Fall 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 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 their local library to fully participate.

Reading US History: Reconstruction and the Gilded Age Part 2

Coordinator

Course Description

Read and discuss the second 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. We will discuss Chapter 12 at our first session. This is a continuation of the spring course; priority in admission will be given to those who have already read and discussed chapters 1-11. Download the syllabus. Download Michael Stevens' bio.

Military History of the American Civil War 1860 - 1865

Coordinator

Course Description

During this course there will be weekly discussions of military strategies and tactics of Civil War battles from First Manassas July 1861 to Appomattox Court House April 1865. I use battlefield maps to discuss Union and Southern Strategies and Tactics complete with actual troop movements and formations at the beginning and end of major battles during the war.

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 temperatures, 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. Download the syllabus.

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. Each semester offers  a mix of presentations, guest speakers and reviews of our investing successes and failures.

Novels Old and New

Coordinator

Course Description

Click here to watch the Course Coordinator's Video! During this fall session we will discuss the following novels: 9/16 The Sympathizer by Viet Thang Nguyen; 9/30 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Grams; 10/14 I Must Betray You by Run Sepetys; 10/28 A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne; and 11/11 The Black Tulip by Alexander Dumas.

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.

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.

Healthy Aging and Self-Regulation

Coordinator

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to learn about the strategies older adults can use to maintain a quality life and prevent decline. We will explore seven factors related to healthy aging: exercise, Mediterranean Diet, cognitive stimulation, stress management, social engagement, purposeful and meaningful activities, and spiritual awareness. We will also explore the lives of centenarians and people from the Blue Zones.

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 Art of the Story: An International Anthology of Contemporary Short Stories, by Daniel Halpern.

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: 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 in 1939 with The Wizard of Oz and continuing onward through each decade. The films have been chosen due to their historical significance as well as their popularity at the box office. Download the syllabus.

Social Justice Book Discussion Group “Insiders and Outsiders”

Coordinator

Course Description

PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee leads this social justice book discussion group called “Insiders and Outsiders” to read and discuss five books. Week 1 Solito by Javier Zamora; Week 3 Milked by Ruth Conniff; Week 5 The Two-Parent Privilege by Melissa Kearney; Week 7 The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel; and Week 9 The 9.9% by Matthew Stewart. These topics are even more important as we experience a critical election year. The class meets every other week to allow adequate time for reading. Participants are expected to have read the assigned book and to participate in class. Download the syllabus.

Current Events AM

Coordinator

Course Description

This class will discuss local, national, and international events. Some topics will be hot and 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 share relevant links via email during the week about topics for discussion.

Discussions in Philosophy

Coordinator

Course Description

We will continue to read and discuss the book The Stone Reader: Modern Philosophy in 133 Arguments, by Peter Catapano and Simon Critchley, published by Liveright, available in hard cover, paperback, or eBook formats. This is a fun book with a series of short essays on philosophical topics, fueling lively discussion about how those concepts apply to today’s world. New members do not need to read preceding sections of the book covered in Spring 2024. The essays stand alone. We’ll begin this term at Where Is My Mind?, on Page 293 of the paperback, and proceed sequentially.

Foundations of Modern Art

Coordinator

Course Description

During these four lectures, we'll examine the stylistic foundations of 20th century abstract and non-objective painting. Beginning with Impressionist paintings by Manet and Monet, and Post-Impressionist paintings by Van Gogh and Cezanne, we'll discover how these works influenced painters like Picasso and Matisse. Kandinsky's accidental discovery of non-objective painting in 1910 and the development of conceptual art during World War I are also essential in understanding many of the paintings created from the 1920s through the 1960s by both European and American artists.

Mindfulness of Daily Life

Coordinator

Course Description

This course offers techniques and insights designed to cultivate mindfulness throughout your day – not just in formal sittings. Participants learn to integrate mindfulness into their routines, enhancing awareness and presence. Topics include wise effort, wise mindfulness, wise concentration, checking the attitude and dealing with the wandering mind. The practices associated with Burmese monk Sayadaw U Tejaniya – sometimes called Receptive Awareness – will be featured. While prior knowledge of traditional mindfulness techniques may be helpful, this class can be successfully taken by those without a meditation background. Each class session with include lecture and opportunities to practice mindfulness techniques.

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. We'll take a break and then pull some chairs into a circle and discuss items of interest that members have brought to the meeting. Members are invited to bring a news clipping or news item summary. We hope to increase our exposure to high-quality sources of news and information. 

Writing Workshop - WED

Coordinator

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.

Film History

Coordinator

Course Description

I LOVE MOVIES!!! If you love cinema as much as I do and enjoy learning about the evolution of film over the years, you will definitely enjoy this semester of film history. I will cover films of the 1930s, the beginning of the Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema. We’ll have a few international films in the collection as well. I’ll introduce each film with background on pertinent aspects of the historical times and the movie’s place in cinema history. We will watch the film in class and then have a spirited discussion after the class. All comments are welcome. Download the syllabus.

CANCELLED: What Confucius Might Have Said Regarding the Analects

Coordinator

Course Description

We shall read the first nine core chapters of the Lunyu usually known as Confucius’ Analects or sometimes Confucian Analects, a book of unknown authorship containing comments by Confucius as well as discussions with his disciples and political figures of that time (Confucius lived from 551-479 BCE). The Analects was compiled based on centuries of oral transmission by Confucius’s disciples in about 150 BCE. In the class the coordinator will introduce each chapter and point out some of the difficulties in understanding this enigmatic text, followed by a general discussion from class members.

CANCELLED: The Great Society 1964 to 2024. How Did it Change America?

Coordinator

Course Description

President Lyndon Johnson and the Congress created the Great Society by passing 60 laws that created more than 150 new or expanded programs. They included the War on Poverty, Medicare and Medicaid, aid for cities, immigration, support for the arts, environmental initiatives, and voting rights. Most are still functioning. We will study the impact and trace their development and funding over 60 years. Download the syllabus.

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 volunteer to 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.

Pinney Lane Book Discussion Group

Coordinator

Course Description

This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month to discuss a novel: September 4; October 2; November 6; and December 4. The book selections are determined in the spring of each year and assigned to a specific month. Group members volunteer to lead the discussion one month out of the year, and also select a month to bring treats to share with the group one month out of the year. The books selected for this fall and early 2025 are included on the syllabus. Download the 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.

The Roots of Modern American Popular Music

Coordinator

Course Description

This course will explore the variety of musical influences that have formed the foundations for modern American popular music. We will explore the complex interactions of a variety of musical forms that evolved from an incredibly diverse environment. We will review the following musical traditions: country, blues, folk, New Orleans jazz, western swing, gospel, urban blues, cajun/zydeco, etc.; and how they all influenced each other and evolved into the rich variety of modern American music. During each class we will will listen to music, watch videos, and engage in discussions. Download the syllabus.

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 - THURS

Coordinator

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.

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 present a brief background of each play and playwright before reading begins. This semester we will read: The Sisters Rosenzweig, District Merchants, A Doll’s House Part ll, and presenter’s choice of an Inge play. During the final month of class, the group will select plays for the following semester and consider which play they may be interested in leading. Note: On Nov. 21 class will meet in the Lake Room at Christ Presbyterian Church.

We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

Course Description

This 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 syllabus.

A History of Matter in the Universe

Coordinator

Course Description

This course will be a semester-long overview of how the stuff we and our planet are made of got to be and how it ended up on this planet, from the big bang to the formation of Earth's crust. Download the syllabus. Download Sebastian Heinz's bio.

Who's Driving the Bus?

Coordinator

Course Description

Are politics and current events too much for you lately? Do headlines have you convinced we're headed for a black hole and there's nothing we can do to escape? If so, this might be the course for you. If you're not on guard, your mind and time can easily be hijacked. Take hold of the steering wheel and do a course correction toward a saner, less stressful life as we explore distraction, critical thinking, negativity, time, sleep, handling too much of everything, and much more. Download the syllabus.

Shakespeare's Comedies: Method and Meaning

Coordinator

Course Description

We examine five often-staged comedies: Twelfth Night, Merchant of Venice, As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew and The Tempest. Discover how the Bard created his comic masterpieces as we read plot outlines and analysis by expert critics and watch key scenes from the plays. Join our fun-loving group as we discuss the young lovers who overcome the obstacles to love and marriage and the villains who get their just desserts. Note: $15.00 fee for handouts and coordinator expenses such as purchase of books and DVDs.

PLATO Travel

Coordinator

Course Description

PLATO Travel Group 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 syllabus.