SPRING 2023 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 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.

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

Coordinator

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.

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

The Musical Evolution of the Beatles 1962 - 1970

Coordinator

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.

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.

Money Skills for Retirees

Coordinator

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.

Novels New and Old

Coordinator

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.

Project 2025. Then What?

Coordinator

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.  

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 2022 and Best American Essays 2022.

Biography

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 look at biographies of widely different people; historical; political; show business; environmentalists, etc.

Crime Worse Than Lutefisk: History and Mystery in Scandinavia

Coordinator

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.

Jazz

Coordinator

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.)

History of the Hollywood Musical

Coordinator

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.

Current Events – A.M.

Coordinator

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.

Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through Meditation Hindrances

Coordinator

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.

Continuing Philosophy

Coordinator

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.

Global Affairs and the Media

Coordinator

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.

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.

Film History

Coordinator

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.

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

Coordinator

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.

Writing Workshop - WED

Coordinator

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.

Dylan: The Unlikely Evolution of a Genius

Coordinator

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.

What in the World Happened

Coordinator

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.

Communitarian Thought

Coordinator

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.

Writing Workshop - THURS

Coordinator

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.

We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

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. 

The Play's the Thing

Coordinator

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.

We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

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.

Reading the Classics

Coordinator

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.

PLATO Travel

Coordinator

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.