Fairleigh Dickinson University's
Florham Institute for Lifelong Learning (FILL)

please report errors to bpeabody@fdu.edu; schedule subject to change

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**MONDAY CLASSES**

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M01. ZOOM. “Introduction to Religions of the World.” 10a-11:15a. Hossur Srikantan. Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 18, 25, and Apr. 1, 8 (10 sessions). NOTES: Email: hsrikantan@aol.com

 

Description: The world’s religions represent humanity’s attempts, in different times and places, to take the infinite law of the universe and encapsulate it in stories and rituals.  Each sect holds its own fragmentary version of the law.  But in the hands of a genuine prophet or teacher, sectarianism falls away and truth shines forth in all its beauty. Therefore, though religions conflict with each other on many doctrines, the great saints of all faiths say essentially the same things. All proclaim the same virtues: love, kindness, courage, moderation, justice, diligence, patience, mercy, and humility. If we imagine that truth hinges on the words of some great teacher or divine being, we weaken its power. The deepest truths are self-evident; they stand on their own and need no arguments to prop them up. There is a profound difference between following a religion and living from the soul. Those who rely on religious leaders, ancient texts, and other authorities for guidance in life do not realize the depth and dependability of their own inner resources. Instead of consulting the soul’s moral compass, they cling to rules and regulations passed down through the ages, which are always incomplete and imperfect.

 

We will look at some fundamental data & questions on religion: World oldest religions, their evolution & teachings Role of religion - why do you need it in your life? Origin, spread, and role of religion in human life and the development of human beings. Impact of religion on history, wars, benefits and /or suffering caused to humanity. To be done in open dialogue with students & share POV using text, videos (YouTube, Ted Talk etc.) in respectful, unemotional manner.​

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M02. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “FILL Film Discussion Group.” 1:00PM-3:45PM. Dave Ogens & Dawn Bonthron-Ogens. Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (12 sessions). NOTES: Limit 45 students; Bandit29@aol.com

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Description: This semester we will be showing a wide collection of movies filmed exclusively in New Jersey. (Some movies may have a small scene that was filmed out of state.) The main feature will be a collection of independent movies, mainstream movies and a few surprises from current productions to movies made decades ago. Before Hollywood, New Jersey was the movie capital of the world because motion pictures were invented here. Movies are big business so in August 2021, Gov. Murphy cut the ribbon on the largest film studio in the state (so far), Cinelease Studios Caven Point, in Jersey City. Boasting 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production facilities, it’s also the first purpose-built facility of its kind in New Jersey. Newark is poised to follow in Cinelease’s footsteps with the recent announcement of a $125 million state-of-the-art film and television studio leased by Lionsgate. In 2021, New Jersey was home to 725 productions including 68 feature films and 132 television series.

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At the start of each class I will spend about 15 minutes introducing the film and after each film is played, I will relate various aspects of the film from its creation, awards and facts about the actors. A discussion will follow so you can voice your opinion and add to or question facts about the film. Each film has an IMDb rating by viewers of 7.0 or higher. One week before the start of the first class, a list of films will be sent to everyone and then detailed facts about each film with be sent 3 days before the showing. And remember “A good movie can transport you to another time and place and take your mind off your daily routine."

 

M03. IN PERSON. ZEN 105. “Constitutional Law in Conversation, Part II." 2:30p-3:45p. Madelyn Ferrans, J.D. March 4, 18 (2 sessions). NOTES: Class is capped at 10 and requires participation; Email: ferrans@fdu.edu

 

M04.  IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Preparations for End-of-Life.” 4p-5:15p. Katharina Hellner-Apelt. March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15 (5 sessions). NOTES: Class limited to 20 students; Email: katmagnolia@gmail.com

 

Description: This course is designed to make you comfortable thinking, talking, and planning about and/or for your or somebody else’s death. We will talk first about how to prepare as best as possible for the unknown (preparation of your mind, your estate, and your body - legal and medical papers as well as funeral arrangements). Then we will cover long-term care options (what to choose and how to pay for it).

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M05. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Empathy and Psychology.” 11:30a-12:45p. Dr. Ben Freer, Ph.D. Feb. 26 (1 session). NOTES: Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

Description: Join Ben Freer, Director of FDU’s School of Psychology and Center for Empathy Research and Training, to discuss what we know about empathy research, how you can benefit from and use these findings, and what resources FDU has to learn about the importance of empathy and the skills necessary to interact from the perspective of empathy.

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**TUESDAY CLASSES**

 

​Tu01. IN PERSON. ZEN 135."Past, Present, & Future: Threads of History & Their Influence on Current Affairs." 10a-11:15a. Ken Spingarn. March 19, 26 (2 sessions). NOTES: 30 class size limitation. Email: kenspin@gmail.com

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​Tu02. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “How Voting Works in the US.” 10a-11:15a. Elizabeth Uptegrove. April 2, 9, 16, 30, May 7 (5 sessions). NOTES: class limited to 25 students; Email: ebuptegrove@yahoo.com

 

​Description: We will discuss how elections are held in the US, with an emphasis on Presidential elections. Some of the questions to be addressed are: How can we be sure an election isn’t stolen? Is gerrymandering a problem?  If so, what can be done about it? Is voter suppression a problem?  If so, what can be done about it? Is ranked choice voting a good idea?  What about winner-take-all? Is our method of electing the president fair?  (What does it mean for a voting system to be fair?)

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​Tu03. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “Paper Play with Collage.”  11:30a-12:45p. Elaine Hoffman. January 30, February 6, 13, 27 (4 sessions). NOTES: Class limited to 10 participants; supply list sent upon registration; Email: emkhoffman@gmail.com

 

Description: Collage Making, aka Paper Play will give you an opportunity to bring your creative self to explore the process of making collages. We will focus on use of shapes, color, words, and multi media for your own creations. A supply list will be sent out before classes begin; many materials needed will be ones that you already have. 

 

​Tu04. IN PERSON. SAMMARTINO ROOM (STUDENT CENTER 1ST FLOOR NEXT TO FDU BOOKSTORE). “(Re)Reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.” 11:30a-12:45p. Patricia Ard, Ph.D. Feb. 13, 20, 27, March 5 (4 sessions). NOTES: class limited to 25 students; Email: ardedu@msn.com

 

​Description: Jane Austen called her 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice perhaps “too light, and bright, and sparkling.” Readers since have unanimously disagreed, finding it perfection and often voting it the best novel written. The five Bennet sisters are entering the cruel marriage market of early nineteenth century England. When Elizabeth Bennet meets the wealthy Fitzwilliam Darcy and he appears to spurn her she laughs, beginning the story of two of the most delightful but proud characters in literature. The first class will introduce both Austen and her Regency—and revolutionary—period. The following classes will move through the different sections of the novel, focusing on key character and plot arcs. Clips from the many film and tv adaptations will enrich our enjoyment of the story.

 

​Tu05. ZOOM. “Ekphrastic Poetry.” 1p-2:15p. Deborah Gerrish, EDD, MFA. Feb.  27, March 5, 19, 26, April 2 (5 Sessions). NOTES: Email: shakabeee@aol.com

 

​Tu06. HYBRID. (meets in person in ZEN 135 and online via Zoom). “Symposia on Topics in Physics & Cosmology.” 2:30p-3:45p. John C. Fusi. Feb. 27, March 26, April 16 (3 sessions). NOTES: instructor will provide Zoom link for online students; Email:  jcf@jcfra.com

 

Description: Each session will cover a standalone topic in Physics and Cosmology, such as recent discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope, an explanation of the origin of mass, and insights into the nature of the spontaneous symmetry breakings that have split the original superforce into the four known forces today.

 

​Tu07. ZOOM. “Current Events Roundtable.” 4p-5:15p. Ken and Marjorie Spencer. Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 16 (11 sessions). NOTES: Email: spencerken1946@gmail.com

Description: What happened on this date in history in the USA? Also, discussion of national, state and local news, financial market trends, local community activities, Broadway shows, musicals, theater and streaming movies, and health matters for seniors.

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Tu08. ZOOM. “Mindfulness and Self-Care.” 1p-2p. Charles J. Imbimbo, LCSW. April 9 (1 Session). NOTES: April 16 is a backup date; Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

Description: Learn how to de-stress, care for yourself, and improve what you get out out of your day (and the FILL program) through mindfulness and other approaches. Charles Imbimbo is an experienced clinician with licensure in New York and New Jersey and decades of training and practice in mindfulness and meditation.

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**WEDNESDAY CLASSES**

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W01. IN PERSON. HARTMAN LOUNGE (1ST FLOOR MANSION).  “The Historical Context of Russian Authoritarianism.” 10a-11:15a. Interim Provost Benjamin Rifkin, Ph.D. Feb. 7 (1 session). NOTES: Email: b.rifkin@fdu.edu

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​Description: Dr. Rifkin, a professor of Russian and interim university provost, will share with us his expertise and insights about the historical context of Russian authoritarianism. 

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W02. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “The Ovide moralisé (Moralized Ovid): How a Medieval Christian Reads the Greco-Roman Myths.” 10a-11:15a. Prof. Matthieu Boyd, Ph.D. Feb. 21 (1 session). NOTES: Email: mwboyd@fdu.edu

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W03. IN PERSON. ZEN 108. “Fiction Book Discussion.” 10a-11:15a. Dale Gordon. March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1 (4 sessions). NOTES: Email:  dale.k.gordon@gmail.com

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Description: The instructor and students will collaborate in developing a list of four fiction books to discuss over the course of the semester prior to the first session.  The instructor will provide discussion questions and links to reviews and author interviews (where available). There will be at least two weeks between classes to allow for adequate time to thoroughly read and digest each book prior to class.

 

​W04. IN PERSON ZEN 135. “Exploring the Evolution of the Computer.” 11:30a-12:45p. Neil Ullman. Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 sessions). NOTES: email: Neil.ullman@gmail.com

 

Description: We have all been involved with some elements of the creation of what is now a true “Computer Age.” But what came before this period, and what exactly is meant by computing or computers? First it will be interesting to consider the terminology and general principles involved, and go back in history to see what some of the earliest practices and technology were. 

 

Some of us were of the slide rule and desk calculator age, which are now considered ancient history.  We will see how important these early devices were, leading up to what could be described as the beginning of the “Digital Computer Age” around the 1950’s and 60’s. 

 

We will then look at the various ways the digital computing world grew from the earliest mainframes, to the way the Apple II, around 1980, changed the very nature of how a computer could be used by everyone.

From that point we have all had some connections to the way the world has changed. I will share how I have been engaged in many of the different important junctures.  And I will be looking for insights, discussions and experiences from those in the class as we try to better understand what the current generation of students do not.

 

​W05. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “King Lear: The Folly of Great Men.”  11:30a-12:45p. Exploration of Shakespeare Series. Mark Weisstuch, Ph.D.  March 27, April 3, 10, 17 (4 sessions). NOTES: Email: mweisstuch@gmail.com

 

​Description: An aging monarch decides to retire and arranges for his three daughters to equally share the land of his domain.  What could go wrong?  Well, a lot, as it seems.  One daughter doesn’t meet his filial expectations.  The other two, shut their father out and engage in a bitter battle seeking to control the entire kingdom, while fighting over the same boyfriend.  Though this may sound like the sequel to Succession, Shakespeare transcends the paradigm of the typical strife-laden, domestic family drama.

The play raises penetrating questions.  How do we define our self-identity once we shed the trappings of social status and career?  Once he has relinquished his crown and royal robes, can Lear still claim authority?  What does it mean to lose control?  How do we measure love, or rather can love be quantified in neat expressions or gestures?  How does a parent live with the nightmare of a child’s rejection?  How do we cope with the creeping knowledge that our minds may succumb to madness (or Alzheimer’s disease)?  In representing the world of this Job-like monarch, King Lear counterpoises love and envious resentment; altruism and abject selfishness; regal authority and fecklessness; savage cruelty and manifestations of compassion and kindness.  Explore how the play elucidates these ideas and resonates for our time.

 

​W06. IN PERSON. FEB. 7: RUTHERFORD ROOM (SECOND FLOOR RECREATION/ATHLETIC BUILDING); FEB. 14: HARTMAN LOUNGE (FIRST FLOOR MANSION). "W(h)ither the Republic? Historical and Civic Literacy.” 1p-2:15p. Peter Burkholder and Bruce Peabody. Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 (2 sessions). NOTES: Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

​Description: What is the state of current historical and political knowledge? How much does our republic depend upon a literate and informed citizenry? What form(s) of historical and civic literacy do we need? Are things getting worse, or have we always been blissfully unaware of our past and present? Join Profs. Burkholder and Peabody in a discussion about whether we should be alarmed, concerned, or "chill" about the state of our national knowledge base. 

 

​W07. ZOOM. 1p-2:30p. “Desert Power: How Climate Change will Impact Oil- Rich Gulf States and the Rest of the World.” Feb. 14 (1 session). William Zimmerle, Ph.D. NOTES: This presentation is part of the School of Public and Global Affairs Faculty Colloquium lecture series; please register for each lecture separately; Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

​W08. ZOOM. “Being Happy in Retirement.” 1p-2:15p. Feb. 21 (1 session). Laura Verrekia, Ph.D.  NOTES: Email: lauraverrekia@gmail.com

 

​Description: Retirement provides freedom from employment obligations, but it can leave us wondering “what now?” In this workshop, you will complete exercises designed to answer that question. You will also learn techniques for dealing with loss and health challenges, so you can be happy in retirement.

 

​Laura Verrekia, Ph.D. is psychologist and educator who has worked with students for over 25 years, most recently teaching courses in the field of positive psychology. She has published two books in that field: Shift Your Perspective (2023) and Making Life Better Through Road Trips With Heather (2016). She has a doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught courses at both in-person and online institutions. 

 

​W09. ZOOM. “Leaving a Legacy.” 1p-2:15p. Feb. 28 (1 session). Laura Verrekia, Ph.D.  NOTES: Email: lauraverrekia@gmail.com

 

​Description: As we age, many of us begin to think about the impact we have had on the world around us and what we will leave behind. In this workshop, you will complete exercises that highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate the impact you have had. We will also consider actions you can take to ensure you leave the legacy you intend.

 

​Laura Verrekia, Ph.D. is psychologist and educator who has worked with students for over 25 years, most recently teaching courses in the field of positive psychology. She has published two books in that field: Shift Your Perspective (2023) and Making Life Better Through Road Trips With Heather (2016). She has a doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught courses at both in-person and online institutions. 

 

​W10. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies-The Great Warner Bros. Cartoons.” 1p-3p. Larry Stanley. February 14, 21, 28, & March 6. (4 sessions). NOTES: Email: perryscafe@gmail.com

 

​Description: “Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies- Enjoying the great Warner Bros. Cartoons.” Larry Stanley. What's up Doc? We will watch some of the great Warner Brothers cartoons. In each class we will concentrate on a different director ranging from Bob Clampett and Tex Avery all the way to Chuck Jones. These are the people who made Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd and all the others we grew up with. We will see all your favorites and maybe some that you missed. Bring your sense of humor!

 

​W11. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Broadway Musicals.” 1p-4p. Eleanor Flanigan. March 20, 27, April 3, 10 (4 sessions). NOTES: Email: flanigane@mail.montclair.edu

 

​Description: It’s time to “Whistle a Happy Tune” and join friends with “Happy Talk” while enjoying “Life upon the Wicked Stage”!! If you recognize the shows connected with these tunes, then classify yourself as a Broadway Baby from 42nd Street! This toe-tapping course will keep you smiling while transporting you to the musical theater’s fantasies and realities while staying right here at FDU with four wonderful shows. 

​We enjoy interaction and volunteer “actor” involvement!!! So bring your “Seventy-six Trombones” because “Anything Goes” and “Come to the Cabaret”!!!

 

​W12. ZOOM. “Beyond Silos: Advancing Integrated Oral Care.” 1:00p-2:30p.  Abila Adeniyi, Ph.D. March 20 (1 session). NOTES: This presentation is part of the School of Public and Global Affairs Faculty Colloquium lecture series; please register for each lecture separately; Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

​W13. ZOOM. “Believe It or Not: Does Distance to Grocery Stores Affect Obesity?” 1:00p-2:30p. April 10 (1 session). Amirmohsen Behjat, Ph.D. NOTES: This presentation is part of the School of Public and Global Affairs Faculty Colloquium lecture series; please register for each lecture separately; Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

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​W14. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE).  “Divided Loyalties: The Unresolved Conflict Between Ben Franklin and His Only Son, the last Colonial Governor of New Jersey.” 1p-2:15p. April 17 (1 session). Hon. Kenneth MacKenzie. NOTES: class limited to 25; Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

Description: It may seem surprising that one of our best-known founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, had a loyalist son.  In fact, many families were divided during the Revolution with some members choosing to rebel against British rule while others remained loyal to the King.  William Franklin, colonial Governor of New Jersey, and his patriot father Ben exemplified these divided loyalties.  How this rift occurred and whether father and son ever reconciled will be discussed in this class.

 

W15. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders Win the Spanish-American War in Cuba.” 1p-2:15p. May 1 (1 session). Hon. Kenneth MacKenzie. NOTES: class limited to 25; Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

Description:  The most famous of all the units fighting in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, the “Rough Riders” was the name given to the First US Volunteer Cavalry under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt.  Roosevelt resigned his position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in May 1898 to form the new cavalry unit.  The original plan called for filling this unit with men exclusively from the American Southwest.  However, once Teddy joined the unit it quickly became the place for a mix of troops ranging from Ivy League athletes to glee club singers to Texas Rangers and Indians.  Find out how the Rough Riders captured San Juan Hill and turned the War in favor of the US.

 

​W16. IN PERSON. ORANGERIE (MONNINGER CENTER NEXT TO THE FDU LIBRARY).  “From Békéscsaba to Florham: A Conversation with the Internationally Acclaimed Pianist Péter Tóth.” 2:30p-3:45p. Péter Tóth and Bruce Peabody. April 24. (1 session). NOTES: Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu

 

​Description: Join the internationally acclaimed pianist and musician Péter Tóth for a discussion of his story and craft. We will integrate live piano playing with our conversation. 

 

**THURSDAY CLASSES**

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Th01. ZOOM. “A Brief History of the 20th Century, Part 12: The First World War, the Versailles Treaty and Beyond.” 10a-11:15a. Arnold Goldstein, Ph.D. Feb. 1, 8, 22, 29, March 7, 14 (6 sessions). NOTES: No limit to number of students; Email: arnoldmgoldstein@aol.com

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Description: The 20th century was one of remarkable change in essentially all aspects of the human experience. This multi-semester course explores the major themes and events that made the 20th century unique in recorded history. The Spring 2024 class will focus on the First World War, its causes, outcomes and impacts on the 20th and 21st centuries. The six lectures will be online via Zoom. There is no limit to attendance.

 

​​Th02. ZOOM. “Tips and Tricks for Mastering Your Apple Devices." 11:30a-12:45p. Debra Goldfaden. Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 (7 sessions). NOTES: No Limit to the number of students; Email: debragoldfaden@me.com

 

Description: We will explore, through demonstrations, the newest features and changes to the Apple ecosystem as updates to apps and the operating systems enable us to do more with our devices (iPhone/iPad/Mac/Apple Watch).  This class will be offered online via Zoom and will run for 7 consecutive weeks.  Learn how to use a variety of apps that will further your needs and interests.  For those new to Apple devices, as well as those familiar with it, there will be something for everyone.

 

​Th03. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “What’s with the Funny Costumes? A History of Reenacting.” 11:30a-12:45p. Abagail Belcastro, MFA. March 21 (1 session). NOTES: Email: abbyale21@gmail.com

 

​Th04. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “Semicentennial Rendezvous: James A. Michener’s Centennial at 50.” 1:30p-2:45p. Paul Soltis. Jan. 25, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15, Feb 22, Feb 29, Mar 7, Mar 14 (8 sessions). NOTES: email: Paul.Soltis@dep.nj.gov

 

​Description: Join the Resource Interpretive Specialist for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for an interactive discussion of James Michener's 1974 novel, Centennial, which traces the history of the plains of north-east Colorado from prehistory until the mid-1970s. Learn about geography, history, and America--like never before!

 

​Th05. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE).  “Travels in the Classroom: Featuring the Highlights of New York City.” 1:30p-2:45p. Charlie Pomel. Mar. 21, 28 Apr. 4, 11 (4 sessions). NOTES: class cap 25; Email: dcmp@comcast.net

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Class description: The sights and sounds of New York City make it one of the most fascinating places in the world! From our classroom, we will tour some of the popular places of interest in the metropolitan New York City area by visiting and discussing some of the more famous (and some new) “Landmarks and Locations” that make New York City what it is today. We’ll explore the places, people and “behind the scenes” stories that you may not have heard before with slides and videos about that NYC icon. We’ll also take time to talk about what we’ve discovered and allow some time for you to share your own interesting experiences and personal stories about a past visit. I’m looking forward to exploring and sharing our experiences about what people in the metropolitan area call “The City''. We may even ask a native New York walking tour guide to give us some real insight to the sights and sounds of the “City”!

 

Th06. IN PERSON. Zen 104. “Watercolor Adventures.” 2:30p-4p. Ann Shoshkes. Dates: Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Mar. 7, 21, 28 (8 sessions). NOTES: A materials list will be sent out once registration is complete; limited to 10 students. Email: annshoshkes@gmail.com

 

Description: We will explore both Landscape Painting and Still Life, incorporating watercolor techniques, while examining the works of well-known watercolor artists.

 

Th07. IN PERSON. ZEN 205. “The China Challenge.” 2:30p-3:45p. John Schiemann. Dates: February 15, 22, 29. (3 sessions). NOTES: email: jws@fdu.edu

 

Th08. IN PERSON. ZEN 135 (RICE LOUNGE). “Game Time.” 3:30p-4:45p. John Gilris. April 4, 18, 25, May 2 (4 sessions). NOTES: Email: jmgilris@yahoo.com; class limited to 8 people; in some cases, class may run a little past 4:45 to accommodate games in play.

 

Description: A session where we can enjoy games of yesteryear and more contemporary ones. Feel free to recommend one if you like as long as you can explain it. Ones that can bring some enjoyment, preferably some laughter.

 

Th09. IN PERSON. Double Tap Brewing. “Beer & Bull.” 4:30p-5:30p. John Schiemann, Robert Houle, Bruce Peabody. Feb. 8, March 28, April 11 (3 sessions). NOTES: email: bpeabody@fdu.edu; Class meets off campus at Double Tap Brewing (50 Parsippany Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981); class limited to 10 registrants. If you signed up for the Fall 2023 class Th11. “Untapped Knowledge” you will not be able to register for this course until January 15 to give “first timers” a chance to register first.

 

Description: Join Profs. Houle, Schiemann, Peabody for interactive conversations in a fun, pub atmosphere. Topics may include: “Great Moments in Sports History” (Houle), “The Problem(s) with Stoicism” (Schiemann), and “Law and Literature: The Devil and Daniel Webster” (Peabody). Each session will be led by one of the faculty on a particular reading and set of issues of their choice, with commentary and discussion by the other faculty and attending students. This class meets off campus at Double Tap Brewing (50 Parsippany Rd, Whippany NJ). You must provide your own transportation or arrange a carpool/designated driver!

 

**FRIDAY CLASSES**

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F01. ZOOM. “People, Places & Cultures – Palestine and Israel.” 10a-11:15a. Hossur Srikantan. Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1, 8, 22, 29 and Apr. 5 (10 sessions). NOTES: Email: hsrikantan@aol.com

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Description: This is a highly complex, controversial, and emotional issue based on the history, actions, and developments in the region. The purpose is to look at the following from an educational, logical unbiased & levelheaded approach -which will be a challenge sometimes!

• History of the region going back to 3000 yrs.: changes over the yrs., influence / impact of religion, colonialism, influence of cold war, geo-politics, and superpowers, 

• 2000 yrs. Of Jewish history, culture, and challenges, History & Origins of Palestinian people Creation of Israel - Balfour Project

• Conflicts since 1948 and multiple peace efforts by USA & United Nations

• Source of conflict, and potential solutions – settle by force / military power or political means?

To be done in open dialogue with students & share POV using text, videos (YouTube, Ted Talk etc.) in respectful, unemotional manner.

 

F02.  IN PERSON. MEETS OFF CAMPUS. “Exploring Latino Cuisine and Culture.” 12p-2p. Jose Luna and Ken Spencer. Jan. 19, Feb. 9, 23, Mar. 8, 22, Apr. 12, 26 and May 10. (8 sessions). NOTES: Class limited to 12 students who were not registered in this class the previous semester; Email: spencerken1946@gmail.com

 

​Description: Class meets at designated reasonably priced Latino restaurants, cafes and delis in the immediate local area.  Eat, enjoy and learn about the Latino culture and cuisine. Knowledge of Spanish is not required. The only requirement is a good appetite! 

 

F03.  IN PERSON. MEETS OFF CAMPUS. “Exploring Asian Cuisine and Culture.” 11:30a-1:30p. Deborah Kander and Allan Berlinsky. Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 16, March 1, March 29, April 5, April 19, May 3 (8 sessions). NOTES: limited to 12 students. Email: deborahkb@gmail.com

 

Description: Class meets at designated reasonably priced Asian restaurants, cafes, and delis in the immediate local area.  Eat, enjoy, and learn about Asian culture and cuisine. The only requirement is a good appetite!

 

F04. IN PERSON. ZEN 107. “Quirky Cinema.” 1p-3:45p. Joyce Kaffel. April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3. (5 sessions). NOTES:  Zen 105 (tentative); last class (May 3) meets 12:00p-2:45p; class limited to 15 students; Email: blueparakeet943@aol.com

 

Description: Films that are unusual in an especially interesting way and have characters that are portrayed with peculiar or unexpected traits will be shown in this class. A variety of stories will be told in this quirky selection, ranging from mystery, political satire, absurdist dark humor, fantasy, and light satirical humor. All of these movies will be sure to inspire thought-provoking reactions for discussion.