Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University
2008 NEW JERSEY POLITICS
This course will explore the facets of this uniquely complex federal election as it plays out in New Jersey. It will look at the campaigns in New Jersey for president, U.S. senator, and members of the House of Representatives in the context of an expanding electorate, an extraordinarily long primary season for the Democrats, and dramatic changes in how communications take place about elections.
 
A LOOK AT THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
A thematic and interactive approach to the American presidency that deals with constitutional powers; rankings of the presidents; chiefs of staff; assassinations; removal from office; political cartoons; presidential homes and retreats; libraries; burial sites; family life; presidential wives and children; presidential pets; modes of transportation; music' wit and wisdom of the presidents; and passions of the presidents.
 
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 6.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS- INTERMEDIATE OR ADVANCED LEVELS ONLY
This course will include the following topics for the Intermediate and Advanced users of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 software: 1. Layering Basics 2. Blending and Adjustment Layers 3. Layer Masks 4. Enhancing Photos with Layers 5. Dealing with Common Digital Image Problems 6. Processing Images Using Camera Raw 7. Color Correction and B/W Techniques 8. Special Effects for Photographers
 
ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 2
** The Rutgers Administrative Services Building (ASB II) is at 57 Route 1 South, New Brunswick, just past Sears. This class picks up where Basic Computer Applications ended. It assumes a basic understanding of the computer's components, its terminology, and an entry level understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access applications. The course will briefly review the concepts discussed in the Basic Computer Applications Course, and will explore these applications more deeply. It will also spend more time on email and the internet.
 
ADVANCED ITALIAN
We will continue viewing The Best of Youth (La Meglio Gioventu) and complete the exercises in the film study workbook published by Editione Farinelli. This is a challenging curriculum for students with a strong background in grammar and vocabulary. For full course and instructor information, see course # 25.
 
AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH BIOGRAPHY
Some of America's unknown presidents and why you should want to know them. In other words, there will be discussion of why John Tyler, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Andrew Johnson, and Grover Cleveland are a lot more important than most people realize. Reading list: The Complete Book of US Presidents by William DeGregario (ISBN 1-56980-286-6), Barricade Books. $21.00.
 
APPLYING ETHICAL VALUES TO CURRENT ISSUES AND EVENTS
The course will introduce a practical approach to personal ethical values and briefly review current ethical trends in our society. A wide range of current issues and events will be discussed from the particular perspective of ethical values and participants will be encouraged to suggest discussion topics as driven by current news events as well as issues of particular interest in their own lives.
 
ART APPRECIATION I: THE IMPRESSIONISTS
An introduction to the power of art, focusing on western art and the birth of Impressionism. This course is designed to acquaint you with the history of Paris in 1900 which reflects the most significant period that brought about major cultural and artistic changes that lead to this magical period and all its glory. We will explore the lives of the most famous Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Expressionist masters and learn how their innovative techniques, creation of dramatic, often psychological effects created painting that began to concern itself more with the perception of reality.
 
ART AT THE ZIMMERLI
A ten-session course at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum. Curators of the Zimmerli's world-renowned collections will take you on guided tours through the history of American, French and Russian art as represented at the Zimmerli. Special exhibits as well as the following galleries will be visited: * Temporary Special Exhibitions * 19th Century French Graphic Arts * Modernism * Russian Art * Old Masters * Ancient Art * European Art * Original Illustrations for Children's Books * Nonconformist Art from the Soviet Union, 1956-1986 Note: Transportation will entail car-pooling from Highland Park at 9:45 a.m. to reserved parking in New Brunswick. Please provide your car's make and license plate number when registering. Lunch is available at the Zimmerli Café.
 
ART HISTORY
Explore the world of art through films, slides, and lectures. The important artists, their lives and work in sculpture and painting that formed the major movements in art.
 
BASIC COMPUTER APPLICATION
The course is designed to instruct the novice in basic computer concepts and applications including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, the Internet and electronic mail. Additionally, the course covers the concepts necessary to assist in the selection, purchase and maintenance of a home computer system.
 
BE CREATIVE IN YOUR ART
Bring your paints and pastels, and spend time creating your own masterpiece. Whatever media you choose to work with, you will discover your expressive potential. We will explore textures, color combinations, depth and contrast in your work. Students should have some experience in their media. Materials Needed: HB pencil or soft lead pencil Gum eraser Ruler Water color set (preferably tubes) OR set of CHALK pastels Water color block Brushes recommended: No. 10 round brush, No. 8 round brush, No. 3 round Brush, No. 16 brush, and No. 0 brush 1 bottle of masking fluid Three containers for water Tissues and paper towels OR for pastels: Pastel paper Fixative spray Pastel nubs and queue tips Soft pencil/ruler/gum eraser
 
BEGINNER BRIDGE
Join the great minds of notables such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates and their pursuit of the magical game of Bridge. On CBS Sunday Morning, these men told of the importance of Bridge in their lives and have given one million dollars towards teaching bridge in schools. There are sixteen words in the language of Bridge, and they tell a story every time they are utilized. Omar Sharif once said, "Bridge is my passion," and indeed he played all his life, only taking time out to make movies so he could continue with his "passion"! This course will build the foundation to play and understand the great game of Bridge. Surveys have shown that games like Bridge build more brain cells, enabling more enjoyment of life. Bidding, play, and defense will all be discussed. This course will help you in the future with more advanced Bridge courses. ($5.00 materials fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class).
 
CHANGE: SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
This course deals with 10 issues affecting the interaction of science and society. 1. Discovery--Galileo/Henry the Eighth 2. Uncertainties--Newton/Shakespeare 3. Infrastructure--Franklin/Peter the Great 4. Evolution--Darwin/DeTocqueville 5. Footprints--T.Roosevelt/Mao Tse-tung 6. Change--Einstein/Truman 7. Degeneration--Carson/Salk 8. Cooperation--Watson/P. Schumann 9. Confrontation--Hansen/Cheney 10. Immigration--Roth/Oates
 
CONSTITUTIONAL AMBIGUITIES: POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO CLARIFY
In the Constitutional Law course that was previously taught, we covered a number of Supreme Court decisions that revealed serious ambiguities in a number of provisions of the Constitution. It was left to the court to interpret those provisions. A consequence is that differing interpretations over time and among justices making up the court have left these ambiguities still controversial with major social disruptions (right to privacy, abortion, federalism/commerce regulations, presidential power, etc.). This course will reconsider some of these ambiguous provisions and the relevant cases, and explore some of the possible amendments that might clear up some of the controversial provisions and their interpretations by the court. Examples of issues: Article III: Judicial Review Article II, Sections 1 & 2: Presidential Power Article I, Section 3: Commerce Power First Amendment: Establishment Cause Eighth Amendment: Death Penalty Fourteenth Amendment: Rights Against State Action Registration will be limited to 20 persons who have taken the previous course in Constitutional Law.
 
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP BASICS
A. Digital Camera Fundamentals (5 weeks) in Clark Digital Camera Settings Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Mistakes Made by New Digital Camera Owners Downloading Images to your PC B. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 (5 weeks) in New Brunswick Photoshop Basics and Applications
 
EDUCATION ISSUES IN NEW JERSEY
New Jersey's State Department of Education oversees the operation of over 600 separate education districts. The lion's share of local property taxes and a huge share of the state budget goes toward maintaining our state's school system. Participants in this course will explore and discuss those issues that affect the schools and taxpayers who pay for them. In addition to timely news articles, topics will include school funding, the "Abbott" districts, school testing and state report cards, state academic standards and graduation requirements, special education, and teacher preparation programs.
 
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Emotions play a large role in how we think and behave. They influence our thoughts, the decisions we make and how we communicate verbally and nonverbally. For example, our emotions are the defining factor in our facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. Even if we were socialized not to feel, the good news is that unlike IQ, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can be improved. In this interactive class you will learn: emotional self-awareness, emotional expression, emotional awareness of others, emotional reasoning, emotional self-management, influence others, and emotional self-control.
 
EXPLORING COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In a diverse democratic society, the relationships among different cultural, ethnic, political, or religious groups who live in an area often come into conflict. In order to encourage a peaceful, harmonious social environment it is important to understand the dynamics of these relationships and how to mediate effectively between elements of these groups. The course introduces the institutionalized structures of our society by discussing the roles played by government, community-based institutions, and special interests. It reviews the responsibilities all groups and institutions have towards each other and what social tools are commonly used to provide for the mediation that is necessary in an orderly society. Applying this structure to some current issues (i.e., immigration, health care, crime and safety, discrimination, affordable housing) will enable us to better understand some of the most confrontational challenges dramatically presented in today's headlines and hopefully will encourage some to be interested in participating in their respective communities in constructive ways.
 
FOOD FLICKS VI
Roz and Steve Shaw are back with ten new food-themed films. Each session will feature a handout, a lively discussion, and the savoring of beverages and desserts. The Freshman (USA) 1990 (103 min.) A naïve film school student accepts a job working for a powerful N.Y. "exotic" food importer. The Milagro Beanfield War (USA) 1988 (120 min.) When a Chicano handyman decides to irrigate his small bean field by "borrowing" some water from a large land developer a "war" is set off between the two. Christmas in Connecticut (USA) 1945 (101 min.) A magazine columnist has built her successful homemaking and cooking column on lies. About to be found out, she must do some quick things to save her job. A Matter of Taste (USA) 1999 (90 min.) A successful businessman hires a young man to be his food taster. But problems quickly begin to surface. Alice's Restaurant (USA) 1969 (111 min.) Arlo Gurthrie's hippy lifestyle in the late 1960s leads him to his two friends' small restaurant in Stockbridge, MA. Heavy (USA) 1995 (104 min.) An overweight and underappreciated cook at a roadside diner becomes infatuated with the enchanting new waitress. Ushpizin (Israel) 2005 ( 95 min.) A childless orthodox Jewish husband and wife are struggling financially as they celebrate the Sukkoth Holiday. To add to their woes loutish houseguests arrive. Brooklyn Lobster (USA) 2005 (90 min.) A renowned family restaurant in Brooklyn is about to go under unless the owners can come up with new financial backing. Spanglish (USA) 2005 (130 min.) A wealthy chef and devoted dad has a summer home in Malibu and has a newly arrived housekeeper from Mexico. The lifestyle differences between the two create a host of problems. Fast Food Nation (USA) 2006 (113 min.) When a marketing executive for the Mickey's Burger Chain is told there's a nasty secret ingredient in his latest culinary creation, he heads for the ranches and slaughterhouses of Colorado to investigate.
 
FOOD FLICKS VII
Roz and Steve Shaw are back with ten new food-themed films. The films are: Ratatouille (United States) 2007 (111 min.) In one of Paris' finest restaurants, Remy, a determined young rat dreams of becoming a French chef. Restaurant (United States) 1999 (107 min.) Staffers at a chic Hoboken, N.J., bistro strive to preserve harmony at work and to find contentment as their creative ambitions, multiethnic friendships, and love lives unravel. A Walk in the Clouds (United States) 1995 (102 min.) A WWII soldier helps out a single pregnant woman and agrees to pretend to be her husband so as to smooth out family problems. He falls in love with her and the family vineyard. Distant Thunder (India) 1973 (100 min.) A shortage of rice leading to famine strikes Bengal in 1942 affecting the lives of various families in many different ways. Waitress (United States) 2007 (111 min.) A small town waitress with big dreams has an uncanny gift for baking out of this world pies. She hopes to win a $25,000 contest so she can open her own pie shop. Sideways (United States) 2004 (125 min.) An oenephile and social misfit takes a college pal due to be married off for a week in California wine country. This odd couple meets two attractive women who seem to return their interest. Volver (Spain) 2007 (120 min.) A woman's resilience over tragic family losses allows her to become a successful restaurateur. Cheeni Kum (India) 2005 (130 min.) An aging chef and a woman thirty years his junior became romantically involved and decide to marry. Convincing each parent to accept the marriage will be a challenge. Fried Green Tomatoes (United States) 1991 (135 min.) The story within a story consists of two sets of friendships. One set of friends' escapades involves the Whistle Stop Café. The Green Butchers (Denmark) 2005 (95 min.) Two pals decide to open their own butcher shop. Grappling with a competitive market the two come up with a special dish that has everyone flocking to their counter.
 
FRENCH CONVERSATION 3
Parlez-vous francais encore? If you can speak, read and write a good bit, this class is for you. Emphasis is on conversing in French. We will read a few short stories, compose our own, sing, do homework, and just have fun. If you didn't have the beginner's class with us and are able to join us, you'll need to buy Deuxieme Livre workbook for this French class. Required for all is Douze Contes de Maupassant.
 
FUNDAMENTAL DRAWING CLASS
A class for beginners on learning simple techniques of how to draw. Learn how to block in your subject matter and get the right proportions of your subject correctly in place. Learn where to draw in your focal point, getting the correct dimensions of the subject MATERIALS: Sketch pad not smaller than 8x12 inches, soft charcoal pencils, sticks of charcoal, eraser, ruler
 
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW: TEN PLAYS AND A BONUS
A century ago, Bernard Shaw bestrode the world of theater in the middle of his long life (1856-1950), the only author to win both the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925 and an Oscar for best screenplay (Pygmalion) in 1939. These dramas are not outdated; indeed, their themes are (as Law and Order hypes) "ripped from the headlines"--organized international prostitution, a superpower engulfed in the Middle East, Balkan wars, evangelistic religion, ethics and medical innovations, weapons of mass destruction, resistance to colonial rule (the American Revolution), and "the new woman." These and other problems coexist with surprising family and/or romantic involvements. So, as GBS put it: "It is never safe to take my plays at their suburban face value: it ends in your finding in them only what you bring to them, and so getting nothing for your money." In each class we will show a film or BBC TV production, and, as a bonus, a free eleventh session, the Shavian masterpiece GBS never saw, My Fair Lady, the musical remaking of Pygmalion. You will see Rex Harrison (3 times), Dame Wendy Hiller (twice), Audrey Hepburn, Claude Rains, Vivian Leigh, Patrick Stewart, Dick Bogarde, Leslie Caron, Helen Mirren, not to mention Napoleon, Julius Caesar, and a futuristic King of England. Please note: We urge you to use OLLI's book order to buy an excellent and inexpensive paperback: $8 for four plays (all caps below) with superb notes. The plays will be: 1. The Man of Destiny (1894) 2. Mrs. Warren's Profession (1893) 3. Arms and the Man (1894) 4. MAJOR BARBARA (1905) 5. The Devil's Disciple (1897) 6. Caesar and Cleopatra (1898) 7. THE DOCTOR'S DILEMMA (1906) 8. PYGMALION (1913) 9. HEARTBREAK HOUSE (1917) 10. The Apple Cart (1928) 11. My Fair Lady (1964)
 
GIUSEPPE VERDI: THE VOICE OF ITALY
The international opera world in 2001 marked Verdi's death 100 years ago, but the genius of his music lives on. Since 1889 the Met has presented at least one of his operas every season, and will likely continue. This course will examine the life and sample the music of Giuseppe Verdi. It will include some of the less familiar operas and as many different singers as possible. Take note: This is a repeat of a 2001 Spring Course. Week 1: Verdi the Patriot Oberto, Conte Di San Bonafacio to I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata Week 2: The "Galley Years" Ernani to Macbeth Week 3: A New Verdi? I Masnadieri to Stiffelio Week 4 & 5: The Great Trio Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Il Trovatore Week 6: Verdi's Leisurely Pace I Vespri Sicilani to Aroldo Week 7: Revisions, Revisions, and the Censors Un Ballo in Maschera to Don Carlo Week 8: Aha! Who Says He's Finished? Aida Week 9: Verdi Masters Shakespeare Otello Week 10: Finale A Comedy, a String Quartet, a Requiem, and a Hymn
 
GREAT DECISIONS 2008: A FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION PROGRAM
The program is based on the Great Decisions briefing book, published annually by FPA, which covers eight US foreign policy issues, global and regional. Each topic is written by experts and provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current national debate, historical background, policy options, discussion questions, recommended readings and resources and opinion ballots. Required texts provide articles, recent material and questions to stimulate discussions while the leader moderates and controls the direction. Each class is preceded by a 15 minute FPA film.
 
HOME LANDSCAPE: DELIGHT OR DISASTER
Residential Design will cover the following topics: 1. Think of your property from a space perspective: public space, private space, service space, and how we use each. There will be a hands-on exercise on public space. 2. Type of plants to consider for your property. Where to locate them and the role they play: shade and ornamental trees, significant coniferous shrubs, both evergreen and acidulous. 3. What happens on the ground? Alternative living ground covers: mulches and gravels. The amount of sun and shade will determine the best solution. 4. Hardscapes: walks, decks, patios, and shrubs. 5. Care and culture will feature pruning. 6. Flowers and vegetables in gardens, containers, and pots.
 
HOW NOT TO OUTLIVE YOUR MONEY
According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the joint life expectancy for a couple who turned 65 in 2007 is 26.2 years, to age 91. Meanwhile, health care costs continue to grow faster than CPI inflation. As we live longer and healthier lives, it's more important to manage our investments carefully. As Tennessee Williams said, "You can be young without money, but you can't be old without it." Join us to learn the core principles of all investment activity, including how to allocate, diversify, and rebalance an investment portfolio. Learn the importance of fund expenses, the wisdom of indexing, how to choose a mutual fund, and much more. The course fee includes a manual with all the material presented, fund selection templates, and additional information resources.
 
I'LL NEVER FORGET
All of us have stories to tell, and know people who have even better stories. In this short "course," class members will share stories. Some days we may begin with snippets of radio broadcasts, clippings, magazine covers, ads--and take turns recalling episodes that these "memory-joggers" call to mind. When we find a topic that resonates, we may plan the next session as a conversation around that topic, asking for volunteers to jot down a few notes beforehand, or invite a friend to chat with the group. Show-and-tell is welcome. We hope that everyone will be willing to speak up from time to time, or "interview" a classmate, friend, or family member, à la Story Corps. This format is highly experimental. We may change it as we go. If we wish, we can repeat the class in the spring, and schedule invited storytellers. Prerequisite: willingness to listen respectfully.
 
INTERMEDIATE ART WORKSHOP STUDY GROUP
No matter how old we are, there is always some domain that we have not explored. We help and teach one another through our life's experience. Come join us in our exploration of art- new artists are very welcome!
 
INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE
Learn to bid and play more confidently. Bidding and playing slams and no trump will become easier and more enjoyable when you know how! Defense and play of the hand is also included. ($5.00 materials fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class). For full course and instructor information, see course # 92.
 
INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN
Open to students who have completed Italian 101, or have some prior knowledge of Italian. This course advances skills in reading, writing, and speaking Italian.
 
KINGS, CHRONICLES, AND CABALS
A journey through biblical history, this course, a repeat from last fall, will feature characters that inflame the soul. If you like Law and Order, or are intrigued by Gothic tales of high ambitions and great falls, or are prone to lie awake reading novels which feature governmental machinations, plots, and charges and counter-charges, rebellions, finger-pointing and the like, then come on in. We will deal with royalty and commoners with greed and lust, with crime and punishment. If you think King Lear had it so bad with his children, then just look at David and Absalom! The famous and infamous that crowd these books make ordinary daytime soaps appear inane and shallow. Come and enjoy.
 
LOSE YOUR STRESS
Using techniques from the successful methods of guided imagery and music therapy, you can achieve a level of physical and mental ease not previously imagined. Try it; you have nothing to lose but your stress!
 
MAJOR ROMANTIC POETS: WORDSWORTH, COLERIDGE, SHELLEY, BYRON, AND KEATS
Close analysis of the best work of each of the major Romantic poets, and a review of the thematic movements of the age.
 
MANET AND THE IMPRESSIONISTS
A five week course discussing the rise of the Impressionist movement in Paris and the factors that were to influence the Impressionists. Lectures on Manet, Monet, Renoir, and other artists instrumental to this movement will be covered. Lecture 1: "We'll Always Have Paris"--A lecture in the aesthetics of 19th century Paris, the French Academy and their yearly exhibitions, the ongoing construction that turned Paris into a modern city, and the writings of critics who influenced the new movement. Lecture 2: "Manet and His Influences"--A discussion of the influences upon Manet, as well as his impact upon the Paris art scene and among the Impressionists. Lecture 3: "Monet and Renoir"--A discussion of the influences upon Monet and Renoir and the impact of their work. Lecture 4: "Degas and Pisarro"--A lecture on the work of Degas and Pisarro. Lecture 5: "Women Impressionists"--A lecture that focuses on three women Impressionists: Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, and Eva Gonzales.
 
MEXICO AND THE MODERN WORLD
The history and culture of Mexico between the War of Independence (1810) and today are not widely known. The course will deal with the effort to integrate the indigenous and European traditions and the reflection of this struggle in literature and the arts. Emphasis will be on the persistence of this double heritage, the Empire of Maximilian and the war with France, the influence of Benito Juarez and the dictator Porfirio Diaz, the Revolution of 1910 and the effort to make Mexico a modern nation. Class will consist of lectures and discussion.
Useful books in paperback for background reading, all available at leading booksellers or most local libraries are Brian Hamnett, A Concise History of Mexico (2nd ed., 2006), Enrique Krauze, Mexico: Biography of Power (1998), and Lynn Foster, A Brief history of Mexico (1997).
 
MOVIES OF SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE
Ten movies are shown and discussed in this course. Arranged (90 minutes) Ultra Orthodox Jewish girl bonds with traditional Muslim girl in Brooklyn (U.S.). Beyond the Gates (112 minutes) Rwanda genocide tests faith (U.S.). James' Journey to Jerusalem (90 minutes) African pilgrim battles Mammon in morality play (Israel-Germany). Bread and Tulips(114 minutes) Lost unappreciated Italian wife finds love (Italy-Switzerland). The Corporation (114 minutes) Power without conscience? (Canada). Yo Soy Boricua Pa'que Tu Lo Sepas! (86 minutes) (I'm Puerto Rican just so you know it) A history of Puerto Rico (U.S.). Jesus Camp (84 minutes) American Christian madrass? (U.S.). Evelyn (94 minutes) Irish father fights government for his children (multi-national). Cave of the Yellow Dog (93 minutes) Life in the Mongolian Desert (Mongolia-Germany). Far From Heaven (107 minutes) Marital crisis spawns forbidden interracial love during the fifties (U.S.). Alternate movies: Cry The Beloved Country, Alan Paton's classic of South Africa; Cautiva, Child finds out mother is one of the "disappeared" of Argentina.
 
MUSIC COMPOSITION
Write music in any style you choose. Music theory will be introduced as it applies to your chosen style and form: folk, pop, blues, or classical genres. Explore possibilities for combining different instruments and voices, or set your favorite poems to music. For those who choose to, there will be opportunities to have original works performed. Participants will be introduced to a variety variety of musical styles and compositional devices. All materials will be provided in class.
 
OUR BODIES OUR CELLS
Have you wondered how the cells that make up our bodies do what they do? Have you wondered how our bodies deal with the invisible microbial world that both surrounds us in the environment and also lives within us? This course will provide you with sufficient information to understand and deal with the everyday encounters with the biological overload that is occurring. Do not fear however. This course is taught at a level that will satisfy both those without any biological background and those with considerable background. Testimonials from previous course-takers without biological backgrounds have said that they now have sufficient information to begin to understand today's advances in biological research. So what does this course cover? The first five sessions provide the basic information for understanding modern biological concepts. They lay the groundwork for people who either have not had biological training at all or have had it sometime in the past. Topics such as: How cells are put together. What DNA and genes are all about. How do bacteria and viruses differ? How do tiny bacteria and viruses cause the diseases they do? How does our immune system function and why does it fail in some cases and turn against us? What is the story of AIDS and Mad Cow Disease? Do bacteria and viruses relate to cancer? Using the information from the first five sessions, the second five sessions will deal with some of the most recent fascinating scientific accomplishments in biological research: Gene Cloning- What does cloning mean? How is it done and used in medicine? Some Cancer Theories- How do cells become cancerous? Are viruses involved and if so, how? Stem Cells- What is this area of research all about? Why all the controversy? Lastly, some truly revolutionary new concepts in treating diseases that were thought incurable.
 
PAIDEIA
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH OPEN AND VIGOROUS DISCOURSE - Each week a controversial issue, drawn from current events (domestic or international politics, the humanities, health, economy and/or the media) will be examined for the purpose of understanding its complexity. Strong opinions and feelings are expected and opposing perspectives are encouraged within a framework that relies on a willingness to listen thoughtfully in a reasonable manner. Always a plus, savor those unexpected revelations exposed by each participant during a provocative examination of the "facts".
 
POLITICAL FILMS
The 2008 United States presidential election year provides a perfect opportunity to show ten fictional films pertaining to the political process. The films are listed in the order in which they will be shown: Dave (United States) 1993 A United States president, incapacitated by a stroke, is replaced by a look-alike who proceeds to win over the press, the public, and even the president's estranged wife. The Contender (United States) 2000 The death of a United States vice-president allows the president to appoint a female senator as his successor. Not all of the politicians are happy. Bob Roberts (United States) 1992 A political satire about a right-wing folk singing senatorial candidate who knows how to manipulate an audience. The American President (United States) 1995 A widowed president is attracted to a lobbyist and decides to pursue her - naively ignoring the political impact this liaison may have during an election year. All the King's Men (United States) 1949 A mesmerizing corrupt politician's ascent to power alters the lives of those closest to him. Gabriel Over the White House (United States) 1933 A crooked elected president experiences a mysterious change that turns him into a super president determined to eliminate racketeers and find world peace. Seven Days in May (United States) 1964 A popular U.S. Army general attempts to violently overthrow a weak and unpopular U.S. president. Wag the Dog (United States) 1997 A desperate White House team hires a political fixer who recruits a hotshot Hollywood producer to stage a nonexistent war simply to distract the public from a problematic presidency. Advise and Consent (United States) 1962 Washington D.C. politicians wheel and deal, causing some dire consequences. Spinning Boris (United States) 2003 A trio of elite American political consultants is hired by a group of Russian businessmen to manage Russian President Boris Yeltsin's election campaign in 1996.
 
PRACTICING ETHICS - HOW DOES ONE SOLVE AN ETHICAL DILEMMA
Working with actual problems raised by people, we will build a foundation of terms, philosophy, and process in order to define the dilemma, identify pertinent values, principles and issues at stake and finally articulate one solution or many.We will generate approaches from our own perspective and then compare these with other interpretations published in different newspapers and journals. Wearing the robes of an Ethicist, can we single out any standards accepted by everybody, and can we balance and accept the ambiguity in our personal and societal behavior? We won't know if we don't try. Join us.
 
PUBLIC POLICY AND ENERGY
An examination and assessment of energy issues placed in the context of other public policy priorities and contemporary/wants. Presentation lecture with a reading list; readings will be referenced in the course: 1. Peat/wood/coal/oil/natural gas/gasoline 2. Panther Panchali, a film in rural India by Satyajit Ray 3. Electricity 4. Russia and China 5. Alternative Fuels - technology 6. Energy economics 7. North American grid 8. Growth/budget concerns 9. OPEC/Iraq/Venezuela/North Slope 10. Presidential Candidates/political positions
 
RATIONAL CONTROVERSY: A WEEKLY ROUNDTABLE
The purpose of this program is to look at a wide variety of controversial issues, generated primarily but not exclusively by current events, and to expose you to different viewpoints and perspectives. So long as there is sufficient interest almost any topic or subject is open for discussion, including those related to politics, ethics, economics, and popular culture. People are encouraged to share their opinions and listen respectfully to others. Civility and rationality are essential. Bring an open mind, an articulate tongue, a sense of humor, and your opinions and prepare to be engaged. The moderator will suggest a range of issues that may be discussed, but any issue can be raised by a class member.
 
RELIGION AND SCIENCE
Religion and Science are often considered to deal with different realms; one of faith and the other of science. Recently, some best-selling books, including The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins and God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens, have attempted to apply the scientific method to religion, following in the footsteps of Bertrand Russell, who at the time (1927) generated an enormous scandal. Hopefully, we can have a calm and thoughtful discussion of this important and fascinating topic. The course will start with a careful description of the scientific method and how faith arrives at truth. Then we discuss the major laws of physics followed by a detailed description of the "Big Bang" and the subsequent development of the universe, including the evolution of life. We will then consider how religion can add to or modify this picture, including ideas from creationism and intelligent design. The course will conclude with a variety of topics including the question as to whether people can behave honorably without religion as well as a few thoughts on global warming and peak oil and what religion and science can contribute to solving or worsening these intensely practical problems.
 
REPAIRING THE WORLD: CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN JEWISH POETS EXAMINE SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ETHICAL ISSUES
Going back to biblical times, writers like the various prophets and the authors of books such as Psalms, Job, and Ecclesiastes have used poetry to examine the compelling issues of their times. This tendency has continued into our own day, when many American-Jewish writers have felt the sense of obligation to participate in "repairing the world" by examining subjects such as social justice, war and peace, the Holocaust, racism and prejudice, and our relationships to our fellow human beings. Among the poets we may look at are Charles Reznikoff, Muriel Rukeyser, Karl Shapiro, Anthony Hecht, Adrienne Rich, Denise Levertov, Linda Pastan, Alan Ginsberg, Maxine Kumin, Marge Piercy, and Robert Pinsky.
 
SCREENING FICTION
Literature has often been pillaged for plots, characters, settings, and symbols. Film adaptations of literary works have ranged from literal renditions through imaginative interpretations to the "way-out" which uses the literary work as a jumping-off point. In the class, we will read one short story, two short novels, and a play. One class will be a discussion of the literary work, followed by a viewing of the film and discussion of how it was transformed. In the first class, students will receive the schedule of texts and films. There will be a discussion of literary techniques in contrast to film techniques. Books we will read are: The Dead, by James Joyce, a short story from The Dubliners Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen Children of Men, by P.D. James (the only non-mystery novel written by James) Films we will view are: The Dead, directed by John Huston, starring Anjelica Huston Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth Bride and Prejudice, an Indian "Bollywood" film Children of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, starring Clive Owen
 
SCULPTURE AND ALL THAT JAZZ
Each class begins with a brief introduction of the life and times of a jazz musician's music featured during that particular class. Music will accompany instruction on how to sculpt, beginning with paper sculpting, going on to cardboard construction, and finally graduating to sculpting in clay, which would cover relief sculpting as well as three dimensional sculpting realistically and in abstraction. The music relaxes students and, in great measure, enhances their creativity. Materials and tools will be provided.
 
SCULPTURE AND ALL THAT JAZZ II
This course entails working in cardboard, carving in soap and working in clay, sculpting realistic and abstract forms and the painting of those forms to give the appearance of metal and stone while listening to a particular jazz artist each week. Candidates for this course should have taken Sculpture and All That Jazz or had some previous sculpture experience.
 
SELECTED TOPICS IN SEX CRIMES AND JUSTICE
Everything you wanted to know about sex crimes but were afraid to ask. The course will explore the issues of consent/force, rape shield, child victim investigations, child victim laws, privacy versus confrontation as well as other relevant topics. The theme of the course is why the prosecution of sex crimes is different from any other crime.
 
SPANISH 101
A beginner's course in America's second language. Spanish is the most practical language you can study: useful for traveling in Central and South America as well as Spain, essential in communicating with the Hispanic community in the U.S.
 
SPECIAL OFFERING: COMPUTER EDUCATION
This series is intended to help you become more comfortable using a computer by learning new computer skills and enhancing ones that you already have! Session I will be an introduction to using computers and how to use the features of Microsoft Word (emphasis on 2007 version) to process, edit, and save documents. Session II will emphasize searching for information through the Rutgers University Libraries online resources as well as through other "hidden" resources on the Web and using various features of Web searching facilities. Session III will focus on email services, including the sending, receiving, saving, and printing of email attachments. In these hands-on sessions, each student will have a computer for practicing and information- seeking skills. There will be some flexibility in the content of the course based on current skills and desired skills of the participants, determined by information gathered in the first session and/or a pre-course survey. For further information, please contact Jeris Cassel at cassel@rci.rutgers.edu or (732)445-4432.
 
SURVIVAL: A LOOK AT JEWISH CIVILIZATION
This course will ask the question, "How have the Jews managed to keep their civilization alive for almost four millennia?" It will cover the usual survey of linear history, but will also investigate the cultural, social, religious, and other factors which shape(d) this civilization, and will also analyze the external pressures which constantly threatened to overwhelm this stubborn people, and continue to do so to this day.
 
THE ART OF SEEING
For some, the art of seeing is natural. For the rest of us, we have to learn to see. This class will help improve your photography; see what works and why. The topics covered will be: communication, composition, subject matter, simplicity, contrast, balance, center of interest, the graphic elements of line, shape, form, texture, pattern, weight, tonal range, and format. Also included, the psychology of color, depth, perspective, how to be more creative and how to evaluate your own work. Each new week will be introduced by a review of last week's session. Provocative assignments will be given on each topic and both the instructor and the class will critique the work brought in. The presentation will be given by means of slides and an overhead projector. Please come prepared with some of your images on the first day of class.
 
THE ELECTION OF 2008
We will observe the presidential election in "real time," as it develops in the fall. Among the topics to be included are the nomination contests, from the primaries to the conventions; campaign strategies; the television debates; voting patterns; and the Electoral College. Participants will be expected to follow the election in the newspapers. Note: The class will meet on Monday 11/3 from 2:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m. instead of Tuesday, 11/4.
 
THE GENIUS OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Stephen Sondheim is considered by many to be the best musical theater composer and lyricist ever. The course will consist of six 2 ½ hour sessions. The first session will deal with Sondheim's life, education, career, etc., and musical excerpts will be devoted to a (nearly) complete performance of one of his most enjoyable musicals, viz.: Company, Follies (in Concert), A Little Night Music , Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. Each will be preceded and followed by an analysis, critical reaction, and discussion. This course differs from a previous Sondheim course taught by Mr. Greene in that the entire five musicals will be emphasized. If possible and if enough people are interested, a theater party to New York City will be arranged to see a Sondheim show... *Six 2 ½ hour sessions comprise a full course.
 
THE HEALTH-CARE MESS; MEDICAP TO THE RESCUE
Session 1: will present a history of health-care and its funding in the U.S.; debunking several prevalent health-care myths; a comparison to other western nations; various proposals for reform and their flaws; and will conclude with a brief intro to the MEDICAP method and distribution of the instructor book. Sessions 2 thru 4 will consist of a full and detailed description of the proposed plan including: Session 2: the facets of control/administration, universality, preventive exams, insurance structure, payment method, incentives, and malpractice reform Session 3: additional specific topics - nursing homes, managed care, cash flow, etc. Session 4: a funding analysis (sources and amounts) to prove the adequacy of current individual and business taxation (read my lips), and a projected timetable for MEDICAP implementation. Session 5 will include an overall recap, a discussion of workability, and justification for the system as well as feedback from the class. Finally, an explanation will be given for the absolute and urgent imperative for substantial change, and the necessity for grass-roots advocacy for MEDICAP.
 
THE LITERARY CLASSICS, MODERNIZED
Format: A total of 30 classics, 3 classics per session. For each classic: the lecturer will introduce the principle ideas of the original classic and read his four page short story version of that classic. Then the lecturer and class will share perspectives on their interpretations. No outside reading is necessary. Authors covered: Adams, Aesop, Austen, Carroll, Chaucer, Dante, Dickens, Hawthorne, Homer, Ibsen, Melville, Moliere, Poe, Swift, and many more. An example: The theme of Moliere's The Would-be Gentleman is: What makes a cultivated person? My modernized version asks: What makes an American within a multi-ethnic society?
 
THE OPERA OF GIACOMO PUCCINI PART I
The course will cover the first five operas of Puccini, beginning with his rarely heard first two operas, Le Ville and Edgar, and three of his biggest first hits, Manon Lescaut, La Boheme, and Tosca.
 
THE WORLD OF ANTON CHEKHOV
This course will examine selected works by one of Russia's greatest writers. We will read Ward Six and Other Stories, The Seagull, The Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard.
 
ULYSSES BY JAMES JOYCE
A discussion course of that wonderful, maddening, often funny, sometimes enigmatic book. Please prepare for the journey by having read at least several of the Dubliners stories or Portrait of an Artist (or both), so that you're at least familiar with Joyce, plus the first two chapters of Ulysses. In addition to the discussion, I will show some short videos of Dublin to help you follow Bloom's and Dedalus's route about and through the city itself. We'll end the course with gorgonzola cheese and bread, Bloom's lunchtime preference.
 
UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
This is an intermediate level course on the emergence of Islam in the West, and how Islam is practiced in different parts of the world. It includes more in-depth discussion of the controversial issues and the current wave of Islamophobia. 1. Emergence of Islam in the West 2. The Golden Age of Islam 3. Ethnography of American Muslims 4. Living as a Muslim in the Contemporary Western Societies 5. The Challenge of Keeping the Faith Strong in Future Generations 6. Visit to a Mosque 7. Confronting the Merchants of Allah 8. The Roots of Islamophobia in America 9. Laws Affecting Women in Muslim Countries 10. The Changing Role of Muslim Women Leaders Today 11. Creating Conditions for Reviving Ijtihad in the Muslim Diaspora 12. Challenges for American Muslims, Media, and Policy Makers Recommended Reading: A copy of Islam, Short Answers to Key Current Questions, Center for Understanding Islam, Inc., Second Edition (August 2003) is being provided as the main reference. In addition, handouts will be available each week related to the weekly topics. Q & A: Questions are welcome at any time during the class sessions or via email
 
UNDERSTANDING ISLAM AND THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
This is an intermediate level course on the emergence of Islam in the West, and how Islam is practiced in different parts of the world. It includes more in-depth discussion of the controversial issues and the current wave of Islamophobia. Recommended Reading: A copy of Islam, Short Answers to Key Current Questions, Center for Understanding Islam, Inc., Second Edition (August 2003) is being provided as the main reference. In addition, handouts will be available each week related to the weekly topics. **Candidates for this course must have taken the introductory course 'Understanding Islam'
 
UNDERSTANDING JAZZ: AMERICA'S MUSIC
This course will examine the styles, history, and performance practice of a powerful American music that changed the world. From Big Bands and Bebop to small ensembles and a strong focus on jazz piano, we will see and hear concerts and studio sessions featuring jazz legends from Art Tatum and Louis Armstrong to John Coltrane and Chick Corea. The class will include live performances by the instructor and possible visiting artists, high quality videos, discussions and other topics of interest. You will understand how jazz works, how it developed, and how it continues to change as a reflection of the times we live in. It is the goal of the instructor to foster a love and understanding of one of the world's greatest art forms.
 
VARIATIONS ON FIVE SHAKESPEARE THEMES
There are films of Shakespeare's plays as he wrote them, and then... There are films inspired by those plays, and then... There are films about the actors who live in and for them. We're going to see examples of all of the above. ROMEO AND JULIET: The great director, Franco Zeffirelli, uses his fine Italian eye to produce a magnificent film set in medieval Verona. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE: One of the few films written by the funny and brilliant Tom Stoppard. MACBETH: Blood and guts Roman Polanski style with the best Lady Macbeth to be seen on film. THRONE OF BLOOD: Akira Kurosawa's version combining realism and Noh Theater elements. SCOTLAND, PA: Believe it or not--Macbeth as a comedy. RICHARD III: Ian Mckellan's fascinating view of Richard in a modern fascist state. LOOKING FOR RICHARD: Al Pacino's search for Richard's essence. Did he find it? Either THE DRESSER or MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING HAMLET: A modern adaptation set in Manhattan with a wonderful cast, including Bill Murray as you've never seen him. A MIDWINTER'S TALE: Kenneth Branagh's comedy about an enthusiastic but impoverished acting company in rural England hired to stage Hamlet.
 
VINO ITALIAN
Even though Italian cuisine is a cornerstone of the dining scene, many of the staggering array of Italian wines from the major and lesser known regions of Italy are still unknown here. During each of the five sessions of this course we will explore and taste the wines of these wine producing regions--from the furthest reaches of Piedmont and Friuli Venetia Giulia to the north and Sicily to the south--and learn of the sometimes unusual grape varietals that go into making the great wines of Italy. The interactive, educational environment of the course will afford to each participant the opportunity to learn the history and terroir of the region's wines, its classic food and wine pairings, and how to read and understand the often confusing but always informative Italian wine label. The course fee includes the cost of the wine to be tasted.
 
WOMEN OF THE TORAH
In this course we study the extraordinary faith of women married to the three patriarchs; women living during the Exodus; the time of Judges; Babylonian Exile and Roman Empire. These women were Sarah, Haggar, Rebeccah, Rachel, Leah, Jacobed, Jazabel, Athaliah, Esther, Salome, Delilah.
 
Word Play
Word games keep the mind and memory active and help to stimulate creativity. Class members, individually and/or in teams, will engage in a variety of paperand- pencil word puzzle-solving activities and in some card and board games.
Sessions will include some or all of the following: defining homonyms, synonyms, palindromes and other word terms; solving crossword puzzles of various designs and formats, cryptograms, anagrams, double-acrostics, cryptic crosswords, common phrases "in other words"; word and writing games and exercises.
 
WORLD WAR I: THE GREAT WAR
On June 28, 1914, a Serbian nationalist (terrorist?) assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria. Within six weeks, the nations of Europe would be locked in a death-grip that would last four years, cost ten million lives, and begin the dissolution of European hegemony over Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Without the first World War there would have been no Depression of 1929, no World War II, no Holocaust, and no Cold War. The causes, the conflict, and the consequences of the War will be examined.
 
WRITING GROUP
The best way to learn to write is to practice writing! The course motivates you each week. Members write at home. Class time is devoted to reading the pieces and discussing them. The discussion and critique that follow each reading focus on the writing and how to improve it, rather than the subject matter. The course coordinator does not provided instruction in writing. Group members learn from each other through sharing current examples of their own work, listening to the work of others that is read, and the comments and critiques by the group. Participants are asked to provide copies of their work so that each person will be able to see as well as hear the piece as it is read. Members choose their own topic and style of writing. In the past, the variety has included poems and free verse, short stories and parts of novels, letters, essays, plays book reviews biography and autobiography.