Remote   

The student will get a framework of AI’s beginnings, then explore where it has evolved to today and learn about the possibilities of what AI is capable of doing in the future.

New remote workshop. Format includes lecture.

This will be the second of three courses on Tolkien’s novel The Lord of the Rings and will focus on The Two Towers. Needless to say, this is a masterwork. Richard is prepared to build the case from a literary perspective and also to share how Tolkien drew from other great myths of the world: Celtic, Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Finnish, Greek, and Indian. His goal was to create a myth for his “northern” people, and he did so borrowing from many other traditions. This is not unlike what Homer and other great writers of the past did with their great myths. This will be a page-by-page examination, like you might experience in graduate school.

New remote course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED BOOKS: The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, ISBN 9780547928210 (Mariner Books)

Use your natural speaking voice for commercials, films, and more. Learn a unique way to break into the lucrative voice-over industry on your own terms. Concludes with a professional voice evaluation with your instructor.

Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Immediately after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. started throwing around ideas of how to confront Japan. From this brainstorming a team of brave flyers called the Doolittle Raiders was formed. From personal interviews with the co-pilot of plane #1, the students will hear what it was like to be a crew member on this mission.

New remote workshop. Format includes lecture.

Sound waves significantly affect brain waves by synchronizing neural activity — a process known as brainwave entrainment — where the brain aligns its electrical oscillations with the frequency of sound, inducing specific mental states like relaxation, focus, or deep sleep. Through technologies like binaural beats, specific frequencies can stimulate delta (deep sleep), theta (meditation), alpha (calm), or beta (alertness) waves. The instructor will recount his experience as a test subject on this research. For background, see Robert Monroe’s Journeys Out of the Body.

New remote workshop. Format will include lecture and discussion.

It’s what we loved to do, right? Sing along to the radio, the record player and later, the new invention that gave us “Bandstand.” Some of the most singable, nostalgic tunes have been thoughtfully culled for this course. We won’t talk titles here, but we will name-drop artists such as Garland, Holly, Reeves, Armstrong, Diamond, Buffett, and Charles. Students will be emailed the words to the upcoming songs prior to each class. At each meeting, we will learn a little about the music and the artist before we enjoy the music. (Because Zoom is incompatible with sing-alongs, students will be muted only during the video during which time they may simply listen or sing as loudly as they wish!) New remote course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

We will watch clips from some of the great musicals which were produced by the MGM Studios between 1950-55 and discuss the great composers of the following musicals: Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Rose Marie, Kismet, The Student Prince, and Singing in the Rain.

New remote workshop. Format includes discussion and film.

Lucid dreaming, the practice of oneironautics, is a way of bridging the gap between waking states and sleeping states, creating opportunities to explore the deeper realms of the mind. In this course, we will explore, didactically and experientially, ways in which we can access these deeper states and the nature of mind and reality, through videos, writings, lecture, discussion, and experience. We will learn and practice techniques to enter dream states from daytime wakefulness, and to bring dream awareness during nighttime sleep.

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

SUGGESTED BOOK: Dreams of Light, Andrew Holecek, ISBN 9781683644354

What is it that makes a movie interesting, rather than entertaining? Provocative, but not absurd? It’s you. Your tastes. Your experiences. Your moods. Those are my views. What are yours? Let’s find out by viewing chosen movies at home, considering some questions I send out, and discussing these issues in each weekly film — plus actors’ quotes, critics’ reviews, and on-set conflicts/shenanigans. I’ll choose the first films; you choose the rest? Some choices: The Critic; Gattaca; Favourite; Empire Falls; Book Thief; The Lizard; A Separation; Grave of Fireflies; Lion of the Desert; Leon the Professional; Untouchables; Get Low; Syriana.

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

Musicals have been a major part of American theater, from the Tin Pan Alley-driven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated musicals that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury America. In this course, we will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the arrival of European megaproductions late in the century. We will profile some of the theater world's leading composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. With the help of audiovisuals, we will study many of the most unforgettable shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more. 

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it revolutionized American travel and transportation, but its inspiration came from Europe’s earlier canal networks. In this course, we will trace the development of French, British, and Irish canals in the 17th and 18th centuries. We will follow the story into the 19th century as we turn to American canals, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. Along the way, we will explore how canals reflect the politics and aspirations of different nations and why they still matter for global shipping today. Whether we are drawn to engineering marvels, the people who built them, or the pleasure of drifting along a canal or hiking a towpath, we will deepen our appreciation of canals’ importance and beauty. 

In this course, we will trace the evolution of literature specifically written for children - from its earliest forms to the modern era. We will begin with the oral traditions that underpin all storytelling, then follow the shift toward published works created specifically with young readers in mind. We will survey key moments and turning points that shaped the growth of children’s literature as a distinct field. We will conclude by analyzing how well-known children’s literature has evolved over time. 

This course introduces key aspects of Deaf Culture in the United States and the factors that define the Deaf community as a cultural minority. We will focus on awareness, cultural diversity, and the preservation of language. This course addresses the cultural identity, group norms, rules of social interaction, values, and traditions held by deaf members. Together we will explore the impact of modern technology, emerging issues, trends, and advocacy with the Deaf community. We will also address topics related to communication, terminology, educational alternatives, state and federal legislation, and community resources. 

In this course, we will explore how a tiny nation – Portugal – played an outsized role in world history. We will examine Portugal’s fifteenth and sixteenth century maritime expansion (once called the “Discoveries”), as well as its central role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. We will trace how Portugal, once a fringe region of the Roman Empire, emerged as the only independent kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula as Castile grew into Spain. We will follow Portugal’s rise as a global power, with outposts stretching from Brazil to Japan, and then its decline as rival empires overtook it – culminating in twentieth century poverty under Europe’s longest dictatorship. Finally, we will consider how this past continues to shape Portuguese identity and culture in the decades since a revolution ushered in democracy. As we survey Portugal’s landscapes, art and architecture, and food, we will see why record numbers of Americans are now visiting the country. 

Coffee will provide a lively lens on major past and present issues, including climate change, social life, health, global North–South differences, social and economic justice, tourism, and slavery. We will begin “from the ground up,” tracing coffee from planting and processing through shipping and, ultimately, the beverage in our cups - part of nearly two billion cups consumed daily worldwide. We will explore coffee’s global history and its shift from an elite drink to an everyday staple. Drawing on current research, we will examine coffee and health, as well as practical questions such as how more income might reach farmers and how coffee production might adapt to a changing climate. The instructor will share firsthand experiences from coffee farms around the world, discuss a range of brewing methods, and demonstrate how coffee is brewed. Sessions will be interactive, with time for questions throughout. 

In this course, we will gain a comprehensive introduction to Hindu traditions, emphasizing the importance of ritual, knowledge, and devotion across Hindu traditions from classical to contemporary times. We will introduce Hinduism’s South Asian roots, that can be traced to the Vedic tradition, which provides key conceptual and religious foundations. We will consider early and classical expressions of Hindu thought and religious life through the complex term dharma. Major Hindu deities are then introduced alongside associated narratives, practices, and iconography. We will examine the six major schools of Hindu philosophy using both secondary and primary sources. We will then consideration bhakti (devotion) that has characterized diverse Hindu traditions across centuries. Finally, we will consider sacred space and places including temples and tīrthas, as well as the interrelationship of the concept of divine presence and pilgrimage practices the relate to these holy sites. 

Explore 100 years of American history through objects often taken for granted in everyday life: signs. Led by the American Sign Museum (ASM) staff, this course introduces the Museum’s origins and features a conversation with ASM’s founder about why signs matter. We will examine how signs have evolved due to trends in commerce and technology. We will also explore case studies of three major food companies who used signage to shape their brands. In the final session, we will take a virtual visit to ASM’s neon shop to see how a neon sign is made.  

In this course, we will explore a wide range of horticultural practices with something to offer no matter our experience level or where we live. We will cover container gardening, aquatic gardens, ornamental and fruiting plants, bonsai, landscape design, and pest management. Each week, we will focus on a theme and examine design ideas, plant choices, and long-term care practices for success. Whether we garden on 10 acres or in an apartment, we will find plenty to learn and enjoy in horticulture. 

This course will arm us with the knowledge we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe when engaging with the healthcare system. Healthcare today is more complex, technical, and volatile than ever. Medical harm (unintentional but often preventable) injuries and kills hundreds of thousands of patients each year. In this course, we will learn how to prevent the most common types of medical harm including medication errors, patient care accidents, procedural and surgical complications, infections, and diagnostic mistakes. Patient safety experts and advocates will provide us with practical tips and insights to navigate the healthcare system confidently and safely. Through presentations, videos, and group discussions, we will come to understand the common sources of error and discover tactics, resources, and cautions to help protect ourselves and our loved ones. 

The Declaration of Independence is a pivotal American document, not just for eighteenth-century revolutionaries, but for people throughout US history. This course will explore how individuals in Washington, D.C. used the Declaration and its ideas after independence was won. From the capital city’s planners to Union soldiers who defended Washington amid civil war, many evoked the Declaration to support their causes and shape a capital city. Spotlighting museum artifacts from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, this course will cover D.C.’s early history through 1876, the nation’s first centennial celebration. 

The music we stream, the photos we swipe through, the real time news we consume, the books we read or listen to – all have been radically reshaped by digital technology. This course will explore how media is created, stored, and experienced in a digitized world. We will unpack fundamentals like text files, encoding and decoding, pixels, and algorithms in clear, easy-to-understand ways – no prior computer knowledge needed. Each session will focus on a different medium, comparing its analog origins with its contemporary digital version. We will also consider the impact of Generative AI and speculate on future trends. Topics will include text (books, e-books, news portals), images (photography and movies), music, video games, social media, and media ownership (physical media, streaming, and copyrights). 

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, this course will examine the indispensable founder, George Washington. We will explore Washington's life and political leadership as well as his work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and architect. We will also review the groundbreaking work of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) which has owned and managed George Washington's Mount Vernon since 1858. In that year, an intrepid group of women (who had no right to vote or own property) came together to save George Washington's home, after both the Federal Government and Commonwealth of Virginiahad refused to help. MVLA formation marked the birth of the historic preservation movement. 

What makes an Oriental rug so captivating—its elegant design, intricate patterns, or the mystery of its origins? In this richly illustrated course, we will discover the stories woven into these remarkable textiles. We will travel through the history and artistry of rug and carpet weaving, a tradition rooted in Asia and North Africa, with examples dating back to the 4th century BCE. Using stunning visuals and expert insights, we will explore major carpet-making cultures and regions including Anatolia, Iran, Transcaucasia, North Africa, and Central Asia. We will learn to recognize defining features of Oriental rugs: weaving traditions (nomadic and settled), key historical periods (from the Early Modern era through the nineteenth-century), purposes (from prayer to decoration), and production contexts (from royal courts to bustling markets). We will also be introduced to basic methods for identifying weave structures and deepen our appreciation of these remarkable works of art. 

Often overlooked in traditional design and architecture courses, twentieth century women designers profoundly shaped the way we perceive, experience, and enjoy our built environments, interiors, and decorative objects. In this course, we will explore the work and influence of such designers and architects as Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Lilly Reich, Charlotte Perriand, Dorothy Draper, Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and others. Their lives and the beauty of their enduring designs are documented within the context of the social and political issues they faced, as they left their unmistakable imprints upon twentieth century design. 

During the final stages of WWII, there were three battles that had to happen before the U.S. set foot on the main island of Japan. From interviews with the soldiers that fought there, the students will hear what it was like to step ashore and fight a dug-in enemy that had nothing to lose. 

Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture.