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Spring 2024 Course Schedule

Announcements

COVID PROTOCOLS

COVID protocols are specific to each host site. Please see the Winter/Spring 2024 COVID Protocols post on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your coordinator.

Registration

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

Printable Course Listing

Printable Spring 2024 Course List (PDF)
28 Pages as of 1-23-24

Course Details

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

Monday

                                                                                                                    

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Classic Film Discussion Tobey and Wes Marsceill Virtual
2 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Reading US History: Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, Part 1 Michael Stevens Virtual
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pathways to a Sustainable Planet Richard Steeves Virtual
4 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM The Musical Evolution of the Beatles 1962 - 1970 | Watch Joseph Koykkar's coordinator video to learn about this course Joseph Koykkar Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
5 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Exploring Creativity Karen Wulff Christ Presbyterian Church
6 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Money Skills for Retirees Tom Eggert Virtual
7 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Novels New and Old Carol Spiegel, Marsha Urbaniak, Bonnie Dill Hybrid - Fitchburg Senior Center

Tuesday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Project 2025. Then What? Kris Harings, Janet Bailey Virtual
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Short Stories and Essays Irv Klibaner Covenant Presbyterian Church
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Biography Chuck Pils Vista West
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Crime Worse Than Lutefisk: History and Mystery in Scandinavia Helene Androski Christ Presbyterian Church
5 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Jazz Mike Lipp Wisconsin Bank and Trust
6 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM History of the Hollywood Musical Michael Troudt Capitol Lakes

Wednesday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Current Events AM Mert Corwin Virtual
2 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through Meditation Hindrances | Watch Craig Wille's coordinator video to learn about this course Craig Wille Hybrid - Christ Presbyterian Church
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Continuing Philosophy Ed Cothroll, Bill Colwell, John Miller Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
4 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Global Affairs and the Media Leon Lindberg, Steve Hirsch, Kirk Elliott Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
5 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Current Events PM Meg Taylor, Jerry Burns Virtual
6 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Film History Mary Klink Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
7 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Exploring Generative AI or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Large Language Models Donaby Henton Virtual
8 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Writing Workshop - WED Andy Millman Virtual

Thursday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Dylan: The Unlikely Evolution of a Genius Tim Otis Covenant Presbyterian Church
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM What in the World Happened Chuck Pils Vista West
3 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Communitarian Thought Jack Mitchell Virtual
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Writing Workshop - THURS Andy Millman Virtual
5 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM We Love a Mystery Barbara Evens Virtual
6 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Play's the Thing Tess Mulroney Madison Senior Center

Friday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

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 Capitol Lakes
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM History and Shakespeare's English History Plays Tom Schlicht Madison Senior Center

SPRING 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 the history and social relevance of the films, and learn about film techniques, cinematography, and the resumes of the directors and actors. 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 the local library to fully participate.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Start Date February 19, 2024
End Date May 13, 2024
No Course Dates No Class on March 4 and April 8
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 35
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

2

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Reading US History: Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, Part 1

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Read and discuss the first half of Richard White’s The Republic for Which It Stands: The United States during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. White argues that the US changed immensely in the 30 years after the Civil War. He explores major changes resulting from immigration, urbanization, new technologies, powerful corporations, income inequality, failures of governance, and growing diversity—all of which affect our lives today. Participants should come prepared to discuss the Introduction, Prologue, and Chapter 1 at our first session. We will read the second half in Fall 2024. Download Michael Stevens' biography. Download the course syllabus.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date February 19, 2024
End Date April 22, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 10
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

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 look at our own food choices and ways to promote biodiversity. Download the course syllabus.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 19, 2024
End Date April 22, 2024
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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The Musical Evolution of the Beatles 1962 - 1970

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Joseph Koykkar jkoykkar@wisc.edu 608-276-9448

Course Description

Learn about this course by watching course coordinator Joseph Koykkar's coordinator video here!

This course will highlight how the popular music group, The Beatles, changed the music of the last half of the 20th century. A general study of what makes their music so unique and groundbreaking will be emphasized.

Location Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Start Date February 19, 2024
End Date April 8, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

5

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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 February 19, 2024
End Date April 22, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 10
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

6

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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 13 sessions with 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 February 19, 2024
End Date May 13, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 13
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

7

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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 spring session we will discuss the following novels: 2/19 Giants in the Earth by O.L. Rolvaag; 3/4 Run by Ann Patchett; 3/11 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan; 3/18 The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks Dalton; 4/1 Scoop by Evelyn Waugh; 4/8 Call of the Wild by Jack London; and 4/15 The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton.

Location Hybrid - Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date February 19, 2024
End Date April 22, 2024
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

1

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Project 2025. Then What?

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Kris Harings kris.harings@gmail.com --
Janet Bailey jb.plato.jb@gmail.com --

Course Description

An examination of The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 – a road map for government changes to be made if a Republican is inaugurated in 2025. The course provides an informative and dispassionate look at the many recommendations whose core tenet is personal loyalty to the president. This is the "Project 2025" part of the course. The "Then What?" part will focus on available countermeasures, either before or after the election. Participants should download the Project 2025 policy guide for selected readings. Download the course syllabus.  

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date February 20, 2024
End Date April 9, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 18
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

2

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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 to be used: 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 February 20, 2024
End Date April 23, 2024
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

3

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Biography

Coordinator

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

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 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 February 20, 2024
End Date April 23, 2024
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

4

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Crime Worse Than Lutefisk: History and Mystery in Scandinavia

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Helene Androski helene.androski@wisc.edu 608-335-5105

Course Description

In this course we will explore the countries of Scandinavia through the medium of crime novels. We will discuss the literary concept of Scandi Noir and examine what each of the novels can tell us about the history and culture of its setting. The books, in order, are: Ragnar Jonasson. Snow Blind (Iceland); Kjell Ola Dahl. The Courier (Norway); Celia Ekback. Wolf Winter (Sweden); Sara Blaedel. The Drowned Girl (Denmark); Antii Tuomainen. The Man Who Died (Finland). Copies are available in the South Central Library System, at Mystery to Me bookstore, various used book outlets, or online at bookshop.org.

Location Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date March 05, 2024
End Date April 9, 2024
No Course Dates April 2, 2024
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 5
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

5

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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 February 20, 2024
End Date April 23, 2024
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

6

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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 Wizard of Oz in 1939 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 February 20, 2024
End Date April 23, 2024
No Course Dates March 19
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 35
# of Sessions 9
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 events that are hot and current. Some topics will be very current and others will be ongoing issues. Topics will be determined each week, at the start of the class. 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 February 21, 2024
End Date April 24, 2024
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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Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through Meditation Hindrances

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Learn about this course by watching course coordinator Craig Wille's coordinator video here!

Anyone practicing mindfulness knows that there are forces in the mind that can make it difficult to stay attentive to one’s present moment experience. They pull our attention away from our efforts to meditate. Even with the best of intentions to stay focused, these forces can propel us into the world of preoccupation and distracted thought. Rather than reacting to these difficulties as being bad, distractions, or personal feelings, it is important to be mindful of them. They can become part of the path of practice, rather than a detour. This class is designed to teach ways to do this.

Location Hybrid - Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date February 21, 2024
End Date April 17, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

3

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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 be reading and discussing the book The Stone Reader: Modern Philosophy in 133 Arguments, by Peter Catapano and Simon Critchley, published by Liveright, and available in hard cover, paperback, or eBook formats. The book is divided into four sections – Philosophy, Science, Religion & Morals, and Society – each applying philosophical debate to real world issues which promises to fuel our lively weekly discussions.

Location Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 21, 2024
End Date May 08, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 12
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
James Danowski jdanowski@gmail.com 630-726-6442

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.

Location Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 21, 2024
End Date April 24, 2024
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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Current Events PM

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 February 21, 2024
End Date May 1, 2024
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

6

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Film History

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Mary Klink jgmk10@gmail.com 608–235–9631

Course Description

If you love movies as much as I do, don’t miss this class! Each semester we will cover a decade of movies considered as noteworthy by film experts, followed by discussion of the film’s good and perhaps not so good features. I will try to incorporate some educational elements on the history and development of cinema. So as the lights dim... sit back, bring your own excitement for cinema and let’s watch movies together! Download the course movie list.

Location Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date February 21, 2024
End Date April 24, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

7

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Exploring Generative AI or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Large Language Models

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Donaby Henton aiexplorer125@gmail.com --

Course Description

Take a non-technical dive into ChatGPT, Midjourney and Generative AI. We will take a high level look at how they work and what that means for their results. Try your hand at AI generated knock-knock jokes and pictures of tabby cats rollering skating on Venice Beach! We will review use cases and social ramifications, specifically the Writers Guild Agreement and the Midjourney lawsuit.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Start Date March 13, 2024
End Date April 03, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 4
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

8

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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.” Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Whether you've yet to write the first word or you’re polishing that manuscript, our writers’ group will provide you with the feedback, structure and support you need to both get started and push forward. 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 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Start Date February 21, 2024
End Date April 24, 2024
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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Dylan: The Unlikely Evolution of a Genius

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This course will cover the first 15 years of Dylan’s career when he went from being a “complete unknown” to becoming the poet laureate of his generation. It is hard to fathom the extent to which Dylan transformed our understanding of popular music during the 1960’s and 70’s. He reinvented and modernized folk music, changed how popular music was conceived through stunning image-driven poetry, and demonstrated that complicated issues of life can be explored within the context of lyrics and music. He was doing this while utilizing a variety of music genres (folk, blues, country, ballads, rock & roll, roots, gospel, etc.). Download the course syllabus.

Location Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 29, 2024
End Date May 2, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 16
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

2

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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 February 22, 2024
End Date April 25, 2024
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

Thursday

3

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Communitarian Thought

Coordinator

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

Course Description

My knee jerks with the rest of liberal Madison, but I find more satisfaction in exploring ideas that challenge me. Last spring, I led a discussion of “conservative thought.” This spring I want to look at “communitarianism,” fashionable in the Clinton administration. Remember, “It takes a village to raise a child”? Communitarianism seemed a middle ground that might unite liberals and conservatives. At the same time, it angered both liberals and conservatives. Provocative. Download the course syllabus.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Start Date February 22, 2024
End Date April 11, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 20
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

4

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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.” Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Whether you've yet to write the first word or you’re polishing that manuscript, our writers’ group will provide you with the feedback, structure and support you need to both get started and push forward. 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 February 22, 2024
End Date April 25, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 14
# 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 2 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 syllabus. 

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Every other Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date February 22, 2024
End Date May 2, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 18
# of Sessions 6
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

6

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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: The Doctor's Dilemma, The Mousetrap, Six Characters in Search of an Author, and Our Town.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date February 22, 2024
End Date April 25, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

7

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We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This class meets every two weeks (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. Participants need video conference capability and email. Download the course syllabus.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date February 22, 2024
End Date May 2, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 18
# of Sessions 7
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 Victory by Joseph Conrad (Penguin Classics Edition with ISBN 9780241189658) and A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (Penguin Classics Edition with ISBN 9780241540428). For the first meeting please read Part 1, through page 55, of Victory.

Location Hybrid - Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 23, 2024
End Date May 3, 2024
No Course Dates
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 rothlinn@sbcglobal.net 608-238-2297

Course Description

PLATO Travel 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! Download the course syllabus.

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 23, 2024
End Date May 3, 2024
No Course Dates March 29, 2024
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Friday

3

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History and Shakespeare's English History Plays

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tom Schlicht To register for the course, please call Tom. 608-831-6593

Course Description

How closely did Shakespeare stick to history in his plays about late medieval history in England? To answer this, we’ll read handouts and watch DVDs from three expert professors: Paxton from Georgetown University; Saccio from Dartmouth University; Conner from Washington and Lee University. The former is a scholar in late medieval English history; the latter are Shakespeare scholars. The three will take us through history’s version and the plays’ version of the Hundred Years’ War, The Wars of the Roses, intrigues, murders, executions, etc. in England and France. Participants will be asked to pay $15 for text materials.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date February 23, 2024
End Date April 26, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 10
# of Sessions 10
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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