We use energy to heat and cool our homes, to supply heated water, to provide lighting, to keep our food fresh, to run our many appliances, to travel by car, bus, or plane, etc. Our lives are energy intensive, and the cost of energy always seems to go up. We could simply use less energy, but we would still like to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. It is possible to use less energy to heat, cool, light, etc. It will require informed choices, and it may have significant up-front costs. Some savings are immediate, other savings are longer term. Our energy use is a major contributor to climate change and resource depletion. So, saving energy can contribute to a greater good. We can try to make a difference.

We use energy to heat and cool our homes, to supply heated water, to provide lighting, to keep our food fresh, to run our many appliances, to travel by car, bus, or plane, etc. Our lives are energy intensive, and the cost of energy always seems to go up. We could simply use less energy, but we would still like to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. It is possible to use less energy to heat, cool, light, etc. It will require informed choices, and it may have significant up-front costs. Some savings are immediate, other savings are longer term. Our energy use is a major contributor to climate change and resource depletion. So, saving energy can contribute to a greater good. We can try to make a difference.

Since the 1890s, when Americans were beginning to develop their own traditions in classical music, composers recognized the dilemma of creating the American sound. In this course, we explore how not only classical musicians, but also Broadway and Hollywood composers of diverse origins and ethnicities, created a sound that has been defined as evocative of these lands and its people. Join us as we listen to and discuss the works of Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Grant Steel, Florence Price, Alex North, Elmer Bernstein, and others, and discover how elements of jazz, folk music, and classical techniques created a uniquely American sound identity.

This course will start with the problems besetting the Church c.1500, and proceed to the role of Martin Luther in starting the Reformation. From there it will look at the Fragmentation of the Reformation, the Catholic Reformation, and the Age of Religious Wars.

This course will start with the problems besetting the Church c.1500, and proceed to the role of Martin Luther in starting the Reformation. From there it will look at the Fragmentation of the Reformation, the Catholic Reformation, and the Age of Religious Wars.

This course is an introduction to yoga history, philosophy, and practice of the eight limbs of yoga, rooted in the ancient Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Participants will learn the postures (asanas), meditation practices, and breathing techniques (pranayama) as a springboard for playful explorations of stability and ease, breath and flow, and joy and limitations. These embodied activities build strength and flexibility as well as cultivate increased concentration, focus and mindfulness. Participants who prefer to practice on a mat, should bring a yoga mat. For those preferring not to practice on a mat, modifications on a chair will be provided. All participants should bring a mat, yoga blocks, yoga straps and a blanket/towel.

Delve into the history of traditional folk narratives. We will talk about the differences and similarities between tales from various cultures, why some stories are universal, and their influence on societies past, present, and future.

Delve into the history of traditional folk narratives. We will talk about the differences and similarities between tales from various cultures, why some stories are universal, and their influence on societies past, present, and future.

Black settlers valued literacy as a tool to achieve equity, independence and prosperity for themselves and their children, being essentially denied education during slavery. Over the years, as the public educational systems of Champaign and Urbana evolved, so too did the expectations and quality of education for African Americans. This course will discuss the education of Black children in Champaign County prior to the 1950s and de facto segregation, the ongoing impact of the 1954 Brown vs. The Board of Education decision on the integration of schools in both communities, including the Ellis Drive 6, the establishment of magnet programs, the Consent Decree and Schools of Choice in Champaign schools. The establishment of the University of Illinois and its role in the Black community will also be discussed.

In this 8-week introductory course participants will learn and practice the basic amalgamations of two dances: East Coast Swing (E.C. Swing) and American Tango. The emphasis will be on proper technique, rhythm, and partnering. Even though suggested routines will be taught, the steps will be presented in such a way as to give you an opportunity to put them together in other ways which may suit you better. We will be rotating partners in this class.

Explore the rich diversity of Latin American and Latino popular and traditional musics from the late 19th century to today. Through historical, political, social, and economic lenses, we examine key genres, composers, performers, and instruments across regions. The curriculum integrates contemporary scholarship and digital resources to analyze how these musics reflect cultural identity, migration, and globalization. Engage with multimedia recordings, live performances, and research projects that deepen understanding of the music's evolving forms and social functions within transnational and intersectional contexts of Latin American and U.S. Latino experiences.

Explore the rich diversity of Latin American and Latino popular and traditional musics from the late 19th century to today. Through historical, political, social, and economic lenses, we examine key genres, composers, performers, and instruments across regions. The curriculum integrates contemporary scholarship and digital resources to analyze how these musics reflect cultural identity, migration, and globalization. Engage with multimedia recordings, live performances, and research projects that deepen understanding of the music's evolving forms and social functions within transnational and intersectional contexts of Latin American and U.S. Latino experiences.

Prince Albert’s 1851 exhibition in London’s Crystal Palace showcased cutting-edge technology and culture, drawing over six million visitors. The building soon became a symbol of Europe’s 19th-century transformation, a period when Western Europe gained extraordinary economic, political, and intellectual power. Industrialization, new business practices, and expanding ideas of equality reshaped everyday life, while modern art, science, and political thought took recognizable form. This course will use the Crystal Palace as a lens to explore the major - sometimes inspiring, sometimes troubling - developments of European culture during this pivotal era.

This course will examine how playwrights, performers, and producers combine to make funny experiences in live theatre. Participants will consider a range of comic styles with the intention of understanding how each style operates. Each week, two or three plays will be used as illustrations as the class learns background stories, performance histories, and inside experiences used to make each play effective. A synopsis of each play will be given and class members will read scenes in class or guest performers will present selections. At a time when many are feeling stressed by events in the world, a little comedy may re-orient attitudes.

This course will look at efforts in the U.S. and globally to dismantle and destroy a free press through threats, lawsuits, physical attacks, regulations, laws or simply buying it. The course will review the various tactics autocracies use and will also look at efforts combat the attacks.

This course will look at efforts in the U.S. and globally to dismantle and destroy a free press through threats, lawsuits, physical attacks, regulations, laws or simply buying it. The course will review the various tactics autocracies use and will also look at efforts combat the attacks.

In the fall of 2025, Dave Leake was able to visit several mountaintop astronomical observatories in Chile. This travelogue will provide a tour of these facilities, cover why the sky looks different from South American, and shine a light on the current research now being undertaken using the latest technology. In the pursuit of the southern view, Dave also learned some unexpected things about the country itself!

In the fall of 2025, Dave Leake was able to visit several mountaintop astronomical observatories in Chile. This travelogue will provide a tour of these facilities, cover why the sky looks different from South American, and shine a light on the current research now being undertaken using the latest technology. In the pursuit of the southern view, Dave also learned some unexpected things about the country itself!

From its first issue on Feb. 21, 1925, the New Yorker has continuously published cartoons both on the cover and inside. Some are out-loud funny, some are puzzling, some are wry, some are hyper-political. We will look at the succession of cartoon editors and celebrate the parade of cartoonists and their work in the last 101 years.

In 1642 the great struggle between King Charles I and Parliament brought war to the three kingdoms of the British Isles, and two decades of military, political and religious conflict shaped the future of the realm. Four years of war were followed by political turbulence, more conflict between England and Scotland, the beheading of the King, proclamation of an English Republic dominated by Oliver Cromwell, and eventual restoration of the Stuart dynasty. This class will examine these events, including battles like Edgehill, Marson Moor and Naseby, wartime life in London and Oxford, Montrose's brilliant campaign in Scotland, the king's execution in Westminster, and pressure for democracy at the Putney Debates of 1647. Full coverage will be given to social, religious and political developments along with military events. Last given in 2015, this course has been fully updated with new information and insights.

In 1642 the great struggle between King Charles I and Parliament brought war to the three kingdoms of the British Isles, and two decades of military, political and religious conflict shaped the future of the realm. Four years of war were followed by political turbulence, more conflict between England and Scotland, the beheading of the King, proclamation of an English Republic dominated by Oliver Cromwell, and eventual restoration of the Stuart dynasty. This class will examine these events, including battles like Edgehill, Marson Moor and Naseby, wartime life in London and Oxford, Montrose's brilliant campaign in Scotland, the king's execution in Westminster, and pressure for democracy at the Putney Debates of 1647. Full coverage will be given to social, religious and political developments along with military events. Last given in 2015, this course has been fully updated with new information and insights.

Explore the range of realism in Western literature using the selections of text in Erich Auerbac's Mimesis to investigate how realism developed historically, philosophically and literarily. In chronological order Mimesis gives an account of the way in which everyday life in its seriousness has been represented by many Western writers, from the Bible, Ancient Greek, and Roman writers such as Petronius and Tacitus, from Christian writers such as Augustine, medieval writers such as Chretien de Troyes, Dante and Boccaccio, Renaissance writers such as Montaigne, Rabelais, Shakespeare, and Cervantes, 17th-century writers such as Moliere and Racine, Enlightenment writers such as Voltaire, 19th-century writers such as Stendhal, Balzac, and  Flaubert,  and 20th-century writers such as Proust and Virginia Woolf. We shall read a characteristic passage from  each work and discuss Auerbach's treatment of it.

Explore the range of realism in Western literature using the selections of text in Erich Auerbac's Mimesis to investigate how realism developed historically, philosophically and literarily. In chronological order Mimesis gives an account of the way in which everyday life in its seriousness has been represented by many Western writers, from the Bible, Ancient Greek, and Roman writers such as Petronius and Tacitus, from Christian writers such as Augustine, medieval writers such as Chretien de Troyes, Dante and Boccaccio, Renaissance writers such as Montaigne, Rabelais, Shakespeare, and Cervantes, 17th-century writers such as Moliere and Racine, Enlightenment writers such as Voltaire, 19th-century writers such as Stendhal, Balzac, and Flaubert, and 20th-century writers such as Proust and Virginia Woolf. We shall read a characteristic passage from each work and discuss Auerbach's treatment of it.

With its freedom-loving, rebellious poets whose lives were violently cut short and world-famous novelists who crafted sprawling sagas about a truth-seeker's quest for meaning in times of historical upheaval, Russian literature has a long tradition of engagement with the big issues. "A great writer is, so to speak, a second government in his country." (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn). This course will examine a selection of poetry and prose written between 1841 - 2000 to show how those works anticipated the threats and challenges shaping the world today: war, tyranny, terror, and environmental collapse.

With its freedom-loving, rebellious poets whose lives were violently cut short and world-famous novelists who crafted sprawling sagas about a truth-seeker's quest for meaning in times of historical upheaval, Russian literature has a long tradition of engagement with the big issues. "A great writer is, so to speak, a second government in his country." (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn). This course will examine a selection of poetry and prose written between 1841 - 2000 to show how those works anticipated the threats and challenges shaping the world today: war, tyranny, terror, and environmental collapse.

In this course, we turn the spotlight to women vocalists in jazz, past and present.  We will explore the origins of the featured singers noted below, uncovering their influences, pivotal performances and the ways their distinctive approaches have enriched the genre.

Ella Fitzgerald celebrated for her agile and technical approach; she raised expectations for all future jazz singers. Billie Holiday communicates with all her emotions and makes everything she sings personal and relatable. Blossom Dearie - with her sweet voice and easy delivery, she captures audiences with her attention to details and originality. Betty Carter - a daring improviser and pioneer across many aspects of jazz over three decades.Samara Joy's quick rise to fame emphasizes her rich voice and interpretations of standards. A rising star indeed! Diana Krall - with her sultry tones and big pop hits, she is a grand ambassador for the freshness of jazz and vocalists. Cécile McLorin Salvant's versatility and ability to blend artistic genres keeps her at the forefront of modern, improvisational music. She continues revolutionize and present exciting new projects.

No class session on March 17, 2026. Final session will be April 21, 2026.

In this course, we turn the spotlight to women vocalists in jazz, past and present.  We will explore the origins of the featured singers noted below, uncovering their influences, pivotal performances and the ways their distinctive approaches have enriched the genre.

Ella Fitzgerald celebrated for her agile and technical approach; she raised expectations for all future jazz singers. Billie Holiday communicates with all her emotions and makes everything she sings personal and relatable. Blossom Dearie - with her sweet voice and easy delivery, she captures audiences with her attention to details and originality. Betty Carter - a daring improviser and pioneer across many aspects of jazz over three decades.Samara Joy's quick rise to fame emphasizes her rich voice and interpretations of standards. A rising star indeed! Diana Krall - with her sultry tones and big pop hits, she is a grand ambassador for the freshness of jazz and vocalists. Cécile McLorin Salvant's versatility and ability to blend artistic genres keeps her at the forefront of modern, improvisational music. She continues revolutionize and present exciting new projects.

No class session on March 17, 2026. Final session will be April 21, 2026.

Participants in this course will take a deep dive each week into a collection cared for by the Spurlock Museum or World Cultures, AT the Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory St, Urbana, IL) - exploring history, context, and artistic and cultural traditions. After a formal presentation by Museum Director, Elizabeth Sutton, participants will then have the exclusive opportunity to view works from each collection that are not currently on display in the galleries.

This course provides an overview of the ubiquity of plastics in everyday products as well as the environmental and health risks associated with plastics throughout their product lifecycles. Tips on reducing plastics in your own life and examples of plastic reduction efforts will be shared.

This course provides an overview of the ubiquity of plastics in everyday products as well as the environmental and health risks associated with plastics throughout their product lifecycles. Tips on reducing plastics in your own life and examples of plastic reduction efforts will be shared.

Dive into modern East European History from the Ottoman Empire to Cold War communism, focusing on the rise of nationalism, empires versus nation states, war and genocide, and surviving communism.

Dive into modern East European History from the Ottoman Empire to Cold War communism, focusing on the rise of nationalism, empires versus nation states, war and genocide, and surviving communism.

This image-rich, hands-on course explores model-making as a gentle art and a form of meditation. Each week begins with close-looking at artworks (sculpture, design, photography) and a short talk about form, light, rhythm, and texture - then a calm, optional 20-minute activity using simple materials (paper, wire, thread, acetate) to build a tiny composition you can take home. No experience, tools, or homework required; just curiosity and a wish to slow down. Come to look, discuss, and, if you like, make something small and beautiful with your hands.
 

This image-rich, hands-on course explores model-making as a gentle art and a form of meditation. Each week begins with close-looking at artworks (sculpture, design, photography) and a short talk about form, light, rhythm, and texture - then a calm, optional 20-minute activity using simple materials (paper, wire, thread, acetate) to build a tiny composition you can take home. No experience, tools, or homework required; just curiosity and a wish to slow down. Come to look, discuss, and, if you like, make something small and beautiful with your hands.

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. It is not just an environmental issue; it is a profound social, economic, and political one. This course provides a scientific understanding of how our climate is changing and why. While much of the focus will be on global climate change, there will be ties back to Illinois. By the end of this course, you should be better equipped to evaluate information (and misinformation) critically as it relates to our climate.
 

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. It is not just an environmental issue; it is a profound social, economic, and political one. This course provides a scientific understanding of how our climate is changing and why. While much of the focus will be on global climate change, there will be ties back to Illinois. By the end of this course, you should be better equipped to evaluate information (and misinformation) critically as it relates to our climate.

If you're curious about why the Rocky Mountains formed, or when Illinois once lay beneath a shallow sea, this course is for you.  After introducing the principles and methods that geoscientists use to interpret the rock record, we'll discuss how our planet formed and evolved. Specific topics covered include the birth of the Earth/Moon system, formation of continents and oceans, the changing map of the Earth, the origin of mountain belts, and long-term sea-level and climate change.  We will also consider key steps in the evolution of life, and how it has modified land, sea, and air.
 

If you're curious about why the Rocky Mountains formed, or when Illinois once lay beneath a shallow sea, this course is for you.  After introducing the principles and methods that geoscientists use to interpret the rock record, we'll discuss how our planet formed and evolved. Specific topics covered include the birth of the Earth/Moon system, formation of continents and oceans, the changing map of the Earth, the origin of mountain belts, and long-term sea-level and climate change.  We will also consider key steps in the evolution of life, and how it has modified land, sea, and air.
 

The dramatic events 66 million years ago that led to the demise of (most) dinosaurs opened the world to a remarkable ecological reorganization. This new era, the Cenozoic, saw the rapid diversification and evolution of mammals and birds (the only surviving dinosaurs). New niches became available and were colonized. Plant communities, especially flowering plants, become dominant, and in turn supported the evolution of animal groups (most notably, insects and mammals). In this course we will look at the radiation of major groups, up to the emergence of Homo sapiensTopics to be covered include the origin of mammals, monotremes and marsupials, genetic origin of the placenta, homeothermy, major mammalian groups and co-evolution with flowering plants. The last part of the course will focus on the evolution of primates and a short history of Homo sapiens.

The dramatic events 66 million years ago that led to the demise of (most) dinosaurs opened the world to a remarkable ecological reorganization. This new era, the Cenozoic, saw the rapid diversification and evolution of mammals and birds (the only surviving dinosaurs). New niches became available and were colonized. Plant communities, especially flowering plants, become dominant, and in turn supported the evolution of animal groups (most notably, insects and mammals). In this course we will look at the radiation of major groups, up to the emergence of Homo sapiensTopics to be covered include the origin of mammals, monotremes and marsupials, genetic origin of the placenta, homeothermy, major mammalian groups and co-evolution with flowering plants. The last part of the course will focus on the evolution of primates and a short history of Homo sapiens.

How does the brain perceive music? Why does music induce emotions and memories? Did music precede language? Do music performance and listening change brain structures? Can music be used as therapy? In this course I will discuss the effects music and music-making have on brain structures, from the child in the womb to people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

How does the brain perceive music? Why does music induce emotions and memories? Did music precede language? Do music performance and listening change brain structures? Can music be used as therapy? In this course I will discuss the effects music and music-making have on brain structures, from the child in the womb to people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Games, puzzles, and magic: these are the central components of what is often called "mathematical recreations." These pursuits have occupied the minds of mathematicians throughout history, yet have a common appeal to people from all walks of life. In many cases, no specialized background is required to appreciate the beauty and cleverness involved. In this class, we will explore a few of these topics and the people behind them. Some OLLI members might recall a similar course offered in 2025. The course material for this semester, however, is all new. Put on your thinking hats and join us!
 

Games, puzzles, and magic: these are the central components of what is often called "mathematical recreations." These pursuits have occupied the minds of mathematicians throughout history, yet have a common appeal to people from all walks of life. In many cases, no specialized background is required to appreciate the beauty and cleverness involved. In this class, we will explore a few of these topics and the people behind them. Some OLLI members might recall a similar course offered in 2025. The course material for this semester, however, is all new. Put on your thinking hats and join us!
 

In this course we will view and discuss films that serve as windows not only on Italian culture but also on Italian history and politics. Since its unification in 1861, Italy has struggled with conflicts based on wealth and aristocratic lineage, on left-wing versus right-wing and centrist politics, on religion as a result of domination by the Vatican, and on a North-South regional split. Complicating these serious and longstanding divisions is the necessity to overcome a history that was for many Italians a source of shame. Like filmmakers in Germany and France, Italians wished to turn their backs on their Fascist rulers who not only led their countries into war and arranged for the deportation and murder of their own people, but who not coincidentally coopted the national film industry. All films will be shown in Italian with English subtitles

Cybersecurity affects you, whether you use a computer, tablet, smartphone, or smartwatch (or maybe all of the above) in your personal life. Online threats and cyber-criminals' strategies are constantly evolving. Learning about cybersecurity helps to protect you online, like a lock on the front door protects your home. In this course, participants will learn essential tactics and practical cybersecurity tips to stay safer online.

Dancing in a chair integrates music and choreography to enable participants to feel joy as they move. We'll be dancing to fabulous music, including jazz standards, American folk songs, traditional music from around the world, and toe tapping tunes. The Instructor will incorporate both upbeat songs and relaxing melodies to inspire you and to boost your confidence. We'll be moving our bodies--from head to toes and all parts in between! Chair dancing will lift your spirits, improve your energy, and increase your strength and mobility. And if you like to sing, feel free to sing along! All levels are welcome.
 

An overview of the U.S. Navy from its abortive beginning to the dominant naval force in the world.  The course will also touch on technological developments which helped a small, poorly funded navy become the world leader over time and how its mission evolved as it changed from a second or third rate Navy into its global role following WWII.
 

An overview of the U.S. Navy from its abortive beginning to the dominant naval force in the world.  The course will also touch on technological developments which helped a small, poorly funded navy become the world leader over time and how its mission evolved as it changed from a second or third rate Navy into its global role following WWII.

This course will be a survey of the more than fifty opera houses and theatres (both legitimate and motion picture) in Champaign and Urbana.  We'll take a brief look at some of the earliest upper-story halls, the moving picture theatres in the nineteen-teens, our own version of "picture palaces", the 1960s movie theatres, U of I theatres, multi-plexes, and the current options.
 

This course will be a survey of the more than fifty opera houses and theatres (both legitimate and motion picture) in Champaign and Urbana.  We'll take a brief look at some of the earliest upper-story halls, the moving picture theatres in the nineteen-teens, our own version of "picture palaces", the 1960s movie theatres, U of I theatres, multi-plexes, and the current options.

This class will watch a variety of film comedies and examine the eras in which each was made, focusing on how the societal context of each made them humorous. In the end, the question will be asked of each, "Is it Still Funny?"  The movies to be shown include Horse Feathers, It Happened One Night, To Be or Not to Be, The More, The Merrier, The Nutty Professor, A New Leaf, Raising Arizona, and Office Space.

This course will be focused on guided listening of jazz genres and styles with intermittent conversations about history and context.

Brazil is one of the rising powers of the 21st century, yet its history is little known to many Americans. This course provides a brief overview of major chapters of Brazil's past while taking the chance to look at new research on global topics. From new archaeological discoveries in the Amazon to the contemporary politics of resource competition, this class will explore Brazil's role on the regional and global stage through five centuries.
 

Brazil is one of the rising powers of the 21st century, yet its history is little known to many Americans. This course provides a brief overview of major chapters of Brazil's past while taking the chance to look at new research on global topics. From new archaeological discoveries in the Amazon to the contemporary politics of resource competition, this class will explore Brazil's role on the regional and global stage through five centuries.
 

Whether you have osteoporosis, osteopenia, or want to prevent these diseases from developing altogether, this course gradually introduces all of the necessary elements for a complete yoga practice that helps holistically to build bone and muscle strength. This progressive series has the primary objectives of accelerating increases in bone mineral density; increasing integrated muscle engagement for strength; and protecting the joints, ligaments, and tendons while stimulating the bones.

A century ago, the names Dorothy Parker, Anita Loos and Edna Ferber often showed up at the top of best-seller lists, and for good reasons. We will begin with Parker’s award-winning short story Big Blonde (1929) and then move on to Loos’s novella Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1925). Finally, we will read Ferber’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel So Big (1924), which takes place near South Holland, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. All three women would eventually write screenplays for Hollywood movies, but in the 1920s they also held their own at the celebrated round table at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Let’s enjoy their works as we explore how these women enriched the world of American popular fiction in the1920s.

A century ago, the names Dorothy Parker, Anita Loos and Edna Ferber often showed up at the top of best-seller lists, and for good reasons. We will begin with Parker’s award-winning short story Big Blonde (1929) and then move on to Loos’s novella Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1925). Finally, we will read Ferber’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel So Big (1924), which takes place near South Holland, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. All three women would eventually write screenplays for Hollywood movies, but in the 1920s they also held their own at the celebrated round table at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Let’s enjoy their works as we explore how these women enriched the world of American popular fiction in the1920s.

Beginning at the turn of the century, and ending only with communism's collapse, the US government and major elements in the wider society undertook an unrelenting effort to suppress and criminalize domestic communism. This course tracks those efforts; from the state laws of the 1920s that imprisoned the fledgling communist leadership, the efforts by police and local authorities against communists as they fought for unions, racial equality, and the unemployed, the trials and imprisonment of communist leaders mid-century, and the extra-legal efforts in the sixties. Using video footage, documents, and other sources, this course will zoom in on this highly consequential historic period.

What happens to cultural artifacts (e.g. an Egyptian mummy, a Greek vase, or a 18th century painting) after their creators are dead? Potentially valuable or exotic objects are exported, copied, displayed in museums, or hidden from public view in warehouses and private collections. Across the world, art and artifacts turn out to be worth what people will pay, and sometimes reputable museums turn a blind eye to objects acquired with dubious provenances. This class examines several topics, beginning with colonial appropriation by several countries of Mediterranean antiquities and the looting of archaeological sites. We will also examine famous cases of forged artifacts in museums and how curators and scientists work together to unmask forgeries.
 

What happens to cultural artifacts (e.g. an Egyptian mummy, a Greek vase, or a 18th century painting) after their creators are dead? Potentially valuable or exotic objects are exported, copied, displayed in museums, or hidden from public view in warehouses and private collections. Across the world, art and artifacts turn out to be worth what people will pay, and sometimes reputable museums turn a blind eye to objects acquired with dubious provenances. This class examines several topics, beginning with colonial appropriation by several countries of Mediterranean antiquities and the looting of archaeological sites. We will also examine famous cases of forged artifacts in museums and how curators and scientists work together to unmask forgeries.

American jazz artists have been creating mini-masterpieces at least since Bix Beiderbecke recorded "Singin' the Blues" in 1927. Like a great short story, these musically compact pieces exhibit a startling range of narrative form and depth of expression in recordings such as Louis Armstrong's "West End Blues" (1928) and Coleman Hawkins' "Body and Soul" (1939). This course will investigate one masterwork per class session, allowing repeated listening that permits the holistic character and expressiveness of the piece to emerge. We will also explore related jazz examples that help explain why each of these classics distinguishes itself within the jazz canon.

American jazz artists have been creating mini-masterpieces at least since Bix Beiderbecke recorded "Singin' the Blues" in 1927. Like a great short story, these musically compact pieces exhibit a startling range of narrative form and depth of expression in recordings such as Louis Armstrong's "West End Blues" (1928) and Coleman Hawkins' "Body and Soul" (1939). This course will investigate one masterwork per class session, allowing repeated listening that permits the holistic character and expressiveness of the piece to emerge. We will also explore related jazz examples that help explain why each of these classics distinguishes itself within the jazz canon.

Portrayals of the American Civil War often show a peaceful country torn asunder by the arrival of the brutal conflict with the bombardment of Fort Sumter. This course is meant to show how the 1850's were not a calm before the storm, but a time of deep civil unrest, political violence, and cultural transformation. We will view this period through the lives of the northern abolitionists centered in Concord, Massachussetts: Charles Sumner, John Brown, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Henry David Thoreau. 

Portrayals of the American Civil War often show a peaceful country torn asunder by the arrival of the brutal conflict with the bombardment of Fort Sumter. This course is meant to show how the 1850's were not a calm before the storm, but a time of deep civil unrest, political violence, and cultural transformation. We will view this period through the lives of the northern abolitionists centered in Concord, Massachussetts: Charles Sumner, John Brown, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Henry David Thoreau. 

Dimensions of Love is Part 1 of a 3-part cycle of courses. Part 2 is Care and Part 3 is Conflict. The dimensions framework is an invitation to an emergent conversation in which learning happens through joint reflection. Its vitality stems from both concepts and ideas provided by the instructor as well as lived experiences shared by the participants. Together those two form a dynamic space of sustained deep exploration of the topic. This course, Dimensions of Love, is a philosophical-psychological investigation of and conversation about love as openness and vulnerability in the context of love for self, love of others, grief and loss, desire and addiction, love and suffering, and love and death. Former and new course participants are encouraged to join this class. Due to the exploratory and conversational nature of this course, it is never the same twice. For fullest participation and course appreciation, the in-person format is recommended, but Zoom participants are welcome.
 

Dimensions of Love is Part 1 of a 3-part cycle of courses. Part 2 is Care and Part 3 is Conflict. The dimensions framework is an invitation to an emergent conversation in which learning happens through joint reflection. Its vitality stems from both concepts and ideas provided by the instructor as well as lived experiences shared by the participants. Together those two form a dynamic space of sustained deep exploration of the topic. This course, Dimensions of Love, is a philosophical-psychological investigation of and conversation about love as openness and vulnerability in the context of love for self, love of others, grief and loss, desire and addiction, love and suffering, and love and death. Former and new course participants are encouraged to join this class. Due to the exploratory and conversational nature of this course, it is never the same twice. For fullest participation and course appreciation, the in-person format is recommended, but Zoom participants are welcome.

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This course incorporates necessary elements for a complete practice to bring strength, mindfulness, and body awareness into your daily living. While the foundations of the course are rooted in yoga, other modalities will be included to increase strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance.The primary objectives of the course are to: Increase integrated muscle engagement to preserve/increase muscle power; Increase strength to support the joints, ligaments, and tendons; Improve body awareness, alignment, and postural habits; Improve fascial (connective tissue) health; and Incorporate dynamic movement practices into daily life to promote confidence and reduce fall risk.

Since Victorian novels were frequently serialized, they make excellent subject for adaptation in TV series. This course will offer two Victorian classic works: Anthony Trollope's hilarious sendup of ecclesiastical politics in The Warden and Barchester Towers and Dickens' attack on corrupt lawyers in Bleak House.