Join GroovyTek as they share all the basics of using your smartphone or tablet. Ever wondered how to take pictures and share them? Or how to use the basic apps already included on your device, such as setting an alarm and accessing your email? Wonder no longer! In this series, you will learn how to customize your phone, including the background photo, sounds, brightness, and much more. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices, as in-class exercises and demos will provide a high level of engagement for participants. This series is being offered with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Tablet/Smartphone Basics

2. Tablet/Smartphone Basics

3. App Store Basics

4. Getting Started with Apps

5. System Settings and Setup

6. Picture Sharing, Storage, and External Connections

Join GroovyTek as they share all the basics of using your smartphone or tablet. Ever wondered how to take pictures and share them? Or how to use the basic apps already included on your device, such as setting an alarm and accessing your email? Wonder no longer! In this series, you will learn how to customize your phone, including the background photo, sounds, brightness, and much more. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices, as in-class exercises and demos will provide a high level of engagement for participants. This series is being offered with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Tablet/Smartphone Basics

2. Tablet/Smartphone Basics

3. App Store Basics

4. Getting Started with Apps

5. System Settings and Setup

6. Picture Sharing, Storage, and External Connections

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In December 1937, in a nationwide poll, gossip columnist Ed Sullivan revealed that Clark Gable and Myrna Loy were crowned "King" and "Queen" of Hollywood. In a nation without nobility, it seems only fitting that fans elevated movie stars to royal status. Conversely, in England, where the monarch bestows titles, several film stars, including Laurence Olivier, received knighthoods, and one became a Lord. This series celebrates films featuring knights and dames together, honoring their contributions to cinema and theater, as well as their native kingdom. Their talents elevate them to true royalty, bridging the worlds of entertainment and tradition. The films will be shown in their entirety.  No class Oct. 3.

LECTURES:

1. “The Entertainer” (1960): Baron Lawrence Olivier and his wife, Dame Joan Plowright, in a film about an old-time British music hall performer who, sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business.

2. “Major Barbara” (1941): Sir Rex Harrison and Dame Wendy Hiller star in a comedy with social commentary adapted from a play by George Bernard Shaw.

3. “Death on the Nile” (1978): Sir Peter Ustinov, Dame Angela Landsbury and Dame Maggie Smith in the classic murder mystery by the bestselling novelist all-time, Dame Agatha Christie.

4. “In Which We Serve” (1941): Sir Noel Coward, Sir John Mills, Sir Bernard Miles and Dame Celia Johnson in a film written and directed by Sir Noel about survivors clinging to a raft at sea . . . all told in flashbacks.

5. “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011): Dame Judy Dench and Dame Maggie Smith as British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel, or is it?

6. “The Lady Vanishes” (1938): Sir Michael Redgrave and Dame Mae Witty in a classic Hitchcock spy thriller about an elderly woman who seems to have disappeared from a train.

"Stone is a masterful presenter with a wealth of knowledge. The films he shows are gems often not seen in many years." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Many artists who work in different disciplines are attracted to the same subject matter. The different results are often fascinating and unique. Their works are based on their distinctive experiences and passions. This course will examine the work of a variety of highly creative individuals and will include each one's chosen materials, subjects, and inspiration. Topics may be similar, but results are personal and unique. Presentations will be enriched with PowerPoint imagery and archival film.

LECTURES:

1. Georgia O'Keffee and Ansel Adams: Luxurious Landscapes

2. Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel: Sculptural Masterworks

3. Toulouse Lautrec and Reginald Marsh: Signs of their Times

4. Vincent van Gogh and Tom Thomson: Landscapes Re-Visualized

5. Cindy Sherman and Chuck Close: Personal Records

6. Maya Lin and Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Monumental Contributions

7. Alice Neel and Diane Arbus: Insightful Imagery

8. David Hockney and Richard Deibenkorn: Upbeat Exaggeration

"Terryl Lawrence is the best lecturer on art history, and her presentation and preparation are above and beyond." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video

This series focuses on the key personalities who shaped the Revolution. We'll delve into their lives, philosophies, and influences, uncovering what drove their successes and failures. Exploring their conflicts and roles on the global stage, we aim to personalize history, fostering a deeper understanding and meaning. Subjects include George Washington's life, the contentious debates between Hamilton and Jefferson, the significance of Thomas Paine ("Common Sense"; "The Crises"), and more. By humanizing these figures, we illuminate the Revolution's complexities and enduring impact. Join us as we journey through the lives of those who forged a nation, revealing the intricate tapestry of ideas, ambitions, and conflicts that defined America's founding era.

No class Oct. 3.

Lectures:

1. Thomas Paine and "Common Sense": The most influential essay of the Revolution. His fascinating life and death.

2. George Washington: The myths, the legends, and the truth that led him to greatness.

3. The Hamilton-Jefferson Disputes: How their lives, families, and politics influenced their disparate views of what America would become.

4. The Federalist Papers: What are they? Who wrote them? Why are they so important today?

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Delve into the rich tapestry of ritual, tradition, community, and family that have long defined Israel's identity. This series explores the historical significance of its major buildings, tracing their origins from biblical structures through various epochs, including the Roman and Ottoman empires, British military occupation, and the modern state. Spotlighting iconic architecture in cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, the series examines diverse styles, including the transformative impact of Bauhaus on Tel Aviv and its role in Holocaust rescue efforts. Discover renowned buildings shaping Israel's international standing and their contributions to sustainability amid evolving climates. Join us on a journey through Israel's architectural heritage, illuminating its enduring cultural, historical, and environmental significance.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

This four-week discussion course dissects the four most important political debates in American history. These involve the American Revolution, the Civil War, early 20th-century economic and social reform movements, and the outbreak of World War II. This program is being offered with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Definitely knew his material and has a wealth of knowledge and experience." OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. The American Revolution

2. The Civil War

3. Economic and Social Reform Movements of the Early 20th Century

4. Isolationism versus Interventionism Prior to World War II

Join Jeffrey Morgan, Ph.D., as we enter the world of Robert Frost. You will never look at his work the same way again. Guided by Morgan, everything you thought you knew about Frost's work will be challenged, and a whole new perspective will be opened to you. In his work, rich with suggestive symbolism that all too often gets misinterpreted, you will see things you have not seen before. The exploration of these poems will hinge on formal analysis, a close reading of the poem to unearth its formal elements and how they work. You will experience Frost's classics and others unfamiliar, which you will soon regard as new friends. The poems will be projected onto the screen in each session, and Morgan will read them as only he can! Please do join us! This series is being offered with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Prof. Morgan's class was exhilarating." OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. "The Pasture," "Mending Wall," "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," "The Road Not Taken," "Nothing Gold Can Stay," and "Fire and Ice."

2. "Birches," "An Old Man’s Winter Night," "The Wood-Pile," "Hyla Brook," and "Bereft."

3. "The Onset," "Departmental," "Design," "The Gift Outright," and "Acquainted with the Night."

4. "The Death of the Hired Man," " Home Burial," and "West-running Brook."

Ever look up at the night sky and wish you had a deeper understanding of the stars? Dr. Ata Sarajedini, Professor of Astrophysics, researcher, and TEDx speaker, will take you on an exciting space journey, broadening your knowledge of the stars while tracing their evolution from formation to adolescence and beyond. Discover how stars can be used to size up the universe and its various properties while exploring the differences between pulsars and quasars, white dwarfs and brown dwarfs, black holes, and dark matter. This series is geared toward anyone with an interest in astronomy and learning about the universe.

Lectures:

1. Astronomy Basics

2. Stellar Evolution

3. Stars as Astrophysical Tools

4. Properties of the Universe as revealed by Stars

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Many artists who work in different disciplines are attracted to the same subject matter. The different results are often fascinating and unique. Their works are based on their distinctive experiences and passions. This course will examine the work of a variety of highly creative individuals and will include each one's chosen materials, subjects, and inspiration. Topics may be similar, but results are personal and unique. Presentations will be enriched with PowerPoint imagery and archival film.

LECTURES:

1. Georgia O'Keffee and Ansel Adams: Luxurious Landscapes

2. Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel: Sculptural Masterworks

3. Toulouse Lautrec and Reginald Marsh: Signs of their Times

4. Vincent van Gogh and Tom Thomson: Landscapes Re-Visualized

5. Cindy Sherman and Chuck Close: Personal Records

6. Maya Lin and Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Monumental Contributions

7. Alice Neel and Diane Arbus: Insightful Imagery

8. David Hockney and Richard Deibenkorn: Upbeat Exaggeration

"Terryl Lawrence is the best lecturer on art history, and her presentation and preparation are above and beyond." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video

Join us on a journey through time as we explore a selection of the finest short stories from the 1960s to the 1980s. Delve into the lives of renowned American authors and the societal influences that shaped their writing. Prior to each session, participants will read three stories from "100 Years of the Best American Short Stories," curated by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor. During our discussions, we'll analyze how authors' choices evolved amidst historical events, political shifts, and social movements. Together, we'll uncover the essence of American identity through narratives exploring themes such as aging, gender, immigration, racism, and family bonds. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into the cultural landscape of the mid-20th century through the lens of literature.  This program is being presented as a guided discussion with limited enrollment to foster interactive participation.

Week 1. 1960s: “Everything that Rises Must Converse” by Flannery O’Connor, “Pigeon Feathers” by John Updike, and “Will You Please Be Quiet” by Raymond Carver

Week 2. 1970s: “By the River” by Joyce Carol Oates, “The School” by Donald Barthelme, and “The Conventional Wisdom” by Stanley Elkin

Week 3. Mid-1980s: “Friends” by Grace Paley, “Harmony of the World” by Charles Baxter, and “Lawns” by Mona Simpson

Week 4. Late 1980s: “Communist” by Richard Ford, “Helping” by Robert Stone, and “Displacement” by David Wong Louie

Based upon his popular Great Decisions format, Professor Morton will evaluate seven critical issues confronting American foreign policymakers. Each issue will be considered for its historical and contemporary relevance and strategic value to the United States. Policy options for each issue will be presented and analyzed.

Week 1. The Balkans: Europe’s Next War?
Week 2. Argentina Under New Management
Week 3. Zimbabwe
Week 4. Afghanistan: A Post-Mortem
Week 5. The Islamic Republic of Iran
Week 6. The U.S. National Election: Implications for Foreign Policy
Week 7. Israel’s Many Wars

"Jeffrey Morton's presentations are extremely well thought out and are delivered in a clear and precise manner." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Based upon his popular Great Decisions format, Professor Morton will evaluate seven critical issues confronting American foreign policymakers. Each issue will be considered for its historical and contemporary relevance and strategic value to the United States. Policy options for each issue will be presented and analyzed.

Week 1. The Balkans: Europe’s Next War?
Week 2. Argentina Under New Management
Week 3. Zimbabwe
Week 4. Afghanistan: A Post-Mortem
Week 5. The Islamic Republic of Iran
Week 6. The U.S. National Election: Implications for Foreign Policy
Week 7. Israel’s Many Wars

"Jeffrey Morton's presentations are extremely well thought out and are delivered in a clear and precise manner." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Based upon his popular Great Decisions format, Professor Morton will evaluate seven critical issues confronting American foreign policymakers. Each issue will be considered for its historical and contemporary relevance and strategic value to the United States. Policy options for each issue will be presented and analyzed.

Week 1. The Balkans: Europe’s Next War?
Week 2. Argentina Under New Management
Week 3. Zimbabwe
Week 4. Afghanistan: A Post-Mortem
Week 5. The Islamic Republic of Iran
Week 6. The U.S. National Election: Implications for Foreign Policy
Week 7. Israel’s Many Wars

"Jeffrey Morton's presentations are extremely well thought out and are delivered in a clear and precise manner." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

TV shows and films often glamourize the legal profession, but real law offers even more stimulation. This series delves into current, highly publicized legal and Constitutional issues in federal and state courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics include post-January 6th judicial decisions, legal challenges involving former President Trump and associates, and conflicts among federal judges. The increasingly polarized views of Supreme Court justices on critical issues like abortion and gun rights are also explored, as well as its most recent split decision assuring Presidential immunity in circumstances never before contemplated under the Constitution or all existing precedents to the contrary.  Expect a dynamic semester, not for the faint-hearted.  Returning participants are welcome

"Professor Labovitz is engaging, extremely erudite, knowledgeable and possesses great presentation skills." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Alexander Hamilton once described the Supreme Court as the “least dangerous branch” of the American government. Although this may have been true in 1789, the Court has evolved into a co-equal branch of the federal government. From Obamacare to same-sex marriage to the election of a President, it is the Court that ultimately has the final say on most of the important issues of the day. Despite this, it may be appropriate to call the Supreme Court the “least understood branch” since the Court does much of its work behind closed doors. In fact, very few Americans are aware of the Court’s members, decisions, and day-to-day operations. The first half of this course will shed light on the least understood branch by looking at the history and inner workings of the Court. We will then look specifically at the cases and issues that have defined the Court’s agenda and American politics over the past 60 years. 

Lectures:

1. The Early Court, Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall’s leadership to Chief Justice Taney’s disaster (Dred Scott v. Sanford).

2. The 14th Amendment: The Court fails the Civil Rights test but finds Social Darwinism in the Constitution: Justices Steven Fields, John Harlan, Oliver Wendell Holmes.

3. The Constitutional Revolution of 1937 and The Warren Court

4. The Rehnquist Revolution and the Current  Court Membership

"Each session was very interesting and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed attending and look forward to his next lectures." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video. 

In this session, the "F" in Film stands for funny. These four choices encompass various forms of comedy, each proving that humor transcends all borders.

Lectures:

1. "What’s in a Name" - France, 2012: Vincent is about to become a father. At a meeting with childhood friends, he announces the name for his future son. The scandalous name ignites a discussion that surfaces unpleasant matters from the past of the group.

2. "The Man Without a Past" - Finland, 2002: A man arrives in Helsinki only to be viciously attacked by thugs and pronounced dead by medics. He revives but with no memory of his past or his identity. He rebuilds his life from scratch, but the past inevitably catches up with him.

3. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" - Spain, 1988: In the film that brought Pedro Almodóvar international prominence, a television actress encounters a variety of eccentric characters after embarking on a journey to discover why her lover abruptly left her.

4. Perfumes - France, 2018: A celebrity in the creation of world-famous perfumes knows it takes a combination of sensitivity and chemistry to create the perfect scent. But when she encounters a chauffeur in need of work and desperate to retain custody of his daughter, where it will lead could change the mix.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

TV shows and films often glamourize the legal profession, but real law offers even more stimulation. This series delves into current, highly publicized legal and Constitutional issues in federal and state courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics include post-January 6th judicial decisions, legal challenges involving former President Trump and associates, and conflicts among federal judges. The increasingly polarized views of Supreme Court justices on critical issues like abortion and gun rights are also explored, as well as its most recent split decision assuring Presidential immunity in circumstances never before contemplated under the Constitution or all existing precedents to the contrary.  Expect a dynamic semester, not for the faint-hearted.  Returning participants are welcome

"Professor Labovitz is engaging, extremely erudite, knowledgeable and possesses great presentation skills." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

In today's political landscape, pundits across the spectrum emphasize our unprecedented division. Yet, throughout history, cooperation and discord have ebbed and flowed. To comprehend our present, we must delve into our past, acknowledging the complexities of our founders as flawed humans. By understanding their decisions, causes, and perspectives, we gain insight into contemporary political disputes. Through critical analysis and historical exploration, we aim to stimulate critical thinking, deepen historical understanding, and confront our past. Our sessions will span pivotal moments: from the clash between enlightenment philosophy and evangelical fervor to the tumultuous Constitutional Convention, complex founder relationships, and the contentious Election of 1800. By unpacking these historical episodes, we equip ourselves to make informed decisions, irrespective of political affiliation.

Week 1. The Enlightenment and the Founding of the U.S.:
Why We Should Care and What Difference it Makes Today

Week 2. Conventional Wisdom: How We Ended Up with
Our Constitution through Debate, Disgruntlement, Disillusion,
and Decisions

Week 3. Founding Friends and Foes: How the Complex
Relationships Among Washington, Jefferson, Madison,
Hamilton, and Franklin Affected Us Today

Week 4. Dirtiest Election Ever: How Jefferson vs. Adams
in 1800 Set the Stage for Today’s Political Shenanigans

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

When advances in technology, audience tastes, and events lead to changes in popular culture, great artists respond accordingly, finding new ways to speak their minds and elevate us with their music. From Yip Harburg asking “Brother Can You Spare A Dime” to the streetwise eloquence of Eminem, from the serene bop of Paul Desmond to the power of Adele’s heartbreak, from the censor-provoking Smothers’ Brothers to the teen passion of Glee, musicians continue to find new ways to bypass rigid boundaries and inspire us in our time. This course will examine the work, lives, and legacies of these musical artists and attempt to sort myth from reality, with videos, live performances, and research materials.

LECTURES:

1. What You Weren’t Supposed To Hear: Yip Harburg, The Smothers Brothers

2. Relax And Dig It: John Coltrane, Paul Desmond

3. The Fair Maid Returns: Joni Mitchell, Adele

4. What The Kids (And Grandkids) Are Into: Eminem, High School Musical, Glee

"MacDonald shows the plethora of his knowledge and love of music." OLLI Patron.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Please join Prof. Rachel Luria for this 4-week reading and discussion group that will explore the theme of life’s journey—the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of the human experience.  Prof. Luria will offer a brief lecture on the books, facilitate discussion, and share writing prompts to help participants write the story of their own life journey. This program is being offered with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Week 1. “Dear Edna Sloane” by Amy Shearn

Week 2. “Mrs. Bridge” by Evan S. Connell

Week 3. “James” by Percival Everett

Week 4. “A Visit From the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan

Armchair travelers, seasoned tourists, and Francophiles alike are welcomed back to the City of Lights for Part III of our Parisian journey. Whether you're experiencing Paris for the first time, planning a future visit, or reminiscing about past adventures, join us as we explore old favorites and uncover hidden gems. Traverse neighborhoods, gardens, and museums while deepening your understanding of French history. In this installment, we delve into the complex history of the Algerian War for Independence, exploring its hidden truths. Discover Paris through the eyes of its inhabitants and unravel its secrets. By the end of this course, you'll be well-versed in the nuances of this European gem. Bon voyage! Space is limited. 

No Class November 8th.

"Her presentation and overall experience of France made the class engaging and most interesting." OLLI Patron

Week 1. From then ‘til now: We’ll have a look at Paris through
the ages, specifically, from the enormous renovations made
in the 19th century to those that that are currently being done
to accommodate the Paris Olympics and the future of this
dynamic city.
Week 2. St-Germain: One of Paris’s most beloved neighborhoods,
a favorite haunt of the writers of the 1920s, and still very much à
la mode today with trendy shops, exclusive hotels, popular cafés,
iconic museums, and hidden gems.
Week 3. Algerian War of Independence: “The events of Algeria”
was an ignominious armed conflict, referred to as la déchirure
in French because of its devastating consequences on both
the European population of Algeria as well as the Algerians
themselves.
Week 4. The Bonjour Effect: We’ll end this third series (and
conclude our 3-year, 12-chapter “Walk through Paris”) with tips
and ideas for understanding the French culture, making it easier to
come through as a tourist, helping you to blend in.

Embark on a journey through French culture with our film course, exploring the works of Molière, Emile Zola, Marcel Pagnol, and Victor Hugo. Through four films adapted from their masterpieces spanning the 17th to the 20th centuries, we delve into the intricacies of French life, thought, and customs. Engage in lively discussions conducted in English, supported by handouts and introductory lectures to guide exploration. All films are screened in class in French with English subtitles, ensuring accessibility for all participants without the need for outside homework or additional viewing. Join us for an immersive cinematic experience that offers profound insights into the rich tapestry of French literature and culture. All films are shown in their entirety. Space is limited. 

No Class November 8th

"The instructor was very knowledgeable and the movies left an impression on me." OLLI Patron

Week 1. “Alceste à Bicyclette”/“Bicycling with Moliè”:
In modern-day Paris, an actor from the famed Comédie Française
attempts to recreate one of Moliere’s most famous works,
Le Misanthrope, an illustration of Molière’s own quandary about
his relationship to humanity.
Week 2. “Germinal”: Emile Zola’s most powerful novel, Germinal,
is a gripping story about poverty and the dreadful conditions in
which the miners lived in the 19th c. Zola’s concerns were heard
through France & “Germinal” entered the French vocabulary as a
cri de coeur.
Week 3. “La Fille du Puisatier”: We’ll return to the Provence
of Pagnol in this 1940s drama about a young woman who finds
herself pregnant and unmarried, repudiated by both family and
friends for her condition.
Week 4. “Notre Dame de Paris”: A hoard of gypsies flood Paris
in the 15th century to request asylum from persecution at Notre
Dame de Paris. It is both visually and emotionally powerful and
resonates today.

The series will explore the global erosion of democracy, focusing particularly on its implications for the United States and the wider world. Nations such as Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Venezuela, and Bolivia are adopting the concept of "illiberal democracy," using democratic structures to establish authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes. This course will analyze the driving mechanisms behind this shift in these countries. Furthermore, it will explain how the decline of democracy worsens global volatility and instability, increasing the risk of regional and worldwide upheaval. Additionally, it will examine the role of democracy and its promotion in US Foreign Policy over the past two decades, alongside the influence exerted by Russia and China in encouraging authoritarian trends worldwide. The course will strive to provide insights into potential future developments. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Lectures:

1. What is Democracy and What it is its Relation to International Stability

2. Undermining Democracy: The Cases of Russia and Turkey

3. Undermining Democracy: The Cases of Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua

4. Undermining Democracy: The Cases of Poland and Hungary

5. Democracy in U.S. Foreign Policy

6. Deterioration of Democracy and Challenges to World Security

Whether they fall in love, end up friends or learn what it is they were looking for in life, when a story focuses on two characters, you never know what can happen. The films will be shown in their entirety. Titles are subject to change.

"We are so lucky to have Shelly Isaacs in South Florida." OLLI Patron  

No class Nov. 11

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

 LECTURES:

1. "Driving Madeleine" - France,2023: Madeleine, 92, calls a taxi to take her to the retirement home where she will be living. As she and Charles drive through the Paris streets that will reveal her past, their lives will be changed forever.

2. "Fallen Leaves" - Iceland, 2023: Two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by numerous obstacles, from lost numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.

3. "Return To Dust" - China, 2022: In rural Gaotai county, two lonely, middle-aged outcasts are pushed into an arranged marriage by their families. As seasons pass, their dedication to each other grows stronger, but change threatens their existence.

4. "The Taste of Things" - France, 2023: Over 20 years, a cook and her boss grow fond of one another, her dishes impress even the world's most illustrious chefs. But faced with her reluctance to commit, he begins to cook for her.

From the 1970s up through the recent past, globalization was the watchword of economics, with global supply chains, outsourcing of manufacturing to far-off locations with cheaper labor and just-in-time inventory. Suddenly, the pandemic, China's economic and geopolitical expansionism, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed all that. This four-week course will consider globalization and its discontents and look into the future of world trade, secure supply chains, and other geopolitical changes on the horizon. Is globalization dead, or will a new, modified form of production emerge that balances the advantages and dangers of the heyday of one global market, one global production cycle, and free trade?

Lectures:

1. The Rise of Globalization 1970-2000

2. China's Peaceful Rise and Age of Outsourcing

3. Doubts Arise: A New National Security for the Age of Pandemics, Wars, Sanctions, Shortages, Inflation, and Trade Blocs

4. Economics as National Security: A Look into the Future of Trade and Interdependence

"Great professor! Great and engaging lectures!" OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has ended the post-Cold War era and ushered a new era. Dr. Rabil has argued that although Russian President Vladimir Putin made a strategic blunder invading Ukraine, the invasion has provoked an international realignment of forces seeking the creation of a multipolar world. Underestimated thus far by Washington, this realignment has affected U.S. National Security. Washington can no longer rely on some of its former allies to pursue its foreign policy and sustain its global leadership. In this special lecture series, Dr. Rabil will probe several foreign policy areas where American foreign policy needs to be reevaluated.

Lectures:

1. U.S.-Iraq Relations: The End of an American Era?

2. Central Asia and the Big Powers Rivalry

3. U.S.-Pakistan Relations: The End of the Cold War Alliance?

4. Iran-Venezuela-Latin America Relations: The Growing Next Door Threat?

"Rabil is very, very good. What young folks might call "crazy good." OLLI Patron"

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

This very interactive seminar will explore the day's hot topics that have immediate and relevant impact. Each session will begin with the lecturer's take on the subject, followed by an opportunity for attendees to add their own opinions. The object is to bring home thoughts on issues that affect our lives. The success of this format hinges on the tolerance and mutual respect of each attendee. OLLI Boca is confident that participants will engage in the spirit of mutual respect. Space is limited.

"Loved the class! I will be signing up for another one of his classes". - OLLI Patron

When advances in technology, audience tastes, and events lead to changes in popular culture, great artists respond accordingly, finding new ways to speak their minds and elevate us with their music. From Yip Harburg asking “Brother Can You Spare A Dime” to the streetwise eloquence of Eminem, from the serene bop of Paul Desmond to the power of Adele’s heartbreak, from the censor-provoking Smothers’ Brothers to the teen passion of Glee, musicians continue to find new ways to bypass rigid boundaries and inspire us in our time. This course will examine the work, lives, and legacies of these musical artists and attempt to sort myth from reality, with videos, live performances, and research materials.

LECTURES:

1. What You Weren’t Supposed To Hear: Yip Harburg, The Smothers Brothers

2. Relax And Dig It: John Coltrane, Paul Desmond

3. The Fair Maid Returns: Joni Mitchell, Adele

4. What The Kids (And Grandkids) Are Into: Eminem, High School Musical, Glee

"MacDonald shows the plethora of his knowledge and love of music." OLLI Patron.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

In this election year 2024, the importance of the U.S. Constitution is greater than at almost any time in our nation's history. The course will explore the events leading up to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, the critical issues addressed in the Convention leading to the adoption of the Federal Constitution, the debate over ratification, and the living dynamics of the Constitution as reflected in the Amendments. Students will learn about the key players, the battles over ideas, and the totally revolutionary ideas embedded in the document. The Founders were uncertain the Constitution would survive their passing, but it has endured and is the longest functioning constitution in world history. Will it endure the current challenges?

"Great professor! Great and engaging lectures!" OLLI Patron

Week 1. The Road to Philadelphia
Week 2. The Convention Breaks New Historic Ground
Week 3. Ratification: The Greatest Political Debate in History
Week 4. Past, Present, and Future: The Amendments and
What Lies Ahead

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Ever look up at the night sky and wish you had a deeper understanding of the stars? Dr. Ata Sarajedini, Professor of Astrophysics, researcher, and TEDx speaker, will take you on an exciting space journey, broadening your knowledge of the stars while tracing their evolution from formation to adolescence and beyond. Discover how stars can be used to size up the universe and its various properties while exploring the differences between pulsars and quasars, white dwarfs and brown dwarfs, black holes, and dark matter. This series is geared toward anyone with an interest in astronomy and learning about the universe.

Lectures:

1. Astronomy Basics

2. Stellar Evolution

3. Stars as Astrophysical Tools

4. Properties of the Universe as revealed by Stars

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

We all like to read a nice story and immerse ourselves in a plot that stimulates our senses, takes us on a journey, and solicits our empathy, laughter, or revolt. What if we put ourselves on the “other” side of the page? What if we took our pens or keyboards to free our thoughts and develop our creativity to help us experience our emotions? Yes, writing helps to project oneself. By writing down our dreams, desires, longings, and humor (even our irony), we can break down our barriers and liberate ourselves. This workshop offers an introduction to writing short stories. In four sessions, we will examine the principles of writing short texts and compose our own short texts, some of which will be voluntarily shared with the other participants and critiqued compassionately. This program is being presented as a guided discussion with limited enrollment to foster interactive participation.

Week 1. Principles of writing a short story and writing exercise
on conciseness and plot construction.
Week 2. Writing exercise on the creation of characters and
setting the atmosphere of the text.
Week 3. Discussion of texts produced by the participants.
Week 4. Discussion of texts produced by the participants.

Explore the enduring popularity of George Gershwin's music throughout the twentieth century, particularly its profound influence on jazz musicians. This course showcases exceptional examples of jazz inspired by Gershwin's compositions, offering participants the chance to revel in the remarkable melodies crafted by America's preeminent tunesmith. Delve into the dynamic swing and creative interpretations of jazz masters while experiencing historic recordings, videos, and firsthand anecdotes from Gridley's performances alongside show business legends like Steve Lawrence, Edie Gorme, Sammy Davis Jr., and more. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Gershwin's music and its impact on the jazz landscape. 

"We would take any and all classes he gives. He is a treasure!" OLLI Patron

Lectures:

1. "I Got Rhythm": Ethel Merman video and Duke Ellington, Don Byas, Sonny Rollins audio.

2. "Porgy and Bess": Opera footage, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans audio classics

3. "Lady Be Good": Ella Fitzgerald video, Django Reinhardt, Lester Young audio

4. "Someone to Watch Over Me": Ella Fitzgerald video, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster audio

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has ended the post-Cold War era and ushered a new era. Dr. Rabil has argued that although Russian President Vladimir Putin made a strategic blunder invading Ukraine, the invasion has provoked an international realignment of forces seeking the creation of a multipolar world. Underestimated thus far by Washington, this realignment has affected U.S. National Security. Washington can no longer rely on some of its former allies to pursue its foreign policy and sustain its global leadership. In this special lecture series, Dr. Rabil will probe several foreign policy areas where American foreign policy needs to be reevaluated.

Lectures:

1. U.S.-Iraq Relations: The End of an American Era?

2. Central Asia and the Big Powers Rivalry

3. U.S.-Pakistan Relations: The End of the Cold War Alliance?

4. Iran-Venezuela-Latin America Relations: The Growing Next Door Threat?

"Rabil is very, very good. What young folks might call "crazy good." OLLI Patron"

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Alexander Hamilton once described the Supreme Court as the “least dangerous branch” of the American government. Although this may have been true in 1789, the Court has evolved into a co-equal branch of the federal government. From Obamacare to same-sex marriage to the election of a President, it is the Court that ultimately has the final say on most of the important issues of the day. Despite this, it may be appropriate to call the Supreme Court the “least understood branch” since the Court does much of its work behind closed doors. In fact, very few Americans are aware of the Court’s members, decisions, and day-to-day operations. The first half of this course will shed light on the least understood branch by looking at the history and inner workings of the Court. We will then look specifically at the cases and issues that have defined the Court’s agenda and American politics over the past 60 years. 

Lectures:

1. The Early Court, Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall’s leadership to Chief Justice Taney’s disaster (Dred Scott v. Sanford).

2. The 14th Amendment: The Court fails the Civil Rights test but finds Social Darwinism in the Constitution: Justices Steven Fields, John Harlan, Oliver Wendell Holmes.

3. The Constitutional Revolution of 1937 and The Warren Court

4. The Rehnquist Revolution and the Current  Court Membership

"Each session was very interesting and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed attending and look forward to his next lectures." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.