Menu
Log in

Summer 2024 Course Schedule

Announcements

COVID Protocols

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

Registration

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

Printable Course Listing

Printable Summer 2024 Course Schedule (PDF) Created May 7, 2024

Course Details

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

Monday


#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mass Extinctions: Are We Next? Alan Capelle Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
2 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Book Discussion # 2: Discussing Bill McKibben’s Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? (2019) Alan Capelle Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
3 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Exploring Creativity Karen Wulff Christ Presbyterian Church
4 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Why Free Speech is Not a Free Pass Allen May, J.D. Bethany United Methodist Church

Tuesday

                                      

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Short Stories and Essays Irv Klibaner Covenant Presbyterian Church
2 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 Mert Corwin Virtual
2 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Introduction to Meditation Craig Wille Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
3 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Exploring Generative AI or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Large Language Models Donaby Henton Virtual
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Writing Workshop Andy Millman Virtual

Thursday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM We Love a Mystery Barbara Evans Virtual

Summer 2024 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Monday

1

M1 Return to top

Mass Extinctions: Are We Next?

Coordinator

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

Course Description

The earth has experienced five mass extinctions over its 4.6 billion year history. We will explore all these major events in detail and speculate if humans are next in our current 6th extinction! Join Prof. Alan (Madison College) as we embark on a great journey through lost worlds in earth's history.

Location Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
Start Date June 3, 2024
End Date June 24, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 4
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

2

M1 Return to top

Book Discussion # 2: Discussing Bill McKibben’s “Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?" (2019)

Coordinator

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

Course Description

We will once again return to another lively discussion on one of Bill McKibben’s more recent books. Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? is a powerful and sobering call to arms, to save not only our planet, but also humanity itself.

Location Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Start Date June 3, 2024
End Date June 24, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 4
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions 

Monday

3

M1 Return to top

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 June 3, 2024
End Date August 5, 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

4

M4 Return to top

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? Can a trial judge in a case where I am a defendant issue a "gag" order to prevent me from criticizing his rulings? What if I am a presidential candidate? Can you be forced to listen? Can you be compelled to speak? Does social media have to follow the same rules? Course members will discuss these boundaries and various theories of free speech. Download the Course Syllabus.


Location Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date June 17, 2024
End Date July 22, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 6
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

1

T1 Return to top

Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Irv Klibaner Irwinklibaner@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 June 4, 2024
End Date July 23, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

2

T1 Return to top

History of the Hollywood Musical

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This is summer session will look at some great composers starting with Rhapsody in Blue. The films have been chosen due to their historical significance as well as their popularity at the box office.

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date June 4, 2024
End Date July 2, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 35
# of Sessions 5
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

1

W1 Return to top

Current Events

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This class will discuss local, national, and international events, both 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 session. All viewpoints are encouraged. The format will be very casual and interactive. Participants are encouraged to forward relevant links during the week for discussion.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Start Date June 5, 2024
End Date September 11, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 20
# of Sessions 15
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

2

W1 Return to top

Introduction to Meditation

Coordinator

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

Course Description

The class provides the ideas and practices related to mindfulness in order to begin or renew a practice. There are a variety of approaches to mindfulness practice. This class focuses on what is known as Insight (or Vipassana) mindfulness, done through the use of mindfulness of breath. Mindfulness can produce increased levels of serenity, joy and focus. Also, it works toward the goals of knowing the mind, training the mind and freeing the mind from the habits and impulses that contributes to the “unsatisfactoriness” we frequently feel in regard to everyday life.

Location Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date June 5, 2024
End Date July 3, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 5
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

3

W3 Return to top

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 June 5, 2024
End Date June 26, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 4
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

4

W4 Return to top

Writing Workshop

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. 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 June 5, 2024
End Date August 7, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

1

TH1 Return to top

We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

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

Course Description

The class meets once a month during the Summer session 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. 

Summer class dates:  Third Thursdays: 6/20/24, 7/18/2024, 8/15/2024

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Third Thursdays
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date June 20, 2024
End Date August 15, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 18
# of Sessions 3
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








Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software