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Become part of a dynamic course during this interactive study of U.S. and foreign policy, highlighting issues that are timely and critically important to our nation and the world. The discussions are based on the Great Decisions 2021 Briefing Book, which provides impartial, thought-provoking analyses on each topic, informative maps and detailed graphs, in addition to suggested reading and research materials. The briefing book is required and can be purchased directly from the Foreign Policy Association website at www.fpa.org. This course will meet for 8 weeks. Enrollment is limited to 20. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

This course will explore a little-known aspect of artist Leonardo da Vinci’s passion for interlocking knots. Learn about mathematician Luca Pacioli, who became Leonardo’s apprentice, and Isabella d’Este, patron of the arts and hostess to Leonardo and Luca when, in 1499, fleeing the perils of war, the men took refuge in her castle. The sojourn creates a sketch of Isabella with a promise to be followed by a 'color portrait' of the Marchesa. Discover the intrigue of the relationships of the apprentice, the master, and the Renaissance woman and her unfinished portrait that intertwines their lives forever. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

Fantastic wine is being made all over the world today from California to Canada and from New York to New Zealand. However, most of wine's culture, traditions, production techniques, laws, and quality standards were developed in Europe over the last two thousand years. A basic understanding of the classic wine regions of the old world helps us to fully appreciate all that is wonderful in the modern world of wine. This class will cover the wines, grapes, and growing regions of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal in a fun and entertaining way. Wine lists will be sent prior to each class meeting so you can enjoy wine relevant to the evening’s class. COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

We will take a fresh look at some of the greatest and most intriguing works of art throughout history. These adventurous sessions will explore composition, balance, color, movement, and perspective, and examine what the master painters, from pre-historic Lascaux to Picasso, had in mind. Come and consider if these paintings are indeed masterpieces. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

Out of the kitchen and into the fray, women have come a long way in proving one does not have to live by baking bread alone. Men, move over as we focus on the struggles and progress made by women in the workplace as represented in a few select films. Not listed in screening order, the films we will analyze and discuss are: His Girl Friday (1940), Working Girl (1998), Erin Brockovich (2002), Mona Lisa Smile (2006), The Post (2017) and more. Dare to dream. We will meet online via Zoom for an introduction of the film, then you rent and watch the film independently via the streaming service of your choice. After the film, rejoin us for an open discussion of each film’s topic and depiction of the issues. Additional film rental fees are not included; approximately $25 for all six films. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

The short story, often relegated as backseat to the novel, is a vibrant and essential form of storytelling in its own right. Many of our country’s greatest writers have used short fiction to explore a myriad of themes, particularly fundamental questions about what it means to be an American or if we can even lay claim to a single national identity. In each class we will discuss three stories, thematically rather than chronologically, discovering how American writers over the last 200 years grapple with issues of identity, womanhood, race, the immigrant experience, and cultural concerns that continue to define us. Students will find all the stories collected in The Oxford Book of American Short Stories, second edition, edited by Joyce Carol Oates. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

The 1940s started with hits from Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers, and Hart, but change was coming. Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! completed the revolution by integrating all the aspects of musical theatre: a cohesive plot, songs that fit the story, and even dance that advanced the storyline. The 1950s were crucial to the development of the American musical, especially under the influence of director George Abbott. The 1960s would become the era of blockbusters: the first rock musical and more topical plots such as the Vietnam War and race relations were explored. Come discover this amazing time in Broadway through discussion, videos, critical reviews, and rare photos. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

Grant was indeed the unlikeliest of military heroes. A mediocre student at West Point, he went on to show great bravery in the Mexican War, but while stationed in California and Oregon, bored and missing his family, he turned to drink and was forced to resign his commission. Grant's fortunes turned in 1861. With the Civil War approaching, he was again offered a commission and within three years, he was in command of the Union Army, leading it to victory in 1865. Seven years later, he was elected President of the United States. As America's most important soldier, Grant invented the American way of war. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

This class will help you write your life story using prompts and exercises. We will analyze a few excerpts from the greatest memoirs of our time, think about big questions, and do timed writings while learning how to offer each other helpful feedback. Anyone is welcome, whether you are a beginner or a skilled novelist. Just bring a pen and a notebook. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.

You have a right to your opinion about the news and this is the course to express it. Or, you can sit back and listen to others voice their thoughts. Each week the class covers the hot topics of the day based on articles from The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Economist, Time magazine and many more. You will be alerted in advance of class which articles will drive the week's discussions. All thoughtfully delivered points of view are encouraged and will be respected because different opinions spark engaging discussions. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE USING ZOOM.

In this course we will examine three religions that were birthed in the East: Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Explore the history of each and its impact on the development of civilizations in China and Japan, among others. THIS COURSE WILL MEET ONLINE VIA ZOOM.