Tuesday   

This class explores how America’s three largest Abrahamic traditions have shaped—and been shaped by—public life in the United States. Using a modern historical lens, we’ll examine immigration and demographic change, church–state debates, civil rights and social movements, interfaith cooperation and conflict, and the evolving place of religion in elections, education, media, and law. Classes will balance concise background lectures with guided discussion and case studies designed to build shared context and encourage respectful conversation across differing viewpoints. No prior background is required—only curiosity and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with a central question of modern American life: what role should faith play in a diverse democracy?

Social Psychology is the scientific study of how our attitudes, emotions, and behavior can be influenced by the presence of others. In this introduction to the field, we’ll focus on topics like the importance of social norms that govern much of our behavior and interesting cross-cultural differences in those norms. We’ll also discuss how attitudes are formed and learn about various persuasion tactics used by advertising and sales professionals. Finally, we’ll cover classic topics from social psychology such as conformity, obedience to authority, interpersonal attraction, aggression, and pro-social behavior.

Many of the women of the Old Testament were dangerous, strategic, politically savvy, and morally complicated. This lively discussion-based course explores fascinating women whose stories shaped the culture, politics, and history of the ancient world. Through storytelling, historical context, and group discussion, participants will examine figures such as Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Jezebel, and Rahab while exploring themes of power, survival, leadership, loyalty, and rivalry. Participants may find themselves identifying with more than one of these unforgettable women. No prior religious background is required. Planned as Part I of a two-part series.

In this course students will explore and learn fundamental watercolor techniques, such as dry brush, wet on wet, glazing and washes, color theory, and brushwork to build your confidence so you can create pieces that you will be proud of. No prior experience required, just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!  

Supplies needed:   Pencil, eraser, paper towels, 2-3 round brushes size 4,8,12 mixing palette, 2 water jars (can be mason jars, plastic cups, anything to hold water), a small spray bottle, masking tape.  Watercolor paper arches/ cold press/ 140lb small pad.  As far as paints go I recommend Daniel Smith extra fine watercolor- set of 6, essential 5ml tubes and an additional burnt sienna tube.  You can find most of these on amazon, dickblick, Jerry’s Artarama, Michaels, and sometimes Walmart.  If you are signed up with a friend you can share paper and paints, but you’ll want your own pencil, brushes and palette.  The paper is important because the techniques will not work well on inexpensive watercolor paper.

Designing a Mindful Life is an interactive course for those who want to create a more intentional, grounded next chapter. Blending evidence-informed life design and mindfulness, this course invites participants to pause, reflect, experiment, and move toward choices that feel aligned with their interests and values. Through guided meditation, creative exercises, reflective writing, and conversation, participants will clarify what matters, recognize patterns that no longer serve them, and imagine new possibilities for work, relationships, creativity, and daily life.

Last fall we dove into Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights; this fall we’ll take on the work of her sister, Charlotte Brontë, and study Jane Eyre. A quintessential Victorian Era novel, Jane Eyre follows the physical, moral, and psychological development of its eponymous character, Jane. In the first class meeting, students will be introduced to the Brontë family and the Victorian Era while also being presented with a six-week at-home reading schedule. The foundation of each class thereafter will be discussions about the reading. The discussions will touch on topics addressed in the novel with a focus on madness and sanity, psychological abuse, and class and society. Join this course for six weeks of literary discussions of the Bildungsroman Jane Eyre.

This course will focus on the upcoming midterm elections in Massachusetts and nationwide. It will examine the national conditions and issues shaping the elections for U.S. House and Senate. The course will explore the race for Governor of Massachusetts and statewide initiatives on the ballot. It will conclude with a review of the post-election results and a preview of the forthcoming 2028 presidential election.

This will be the third of four art seminars and focuses on American Art. The post-Civil War era coexisted with rise of American economic and political power, and this is reflected in the emerging American Art scene. The main focus of this seminar is the period 1870s – 1950s. This is when the U.S. and the New York School challenged Europe as the center of modern art. This seminar will stress all the major art movements from this period. It is not necessary to have taken the earlier seminars.

A continuing series of six lectures meant to bring to light the role of both famous and lesser-known women who transgressed gender stereotypes, rose to positions of power, and shaped history in substantial ways. The first lecture will provide a brief introduction of the unique features of World History (as a distinct field/approach of History) that serves as an ideal framework to explore the lives of these extraordinary women throughout history. This course emphasizes coverage of historical women from non-Western Areas who have traditionally not received adequate attention. Session 1: Class Intro: What is World History? How to assess historical women in power in the past/today? Session 2: Elisabeth I (1533-1603) Session 3: Catherine the Great (1729 - 1796): Session 4: Roxelana - Hürrem Sultan (1505- 1558) Session 5: Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) Session 6: Angele Merkel (1954-

Writing is more than putting words on a page—it’s about capturing wisdom, laughter, and life itself, one story at a time. This writing group will offer the opportunity to take your writing to the next level. Building on the foundation of The Write Stuff Part I, this session will dive deeper into the craft of storytelling. Through guided prompts, thoughtful discussion, and hands-on practice, you’ll not only develop new ideas but also learn how to shape and strengthen your work. Together, we will explore editing techniques and the art of creating dialogue, to help your stories come alive in new and meaningful ways. Please bring a notebook and pen to each session.

Learn and discuss the US involvement in space exploration from its beginnings to how far we are going in the future. The class will discuss the technical details of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions. We remember seeing these missions; but did not understand why, I will discuss the why and reasoning behind all these missions. What were these missions to accomplish and their final goals? Show the science and engineering advancements we have made in the Shuttle and International Space Station programs. When will we return to the Moon and how far are we willing to travel into space? Is SPACEX the answer? The big question, “are we alone?” will be discussed. Math and science backgrounds are not required.

This course traces the dramatic changes in women’s lives in the United States from the postwar era to today. Through major turning points in politics, work, family life, education, and popular culture, we’ll explore how expectations of femininity and “the good life” evolved—and how women challenged, reshaped, and sometimes defended those expectations. Topics include second-wave and third-wave feminism, civil rights and women’s activism, reproductive politics, Title IX, changing workplaces and family structures, media and consumer culture, and contemporary debates over equality and identity. Classes blend accessible historical context with lively discussion and primary sources. No prior background required—just an interest in how social change happens and who drives it. 

Are you an Italophile? Do you want to know more about Italy and her beautiful language? Join us for our fun and engaging conversational course in the Italian language. Whether you are a complete beginner, speak some Italian, or just know a few curse words, at the completion of this course you will be able to greet people, talk about your family, tell time, talk about the weather, and discuss your hobbies. You will also learn about modern Italy through songs and stories. I look forward to meeting you and spending the semester with you as we explore the language and culture of il bel paese.

Ciao, Italia is designed specifically for students who have completed Buongionro, Italia and Buongiorno, Italia II. This class will be presented totally in Italian. We will focus on improved speaking skills and in depth conversations. Students will speak extemporaneously, respond to prompts, and give short presentations. We will enjoy Italian cinema,music, and literature as we increase our vocabulary and conversational skills. I look forward to seeing you all in the coming semester. A presto!