|
- Album Cover Design: A Brief History
-
Speaker: Jane Dudley
Dates: 7/2/2024 - 7/30/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Album covers are much more than just packaging. An album cover design can be as much a part of the identity of a record as its sound. This course will explore the history of album cover design from its beginning in the 1930s through the cool jazz of the 50s; rock and roll and psychedelia in the 60s; the golden age of the album cover in the 70s; the rise of Punk, New Wave, and Hip Hop in the 80s; to the demise of vinyl records in the 90s and the rise of digital art today. We’ll listen to some of the music while we examine some of the great album cover artists and photographers.
This in-person class will meet on July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
|
|
|
|
- Baseball Movies
-
Speaker: Joseph Harris
Dates: 7/2/2024 - 7/30/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
What better time than midsummer to watch and discuss some movies about baseball? For decades, American filmmakers have made movies that have both celebrated the game and used it to comment on the workings of race, gender, region, and money in our culture. We will screen and talk about one baseball movie each week, along with some clips from related films. Our viewing list will likely include Eight Men Out, A League of Their Own, Bang the Drum Slowly, Sugar, and Moneyball. These films offer insights into sports, society, and the art of film.
This in-person class will meet on July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
|
|
|
|
- Coming of Age on the Silver Screen
-
Speaker: David Shifren
Dates: 6/27/2024 - 8/1/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Coming-of-age stories often show the journey from adolescence to adulthood, but they needn't always focus on teenage years. Film characters who advance in self-awareness and consciousness of others deserve discussion no matter what their age. What sparks the change and keeps the character marching forward despite obstacles is what will fuel our talks about films that perch protagonists on the doorstep to some new world —then show them taking that fateful step forward. Films include: To Kill a Mockingbird, American Graffiti, Saturday Night Fever, Desperately Seeking Susan, and About Schmidt.
This in-person class will meet on June 27, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1. There is no class July 4.
|
|
|
|
- Covering the Basics: Make a Book from Scratch
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Shannon Fink
Dates: 7/3/2024 - 7/31/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Learn to make a book from scratch! In this course that will meet in Hillman Library’s Text and conText Lab, we will design and make our own blank journals. We'll make our own paper, learn the art of paper marbling, and bind our own hardcover journals. At the end of the course, each student will have their very own case-bound journal.
This in-person class will meet on July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
|
|
|
|
- Film Noir 1950-1981
-
Speaker: Steven Cherry
Dates: 7/3/2024 - 7/31/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Many people love film noir but may not be able to define it. Despite millions of words written about it (or perhaps because of them!), there is widespread disagreement about the genre. The term was invented in France by the so-called new wave directors and critics who had studied American thriller or detective films made in the 1940s and 1950s, though it is not clear how many are really noir. This course will focus on films made between 1950-1981.
This in-person class will meet on July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
|
|
|
|
- History of American Independent Cinema
-
Speaker: Daniel Singleton
Dates: 7/3/2024 - 7/31/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Independent films have been around since the birth of cinema. But what "independent" means has changed dramatically over time. Some independent film movements, such as "Poverty Row" films of the 1940s and drive-in movies of the 1950s are economically independent of Hollywood studios and are often made with less money and fewer resources than mainstream films. Other independent film movements, such as the "indiewood" blockbusters of the 1990s and early 2000s, are aesthetically independent and tell different kinds of stories in different ways than mainstream films. This course will survey a range of different approaches to independent filmmaking through lectures, screenings, and discussion.
This in-person class will meet on July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
|
|
|
|
- Introduction to International Folk-Dance
-
Speaker: Robert McCollum
Dates: 7/1/2024 - 7/29/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
An activity-based course focusing on the folk dance traditions of countries around the world with a particular emphasis on the Balkan and Mediterranean regions. National dances of several countries will be introduced, and the dance figures associated with them. All dances will be taught and reviewed several times and repeated over the course. Initially, most dances will be easy to follow but we will progress to more challenging ones. The aim of the course is to allow participants to feel comfortable with many of the dances commonly played at international folk-dance events.
This in-person class will meet on July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.
|
|
|
|
- Introduction to Performance
-
Speaker: Courtney Wilkes
Dates: 7/2/2024 - 7/30/2024
Times: 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course is designed to develop the participants' awareness of the actor’s process and a general sense of theatre as an area of human endeavor. Participants will be introduced to basic theater terminology, communication skills, including physical and vocal presence in front of an audience. The course will also develop an introductory level of acting skill through regular warm-ups, theatre games, improvisation, and simple scene study.
This in-person class will meet on July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
|
|
|
|
- Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education
-
Speaker: Lynn O'Connor
Dates: 7/1/2024 - 7/29/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
2024 is the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The class will first look at the decision and the Supreme Court that produced it; move on to the law arising from the decision; examine the factors affecting the realization of the goals of the decision; and conclude with a discussion about where we are as a nation and where we need to go in terms of successful public education.
This in-person class will meet on July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.
|
|
|
|
- New Perspectives on the Brain
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Betsy Peitz
Dates: 6/27/2024 - 8/1/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Since the brain plays such a central role in controlling the body, it has been a longstanding subject of research. With advances in magnetic resonance imaging and DNA technology, much new information on the brain is becoming available. After a brief explanation of terminology, this course will look at some of the new ideas on brain structure and function. Topics will include brain evolution, functional mapping and neural networks, the role of neuroglia cells, neural stem cells and some ideas on facial recognition and spatial orientation. Although there has been a lot of research on neurological disorders, we will not have time in this class to discuss diseases.
This in-person class will meet on June 27, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1. There is no class on July 4.
|
|
|
|
- Pittsburgh Rivers and Waterways
-
Speaker: Werner Loehlein
Dates: 7/2/2024 - 7/30/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This class will take participants on a journey of the history of the major watersheds (the Allegheny, Monongahela, Beaver, and main-stem Ohio River) that comprise the Upper Ohio River Basin surrounding Pittsburgh. This journey will begin with how glaciers defined our major river system, followed by discussions of the major historical floods and droughts, the development of the regional navigation system, the multi-purpose reservoir system, and local channel improvement projects network.
This in-person class will meet on July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
|
|
|
|
- Saving Taxes in Retirement
-
Speaker: Bud Kahn
Dates: 6/27/2024 - 8/1/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Diligent savers enter the second half of retirement with little insight into the complex tax and distribution planning dangers that can wipe away the sacrifice made during their working years. This course is designed to educate participants about how to keep more of their retirement savings by effective use of planning opportunities available under current tax laws. This course is updated annually to reflect new legislative developments and tax planning opportunities.
This in-person class will meet on June 27, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1. There is no class July 4.
|
|
|
|
- English Country Dance
-
Speaker: Gaye Fifer
Dates: 5/16/2024 - 6/13/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This class, appropriate for members of any level, begins by teaching the basic figures used in English country dancing and practices them in the context of beautiful historic and modern dance compositions. Members will explore the grace, elegance, and playfulness of this dance form (think of Pride & Prejudice). No partner or experience necessary. Participants will regularly switch partners in our dance sessions. Be prepared for physical, mental, and social stimulation! The focus will be on dancing and enjoying moving with the music.
This in-person class will meet on May 16, 23, 30, June 6 and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Gandhi's Economics: Lessons for the 21st Century
-
Speaker: Gautam Mukerjee
Dates: 5/14/2024 - 6/11/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course looks at Gandhi’s economics and its relevance in the 21st century. We begin in South Africa with Gandhi’s take on the harshness and exploitative thrust of imperialism and colonialism. This led to the birth of a resistance movement, which he subsequently transplanted to India. Combining the ideas of Ruskin with the age-old principles of nonviolence and self-reliance, Gandhi forged a unique brand of economics. These are powerful lessons as modern capitalism tries to straddle relentless wealth creation with rising social dysfunction and environmental degradation.
This in-person class will meet on May 14, 21, 28, June 4, and 11.
|
|
|
|
- Inanimate Reason: Mechanizing Thought, Automata to AI
-
Speaker: Jeff Aziz
Dates: 5/14/2024 - 6/11/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course will explore the strange human project to reproduce ourselves as machines even to the point of mechanizing our mental capacities and experience. The course will bring together the philosophy and history of computing, including the current moment of large language model artificial intelligence. The course will explore how we have understood these minds of our making in literature and film and examine the current moment in which artificial intelligence seems to have arrived. We will work with several important texts including Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey and William Gibson's Neuromancer.
This in-person class meets on May 14, 21, 28, June 4, and 11.
|
|
|
|
- Intercultural Learning
-
Speaker: Kati Von Lehman
Dates: 5/16/2024 - 6/13/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
In this course, we will discuss what defines a culture, different cultural theories, and cross-cultural communication. Working and living in a diverse community allows the chance to gain knowledge and understanding of cultural differences, values, communication styles, and behaviors. We will discuss ways that communication varies across cultures, help participants to recognize those differences, and provide strategies to bridge communication styles. There will be many fun activities for people to share their own cultural experiences and discuss cultural scenarios.
This in-person class will meet on May 16, 23, 30, June 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Interpreting Statutes: From Tomatoes to Healthcare
-
Speaker: Benjamin Bratman
Dates: 5/15/2024 - 6/12/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Most media coverage of the Supreme Court concerns its decisions interpreting the Constitution on high profile matters like the right to abortion, the right to bear arms, or the constitutionality of race-based affirmative action. Far less attention goes to cases accounting for about half of the Court's docket: those requiring the interpretation of federal statutes passed by Congress. Through consideration of several cases, ranging from the amusing and seemingly trivial (is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?) to the very consequential (will Obamacare survive?), this course will explore the ways in which the Court dissects Congress's enacted words and tries to discern its ever-elusive intent.
This in-person class will meet on May 15, 22, 29, June 5, and 12.
|
|
|
|
- Introduction to Augustine
-
Speaker: Irene Wolf
Dates: 5/14/2024 - 6/11/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Does evil exist? What is evil? What causes evil? Three major areas of study include the problem of evil, free choice of the will, and God’s existence. These areas and foundational questions will be answered by analyzing Augustine of Hippo’s text De libero arbitrio voluntatis (On Free Choice of the Will). No previous study of philosophy is necessary, and all are welcome.
This in-person class will meet on May 14, 21, 28, June 4, and 11.
|
|
|
|
- Introduction to Hemingway
-
Speaker: Michael Young
Dates: 5/16/2024 - 6/13/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course is an introduction to the Nobel Prize winner’s writing style and major themes though a sampling of his short stories and two of his most fabled novels: The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Many of his other works will certainly come up in the discussions and some of the then-contemporary film adaptations could be added, time permitting.
This in-person class will meet on May 16, 23, 30, June 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Irish Culture and Traditions
-
Speaker: Marie Young
Dates: 5/14/2024 - 6/11/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course is a study of Irish culture in Ireland as well as in the Irish diaspora overseas over the past ten years. Members will explore aspects of Irish culture and traditions still vibrant and thriving today. The course will be conducted in English. Discussions and lectures will be organized around themes from Gaelic games, to music, to Irish language, and will include current cultural changes and advances in Ireland and among its people.
This in-person course meets on May 14, 21, 28, June 4, and 11.
|
|
|
|
- Photo Explorations
-
Speaker: Germaine Watkins
Dates: 5/18/2024 - 6/22/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Sa
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Get that camera out and start exploring the wonders around you! This course will benefit beginners and advanced photographers. Weekly photo walking explorations and critiques will take place while learning the ins and outs of participants’ cameras. The first week of class, participants will select the locations of our photo explorations. Join the “foto phun!”
This in-person class will meet on May 18, 25, June 1, 15, and 22. NOTE: there will be no class on June 8.
|
|
|
|
- Politics of Police Portrayal
-
Speaker: Andrew Lotz
Dates: 5/15/2024 - 6/12/2024
Times: 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course explores the political ramifications of how police, policing, law enforcement, and prisons are portrayed in the media. We'll consider things like the "CSI Effect", COPS, C.O.P.S. (yes, those are different), CHiPS, Batman, The Wire, The Shield, Blue Bloods, Bad Boys, Hawaii Five-O, Law and Order, The Andy Griffith Show, and even Paw Patrol. The course will examine how policing in the American context is constructed, narrativized, and shared via media sources. We'll then talk about the politics of this portrayal, and how lived experience (especially that of marginalized groups) clashes with the mass public's held notions, creating real concern for policy change.
This in-person class will meet on May 15, 22, 29, June 5, and 12.
|
|
|
|
- Reading the Data and Understanding the Election
-
Speaker: Alan Irvine
Dates: 5/16/2024 - 6/13/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
The media tells us that candidates are up in the polls, then they are down in the polls. That unemployment is up. A recession is looming (or not). That every candidate who does X goes on to win (or lose.) What does it all mean? How accurate is all this? Sure, the candidates and media will claim to explain it, but do any of them know what the numbers really mean? In this class, we will consider how to read opinion polls, graphs, and charts, and make sense of all the technical data that candidates and media like to cite, so that you can interpret it all for yourself.
This in-person class will meet on May 16, 23, 30, June 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Senior Living Simplicity
-
Explore the complexities of senior living decision-making in this comprehensive course. Delve into the myriad options available, from staying in your home, to independent living or assisted care, and master the art of financial planning tailored to senior living. Understand the crucial intersection of wellness and healthcare within these communities. Uncover the emotional and social dynamics that play a pivotal role in the well-being of seniors. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions that prioritize the holistic needs of older individuals.
This in-person class will meet on May 15, 22, 29, June 5, and 12.
|
|
|
|
- Taylor Swift: The Sum and Substance
-
Speaker: Jessica Lynch
Dates: 5/14/2024 - 6/11/2024
Times: 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
“Someday, I'll be livin' in a big, ole city / And all you're ever gonna be is mean / Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me” —Taylor Swift, 2010, “Speak Now.” Taylor Swift is a current cultural phenomenon. How did she get to be where she is? Is there nothing she can't do, whether boost NFL ratings or influence U.S. presidential elections? Dive into a study of her background, lyrics, marketing, business dealings, and recordings to see how she became worth $1.1 billion with worldwide social and economic dominance.
This in-person class will meet on May 14, 21, 28, June 4, and 11.
|
|
|
|
- What is Our Human Evolution Story?
-
Speaker: Thalia Gray
Dates: 5/14/2024 - 6/11/2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course describes the fascinating current picture of our human origins. The fossil picture has been emerging for the past 200 years, and every year brings new discoveries. New research techniques allow for precise information to be decoded from fossils, caves, and other archaeological sites. The identity of our direct ancestors and the path to how we got here is hotly debated by paleoanthropologists and is a rich source of speculation and new understandings. Who were the first hominids to walk upright? Who first made specialized tools and art? At what point did people look and behave just like us? And what happened to the others?
This in-person class will meet on May 14, 21, 28, June 4, and 11.
|
|
|
|
- What Makes a Great President
-
Speaker: Louise Mayo
Dates: 5/16/2024 - 6/13/2024
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course will be a discussion of the characteristics that make a great president. We will examine those presidents that history has judged to be exceptional. We will also look at those who have failed or have not quite succeeded and why they did not make the grade. We will consider interesting facts that explore why the status of some presidents like Woodrow Wilson and Andrew Jackson has fallen recently.
This in-person class will meet on May 16, 23, 30, June 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|