Courses for Fall 2009
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On the fortieth anniversary of the inception of this prestigious book prize, we will study a selection of Man Booker winners. A booklist will be posted on the website and sent by email to all registrants selected for this course. This course is limited to 10-12 registrants to allow an informal roundtable discussion. No class on October 12. Instructor: John Neufeld See this instructors bio | ||||
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On the domestic front, discussion will focus on the bailouts and economic stimulus programs. We will assess developments on a variety of foreign policy issues including Pakistan-Afghanistan, Iran, the Middle East, and Latin America. Healthcare proposals, energy and environment, and other then-current issues, which cannot now be predicted with precision, will be covered. Suggested readings from print and Internet sources will be cited, along with some tips on TV watching. The idea is to keep current on what President Obama is doing or failing to do. Instructor: James Boorsch See this instructors bio | ||||
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The original settlement of Salisbury and adjacent towns in the Northwest Corner was spurred by the discovery of iron ore in the 1730s. That discovery, coupled with the abundant waterpower resources of the area, gave birth to a significant number of industries here. This course covers industrial activity in the region from 1734 through 1900.Among the topics covered will be the pre-revolutionary industry, the Blackberry River Corridor, Horatio Ames’ heavy industry in Amesville, the Barnum & Richardson Company, and Hotchkiss & Sons. Along the way, we will learn how iron was mined and processed, and survey some of the inventions that resulted from this industry. No class on October 6. Instructor: Richard Paddock See this instructors bio | ||||
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The course will examine key rulings of the Court during the past year and look at cases on the 2009-2010 docket. The occasion of President Obama’s first appointee to the Court( Sonia Sotomayor), replacing David Souter, gives us the opportunity to discuss how a new justice can both be influenced by the Court and, in his or her own right alter the outcome in close decisions. Instructor: Laurance Rand See this instructors bio | ||||
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Was he the “greatest” composer of all time, our “consolation” for losing Mozart at such an early age, or a “great revolutionary”? This course will explore these questions and view a BBC documentary on his life and works. We will listen to twenty complete major works chosen from his symphonies, piano concertos, piano sonatas, and the quartets. We will also hear his only opera ” Fidelio”. The course will conclude with Leonard Bernstein’s historic performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. Instructor: Robert Julien See this instructors bio | ||||
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This course gives participants the opportunity to acquire a toolbox of skills for memoir writing. Weekly assignments, with instructions and examples, give students the impetus to practice a variety of techniques. Members of the group read and discuss their writing at each class. Constructive suggestions as well as discussion of more general issues related to memoir writing help participants develop new ideas and abilities. Instructor: Betty Krasne See this instructors bio | ||||
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In a very relaxed atmosphere, we will read some of the best plays written in the 20th and 21st centuries. All participants are given parts to read. We will be reading “Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansbery and other plays by A.R. Gurney, J.M.Synge, and others. Participants will be contacted about what plays to bring to class. Instructor: Marcia Friedman See this instructors bio | ||||
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Variably characterized as “the hero’s journey”, an aristocratic card game, or a conveyance of mystical secrets, tarot cards have fascinated people for more than six hundred years. This course will explore the connection between the cards and mythology, psychology, history, and religion. We will study the cards from myriad perspectives including the writings of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell. Instructor: Jeff Neves See this instructors bio | ||||
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On October 29th, a trip has been planned to take you to Stockbridge MA where we will visit the Norman Rockwell Museum and Chesterwood, the home of Daniel Chester French. A small bus will leave from Noble Horizons at 9:30, arriving at the Norman Rockwell Museum at 10:15. A gallery talk will take place at 11:00 if you chose to take it. We will depart the Museum about 12:00 for lunch. The bus will then take us to Chesterwood, where we can browse through the home, studio and grounds. Mr. French, a sculptor, was the creator of the statue of Abraham Lincoln which stands in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. A guided tour is scheduled for 2:30. We will leave the grounds about 4:00, returning to Noble Horizons before 5:00. The cost of the trip is $40 excluding the cost of lunch. Seating on the bus is limited to 19 people, so if you plan to join us, please contact Ms. Friedman directly at 413-229-3452. Instructor: Marcia Friedman See this instructors bio | ||||
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Is free verse “tennis without the net”? Is there still value in the traditional forms? Why does a poet choose to end a line at one place rather than another? Is poetry mostly rhythmic philosophy? What is a great poem? We shall consider some of these questions in a course structured so that half of the poems we consider are your choice, with the other half picked by the instructor to illustrate particular concerns. There will be an emphasis on reading poems aloud. We will start the course with the close study of a single sonnet by Edna St.Vincent Millay. There is a choice of basic texts: The Norton Anthology of Poetry or The Top 500 Poems (Columbia). Instructor: Edward Nickerson See this instructors bio | ||||
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Our course will cover the decade from 2004-2014, when America and the world encountered the realities of a new economic order. Drawing upon extensive analysis of recent history and bold predictions about the future, we will cover fundamental economic concepts in the context of our business and political institutions. We will also discuss the mystical quest for a free lunch, or at least one that we can get somebody else to pay for! Those obsessed with the need to find someone to blame are welcome to attend. It will save time if they bring a neighbor, a spouse, or a mirror! No class on October 8. Instructor: Jerry Jamin See this instructors bio | ||||
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With the rapid development of genomics and nanotechnology during the last five years, genetic knowledge has expanded to become an integral part of both the natural and social sciences. Evolution, paleontology, anthropology, and medicine are just a few of the disciplines that use genetics today. This course will take a layman’s look at some of the recent discoveries, concepts, and applications in these subjects that have come from the field of genetics. No prior knowledge is necessary and the first few classes will cover the basics. Readings will be provided weekly and there will be ample time for questions and discussion. For a pleasant historical introduction, read Darwin’s “On Natural Selection” (Penguin Great Ideas series) available from Amazon.com for less than ten dollars. No class on October 8. Instructor: Phyllis Wojan | ||||
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Welcome to a course for of all those interested in this venerable language. The required textbook is Frederick Wheelock’s “ Latin, an Introductory Course” available second hand at Amazon.com. In one semester, students will learn enough to read the classics! Instructor: John Leich See this instructors bio | ||||
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This is an updated course based on new developments in quantum physics, the Hubble views of deep space, and developments in DNA research. We will see how all sorts of new data tie the many mysterious cosmic machinations together. The class will explore how, despite all appearances to the contrary, what happens to us may be caused by us. If true, there is no such thing as an innocent victim. Instructor: Jerry Oakes See this instructors bio |
