Bridgewater Public Library   

This course will explore the life and music of James Brown.  The Hardest Working Man in Show Biz, Mr. Please, Please, Please, The Minister of the New Super Heavy Funk, Mr. Brown is arguably one of the most important musical figures that America has ever produced and whose legacy is often disregarded and unappreciated.  This six-week course will explore his life, his music, the development of his new musical styles, and his influences on music and society both of his era and contemporary times.

This course will cover the history of Massachusetts and Boston, in particular, from the settlement of the Pilgrims to the present day.  It will not only cover the major (and some minor) events of the last four hundred years but also discuss a number of people who lived, worked, in the state that have had an effect on our country as a whole. 

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!

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.

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.

What makes good art good?  Is it all subjective?  Are there objective qualities to art?  What _is_ art, anyway?  In this class we will look at the philosophy of art, including major theories on these big questions, and others, such as: how should we interpret artworks?  Does the artist’s intention matter?  How would we know what that is?  Are concepts like Art and Beauty connected in any way?  We will also address social questions pertaining to the arts, such as issues of censorship, public funding, and related topics.

In this class will cover wild bird attributes, including habitats, habits and diets as well as the different classes of birds: Raptors, Songbirds, Sea Birds, Game Birds, Wading Birds and Waterfowl. We will discuss different poisons and diseases, including rodenticides. We will focus on how we can protect our native birds from extinction. I am teaching this class with my new Education Barn Owl, Baby.