Wednesday   

This is the last of Jim’s four art seminars. As an art movement postmodernism to some extent defies definition – as there is no one postmodern style or theory on which it is hinged. It embraces many different approaches to art making and may be said to begin with Pop Art in the 1960s and to embrace much of what followed including Conceptual Art, Neo-Expressionism, Installation Art, and numerous other schools of art too numerous to mention here

Planning to join the Bridgewater State University Senior College trip to France in May 2027? This fun, interactive introductory course is designed especially for travelers who want to feel more confident before they depart. No previous knowledge of French is required.

Students will learn practical "survival French" for everyday situations such as greeting people, introducing themselves, ordering in cafés and restaurants, shopping, asking for directions, and handling common travel scenarios. Along the way, participants will become familiar with French customs, etiquette, dining culture, and social courtesies that will enhance their travel experience and help them connect more comfortably with the people they meet.

Emphasis is placed on speaking, listening, reading, and building confidence rather than grammar, making this an enjoyable and stress-free introduction to the French language and culture. Preparing you for your trip to France, Germany and Switzerland!

This class will explore insider perspectives on Broadway shows of today, from the creative teams to areas of production, from actor insights to director perspectives - and more.

Get an inside look at everything which happens to make the magic of musicals, along with stories, reviews, and discussions on Broadway shows from the last five years.

A significant percentage of the world’s population lives with the threats posed by various natural hazards. In this course we’ll explore the causes and effects of natural events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, and the places most likely to experience them. We’ll also look at reasons why people choose to live in risky places and some of the factors that affect their perceptions of risk and their likelihood of preparing for potential disasters. Finally, we’ll address some of the social and psychological reactions of disaster victims and factors that can help in recovering from such traumatic events.

Join us for a 6-week film adventure where movie lovers dive into the unexpected! In CineSeniors, we explore a wide variety of unique, surprising, and offbeat films—one per week—spanning all genres, and time periods from mystery to musicals, sci-fi to silent classics. Before the course begins, students get to vote on the films we'll watch together, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

Each week, we stream a selected film using free, easy-to-access platforms like YouTube, Tubi, or the Internet Archive—so a reliable internet connection and a fast computer are essential. After the film, we’ll host a lively and friendly conversation where you can join in—or just listen in—while we share thoughts, reactions, and film trivia. Whether you're a lifelong movie buff or just looking for something fresh and fun, this course offers great movies, great company, and great conversation. Come for the films, stay for the friendships!

In this course, students will build upon fundamental watercolor techniques. Reviewing techniques such as wet on wet, blending and color mixing from watercolor 1 and using them to create masterpieces.  Bring your enthusiasm and creativity!  This class will be a bit more in depth than Watercolor 1, but beginners are always welcome. 

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.  

For Watercolor part 2 please bring an additional agree brush size 18-20, masking fluid (Daniel Smith is a good one) and a masking fluid eraser.

How can you tell what medical technology is truly useful and what is just hype? In this class we will learn to find credible information on wearable devices like fitness trackers, as well as health apps and other medical technology? We will also explore patient portals and insurance-sponsored wearables, including issues of privacy. In addition to sharing what I have learned as a health communicator, I encourage students to share what they have personally tried – from Fitbit to continuous glucose monitors to getting advice from ChatGPT – and whether they recommend them for other seniors. We also discuss the tricky task of talking with your doctor about information from personal devices without overstepping your role as a patient. 

This course delves into the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression within various societal structures. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will critically examine the intersections of identity, social systems, and historical contexts that contribute to the perpetuation of inequality. The power, privilege, and oppression course will delve into various societal structures, aiming to foster a deep understanding of how these forces shape our world. We will explore a diverse range of societal structures, including but not limited to, the education system, criminal justice system, media representation, healthcare, and economic institutions. Expect to look at how race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability intersect in surprising ways.

 Throughout the course, we will develop and foster critical thinking skills and empathy. Key questions we’ll tackle include: How do power dynamics show up around us? What historical events are still affecting us today? And most importantly, how can we make a difference? Join me for a thought-provoking, brave space to promote fairness and justice.

Nature as Writing Mentor explores Nature as a muse and a topic for our writing focus. Participants write in class for ten minutes and are invited to share in class. Writers are encouraged to develop a writing practice throughout our time together. 

This class is for writers of all levels and interests.  If you have taken the class before, you are welcome to join in again and no previous experience is needed. The focus for our time together is to have fun and to get new writing on the page while exploring the many benefits of nature. 

As we move towards winter, yoga II will take a deeper dive into the profound effects of yoga and contemplative practices on mental and physical health. The class will introduce an array of meditative practices you can incorporate into your everyday life. The class will continue with a gentle yoga practice and finish with these simple, easily repeated meditation practices. These techniques improve cognition, decrease anxiety, and generate a centered mind-body state.

Our backyard is far more active than you might realize! In this class we will explore the “night shift” of the wild animals that share our spaces, especially as habitat loss brings them closer to our doors. This course offers an in-depth look at the wildlife navigating our residential landscapes. Having seen a threefold increase in rehabilitation calls over the years, I am dedicated to teaching homeowners how to trade fear for understanding. Join me to learn how we can advocate for our wild nocturnal neighbors and foster an environment where we move toward a model of informed, peaceful coexistence.   

Analysis of Warfare since World War II An exploration of the evolution of warfare from 1945 to Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine. We will examine counter insurgency struggles to full blown conflicts. Selective conflicts include the wars decolonization (1947-1975), the Vietnam War (1964-1975) the Iraq War (2003-2011), Afghanistan War (20001-2021), and Putin’s disastrous War in the Ukraine. The focus is NOT on a detailed history of these wars but to focus on the strategies and goals of the opposing sides and the lessons learned or not learned. How did generals and statemen adapt to various new weapons systems, theories and strategies? Noted military and civilian historians will be utilized to examine strategies- some which have been successful while some strategies reflect critical mistakes that have often been repeated time and again.

The magic of words lies in the ability to influence thoughts and evoke emotions. We will create stories from a simple picture, reading words to create a story. Words and pictures have a great effect on what we create. 

This course will cover how the election process and power of the office of the President has developed over the years. Included will be the role of the President in the original Constitution, the Electoral College, and the evolution of the office through the years. Specific elections will be highlighted to show the issues in electing the President. Also, a number of Presidents will be discussed in detail to show how they have influenced and changed the office.This course will cover how the election process and power of the office of the President has developed over the years. Included will be the role of the President in the original Constitution, the Electoral College, and the evolution of the office through the years. Specific elections will be highlighted to show the issues in electing the President. Also, a number of Presidents will be discussed in detail to show how they have influenced and changed the office.