdom! Join me on a new journey that includes a front-row seat to the death of the dinosaurs to the latest research on resurrecting the woolly mammoth. You will not want to miss this one!

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date October 10, 2023
End Date October 31, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 4
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

7

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BOOK Discussion: "THE FLAG, THE CROSS AND THE STATION WAGON"

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Alan Capelle alandcapelle@gmail.com 608-215-9632

Course Description

In his latest rendition, Bill McKibben – an award winning author, activist, and educator – digs deep into our history (and his own well-intentioned, if misguided, past) to explore how the U.S. got to this point in 2023 on a planet whose future is in peril by climate change, and racial and economic inequality. Book Title: The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened.

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date November 14, 2023
End Date December 5, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size unlimited
# of Sessions 4
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

8

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JAZZ

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Mike Lipp lippfamily@charter.net 608-233-3943

Course Description

We are a congenial group of jazz enthusiasts ranging from eager newcomers to seasoned aficionados. All jazz genres are thoughtfully presented through class participation, documentaries, and visiting jazz musicians and scholars. We welcome all levels of jazz knowledge and no musical skills are required. (NOTE FOR PARTICIPATION: We encourage class participation. There are no assignments, however, your enthusiasm is deeply appreciated and presentations are welcome.)

Location Wisconsin Bank and Trust
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 21, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

9

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WHY FREE SPEECH IS NOT A FREE PASS

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Allen May, J.D. amay@att.net 630-263-2629

Course Description

Contrary to the belief of some that “It is a free country; I can say whatever I want,” the First Amendment has limits, but when? If someone provokes a mob to storm the United States Capitol, is the speech protected? Do you have a right to be heard? Should you be forced to listen? Can you be compelled to speak? Does social media have to follow the same rules? Do your opinions fall in line with Supreme Court rulings? Course members will discuss these boundaries and various theories of free speech. Download Course Syllabus.

LocationBethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 07, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

10

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HISTORY OF THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Michael Troudt mgmfanatic@aol.com (920) 279-1846

Course Description

This is a chronological history of the film musical beginning with The Jazz Singer (1927) and continuing on through each decade. The films have been chosen due to their historical significance as well as their popularity at the box office. Download the Course Syllabus.

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 21, 2023
No Course Dates Tuesday, October 10
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size Unlimited
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

11

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U.S. HISTORY: 1961-1975 –15 YEARS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tim Otis tierneyotis@gmail.com 608 233 1050

Course Description

The course covers the period from 1961-1975, focusing on the fundamental changes that happened politically, culturally, etc. that significantly changed our nation and set the stage for many of the issues and challenges that we are confronting today. Emphasis will be on the civil rights movement, Vietnam War, The Great Society, reconfigured of politics, divisions in cultural values, rising youth culture, women’s movement, sexual revolution, LGBTQ movement, music, technology, etc. Weekly links to readings will be emailed to participants. Classes will include video presentations and discussions.

Location Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2023
End Date November 21, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 16
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

1

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Current Events – A.M.

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Mert Corwin mdcorwinjr@gmail.com 608-774-3403

Course Description

This class will discuss local, national and international, hot and current, events. 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. Participants are encouraged to forward relevant links, during the week, about current topics, for discussion.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date November 22, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 20
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

2

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Continuing Philosophy

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Ed Cothroll cothroll@tds.net 608-831-4493
Bill Colwell wscacct@live.com 847-830-1501
John Miller milo13@fastmail.com 317-430-1111

Course Description

We will read and discuss the book Who Am I and If So How Many? A Journey Through Your Mind, by Richard David Precht.

Location Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date December 06, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 12
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

3

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Four Painter Profiles and Two Virtual Museum Tours

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Mary Em Kirn mkfloridays@yahoo.com 239-287-2325

Course Description

Discover the rich artistic heritage of four 17th century Baroque artists: Caravaggio, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Rembrandt, and Jan Vermeer during these fully illustrated PowerPoint presentations. Then delight in works of art found in two Washington, D.C. museums: the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Location Oakwood Village West
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date October 25, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 6
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

4

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Global Affairs and the Media

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Leon Lindberg lindbe@tds.net 608-238-9000
Steve Hirsch hirsch4622@icloud.com 608-347-5810
Kirk Elliott kirk_elliott@hotmail.com 608-255-5646

Course Description

We focus on international events and concerns, addressing American issues only as they relate to the rest of the world. An invited speaker or a member of the group will make a presentation of about 40 minutes followed by your questions and comments for perhaps 20 minutes. If the speaker is joining us remotely, we will take a break before the Q&A. We'll then discuss items of interest that members have brought to the meeting (members are invited to bring a news clipping or summary of an item of interest). We hope to increase our exposure to high-quality sources of news and information. Note that we have a fourth coordinator: designer and tech support for our hybrid system, James Danowski, jdanowski@gmail.com, 630-726-6442.

Location Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date November 22, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

5

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Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Craig Wille wille.craig@gmail.com 608-692-3163

Course Description

The class is a systematic overview of the fundamentals of Mindfulness Meditation. While the source of this style of Mindfulness Meditation is in Buddhism, the goal is not to focus on the religious aspects of Buddhism, but rather on meditation as an important life skill. Classes will cover aspects of the meditation experience in sequence: breath, body, emotion, thought, and other topics such as mindfulness in daily life. Each class will include a presentation, guided meditation, and discussion. Class content is primarily sourced from well-known meditation teacher Gil Fransdal.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date November 15, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

6

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Drawing as a Sacred Activity

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Heather C. Williams heather@drawingtogether.com 760-213-6060
--
--

Course Description

Heather's drawing class is for people interested in developing their creativity. Every class begins with a brief meditation – offering insights about perception. Each class has one or two drawing exercises. In our first class we will briefly share our stories and what we hope to gain in this course. During classes #2-7 we will focus on the 5 keys to observational drawing -–focusing on the world around us. In classes #8-13 we will focus on imaginative drawing – focusing on the world within us (memories, hopes, dreams, intuition). In class #14 we will review and discuss moving forward.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date December 20, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 14
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

7

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Current Events – P.M.

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Meg Taylor taylome@charter.net 608-369-3578
Jerry Burns geburns@facstaff.wisc.edu 608-556-2924

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.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date November 29, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 25
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

8

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Film History

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Jim O'Brien jimrobr@gmail.com 608-286-1946

Course Description

Film History, a ten-session film course covering the late '50's, features top American and International films (not all of them!). This history course will draw on actual history – real places, real people – transformed, not by screenwriters, but by actual people, actual encounters, and actual events. But NO documentaries! Not one minute of screentime. Excepting the fact that every film is a documentary of itself, but that's a whole other discussion...

Location Oakwood Village West
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date November 22, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 40
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

9

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Writing Workshop – WED.

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Andy Millman mill60062@yahoo.com 847-275-6251

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.”

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 20, 2023
End Date November 22, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

1

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What in the World Happened

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Chuck Pils cmpils3304@gmail.com 608-772-8575

Course Description

This course is made up of presentations on eclectic historical topics of interest. Examples of topics come from natural disasters, historical battles, assassinations, political events etc. 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. Topics this semester are determined by the group.

Location Vista West
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2023
End Date November 30, 2023
No Course Dates November 23, 2023
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

2

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Book Study Group: Poverty, by America

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Baxter Richardson baxter.2614@charter.net 608-509-5528

Course Description

This ten-session discussion class, using Matthew Desmond’s 2023 book, Poverty, by America will examine Desmond’s analysis of, and prescriptions for, abolishing poverty in the U.S. The goals of the class, therefore, are to deepen our understanding of poverty and, to the extent possible, evaluate Desmond’s proposals – both structurally and personally – for coming to grips with what appears to be a permanent feature of American life. Those familiar with Desmond’s earlier work, Evicted, are well acquainted with his solid use of data along with personal engagement with those effected by the structures we tolerate and foster. As part of this study the class will also look at the national movement called Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and the Madison equivalent, the Madison Forward Fund. Both are innovative, and controversial, approaches to poverty. Download the Course Syllabus.

Location Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2023
End Date November 30, 2023
No Course Dates November 23, 2023
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 12
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

3

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Writing Workshop – THURS.

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Andy Millman mill60062@yahoo.com 847-275-6251

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.”

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2023
End Date November 30, 2023
No Course Dates November 23, 2023
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

4

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The Play's the Thing

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tess Mulroney tlmmdsn@aol.com 608-257-5595

Course Description

Each semester we read (aloud) and discuss three or four plays using an integrated approach which allows everyone to participate. Participant volunteers will each present a brief background of each play and playwright before reading begins. This semester we will read: Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple by Neil Simon; Charlie’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas, and Table Manners and Living Together  and parts of The Norman Conquests by Alan Ayckbourn.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 21, 2023
End Date November 30, 2023
No Course Dates November 23, 2023
Participation
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

5

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We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Barbara Evans evansbj@charter.net 608-833-6822

Course Description

The class meets every two weeks (or every other week) to discuss and critique contemporary mystery novels. 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. Novels can be found in the South Central Library System. Download the Course Calendar.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Every other Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 21, 2023
End Date December 07, 2023
No Course Dates November 23, 2023
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 18
# of Sessions 6
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Friday

1

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Reading the Classics

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
John and Jan Kinar jrkinar@gmail.com 608 238-2826

Course Description

This semester we will be reading Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. We will use the Vintage International edition for Faukner with ISBN 9780679732181. For Hurston we will use the HarperCollins edition with ISBN 9780060838676. For the first meeting please read Chapters 1 and 2, through page 45, of Absalom, Absalom!.

Location Hybrid - Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 22, 2023
End Date December 08, 2023
No Course Dates November 24, 2023
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Friday

2

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PLATO Travel

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Annette Bollig acbollig@gmail.com 267-303-1328
Kevin Bollig kevinbollig@gmail.com 267-303-1328
Lois Baseler loisbaseler@gmail.com 608-220-1840
Linn Roth linnroth102@gmail.com 608-238-2297

Course Description

PLATO Travel Group participants are adventurous, curious, and anxious 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! Download PLATO Travel Syllabus – Revised 10-02-23.

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 22, 2023
End Date December 15, 2023
No Course Dates November 17 and 24, 2023
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 11
Registration Not required but contact acbollig@gmail.com to be included in email list and to receive notices. No need to re-register if already on the list.

Friday

3

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Ontology Work Chamber

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Heather C. Williams heather@drawingtogether.com 760-213-606

Course Description

We will read and discuss one chapter each week of the book, Self Remembering: The Path to Non-judgmental Love, by Red Hawk. The Ontology Work Chamber is an open place for individuals who are interested in practicing the "WORK" of letting go of ego-separate-self and awakening to True Self as Soul, Spirit, and Consciousness. The "WORK" of awakening is not done in isolation – it is done with others – and with the guidance of a Mentor.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 22, 2023
End Date December 22, 2023
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 14
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Friday

4

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How Did Jesus Become God? Part Two

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tom Schlicht 608-831-6593

Course Description

To continue our study of this topic, we will watch lectures by Bart Ehrman, read excerpts of writings by Bible scholars and examine what these experts say through group discussion. Among the critics we will read Elaine Pagels, Bishop Spong, Earl Doherty, James Carroll, and others. Some questions we will discuss: What beliefs did early Christians have about Jesus? How did Jewish and pagan critics respond to them? How did Jewish and pagan sources influence Jesus' story? At Nicea, were bishops' decisions about creed affected by Constantine's political motives? Join us. Note: Participants will be asked to pay $15 for text materials.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 15, 2023
End Date December 01, 2023
No Course Dates November 24, 2023
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 12
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions


PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported in part by:



info@platomadison.org

Facebook: @platomadison

608-572-6869

6209 Mineral Point Road #203
Madison, WI 53705








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