Fairleigh Dickinson University's
Florham Institute for Lifelong Learning (FILL)
More About Our Teachers
More About Our Classes
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Fall 2024 Offerings (updated 8/2/2024):
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​FILL CLASSES: Scroll through the list below for our current listing of FILL classes (offered on Zoom and In-Person). Note the dates; important changes are highlighted.
​NOTE: We ask FILL instructors to contact their classes by email roughly a week before they begin. If you do not hear from your instructors, you should contact them to make sure they have your correct email on their roster(s).
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UNIVERSITY CLASSES: To see the full listing of university courses, click here to go to FDU's Self-Service Course Finder. You can use this reference guide to learn about navigating university courses, or use this tutorial to learn about using Self-Service.
FALL 2024 FILL Class Listings
please report errors to bpeabody@fdu.edu; schedule subject to change
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​Fall 2024 FILL COURSE SCHEDULE (click on the above link to get class descriptions)
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MONDAY CLASSES
M02. ZOOM. “Introduction to Israeli Political System and Society.” Naomi Wish. Oct. 21, Nov 4, 18, Dec 2 (4 sessions): 10a-11:15a. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu
M03. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “A History of Protest in the 60s and early 70s, Explained Through Music.” David Ogens. Sept 9, 16, 23, Oct 7, Nov 11 (5 sessions): 11:30a-12:45p. Email: Bandit29@aol.com; NOTES: Limited to 35 students
M04. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “At the Crossroads of Nutrition and Cuisine.” Susan Fusi. Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4 (3 sessions): 11:30a-12:45. Email: suf@ruedog.com
NOTES: Limited to 25 students
M05. IN PERSON. DREYFUSS 125. “FILL Film Discussion Group.” Dave Ogens & Dawn Bonthron-Ogens. Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec 2 (12 sessions): 1:30p-3:45p. Email: Bandit29@aol.com NOTES: limited to 45 students.
M06. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Preparations for End-of-Life.” Katharina Hellner-Apelt. Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18 (5 sessions): 4pm-5:15p. Email: katmagnolia@gmail.com NOTES: limited to 20 students.
M07. IN PERSON. MANSION 33 (Honors Room). “Student Speaker Series: Legal Presentations by Undergraduates.” Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11 (3 sessions): 4pm-5pm. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu
M08. IN PERSON. MANSION 13. “Harris vs Trump: Understanding the American Political Landscape.” Nicholas Quintero. Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9 (12 sessions): 4:30p-5:45p, Email: nequintero21@gmail.com NOTES: Limited to 35 students
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TUESDAY CLASSES
Tu01. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Past, Present, & Future: Threads of History & Their Influence on Current Affairs.” Ken Spingarn. Sept. 24, Oct 1, 8, 22 (4 sessions): 10:00am-11:15am. Email: kenspin@gmail.com NOTES: limited to 30
Tu02. IN PERSON. DREYFUSS 105. “Great Lyricists and Composers of Broadway.” Geoffrey Weinman, Ph.D. October 1, 8, 15, and 22 (4 sessions): 10a-11:15am. Email: weinman@fdu.edu; NOTES: third session held in person and on campus during Fall Recess
Tu03. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Alice’s English Wonderland.” Patricia Ard, Ph.D. Oct. 29, Nov. 5 (2 sessions): 10am-11:15am. Email: ardedu@msn.com
Tu04. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Paper Play and Collage-making.” Elaine Hoffman. Sept. 10, 17, 24, October 8 (4 sessions): 11:30a-12:45p. Email: emkhoffman@gmail.com NOTES: limited to 10; supply list sent upon registration
Tu05. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Fairy Tales: Origins and Meanings.” Patricia Ard, Ph.D. Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19 (5 sessions): 11:30a-12:45p; Email: ardedu@msn.com
Tu06. ZOOM. “Ekphrastic Poetry.” Deborah Gerrish, EDD, MFA. Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 22, 29 (5 Sessions): 1:00p-2:15p. Email: shakabeee@aol.com
Tu07. IN PERSON. LENFELL HALL (Mansion). “Supreme Court 2024 Term: Preview and Review.” Madelyn Ferrans, Bruce Peabody, and undergraduate students. Oct. 8 (1 session): 1pm-2:15p. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu
Tu08. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Tuesdays with Morrie & Meg.” Meg Wastie. Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1 (5 sessions): 1:00p-2:30p. Email: kitmeg8@gmail.com; NOTES: limited to 35 students.
Tu09. HYBRID (meets in person in ZEN 135 and online via Zoom). “Topics in Cosmology.” John C. Fusi. Oct 22, 29 Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 (6 sessions): 2:30p-3:45p. Email: jcf@jcfra.com; NOTES: Instructor will provide Zoom link for online students via email.
Tu10. ZOOM. “Current Events Roundtable.” Ken and Marjorie Spencer. Sept. 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec.3 (11 sessions): 4pm-5:15p. Email: spencerken1946@gmail.com.
Tu11. IN PERSON. FDU CAFETERIA (Student Center, Second Floor). “Let’s Talk about Death (Over Dinner).” Katharina Hellner-Apelt. Oct. 29, Nov. 12 (2 sessions): 5:30p-7:00pm. Email: katmagnolia@gmail.com NOTES: Sessions limited to 10 students; open to FILL students and faculty.
Tu12. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Make Greeting Cards With Collage.” Jean Leigh. Nov. 12, 19 (2 sessions): 10am-11:15. Email: cookinjean@gmail.com; NOTES: Instructor provides cards and envelope sets
Tu13. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Cooking Class: Soup and Salad for Two.” Jean Leigh. Sept. 10, 17 (2 sessions): 10am-11:15. Email: cookinjean@gmail.com
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WEDNESDAY CLASSES
W01. IN PERSON. ZEN 203. “Fiction Book Discussion.” Dale Gordon. Sept 11, 25, Oct 9, 23, Nov 6, 20 (6 sessions): 10a-11:15a. Email: dale.k.gordon@gmail.com NOTES: limited to 15 students.
W02. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Travels in the Classroom Featuring the Highlights of New York City.” Charlie Pomel. Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 sessions): 10:00a- 11:15a. Email: dcmp@comcast.net NOTES: limited to 25 students
W03. HYBRID. ZEN 135 (and via Zoom). “Evolution of Technology with an Emphasis on Computers.” Neil Ullman. Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 9 (4 sessions): 11:30-12:45. Email: neil.ullman@gmail.com
W04. IN PERSON. ORANGERIE (MONNINGER CENTER). Wed, Oct. 16, 11:30-12:45. “Protect Yourself from Scams.” Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu
W05.IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Birds of New Jersey.” John Gribbin. Oct. 16, 23 (2 sessions): 11:30a-12:45p. Email: gribbinbreslin155@gmail.com
W06. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Twelfth Night or What You Will: The Pursuit of Love. Exploration of Shakespeare Series.” Mark Weisstuch, Ph.D. Oct 30, Nov 6, 13, 20 (4 Sessions): 11:30-12:45. Email: mweisstuch@gmail.com
W07. IN PERSON. ORANGERIE (Monninger Center). “Free Speech in the University: A Panel Discussion.” Madelyn Ferrans, Bruce Peabody. Oct. 16 (1 session): 1pm-2:30p. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu
W08. IN PERSON. RUTHERFORD ROOM (Recreation Building, second floor). Hon. Kenneth MacKenzie. “James K. Polk: The Most Accomplished U.S. President You’ve Never Heard Of.” Oct. 23 (1 session): 1pm-2:15p. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu NOTES: class limited to 35
W09. IN PERSON. RUTHERFORD ROOM (Recreation Building, second floor). Hon. Kenneth MacKenzie. “Aaron Burr: The Rest of the Story.” Oct. 9 (1 session): 1pm-2:15p. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu NOTES: class limited to 35
W10. IN PERSON. MONNINGER CENTER 107 (FDU LIBRARY). “TV Pilots from the 1950’s, 60’s, & 70’s.” Larry Stanley. Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2. (5 sessions): 1:00 p-3:00 p. Email: perryscafe@gmail.com
W11. IN PERSON. ZEN 209. “Literature to Film: Short Stories Adapted to Film.” Jeffrey Eger. Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13 (8 sessions): 1:00p-4p. Email: jegercatalogues@aol.com
W12. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Broadway Musicals.” Eleanor Flanigan, Ed. D. Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 (3 sessions): 1:00p-4:00p. Email: flanigane@mail.montclair.edu
W13. IN PERSON. Dreyfuss 125. “Singing Bowl Meditation.” Vern Miler. Oct. 16, 30, Nov 13, Dec. 4 (4 sessions): 10a-10:45a. Email: vsomaph44@gmail.com; NOTES: limited to 35 students.
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THURSDAY CLASSES
Th01. ZOOM. “A Brief History of the 20th Century, Part 13: The First World War, the Versailles Treaty and Beyond.” Arnold Goldstein, Ph.D. Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24 (6 sessions): 10:00a-11:15a. Email: arnoldmgoldstein@aol.com; NOTES: Skips Oct. 3 for Rosh Hashanah; No limit to number of students
Th02. ZOOM. “Democracy Under Threat: A Conversation with Malaak Jamal.” John Schiemann and Malaak Jamal, Director of Policy and Research, Human Rights Foundation, Oct. 31 (1 session): 10:00a-11:15a. Email: jws@fdu.edu NOTES: No limit to number of students
Th03. ZOOM. “Tips and Tricks for Mastering Your Apple Devices.” Debra Goldfaden. Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, 31 (7 sessions): 11:30a-12:45p. Email: debragoldfaden@me.com NOTES: Skips Oct. 3 for Rosh Hashanah; No limit to the number of students
Th04. ZOOM. “Pundits, Polls & Politics! The ’24 Election!” Doug Stowell, Market Resource Associates. September 26 (1 session): 11:30a-1:00p. Email: dwstowell10@gmail.com
Th05. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Shakespeare's Woman Question.” Harry Keyishian, Ph.D. Sept. 12 (1 session): 1:00pm-2:15pm. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu
TH06. IN PERSON. ZEN 106. “Focus on Film Directors: Woody Allen.” Joyce Kaffel. Oct. 17 (1 session): 1p-3:45. NOTES: Students may sign up for one, two, or three of the "Focus on Film Directors" sessions. They are independent. Email: blueparakeet943@aol.com NOTES: limited to 15 students
Th07. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Halloween Special: The ABCs of Candy.” Meg Wastie. Oct. 31 (1 session): 1:00p-2:30p. Email: kitmeg8@gmail.com
TH08. IN PERSON. ZEN 106. “Focus on Film Directors: Craig Brewer.” Joyce Kaffel. Nov. 14 (1 session): 1p-3:45. NOTES: Students may sign up for one, two, or three of the "Focus on Film Directors" sessions. They are independent. Email: blueparakeet943@aol.com NOTES: limited to 15 students
TH09. IN PERSON. ZEN 106. “Focus on Film Directors: Aisling Walsh.” Joyce Kaffel. Dec. 12 (1 session): 1p-3:45. NOTES: Students may sign up for one, two, or three of the "Focus on Film Directors" sessions. They are independent. Email: blueparakeet943@aol.com NOTES: limited to 15 students
Th11. IN PERSON. ZEN 202. “Painting Loose and Free flowers with Watercolor.” Ann Shoshkes. Sept 19, 26, Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, Dec 5 (10 sessions): 2:30p-4p. Email: annshoshkes@gmail.com NOTES: A materials list will be sent out once registration is complete; limited to 10 students
Th13. IN PERSON. ZEN 135. “Game Time.” John Gilris. Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, Dec. 5 (five sessions): 3:00p-4:30p. Email: jmgilris@yahoo.com NOTES: class limited to 8 students
Th14. IN PERSON. ORANGERIE (Monninger Center). “Dinner and a Movie with University Provost Ben Rifkin: Anna Melikyan’s The Star.” Sept. 12 (1 session): 4p-7:45p. Email: bpeabody@fdu.edu NOTES: requires a $20 dinner fee; backup date is Nov. 12 (Tuesday) from 4pm-7:45pm.
Th15. IN PERSON. DOUBLE TAP BREWING. “Beer & Bull.” Robert Houle, John Schiemann, Bruce Peabody. Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 (3 sessions): 4:30p-6:00p. NOTES: meets off campus at 50 Parsippany Rd, Whippany, NJ; limited to 12 students.
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FRIDAY CLASSES
F02. IN PERSON. FDU CAFETERIA (Student Center, Second Floor). “FILL Family Fridays.” Ken and Marjorie Spencer. Sept.13, 27, Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 8, 22 and Dec. 6 (7 sessions): 11:30a-1:30p. Email: spencerken1946@gmail.com
F03. IN PERSON. TBA (meets off campus). “Exploring Mediterranean Cuisine and Culture.” Deborah Kander and Allan Berlinsky. Sept. 6, 20, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, 15 and Dec. 13 (6 sessions): 11:30a-1:30p. Email: deborahkb@gmail.com; NOTES: limited to 10 students.​