In-Person   

This eight-week course invites you on a thoughtful journey through the American Civil War, pairing pivotal moments in history with unforgettable films. Together, we’ll explore how Americans fought, feared, hoped, and redefined freedom during the nation’s greatest trial. In class, we’ll watch selected movie clips to spark lively discussion, while those who wish may enjoy the full films on their own. Offered in connection with OLLI’s upcoming Civil War Field Trip — but open to all who are drawn to this defining chapter of our past—it’s a chance to see how story and history shape a nation divided.

New hybrid course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

As we struggle to bring more clean, renewable energy to the electrical grids, made more challenging by the current U.S. government, some are proposing that we turn to nuclear power, which does not emit greenhouse gases, to fill the gap of clean energy. On a different path, the U.S. government is listening to many nuclear experts who say we must start testing nuclear weapons again to ensure their viability. In this workshop we will discuss the need and impacts of these two nuclear initiatives. The instructor encourages anyone, no matter how strongly they feel either way about nuclear energy, to come and participate.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

How can we experience peace in such turbulent times? “Happiness is your own treasure because it lies within you.” — Prem Rawat. This nine-week course features empowering videos of author Prem Rawat’s talks on ten themes: peace, appreciation, inner-strength, self-awareness, clarity, understanding, dignity, hope, and contentment. You will have the opportunity to discover, focus, and reflect on your own humanity and inner resources. The facilitators will involve participants with videos, activities, and meaningful interactions that explore the themes of personal peace and the art of living well.  Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.
SUGGESTED BOOK: Hear Yourself: How To Find Peace In A Noisy World, Prem Rawat, ISBN 9780063070745

An overview of what AI is, how it came to be, and where it may be going. Making sense of the flood of media attention on the topic and trying to put it in perspective. How it might affect us and our grandchildren. The cases for both existential worry and optimism. A little bit about how it works, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it might evolve.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

SUGGESTED BOOKS: The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology (2005), Ray Kurzweil, ISBN 9780143037880 (broad scope and fairly detailed); The Singularity is Nearer: When We Merge with AI (2024), Ray Kurzweil, ISBN 9780399562778 (also broad scope, but more philosophical than earlier work)

Beginner and beyond basic steps and combinations with terms and music (counting) notation. Simple and longer routines. Lots of movie clips for inspiration.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes film and movement.

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: Tap shoes, or hard sole and heeled shoes for making rhythmic sounds

Do you vaguely remember skipping classes in college to play bridge? Or being the reluctant fourth when your parents needed to fill an empty chair? Have you always wanted to learn bridge but never found the right venue? Consider joining us for a class that invites you to “start at the very beginning.” You’ll learn the basics, and you’ll be playing bridge before you know it. Neither Barbara
nor Anne is a bridge master — they simply love the game and enjoy helping others grow to love it as well. Repeat in-person course. Format includes discussion and hands-on learning.

SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Bridge at a Glance, Audrey Grant, ISBN 9780910791625

US Poet Laureate Ada Limón claims, “poetry is the place where we can go to break open.” We’ll explore what she means by reading a variety of mostly contemporary poems and discussing how they work through voice, language, sound effects, imagery, metaphor, and other elements. As we discover the how, we’ll reflect on our encounters with our own poetic selves. Suffer from poetry anxiety? No worries — this is a great class for you. No books required; all of our poetry will be found free and online at the Poetry Foundation and other websites. Bring paper to write on.
New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Friends are the tonic of life. They not only enrich your heart and mind, but also boost your immune system! Making friends when we were younger was almost spontaneous. But now, it may seem challenging, with moves, family shifts, retirement, and other natural life changes. Join us to explode some myths of friendship, and tighten up the “friendship gap.” We’ll explore a host of fun ways to seed, feed, and even weed friendships. Building the Bonds of Friendship at Midlife and Beyond will be available as a free addition to the workshop.

 New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

This class is for the people that just want to get out thereand simply camp for a few days. It will give you guidelines,tips, hints, and successful strategies it takes when camping for five days or less. You will learn how to prepare forthe trip with detailed organization and get a peek at howto pack for the trip, build a fire, plan meals, where to go,when to go, some old folklore that our forefathers socarefully lived by and ... oh, by the way, tons of camping recipes.

Repeat in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion

We face an authoritarian attempt to end true participatory democracy. This course examines the threats that are present and the steps that can be taken to strengthen and improve real participatory democracy. The next six months are crucial to this effort. Detailed presentation on gerry- mandering, Project 2025, electoral college, partisan politics, sources of campaign finance, and voter suppression efforts, political effects of social media and AI.
New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

This course is about how we should — and how we actually do — make important decisions. It is based on two bodies of economic theory developed recently: game theory and behavioral economics. The former examines rational decision-making: i.e., how we should do it. The latter examines our actual decision-making; our biases and what we might do to mitigate them. With a mix of experiments, mini-lectures, videos, and examples, we will look at how to signal cooperation, how to threaten, how to bid at an auction, how to negotiate.
Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, film, and hands-on learning.

In this class we will venture outside to study the local trees — their overall structure, trunk, branches, leaves, and bark. We will draw and paint the individual elements. Spring will be a rich time of year to do this as the leaves branch out and we can hold them in our hands as well as see the overall bone structure of the trunks. It will be exciting to experience the varieties and truly get to know them. Think maple, oak, ginko, ilex, and cherry to name a few. I always like to think about how trees love to dance. Repeat in-person course. Format includes hands-on learning.

MATERIALS: Pencils (2, 4, 6, B2, 4, and 5), good eraser, good set of watercolors, either pencils and/regular block paints, charcoal, good drawing paper (at least 9 x 12 in. or 14 x 17 in.; Strathmore, for example). Bring a board to lean on and a small table to put your supplies on. Also water, if you want to use paint. I find wearing a hat is helpful for sitting outdoors.

SUGGESTED READING: Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs, Michael Dirr, ISBN 9780881929010

In three stand-alone workshops exploring themes of polarity we will approach self understanding through anatomy, physiology, movement, drawing, writing, and dialogue. Improve mobility, balance, pain manage- ment, and emotional well-being. Navigate self and environments with greater ease and awareness. Discover individualized resources via innate creativity. All bodies and abilities encouraged. Optional homework and zoom group for those attending all sessions.

• Session 1: stillness/movement
• Session 2: internal/external
• Session 3: seeing/being seen

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, hands-on learning, and movement.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Available for class use or bring own: 18 x 24 in. newsprint paper, Cray-pas pastels, and journal

Today, armed conflicts are ongoing around the world. At times, it may seem that there are no rules in war. Fortunately, there are rules in war, and they can make a difference. Even War Has Rules is a dynamic discussion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and how it governs armed conflict. It will address topics such as:
• The sources of law and rules that apply to armed conflicts
• The fundamental principles of IHL that guide the development of these rules
• How IHL protects people and places during armed conflicts.
By the end of the class, participants will achieve a general understanding of IHL and will be better able to evaluate the actions of parties to armed conflicts. New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

A non-technology course that explores the use of the word “cybernetics” as a way of thinking about complex and seemingly intractable situations. Using a conversational approach, special attention is given to the relevance of its concepts (like system, purpose, recursion, process, variety, observing) to decisions, problems, actions, and interactions that arise in our everyday lives. The course is not technical, and no educational background is required or expected. It is for anyone who is interested or curious about what it could mean to think differently.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

SUGGESTED BOOKS: The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone, Steven Sloman & Philip Fernbach, ISBN 9781509813070; WTF?! How am I thinking? A Thinking Tool for Change, Jane Cull, ISBN 9781539990802

Evolution, genetics, and embryology were separate branches of biology. But, now they come together in a 21st century science called Evodevo — evolutionary developmental biology — a discipline that focuses on how changes in embryonic development lead to the evolution of new traits and new species. In this class you will see how the interaction of genes in the embryo explains not only how an individual organism develops, but also how it evolved. Then, by comparing the development of different species, you will see how features like limbs, eyes, and other complex structures evolved over time.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion

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REQUIRED BOOK: Some Assembly Required, Neil Shubin, ISBN 9781101972687

Enjoy six narrated walks through Portland’s historic neighborhoods exploring the city’s history, architecture, and people since Europeans arrived. Discuss historic structures, immigrant populations, and locally and regionally famous architects and view their works. The longest walk will be two miles in two hours. The greatest elevation change will be between Congress Street and the waterfront. All walks will be on pavement, with optional side trips into two grassy cemeteries. Wheelchair accessible. Rain or shine. The instructor will contact students about the meeting place prior to each class.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes movement.

Despite the early tales of Boccaccio and Chaucer, Edgar Allan Poe is widely credited, circa 1840, with defining and establishing the modern short story as a distinct literary genre. Join a group of enthusiastic readers (and talkers) to explore the short story — this term’s text is The Best Short Stories, 2023, edited by Lauren Groff — also the O.Henry Prize Winners. Don’t be misled by the O. Henry — they will not all have twists at their finish.

New remote course. Format includes discussion.

REQUIRED BOOK: The Best American Short Stories 2023, The O. Henry Prize Winners; Lauren Groff, ed.; ISBN 9780593470596

In 1899 the City of Deering became part of Portland. Originally a suburb of Portland, it was created as a town in 1871 from what was originally a part of Westbrook. It contained several prominent villages including Woodford’s Corner, Morrill’s Corner, and Stroudwater. In this series of six walking tours off the Portland peninsula we will explore the history of a few of these Deering neighborhoods and learn about some of their interesting residents.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture and movement.

In this class we will view and discuss four of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s late operas: Cosi fan Tutte, Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) — all with libretti by the composer’s great collaborator, Lorenzo da Ponte — and his final opera, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). The videos are filmed live in magnificent opera houses with superb conductors, and brilliant singers, and include performances from Teatro a la Scala in Milan, the Salzburg Festival in Austria, and The Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Glyndbourne Festival in Britain. Each opera is about three hours long and will be viewed over two class sessions. Written material will be provided and discussion topics will include Mozart’s life and musical style, the staging, the stories, and more.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

By nature, writing is a solitary enterprise with authors working in quiet spaces with quills and pens. However, outside their workspaces is a world of conflicting politics, cutthroat business, and complex culture. In preparation for OLLI’s literary trip to England, we will dive into seven historical periods: Shakespeare in the 1590s, John Milton in the 1650s-60s, Samuel Johnson in the 1750s, Jane Austen in the 1810s, Charles Dickens in the 1850s, Arthur Conan Doyle in the 1880s-90s, and the Inklings and Evelyn Waugh in the 1930s-40s. Our quick exploration will include kings and queens, political rivalries, literary and artistic trends, and a glimpse of everyday life onthe farm and in cities. Everyone is welcome; registration for the trip is not a requirement to join the class.

New in-person course on Wednesdays. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Aging creates gradual physical and mental challenges. We all make both informed and uninformed choices daily that can have a significant impact on our future health. If you are willing to change old habits, accept new challenges, and travel outside your comfort zone, this course is for you. Join me in exploring scientifically backed principles of movement, nutrition and habits that can directly impact the effect on many diseases. Learn and sample movement and nutritional “hacks” you can use daily to improve your ability to move, increase energy levels, decrease pain, and create better mental health. If you are up for the challenge, you can optimize your health and thrive!  

New in-person course. Format includes lecture, hand on learning, and movement.

MATERIALS: Dress comfortably in exercise clothes. 

Many of us have gone through the difficult and unpleasant circumstance where members of our families or friends are experiencing financial difficulties. We all want to help, but providing funds to bail out the distressed family member or friend is very difficult for a variety of reasons, including lack of available funds for such a purpose, and where there are available funds in our possession, they are often joint assets with a spouse, who would likely discourage such use. Notwithstanding these challenges, there are important and effective means to assist the financially troubled friend or family member without use of your own funds. This course will discuss and explore these effective means to help.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Fun, creative, and lively, this evidence-based movement class helps participants build stamina, strength, and confidence, all while moving to music in a joyful and non-judgmental atmosphere. No prior dance experience is necessary, and attendees are invited to take the class at their own pace and slow down or rest at any time.

Repeat in-person workshop. Format includes movement.

Note: this class will meet in Gorham, room location TBA.

On va lire ce roman de l’auteur Annie Ernaux et discuter les thèmes de son roman biographique. Vous allez lire le livre en français et les discussions seront toutes en français.

New in-person course. Format includes discussion.

REQUIRED BOOK: La Place Ernaux, Annie Ernaux, ISBN-10: 2070377229 / ISBN-13: 978-2070377220

One of the positive aspects of Hollywood’s Studio System was the ability to pair different performers from opposing studios to create wonderful films. Many of these pairings were extremely positive but sometimes the chemistry was magic! It wasn’t always romantic, but there was definitely something between those two. We’ll look at seven films during this time period and explore what made them so special. Included will be films of Astaire/Rogers, Tracy/Hepburn, and five other couples, some you may guess, and maybe one or two who will surprise you. Class will run long to allow for discussion.

New in-person course. Format includes film and discussion.

This will NOT be your typical movie course! Yes — you will be asked to watch a different movie each week as preparation. Yes — we will BRIEFLY discuss the movie and your reactions to it. Then we will use specific scenes, or overall themes to learn about African culture, history, politics, current events, and much more. For example, after watching Disney’s Queen of Katwe, we will discuss markets, transportation, dress, weather, slums and NGO’s. After watching Black Hawk Down we will review the history of the horn of Africa and the current situation in this region. Join us for this interactive, discussion-filled way to learn more about Africa. Instructor will provide online sources where you can view, rent, or buy the movies. Warning: some of these movies depict violent incidents. Following is the tentative list of movies you will be asked to watch.
New hybrid course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

REQUIRED FILMS: Queen of Katwe, Blood Diamonds, A United Kingdom, Invictus, Black Hawk Down, Blind Ambition, Hotel Rwanda, King Peggy

Electricity prices in Maine are currently among the highest in the nation, approximately twice the national average, creating a serious affordability problem for low-income Mainers and Maine industrial companies trying to compete against those with lower electricity costs. High electricity prices also make it harder for the State to meet its climate goals of switching away from fossil fuels to heat pumps and electric vehicles powered by electricity generated from renewable resources. This workshop will explore the major reasons why Maine electricity prices are so high, including our reliance on natural gas, our subsidies of solar energy, overcharging by unregulated retail electricity marketers, and the rising cost of maintaining and building the transmission and distribution system needed to deliver electricity.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture.

This course will examine how we know the facts of the universe, from the unimaginably distant and old to the incredibly small and strange. No math unless requested! No books required. New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

In September 2025, the Maine legislature passed a law regarding protection of bank accounts of individuals over 60, as a means of addressing the dramatic increase of fraudulent activity and bank account hacking. The new law is codified as Title 9B, Section 245 of the Maine Revised Statutes. This law permits a financial institution, such as a bank, at the request of the elder person or a representative of the elder person, to delay withdrawal of funds from the elder person’s account for a period of time sufficient to allow the elder person to remove the funds, or seek protection from a court. The course will discuss the terms of this new legislation and the means by which a representative of the elder person can protect that person’s bank account from fraudulent withdrawals.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

In what ways were Cézanne’s paintings “revolutionary,” “avant-garde,” and even the work of a “genius,” the Father of Modern Art? This course will aim to explore that question by using images, lecture, and discussion. We will review Cézanne’s paintings and watercolors by looking closely at Cézanne’s portraits, still-lives, and landscapes, with an eye on Cézanne’s own words: “Painting is Optics.” The course will include discussions of Modernism, Cubism, and Abstraction.
New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

SUGGESTED BOOKS: Studio Seeing: A Practical Guide to Drawing, Painting, and Perception, Michael Torlen, ISBN 9781789387896; Cézanne’s’ Doubt, Merleau-Ponty, available for free online at tfreeman.net/resources/Phil-330/Cezanne’s-Doubt.pdf; The Moment of Cubism, John Berger, ISBN 9780297177098

Drought, extreme weather, and habitat loss for insects and wildlife are challenging for gardening experts as well as beginners. What about “No Mow May,” native species, ground covers, and the 70% rule? Should we rake leaves or leave them? Why is using Latin names important? Learn about current issues, problems, and possible solutions from members of the Longfellow Garden Club.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Think “boogie shoes” and “disco” along with solo music from Streisand, Ronstadt, and Manilow and you’ll get a glimpse of this course. The BeeGees, Led Zeppelin, K.C. and The Sunshine Band, and The Eagles represent groups to be heard. Disco stars like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Jackson will entertain. We’ll pay homage to blues man B.B. King. Using videos, discussion, and live piano music we’ll explore the hits and performers that made it to the top of the charts. This repeat course will also cover the news of the decade. No text is required. Can you dig it? Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Sorting decades of photos, videos, and memorabilia can be overwhelming. Don’t leave the task to children and grandchildren. In this course, learn practical ways to organize, digitize, and preserve your family’s media before it’s lost. We’ll explore tools for scanning, storing, and sharing memories — from photo albums and slides to VHS tapes and smartphone photos. Participants will learn to create meaningful gifts like digital frames or curated flash drives, and to document family history through basic genealogy practices. Empower yourself to safeguard your legacy and make it easy for future generations to enjoy and cherish for years to come.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and hands-on learning.

This course is for everyone who wants to read, discuss, and write poetry, whether you’ve written before, or not. Each class will be divided among workshopping participant poems, discussing the topic of the week from The Poetry Home Repair Manual, and examples of poetry. Writing prompts will be offered for in-class writing and optional sharing. We believe that writers learn best with both praise and friendly honesty in a nurturing setting of fellow learners. Requirements: An open mind, a sense of fun and discovery, and a readiness to read and write during and in-between the classes. 

Format includes discussion and hands-on.

REQUIRED BOOK: The Discovery of Poetry, Frances Mayes, ISBN 9780156007627

If you find pleasure and beauty and wisdom in poetry and would like to share your experience with like-minded classmates, this class is for you. Each week we will bring a favorite poem, recite it, and discuss it. There’s no one correct interpretation and no one superior type of poem. We will be guided by what our fellow students are most moved by. From Rumi to Pound, from the psalms to Dr. Seuss, your favorites are welcome. No one’s an expert. We’re just sharing what we love.

Repear in-person course. Format includes discussion.

The vast extent of popular music available on YouTube is truly awesome, and it’s all for free! In this course, we’ll spend eight weeks exploring six decades of pop music of multiple genres. Remember The Ed Sullivan Show, Perry Como Show, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, British Broadcasting System’s Top ‘o’ the Pops, etc.? We’ll tune in. Big bands of the 1930s? Check. Crooners of the 1950s? Yessiree. Girl groups of the early 1960s? Yup. Late 1960s British Invasion? Got ‘em, mate. Singer-songwriters of the 1970s? You betcha. We’ll cover about six decades of pop music from the 1930s to the 1980s. Special emphasis will be given to the 1960s, with its happy mashup of rock, folk, soul, gimmick songs, and many others. Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Line dancing keeps us moving and is loads of fun. You don’t need to know how to do it already! Join returning and new enthusiasts to learn several dances in various modes and kinds of music (rock, cha cha, samba, country, easy listening, etc). You need to be steady on your feet, know your body and whether you need a rest, and be able to move for two hours (with plenty of water breaks). If you can walk a mile or two comfortably, this class will likely work for you.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes movement.

Led by two Maine Master Naturalists, the course will explore selected topics associated with springtime transformations in Maine. Topics will include changing landscapes and human influences, trees and plants, amphibians and vernal pools, birds and migration, and ferns and lichen. The course will involve two field trips and several hands-on activities. Students will maintain a nature journal and report their phenological observations.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, hands-on learning, and movement.

Spring ephemerals are wildflowers that bloom very briefly before the trees leaf out. At the morning classroom session, we will become familiar with the flowers through a PowerPoint presentation. In the afternoon, we will carpool to a nearby location to seek out the flowers. The walk may involve uneven ground but we will be walking slowly. The morning session will be held rain or shine. The afternoon walk will be rescheduled for one week later if it rains. Bring field guides and a hand lens if you have them, bug dope, and good walking shoes.

Repeat in-person workshop. Format includes lecture, hands-on learning, and movement.

This workshop, exploring the importance of the rule of law in our democracy, will be led by two veteran Maine attorneys, Peter Murray and William Harwood, who serve on the Steering Committee for Mainer Lawyers for the Rule of Law where they focus on educating the public on the meaning of the rule of law; how the rule of law is under attack; and why we need to uphold it. Murray and Harwood will introduce a highly acclaimed video by Harvard Law School Professor Noah Feldman entitled: Standing Up for the Rule of Law: How Do We Save It? After the video, Professors Murray and Harwood will lead a discussion with those attending on origin and antecedents of the rule of law, how it has functioned in the U.S., its present role and the challenges it faces, and what citizens can do to maintain and protect this core element of American democracy and culture.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

The best science fiction always holds a mirror up to its audience and allows issues to be considered from a safe distance. Star Trek: The Original Series was no exception, so let’s take a look at eight of the episodes that had something to say and discuss whatever aspects we see in the mirror. Each week we will watch a complete episode and then spend the rest of the class talking about we’ve seen.
 

New in-person course. Format includes discussion and film.

Through close study of the U.S. Supreme Court this course investigates the profound effect of the Supreme Court on American Society. We will closely examine landmark cases of the court, and demonstrate the effects of those decisions. Emphasis on the current term of the court, issues like the shadow docket, court doctrines, and proposed reforms for the Supreme Court.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

The Yang 24 Form is the most widely practiced Tai Chi routine in the world. It consists of a sequence of slow, flowing movements, each leading gracefully into the next. It is often described as “meditation in motion.” In this course, we will study the basic movements of the 24 Form. Continued, regular practice helps you refine the movements and experience great health benefits including reduced stress, an enhanced sense of well-being, and improved posture and balance. We spend most of the classroom time on our feet and in motion, so please take this into account in deciding whether this class is right for you.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes discussion and movement.

Diana will be teaching the basic movements for Tai Chi I.

New in-person course. Format includes movement.

This workshop will trace the march towards National Prohibition from colonial drinking habits, the growing temperance movements, and gaining support for a constitutional amendment. The workshop will also investigate the factors that led to repeal of the 18th Amendment, the institution of modern cocktails during this time period, and the positive after effects Prohibition brought on laws and regulations. Prohibition cocktail recipes will be offered throughout the workshop.

Repeat in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Anti-Semitism has been much in the news and become very controversial. Accusations, punishments, and retribution make news on a regular basis. Where did Anti-Semitism come from and how did it come to become an established part of society? In this course we will look at its beginnings in early Christianity and how it spread in Europe and become an ingrained part of society.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture

This course is the Second Installment of the reading of Ulysses. As a reminder, we’re using an annotated, projectable text augmented by audio from Irish RTE. Those who missed the First Installment and wish to join may do so. To catch up a bit, read the first three chapters of Harry Blamires’ book. Also, there’ll be a synopsis of progress-to-date to open the Second Installment. Don’t miss this unique presentation and guided opportunity to experience the most influential novel of the 20th Century!

New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED BOOKS: The New Bloomsday Book, Harry Blamires, ISBN 0415138582; Ulysses, James Joyce, Annotated, D. Gifford with R.J. Seidman, ISBN 0520067452

Starting with a review of 20th Century Modernism up to 2026, this course will cover the explosion of Perpetual Contemporary Art to the present. We will use the Metro-politan Museum guided tour format of viewing thematic exhibitions with dialogue between a “facilitator” and participants. This will include worldwide players and explore reactionary movements and attitudes. This is a “shared inquiry” course where knowledge of Art History is not required. It is about viewing art and having a discussion.
New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Perhaps the biggest surprise after death is discovering we aren’t in fact dead. Now what? In this class we will consider the metaphysics and epistemology of the afterlife (ie, How can we know anything about this at all?) before looking at three sets of instructions: The Egyptian Book of the Dead, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, and The Sufi Book of Life After Death.

New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.