Online (Zoom)   

This course will explore the history of the Boston Public Schools system, from its inception in 1642 through the tumultuous busing crisis of the 1960s and 70s and to the district’s present-day realities of charter school competition, Exam School politics, and school mergers. As the first public school system in the nation, BPS holds a unique position within our city and country’s history – this course will allow participants to consider how BPS has changed over time and to explore what lessons the district’s history holds that can help to shape the future of public education in Boston and beyond. 

Infrastructures, often celebrated as symbols of modernity and national progress, are political. They tell stories about our aspirations, identities and what we collectively value in our societies. The course explores how big infrastructure projects from America’s Interstate Highway System to China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan reshape lives and displace communities. Through brief readings and engaging conversations, we will discuss the risks and rewards of “development” while connecting with familiar local histories such as Boston’s Big Dig and Interstate 81. Together, we will reassess development goals by critically evaluating development discourses around large infrastructure projects. 

“Know your nature. Know your strength. Know who you are — and be that.” - Prem Rawat 

The Peace Education Program (PEP) supports this discovery, of gaining access to one’s own inner strengths and resources, so this knowledge of self may be recognized. This 6-week course, featuring a media-based peace education program created by The Prem Rawat Foundation, allows you to discover your inner resources such as peace, appreciation, inner strength, self-awareness, choice, hope, and contentment, among others. Using provided digital workbooks, the facilitators involve participants with insightful talks, activities, and meaningful interactions that explore the theme of personal peace through a process of self-discovery. 

“I cannot change the wind of the natural aging process, but I can adjust the sails of my lifestyle and rhythm of living” 

In this 10th series of the Exploring Longevity course, we will examine the outlook of longevity in light of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, which holds the potential to vastly increase computational capacity and accelerate research into issues such as dysfunctional mitochondria and cellular senescence. While the ‘fountain of youth’ remains a metaphor, new insights into extending healthspan are steadily on the horizon. This course has been enriched by the shared wisdom and insights from our participants’ lived experiences. 

Whether we spend hours online or rarely touch social media, we all live in a world shaped by it. News, friendships, politics, even our ideas of truth and beauty are influenced by digital platforms and artificial intelligence. This course explores how technology is changing the way we think, trust, connect, and disconnect. Through stories, reflection, and open discussion, we’ll consider what it means to live meaningfully in a time when so much of life is filtered through screens and algorithms. 

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was Russia's most celebrated Romantic composer, whose emotionally powerful music bridged Western European traditions with Russian nationalism. Despite personal struggles, including his conflicted sexuality and bouts of depression, he created masterworks across multiple genres. His ballets, symphonies and concertos remain cornerstones of the classical repertoire. Tchaikovsky's gift for memorable melodies and dramatic orchestration made his music internationally beloved, establishing him as one of history's most influential composers whose works continue captivating audiences worldwide. In this course we’ll listen to samples of his music in the context of what was happening in his life. 

Being an empath or highly sensitive person is a profound gift — but in today’s noisy, stressful world, it can also feel overwhelming. This 5-week class will help you understand your sensitivity, create healthy boundaries, and learn practices to stay grounded, centered, and at peace. Through gentle exercises, guided meditations, and heartfelt discussions, you’ll explore how to manage emotional overload, reconnect with your intuition, and honor your sensitivity as a source of compassion, creativity, and inner wisdom. By the end, you’ll feel more balanced, empowered, and aligned with the true strength of your empathic nature. 

A legacy letter (also called an “ethical will”) is a written document that allows you to share your life lessons, express your values and transmit your blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family and friends. This four-session online course includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help you examine your life history, explore your values and capture important insights. It offers advice, encouragement and a model structure to help you draft and complete your own legacy letter. 

Recognize the address? Mary Poppins came to visit 17 Cherry Tree Lane and transformed its inhabitants, the Banks family. We will explore imaginative and unusual ways to approach creative writing with the same whimsy and determination as Mary Poppins. Give yourself the gift of time to notice the magic of words and nearly ‘fly’ into writing your own stories or poems. Through writing prompts and writing sessions, your imagination will be invited to the page. Participants will be encouraged to share their work and offer positive comments to others. Prior creative writing experience is not necessary. Please come ready to write, please keep camera on during sharing and prompts to encourage our special community.