WINTER 2024 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Classic Film Discussion

Coordinator

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, 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.

Exploring Creativity

Coordinator

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.

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: The Penguin Book of the Modern American Short Story, Edited by John Freeman, and The Best American Essays 2022, selected by Alexander Chee.

History of the Hollywood Musical

Coordinator

Course Description

This is a chronological history of the film musical. The films have been chosen due to their historical significance as well as their popularity at the box office. Download the syllabus here.

Intermediate Mindfulness Meditation

Coordinator

Course Description

While called “Intermediate” and is especially useful for those having had a meditation experience, this class is also appropriate for those with no previous meditation training or practice. In a teaching, discussion, and practice format, this class will focus on the following special topics (among others) to deepen the mindfulness meditation experience: 1) Tuning In, 2) Tracking, 3) Intentions, and 4) Letting Go.

cancelled for winter session – Film History

Coordinator

Course Description

The Winter season of Film History is cancelled – a new coordinator is scheduled to take it over in the Spring Session. This course features films to be selected mutually by the course coordinator and the class. We expect and hope that this will lead to lively discussion. Hope to see lots of people in the seats when the time comes.

Fictional Detectives

Coordinator

Course Description

We will read one detective novel a week prior to class and in the following order (title & author): 1/11 The Keeper of Lost Causes, Jussi Adler-Olson; 1/18 Before the Frost, Henning Mankell; 1/25 Detective Inspector Huss, Helen Torsten; 2/1 Borkman’s Point, Hakan Nesser; and 2/8 The Laughing Policeman, Maj Sjoowall and Per Waylon. We will watch a movie based on the assigned book at our weekly meeting. A discussion will follow.

English Medieval Churches: Their Architecture and History

Coordinator

Course Description

This course will provide the opportunity to learn and discuss the architecture of English cathedrals and parish churches along with related events in English history. Extensive photographs will be used to illustrate the Saxon, Norman, Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular periods of English architecture. Key architectural terms and medieval building techniques will be included. Scenic photographs of towns and the countryside will help place the churches in their surroundings. Website addresses on church architecture will be provided for background information.