Fall 2024!   

It’s about time there was a course about time. Unlike space, time is the one physical dimension that goes in only one direction, the arrow of time as it’s often called. We sense time, but not through the usual five senses. From sundials to atomic clocks, people have always tried to measure it. There are long-term time cycles in nature, yearly cycles, monthly cycles, and daily cycles. Different cultures perceive time differently (does “meet you at 8:00” mean 8:00, or perhaps 8:00 - 11:00?). Newton thought time was absolute; Einstein thought it relative. Was the Big Bang the start of time? Is time travel possible?

This swift survey will examine the American struggle through the Great Depression with it's revisioning of the place of the American government. Then, on to WWII, the greatest war ever fought, as America rose to lead the world.

As a post-WWII yearning for normalcy took over, masking a fear of nuclear war, the economy and culture flourished. We'll explore New York City's art scene, new jazz, discoveries in medicine (like the Pill), and a trip to the moon in this swift survey. We will also dig into the painful yet necessary recalibrations of the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Rights Movement, and the awakening of the environmental movement.

Happy dogs and happy cats are easier to take care of and more fun to live with. Find out what will boost your friend’s happiness —and yours, too! This class will include an overview of the history of dog training and animal welfare practices. Get an update on the latest in applied animal behavior science. Learn how to understand what dogs and cats are saying by observing their body language. You will receive information on practical and inexpensive things you can do to make dogs and cats in your home more confident, at ease, playful, and safe. We will also discuss how to help animals who are grieving the loss of an animal friend. The class will include plenty of question and answer time where you can ask your behavior and training questions about your dogs or cats. Great information for shelter and rescue volunteers as well as anyone concerned about our overflowing local animal shelters.

The curtain opens, the lights go up, and voila! You join your fellow audience members on a trip into the magical world of live professional theater! The acting is spellbinding, the sets and costumes glorious, and your entire experience seamless. How was this magic created? Whether or not you have participated in school or community theater, this course takes you into the world of a small professional theater with a step-by-step examination of the process and the people who make it happen for a living. You will have a chance to try your hand as a team member (no experience necessary!) putting together a scene for an in-class performance!

Concurrent with "From Hope to Hostility: The Epic Journey of U.S.-China Relations Since Nixon Part I: The Movers and Shakers"

Enhance your ability to identify and understand the common birds of our region. We will explore anatomy, reproduction, foods, foraging, and the habitats in which to find the birds. We will cover backyard birds, owls, raptors, and water birds. Additionally, you will learn about bird-friendly garden features including important Do's and Don'ts. This course is geared toward beginning to intermediate-level birders.

Artists use color to create an array of symbolism, emotions, and socio-political meanings within the context of the time period in which they created their works of art. Additionally, artists utilized their knowledge of color to portray mood, light, depth, and point of view in a work of art. Progressing through the colors of the rainbow each week, we discuss a variety of paintings throughout art history to understand the artists' intentions and the stories behind the paintings within their respective color spheres. We will also discuss the various histories of color, their meanings in various societies and cultural contexts, and the materials and processes used to make colors. (This course will address the colors of red, orange, and yellow. Part II in the winter session will address the colors of green, blue, and purple.)

Concurrent with "Shorelines of the World"

In the latter half of the 20th Century, Henry Kissinger was at the center of nearly every major geopolitical event - and this is exactly where he wanted to be! From the prolonged war in Vietnam, the "secret" bombing of Cambodia, détente and arms control with the Soviets, the opening to China, the Realpolitik of the Nixon years, the orchestrated coups in Latin America, the Nobel Peace Prize shared with Le Duc Tho, to the wars in the Middle East and the advent of "shuttle diplomacy" – all bore the deep imprint of America's top foreign policy strategist and diplomat. We'll revisit Kissinger's role in these events and consider how his impact shaped what's happening in the world today.

In this introduction to Google Docs, we will show you how to create documents and share work "in the cloud." We will also discuss how Google Docs can fit into and simplify workflow across devices and operating systems. This class is intended for desktop/laptop computer users but will include information for mobile device users. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written material. 

Concurrent with "From Hope to Hostility: The Epic Journey of U.S.-China Relations Since Nixon Part II: Great Power Competition"

Join with other story lovers as we talk about books, theater, and film. Each week participants will share what they have been reading or watching. Any genre, fiction or non-fiction is fine. We will enjoy great discussions as we link up book themes, topics, authors, and books that have found another life on the stage, in the movies, and even in opera. You are guaranteed to go home with at least one new book suggestion, a new author to read, or a theme or genre to explore.

No class 11/29 Concurrent with "Philosophical Concepts in Physics: The Historical Relation Between Philosophy and Scientific Theories"

This class discusses the history of dark chocolate, how chocolate is made, how dark chocolate is different from milk chocolate, and examines its nutritious and medicinal benefits. We'll also take a look at the cacao percentages of dark chocolate (usually 55-95%), and just how 'dark' some of the more common dark chocolate candies are. Attendees will be invited to take two taste tests: one to quiz your ability to distinguish between different cocoa percentages of dark chocolate, and one to detect what flavors were added to the chocolate.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to make news. We will discuss developments that made headlines, reflect on where we are in the “hype cycle,” and whether “boomers” (favoring rapid AI development) or the “doomers” (hoping to slow it down) are winning. Aspects to be considered include technology, impact on business and employment, creativity, autonomy, and regulation. Each session starts with a one-hour lecture, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A and discussion. Session 1 will provide a review and overview of AI basics, emphasizing generative AI. Session 2 will take a tour of news items that illustrate where AI is succeeding and where it is struggling or failing, including a sampling of “Are you kidding me?” moments. Session 3 will focus on understanding trends and opportunities for improvement, technology, regulation, and citizen engagement and awareness. We will meet following the November election… so we may have an opportunity to discuss whether AI influenced the outcome!

Whether it is aspirin, insulin, or vaccines, Americans take many medications and vaccines without appreciating the science and regulatory processes that made them possible. Join us for an overview of the drug and vaccine development process, the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and our public health infrastructure. Whether it is diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines that are being developed, the process involves science, regulations, and business decisions. We will look at the usual path of drug development and take a look at the development and approval process for COVID-19 vaccines. We will discuss how traditional news outlets and social media influence the public's opinion of science, pharmaceutical companies, and safety.

The peaceful and prosperous Dutch Republic of the 17th century set the stage for the creation and production of painting from Rembrandt to Vermeer to Steen. The stunning landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes of this period reflect the relative tranquility and abundance of this social, economic, religious, and artistic milieu.

Concurrent with "Practical Situational Awareness & Personal Safety for Everyone"

ATTENTION: THIS CLASS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATES AND TIMES.

As one of the few Indigenous groups residing in Europe, the Sámi people have had a unique history of resisting colonialism. The Sámi are a singular united nation within Sápmi that exists across state borders from Norway to Russia. After decades of organization and advocacy, the Sámi now have elected parliamentary bodies to protect their collective interests in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. However, this unprecedented victory for Indigenous rights was not easily won and the Nordic countries still face a plethora of rights issues. For this class, we will explore how Sámi filmmakers have used art to expose past and present injustices against their people. From powerful contemporary works such as Sámi Blood (2016) and Stolen (2024) students will learn about the history of colonialism in Sápmi and how the Sámi people have and continue to advocate for their Indigenous rights in the North.

Concurrent with "The Final Countdown: Issues in 2024 Election" and "Foreign Policy: Looking Forward"

It's fall, and while the heady, warm days of summer may be over, it’s not time to ignore your garden. We’ll discuss how to "put your garden to bed" and protect it from pests and disease organisms that would love to nestle in and stay for the winter. We'll explore ways to promote the health of overwintering perennials and shrubs and discuss which kinds of plants are best planted in the fall. We will also review what grew well and discuss plans to order seed and bulb catalogs. 

Concurrent with "How to Become President of the United States: What Influences Our Elections"

This class will consider issues in the 2024 election. Topics will be chosen from issues in national security, economic policy, environment, and social policy. We will consider perspectives from Democratic and Republican views and conservative and liberal ideas. Students who have taken "Economic Issues in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election" in Spring of 2024 may wish to take this class. By Fall 2024, the issues will have been clarified, conventions will have been held, and platforms and other materials will be available.

Concurrent with "Exploring Sámi Film for Indigenous Rights"

As the November elections approach, this course will examine existing U.S. foreign policy, how policies may change as a result of elections, and implications for U.S. interests, including its international standing and influence, as well as potential specific areas of particular importance. Input and discussion by course participants will be encouraged.

Concurrent with "Exploring Sámi Film for Indigenous Rights"

This course delves into the intricate tapestry of U.S.-China relations from Nixon to now. Participants will gain insights into the divergent thought and behavioral patterns by dissecting the cultural archetypes and values inherent to both societies. The course also assesses the impact of differing political systems on business, social change, and global geopolitics. From the key issue of Taiwan and the rise of China to the rapid transitioning of the world's two largest economies from top trading partners to archrivals in just a few years, this course scrutinizes the multifaceted factors that have contributed to the current situation. We will explore the following topics: Historical overview of U.S.-China relations since Nixon; Nixon and Mao - the week that changed the world; Deng Xiaoping: plunging into uncharted waters; Xi Jinping: China Dream for the world.

Concurrent with "The Backstage World: Secrets of Play Production"

This course delves into the intricate tapestry of U.S.-China relations from Nixon to now. Participants will gain insights into the divergent thought and behavioral patterns by dissecting the cultural archetypes and values inherent to both societies. The course also assesses the impact of differing political systems on business, social change, and global geopolitics. From the key issue of Taiwan and the rise of China to the rapid transitioning of the world's two largest economies from top trading partners to archrivals in just a few years, this course scrutinizes the multifaceted factors that have contributed to the current situation. We will explore the following topics: The cultural archetypes of Chinese vs. Americans; Game of the Party; The evolution of U.S. policies toward China; and are the U.S. and China destined for war?

Concurrent with "Creating, Sharing, and Collaborating in Google Docs"

We will dive into the free Google Drive services found in your Google account, which will simplify your life and make you more productive. We will show you how cloud-based apps work within the Google universe. We will cover the advantages of using Google’s office productivity apps — and the pitfalls. Touching on security and privacy, we will show how Google's products can work with — and sometimes better than — the business software you might be familiar with. This class is for desktop/laptop computer users and will include information for mobile devices. The Chrome web browser is recommended. This class will use recorded and live demonstrations as well as written material.

The hotel industry in America began with rustic New England country inns and taverns, progressed to grand hotels with the growth of major American cities as spurred on by the railroads, and has culminated in the sophisticated boutique hotels of today. As America grew in population and prominence, the need for accommodations for travelers spurred the expansion of the hospitality industry while advancing the popular architectural styles of the time. This course will address the development of the industry through discussion of architectural and interior styles and the unique regional and cultural influences from various regions throughout the United States.

Concurrent with "Shorelines of the World"

This course surveys the history of American citizenship from the colonial period to the present. Lectures will interpret the history of the United States by examining how the American definition of citizenship, including fundamental rights such as free speech and voting, evolved over that timeframe. More specifically, the course considers how different groups within the American population, such as white men (with and without property), Native Americans, specific groups of immigrants, women, and enslaved and free African Americans, were denied (or gained) "full membership" (or less-than-full membership) in the United States.

No class 11/27

We will sort through widespread misinformation about the cause of global warming. It is not "natural causes." This course provides the scientific foundation of greenhouse gas theory in understandable terms. The description that CO2 "traps heat" often is used, and it is not incorrect, but just how does CO2 do that? Is methane different? A full explanation of the warming concepts is much more interesting and convincing than just "traps heat." No math or equations are needed. The course will cover energy conservation and the overall global energy balance; the essential role of the cold atmosphere at high altitudes; principles of infrared energy loss to space; and demonstration of a free, easy-to-use, online computer model for radiant energy transfer in the atmosphere. A thorough understanding of the mechanism enables one to know, rather than merely believe, that increasing greenhouse gases cause global warming.

This class will provide an overview of the organizations, institutions, and individuals that play a major role in the health and resilience of our democratic systems at the top of the U.S. political pyramid: President. Students will learn about the power dynamics at play and the mechanisms and institutions, including our constitution, straining under the pressure to maintain free and fair elections.

Concurrent with "Fall is for Gardening, Too!"

This course answers two questions about climate change: What is happening, and what can we do about it? People are putting more carbon dioxide and methane into the air, warming the air and the oceans. Higher temperatures increase flooding, droughts, heat wave temperatures, hurricane windspeeds, ocean acidity, and wildfires. The solutions are known and are coming. Current technological trends will stop additional global heating by replacing gasoline, coal, and "natural" gas with solar and wind electricity generation, reducing methane from farming, and increasing forests. United Nations scientists are now focusing on socio-political challenges that slow the adoption of known technological solutions. We can support solar and wind development, reduce consumption, and work on cultural changes needed for collaboration inside the U.S. and with other countries. This course explores how you can advance the transition to stop global warming.

What is propaganda art? We sense that we know it when we see it, but can it be defined? Art propaganda is not new. Art has been used throughout history as a means to influence and manipulate, usually for political or religious purposes. In this lecture, past and current examples of government control, exploitation, and subversive actions will be examined. We will question, how art and the use of propaganda art affect cultural conflict. The participation of artists and their art can reposition a narrative, ideal, or policy. Is their participation compulsory, agreed upon, or simple greed? Welcome to our investigation.

The recent war in the Holy Land risks, as U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has warned, "turning a tactical victory into a strategic defeat." Questions we will address in this class are: What are the antecedents of this unfolding tragedy; what are the political dynamics within Israel and Palestine; what are the responsibilities of the allied countries (on both sides) and the world community as a whole? Course material and reading list sources will include all perspectives. All opinions (civilly presented) will be welcome.

The Evil Eye, Amulets, Ghosts, and Demons explores Jewish superstitions and mystical practices through the ages. From biblical times to the present time, Jews have had their superstitions. Where and how did these beliefs originate? How did the rabbis react? Have they changed over the centuries?

Concurrent with "What is Early Music?"

When people willingly act to destroy their own cultural narrative, the culture itself will no longer survive. The physical representations of the history of a land, a country, and a people serve as the foundation of their culture. The objects themselves ~ monuments, sites, documents, memorials ~ provide a backdrop for the telling of that civilization; the noble and the profane. To alter the past is to erode the lessons learned, limiting the generational transfer of experience and the benefits of hard-won knowledge. We will investigate the question of who has "edited" history and why. What causes factions to attack heritage and is the end result justified? How will we know? Examples of the elimination of monuments and cultural history across the globe will be presented from ancient times to the present day.

In this two-part online course, instructor Brent Jensen will examine the life and music of Thelonious Monk, a pioneer in the Bebop revolution that began in the 1940s. Performances by the band Monkstone Theocracy, pianist Bill Anschell, saxophonist Brent Jensen, bassist Chris Symer, and leader/drummer Greg Williamson, will be featured along with a lecture and class discussion on the legacy of this innovative genius of modern jazz.

This class will discuss advances in physics against the historical and philosophical backgrounds in which they occurred. Participants will be encouraged to reflect upon the nature of a scientific enterprise, perhaps differing from the perspectives of traditional accounts of science gained through prior study or retrospectively from university classes in physics. A major goal is to elaborate on the essential and ineliminable role that philosophical considerations have played in the actual practice of science and in the construction of scientific theories. Following an introduction to the history of ancient and early modern science, major emphasis will be directed towards twentieth-century physics: relativity and quantum mechanics. No prior knowledge of relativity or quantum mechanics is assumed or necessary.

Concurrent with "CRI’s Expanded Book Discussion Group"

Emily Dickinson is one of America's finest poets. She had remarkable insight into a variety of topics: the human condition, nature, love, death, and immortality. She left nearly 1,800 poems that plumbed the depths of a fully engaged soul. Her poems often began as specific events but went on to reveal universal truths about life. And, although Dickinson's work can sometimes be enigmatic, it never fails to stir the imagination. The required text is "Final Harvest: Emily Dickinson's Poems" selected by Thomas H Johnson. Speaking of intuition as a way of knowing, she once remarked, "The Sailor cannot see the North, but knows the Needle can." Come join us as we celebrate the poetry of the Belle of Amherst.

Violent encounters take only seconds and are over faster than it takes police to respond. Wouldn't it be better to avoid confrontation in the first place? Our personal safety training is a preventative and proactive program that teaches you how to use situational awareness to navigate your surroundings and avoid conflict by exposing criminals and their tactics. You will learn real-world safety skills that will help you avoid potentially threatening situations. We have trained everyone from teenagers to corporate security directors of large corporations with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step programs. This course will provide you with a set of tools to anticipate potentially dangerous situations and reduce the risk of harm.

Concurrent with "The Dutch Baroque: Rembrandt to Vermeer and their Circle"

Violent encounters take only seconds and are over faster than it takes police to respond. Wouldn't it be better to avoid confrontation in the first place? Our personal safety training is a preventative and proactive program that teaches you how to use situational awareness to navigate your surroundings and avoid conflict by exposing criminals and their tactics. You will learn real-world safety skills that will help you avoid potentially threatening situations. We have trained everyone from teenagers to corporate security directors of large corporations with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step programs. This course will provide you with a set of tools to anticipate potentially dangerous situations and reduce the risk of harm.

It is nearly impossible for a third-party candidate to win a presidential election. This class will look at four elections in which third-party candidates posed a serious threat to the Democrat and Republican parties: 1912 (Teddy Roosevelt), 1968 (George Wallace), 1992 (Ross Perot), and 2000 (Ralph Nader). It will look at how and why these candidacies arose and the opportunities and obstacles they faced. Though none of these candidates came close to winning, the class will examine how these candidates changed the American political system, and in the process changed American history.

In this course, we will begin a leisurely reading of Chaucer's great satirical classic in the original Middle English language, a project we will pursue over many subsequent quarters. Our text will be Larry D. Benson's edition (Houghton Mifflin), widely available in paperback and online. Make sure you get this edition so that we all have the same line numbers. Students are asked to read through the General Prologue for the first class meeting.

In this course, we will perform a close reading of "Love’s Labour’s Lost," often regarded as Shakespeare’s most literary play, a tour de force of wit, wordplay, and satire directed at the playwright's rival poets, all centering around a whimsical farce of courtship and flirtation. Seattle Shakespeare Company will be performing the play concurrent with the course, and special discounts will be available for students to attend. Students are requested to read through Act 2 for the first class meeting. Any edition of the text will do, though it is recommended to find one with line numbers and footnotes (the instructor prefers Signet Classic paperbacks, widely available).

ATTENTION: THIS CLASS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATES.

Coastlines or shorelines bind all our land masses; or do they bind the oceans? This course will start with a tour of some coasts around the world: Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico's Baja and Yucatan Peninsulas, Cape Cod, and the coast of BC and the Pacific Northwest. Then we will see how the processes and energy at the coastal boundaries shape and reshape coastlines via crustal motions, changing sea levels, waves, and beach deposits.

Concurrent with "History of Hotels in America" and "Color and Symbolism in Art History"

Rebecca will introduce us to two exhibitions this fall at the Seattle Art Museum that explore important African-American artists. Jacob Lawrence: American Storyteller (June 28-Jan. 5) features a beloved painter with roots in the Harlem Renaissance and focuses on his gift for telling stories visually, whether of great historical figures or everyday people. Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams (Oct. 17-Jan. 19) is a major retrospective of this Macarthur genius grant recipient whose beadwork, sculpture, and textiles challenge traditional notions of craft versus high art. Both artists tackle themes including racism and social justice with humanity and even humor.

Early Music Seattle's Artistic Director Gus Denhard will introduce you to this 46-year-old music organization by demonstrating the research that leads to a historically informed performance. From the European music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, to ancient Persia, North Africa, Al-Andalus, and the many influences of the African diaspora, Early Music has something for everyone.

Concurrent with "Jewish Superstitions: The Evil Eye, Amulets, Ghosts, and Demons"

In 1942, it was just production #410 on Warner Brothers' schedule for a year-end total of 21 films. Among other things, it had a hands-on producer, at least four screenwriters, a veteran bad guy being promoted as a romantic lead, a young Swedish actress fleeing a troubled marriage into non-stop work, and a composer told to use an old Broadway revue song he hated. Somehow this combination became wildly successful and enduring. We'll explore how Casablanca is an exceptional example to come out of the movie production factories in the early 1940s with a focus on how its musical underscore elevated the film. Please join us to screen the picture over three sessions and see why Max Steiner's music helped make Casablanca memorable.