|
- Animal Behavior: Companion Animals In-Person
-
Speaker: Lisa Ludvico
Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
The schools of animal behavior: ethology and behaviorism will be the lens of examining our companion animals. This course will allow us to observe the co-evolution of humans with animals. We will analyze the domestication process and phenotypes, both behavioral and physical. The domestication of dogs, horses, and cats will be emphasized. Strategies to humanely limit overpopulation of these animals, both nationally and internationally, will be explored.
This course will meet in person March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15.
|
|
|
|
- The Bill of Rights: Is It Relevant Anymore?
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Lynn O'Connor
Dates: 3/16/2026 - 4/13/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Recent court cases regarding the Bill of Rights and the 17 amendments have resulted in some surprising decisions. The tensions between the lower federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court have at times caused some experts and scholars to question whether the rights set forth in the Bill of Rights and the 17 Amendments are even recognized and protected today. This class will take a detailed look at specific amendments, analyzing the policies and case laws surrounding each in order to draw conclusions about their relevance.
This course will meet in person March 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Brief Tour of Asian Thought In-Person
-
Speaker: Joseph Givvin
Dates: 3/20/2026 - 4/24/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: F
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
We all ask ourselves the big questions of life. What is morally right? What is our ultimate purpose in life? What is a good society? This course will introduce you to the answers given in Indian, Chinese and Japanese thought. The course emphasizes the role of these philosophies/religions in the social-political life and on the artistic expressions (from calligraphy to film) of the peoples of Asia and how these philosophies/religions influence our world today.
This course will meet in person March 20, 27, April 10, 17, and 24. There is no class April 3rd.
|
|
|
|
- Deconstructing Music
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Flavio Chamis
Dates: 3/16/2026 - 4/13/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course will concentrate on exploring specific aspects of musical composition, exploring how composers establish formal structures to build their masterworks. At the same time, it will provide a comparative study between examples of different approaches to the exact same musical score, and how different artists insert their creative insights into the relatively strict framework provided by the composer.
This course will meet in person March 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Discovering Real Africa: Debunking Myths and Stereotypes
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Shemsa Ndahiro Iribagiza
Dates: 3/16/2026 - 4/13/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course is designed to challenge long-held myths and stereotypes about Africa, offering a deeper, more accurate understanding of the continent. It uses an engaging, respectful, and interactive approach that challenges learners’ experiences while introducing new perspectives.
This course will meet in person March 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Diva's Duet: An Examination of Women in Opera In-Person
-
Speaker: Jim Cassaro
Dates: 3/19/2026 - 4/16/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course will engage with characters like the fiery and independent Carmen, Donizetti's vivacious Marie from La Fille du Régiment, and Puccini's enigmatic Princess Turandot, who wield immense power and agency. Conversely, we will delve into the lives of more submissive and sorrowful figures such as Donizetti's tragic Lucia from Lucia di Lammermoor, Mimì from La Bohème, and the betrayed Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly. The course will examine the historical and social contexts that influenced these representations, considering how the roles of women on stage reflected, challenged, or reinforced societal expectations of their time.
This course will meet in person March 19, 26, April 2, 9, and 16.
|
|
|
|
- English Country Dance
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Gaye Fifer
Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course, 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 course will meet in person March 17, 24, 31, April 7, and 14.
|
|
|
|
- From Lyres to Synths: Evolution of Western Classical Music
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Lauretta Werner Merriman
Dates: 3/19/2026 - 4/16/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course surveys Western classical music from antiquity to the modern era, exploring the following historical periods: Antiquity, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Members will examine defining musical characteristics of each era and how they reflect cultural, political, and intellectual shifts in Western history. Emphasis is placed on critical listening and historical context to support a deeper appreciation of classical music’s influence and evolution. Members will be invited to listen to musical recordings outside of class.
This course will meet in person March 19, 26, April 2, 9, and 16.
|
|
|
|
- The History of England According to William Shakespeare
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Alan Irvine
Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
Shakespeare’s 10 history plays chronicle the history of England for the 200 years before Shakespeare’s own time. By looking at the plays in historical order we can get a sense of what Shakespeare and his contemporaries saw as the key elements of English history and development (which is rather different than how we view it today) as well as developing an appreciation for some of Shakespeare’s most beloved, and most obscure, plays. No prior knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays or of English history is needed for this class.
This course will meet in person March 17, 24, 31, April 7, and 14.
|
|
|
|
- Introduction to Using Generative AI Session 2 course
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Joseph Reinwald
Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This introductory course is designed to demystify generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and provide practical skills for using AI applications in daily life. Members will learn to access and effectively use popular AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and other platforms across various devices. Members will develop confidence in crafting prompts, understanding AI capabilities, and selecting the right AI tool for different tasks. This course is perfect for curious learners who want to explore the potential of AI technology in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.
This course will meet in person March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15.
|
|
|
|
- Racism in America Hybrid
-
Speaker: Ralph Bangs
Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
Times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 5
Modality: Hybrid
Fee: $0.00
Racism has always impacted all aspects of life for Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, White, and other racialized groups in America and today is manifested in all U.S. institutions and systems. This course will focus on the newest edition of one of the best books ever written on this topic: Feagin and Ducey, Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations, 5th ed., 2025. We will also learn from guest speakers, the instructor's writings, and other books and materials written in the last two years by racism experts.
Please Note: This course is hybrid, offering attendance both in the Homewood Community Engagement Center and online.
This hybrid course will meet March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15.
|
|
|
|
- Shakespeare's Measure for Measure: Interpretations In-Person
-
Speaker: Kathleen George
Dates: 3/16/2026 - 4/13/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
In this course, we will first examine the text and a traditional production before delving into recent productions and “inspired by” adaptations. How does this uniquely toned and difficult play continue to attract and challenge audiences? Content includes teleplays, filmed productions, and films.
This course will mee in person March 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13.
|
|
|
|
- Skimp on Barbie: Macroeconomics in an Age of Uncertainty In-Person
-
Speaker: Gautam Mukerjee
Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course evaluates the potential impact of current U.S. policies in conventional macroeconomic terms. As the “America First” mixture of tariffs, immigration, tax cuts, deregulation, and privatization works its way through the economic system, there is a growing sense of unease, often billed as “strategic uncertainty." While significant overhauls in the structural framework of allocation, production, and distribution may be expected, this also raises important questions concerning distributional equity, fiscal soundness, monetary acuity, and economic stability.
Recommended book: The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society, 2024 by Joseph E. Stiglitz
This course will meet in person March 17, 24, 31, April 7, and 14.
|
|
|
|
- Spies Like Us: Exploring Espionage in Five Popular Films In-Person
-
Speaker: David Shifren
Dates: 3/20/2026 - 4/17/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: F
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
What makes spy films such a mainstay of popular cinema? Someone assumes a secret identity, masquerades as someone else in a high-stakes battle between good and evil, and whips audiences into a frenzy of suspense. What is not to like? We will screen and discuss films about Cold War spycraft, reality inspired political capers, and clever, often hilarious send-ups of the genre. Movies will include Goldfinger, Marathon Man, True Lies, The Lives of Others, and Argo.
This course will meet in person March 20, 27, April 3, 10, and 17.
|
|
|
|
- Structure and Function of the U.S. Court System
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Kevin Fanning
Dates: 3/19/2026 - 4/16/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course will explore the structure and function of state and federal courts within the United States Court System. Legal concepts such as standing, jurisdiction, venue, due process, remedies, and appeals will be explored. The course will analyze landmark court cases that have shaped the legal landscape together with contemporary legal issues and their implications for the courts. The impact of courtroom and courthouse technology will be discussed. Members will learn about alternative dispute resolution concepts and how they differ from traditional court cases.
This course will meet in person March 19, 26, April 2, 9, and 16.
|
|
|
|
- "Tell all the Truth but Tell it Slant": Adventures in Memoir In-Person
-
Speaker: Molly Frounfelter
Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
This course offers supportive space and inspiration aplenty to dabble and "dazzle gradually" in the processes of explorative memoir writing. Together we will try out and try on various approaches to memory, place, detail, image, and creative autobiography. In each class session, we will read short pieces of writing that showcase various memoir forms, structures, and styles, which will serve as diving boards into our own adventures on the page.
This course will meet in person March 17, 24, 31, April 7, and 14.
|
|
|
|
- Visionary Fiction: Imagining Social Justice
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Kenneth Boas
Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/14/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
"Those concerned with justice and liberation must always persuade the mass of people that a better world is possible," states author Jeff Chang. As we face the reality of deep repression and corporate control and watch helplessly as our free speech and the rule of law are rapidly eroding, the visionary, speculative fiction we will read and discuss in this course will present imaginary alternatives to this reality. Through a novel and a wonderful collection of short stories, we will discuss questions that challenge what is possible for the human community, how we resist dystopian visions, and how imaginary visionary fiction serves to nourish us.
This course will meet in person March 17, 24, 31, April 7, and 14.
|
|
|
|
- What Makes a Great President
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Louise Mayo
Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: W
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 course will meet in person March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15.
|
|
|
|
- Yiddish Voices, Soviet Shadows: Stories by Shira Gorshman
- THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
Speaker: Lois Rubin
Dates: 3/19/2026 - 4/16/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 5
Modality: In-Person
Fee: $0.00
As their feminist sisters in the 1970s did with American women’s writing, so Jewish feminists in the 1990s recovered the stories of forgotten Yiddish women writers. Among them was Shira Gorshman, a dynamo who moved from a Lithuanian shtetl to the central Asian hinterlands during the war, to privation of the city and the hard life of communes in Palestine and Crimea. Following this trajectory, her characters in Meant To Be and Other Stories survive fear, loss, poverty, arduous work, and challenges of daily life in the Soviet world. The stories show how these women endure and build relationships in the face of hardship.
Recommended book: Meant to Be and Other Stories, by Shira Gorsham.
This course will meet in person March 19, 26, April 2, 9, and 16.
|
|
|
|