Film Noir is a cinematic genre whose heyday was in the 1940s and 50s. Heavily influenced by German Expressionist cinematography of the late ‘20s and early ‘30s, Hollywood Noir films are generally characterized by their dark, moody atmosphere, intricate plots, morally ambiguous characters, and unique and varied visual styles. Although as distinct a cinematic genre as the Western or Screwball Comedy, few directors or screenwriters ever consciously set out to make a Noir film, unless, of course, it originates from a novel or story by Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain or Dashiell Hammett.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Week 1. "Scarface", 1932: Produced by Howard Hughes and directed by Howard Hawks; starring Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, and Karen Morley. Running time: 165 min.

Week 2. "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers", 1946: Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, and, in his very first film, Kirk Douglas. Directed by Lewis Milestone. Running time: 116 min.

Week 3. "Lady in the Lake", 1946: Robert Montgomery stars and directs as P.I. Philip Marlowe in one of the most cinematically challenging films of all time. Running time: 105 min.

Week 4. "Laura", 1944: An Otto Preminger production, directed by Rouben Mamoulian; starring Gene Tierney, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, and Dana Andrews. Running time: 88 min.

Week 5. "The Killers", 1946: Starring Ava Gardner, Edmond O’Brien, and, introducing, Burt Lancaster. From a short story by Ernest Hemingway. Running time: 103 min.

Week 6. "He Walked by Night", 1948: An Eagle-Lion production, directed by Alfred Werker; starring Richard Basehart, Scott Brady, and Jack Webb. Running time: 79 min.

Week 7. "The Naked City", 1948: A Mark Hellinger production, directed by Jules Dassin; starring Barry Fitzgerald, Howard Duff, and Don Taylor. Running time: 96 min.

Week 8. "Touch of Evil", 1958: A Universal production directed by Orson Welles; starring Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, and Janet Leigh. Running time: 95 min.

Important Supreme Court decisions and multiple Presidential Executive orders in 2025 now substantially alter and affect our legal and Constitutional landscape. Long-standing, comfortable, oft-repeated Constitutional principles such as "no person is above the law" and "we enjoy three coequal branches of government" now require further examination. Frequent ongoing Supreme Court "split" decisions reflect ever-present disparate fundamental challenges between liberal and conservative views, as well as uncertainty as to continued adherence to many established long-standing Supreme Court precedents. Expect a dynamic semester, as this course will not be for the faint-hearted.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Important Supreme Court decisions and multiple Presidential Executive orders in 2025 now substantially alter and affect our legal and Constitutional landscape. Long-standing, comfortable, oft-repeated Constitutional principles such as "no person is above the law" and "we enjoy three coequal branches of government" now require further examination. Frequent ongoing Supreme Court "split" decisions reflect ever-present disparate fundamental challenges between liberal and conservative views, as well as uncertainty as to continued adherence to many established long-standing Supreme Court precedents. Expect a dynamic semester, as this course will not be for the faint-hearted.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Film Noir is a cinematic genre whose heyday was in the 1940s and 50s. Heavily influenced by German Expressionist cinematography of the late ‘20s and early ‘30s, Hollywood Noir films are generally characterized by their dark, moody atmosphere, intricate plots, morally ambiguous characters, and unique and varied visual styles. Although as distinct a cinematic genre as the Western or Screwball Comedy, few directors or screenwriters ever consciously set out to make a Noir film, unless, of course, it originates from a novel or story by Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain or Dashiell Hammett.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Week 1. "Scarface", 1932: Produced by Howard Hughes and directed by Howard Hawks; starring Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, and Karen Morley. Running time: 165 min.

Week 2. "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers", 1946: Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, and, in his very first film, Kirk Douglas. Directed by Lewis Milestone. Running time: 116 min.

Week 3. "Lady in the Lake", 1946: Robert Montgomery stars and directs as P.I. Philip Marlowe in one of the most cinematically challenging films of all time. Running time: 105 min.

Week 4. "Laura", 1944: An Otto Preminger production, directed by Rouben Mamoulian; starring Gene Tierney, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, and Dana Andrews. Running time: 88 min.

Week 5. "The Killers", 1946: Starring Ava Gardner, Edmond O’Brien, and, introducing, Burt Lancaster. From a short story by Ernest Hemingway. Running time: 103 min.

Week 6. "He Walked by Night", 1948: An Eagle-Lion production, directed by Alfred Werker; starring Richard Basehart, Scott Brady, and Jack Webb. Running time: 79 min.

Week 7. "The Naked City", 1948: A Mark Hellinger production, directed by Jules Dassin; starring Barry Fitzgerald, Howard Duff, and Don Taylor. Running time: 96 min.

Week 8. "Touch of Evil", 1958: A Universal production directed by Orson Welles; starring Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, and Janet Leigh. Running time: 95 min.

A new chapter begins for this essential series! Jeffrey Steinberg takes the helm from Jeffrey Morton, bringing his unique perspective and expertise to the most pressing challenges facing the United States today. Over seven weeks, we will evaluate the critical issues confronting American policymakers, analyzing each for its historical roots, contemporary relevance, and long-term strategic value. From shifting bilateral alliances to global economic stability, this course provides a deep dive into the high-stakes decisions shaping our world. We will explore policy options for vital interests, including the future of global energy and the evolving role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency. Join us to gain a masterclass understanding of the forces driving America's role on the global stage.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. US-Iran

Week 2. US-Germany

Week 3. US-Mexico

Week 4. US-BRICS and the Future of the Dollar

Week 5. US-Japan

Week 6. US Global Energy Policy

Week 7. US-Egypt

A new chapter begins for this essential series! Jeffrey Steinberg takes the helm from Jeffrey Morton, bringing his unique perspective and expertise to the most pressing challenges facing the United States today. Over seven weeks, we will evaluate the critical issues confronting American policymakers, analyzing each for its historical roots, contemporary relevance, and long-term strategic value. From shifting bilateral alliances to global economic stability, this course provides a deep dive into the high-stakes decisions shaping our world. We will explore policy options for vital interests, including the future of global energy and the evolving role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency. Join us to gain a masterclass understanding of the forces driving America's role on the global stage.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. US-Iran

Week 2. US-Germany

Week 3. US-Mexico

Week 4. US-BRICS and the Future of the Dollar

Week 5. US-Japan

Week 6. US Global Energy Policy

Week 7. US-Egypt

In the work of many of our greatest artistes, one often finds the figure of the muse. Whether spouses or lovers, protectors or tormentors, males or females, patrons or artists themselves. Every art form from painting to writing, to filming  and to music has a rich history of inspired creations. Today we speak of a muse as a spark or perfect model for the inspiration of a masterwork. In most cases muses are talented, willful and complementary characters in their own right. This lecture series will look at the whole picture.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Lectures:

Week 1.  Aristede Maillol - Dina Vierny
Week 2.  Man Ray - Kiki of Montparnasse
Week 3.  Pierre-Louis Pierson - Countess de Castiglione
Week 4.  Bonnard, Vuillard & Renoir - Misia Sert
Week 5.  Claude Renoir - Catherine Hessling
Week 6. Jean Cocteau - Jean Marais
Week 7.  Edward Hopper - Josephine Hopper
Week 8.  Lewis Carroll  - Alice Liddell

In the work of many of our greatest artistes, one often finds the figure of the muse. Whether spouses or lovers, protectors or tormentors, males or females, patrons or artists themselves. Every art form from painting to writing, to filming  and to music has a rich history of inspired creations. Today we speak of a muse as a spark or perfect model for the inspiration of a masterwork. In most cases muses are talented, willful and complementary characters in their own right. This lecture series will look at the whole picture.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Lectures:

Week 1.  Aristede Maillol - Dina Vierny
Week 2.  Man Ray - Kiki of Montparnasse
Week 3.  Pierre-Louis Pierson - Countess de Castiglione
Week 4.  Bonnard, Vuillard & Renoir - Misia Sert
Week 5.  Claude Renoir - Catherine Hessling
Week 6. Jean Cocteau - Jean Marais
Week 7.  Edward Hopper - Josephine Hopper
Week 8.  Lewis Carroll  - Alice Liddell

Unravel the ancient mysteries of one of history’s most influential texts in this engaging four-session seminar. Have you ever wondered who actually penned the Hebrew Bible? Together, we will bridge the gap between tradition and modern science to explore the fascinating, multi-layered origins of the Scriptures. Join us for a journey into the heart of the Hebrew Bible. 

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. Biblical & Rabbinical Sources: Examining traditional claims alongside intriguing textual contradictions.  

Week 2. The Theory of the Sources: Uncovering the "voices" behind the famous Documentary Hypothesis.  

Week 3. Fragments & Origins: Analyzing how diverse additions were stitched into a cohesive narrative.  

Week 4. Theological Approaches: Discussing how modern religious thought harmonizes with academic findings.  

 

There is nothing as thrilling as a great operatic tenor hitting a high note! Join opera maven Paul Offenkrantz for a delightful musical journey through the lives and legacies of the greatest tenors from the dawn of recording to the present day. While many know the famous "Three Tenors," this survey dives deeper into the technical brilliance and emotional power of legends like Caruso, Bjorling, and Corelli, while also spotlighting the rising stars of today’s international stages.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Lectures:

Week 1: The Golden Age & The Italian Giants: We begin with the "King of Tenors," Enrico Caruso, and explore the legendary voices of the early 20th century, including Martinelli, Gigli, and the elegant Schipa.

Week 2: The Silver Age & International Sensations: A look at the mid-century powerhouses who defined the art form: the "Voice of Fire" Mario Del Monaco, the perfection of Jussi Bjorling, and the dramatic intensity of Richard Tucker and Jan Peerce.

Week 3: The Era of the Matinee Idol: Focusing on the charismatic and powerhouse voices of the 60s and 70s, including Franco Corelli, Carlo Bergonzi, the refined Alfredo Kraus, and the heroic Jon Vickers.

Week 4: The Three Tenors and Beyond: A celebration of the phenomenon that was Pavarotti, Domingo, and Carreras. We will analyze their impact on popular culture and conclude by discussing the exciting "Next Generation" of tenors performing on the world's great stages today.

Discover the rewarding craft of relief printmaking in this engaging four-week workshop. Led by experienced artist Charlotte Maloney, this course guides you through the meditative process of transforming a drawing into a striking hand-printed work of art using professional linoleum and primary color inks. Students will learn the "visual vocabulary" of the relief cut, working with high-quality Japanese and Chinese rice papers. Materials and supplies are included. Each participant will leave with their own uniquely designed, professional-grade print perfectly suited for framing. Space is limited.

LECTURES:

Week 1.  Introduction to relief printing, tools, and safety.

Week 2. Creating the drawing and transferring the image to the block.

Week 3. The carving process—focusing on line, texture, and depth.

Week 4. Inking and hand-printing using the burnishing method. 

Ever wondered how professionals stay calm and resolve high-stakes standoffs? Join us for an eye-opening journey into the world of crisis and hostage negotiations. Inspired by real-world police barricade situations, this course brings elite tactical strategies into a relaxed classroom setting. There’s no role-playing or stress—just an insider’s look at the smart, practical communication skills used to de-escalate tension in the most intense environments.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. History and Philosophy: Explore how modern negotiation evolved from dramatic past crises.

Week 2. Crisis Intervention and Active Listening: Master the calm communication techniques that turn down the heat in any conflict.

Week 3. Incident Assessment and Strategy: Learn the smart ways professionals "read" a room and respond with maximum effectiveness.

Week 4. The Command Decision: Put your new knowledge to the test as we walk through an actual crisis response, challenging you to make the critical calls needed to resolve a barricade safely.

The Asian continent is home to some of the world’s most sophisticated visual storytellers. Focusing on the internal and external voyages that define the modern Eastern experience, from the bustling metropolitan intersections of Tokyo and Seoul to the quiet, ancient mountain passes of the Himalayas, these films examine how individuals find meaning at the crossroads of a rapidly changing world.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. "Three Seasons", Vietnam, 1999: In this Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury and Audience Award winning story, in Ho Chi Min City, four separate lives paint a vivid picture of the past, present, and future of a city on the verge of a new era. Running time 113 Min.

Week 2. "Late Autumn", Japan,1960: Three aging friends attempt to play matchmaker for the beautiful widow and daughter of their late college mate. In this gentle and witty masterpiece by Yasujiro Ozu, the daughter’s reluctance to marry reveals the deep, bittersweet bonds between generations. Running time 128 Min.

Week 3. "A Normal Family", Korea, 2023: Two brothers, one a successful lawyer, the other a principled doctor, see their lives shattered when they discover their teenage children have committed a shocking crime. Over a series of tense dinners, the families must choose between the law and their own flesh and blood. Running time 116 Min.

Week 4. "How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies", Thailand, 2024: A man, driven by his desire for a multi-million-dollar inheritance, begins to care for his terminally ill grandmother. However, winning her favor will not be an easy task and he is not the only one with an eye on the money. Running time 125 Min.

Titles are subject to change.

Why do we obey governments? What makes a society just? Who should own property—and why? These questions have shaped Western political thought for over two millennia. This four-week course introduces participants to some of the most influential political philosophers, from Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers such as Marx, Rawls, and Nozick. Through clear lectures and lively discussion, we will explore ideas that continue to influence contemporary debates about freedom, equality, property, justice, and the role of the state. Each session places these thinkers in their historical context while examining the enduring questions they raise. Participants are encouraged to engage in discussion and debate about concepts such as the social contract, the general will, communism, and self-ownership. No prior background in philosophy or political theory is required—only curiosity and a willingness to explore big ideas.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. Ancient Foundations: Plato and Aristotle: justice, citizenship, and the philosophical origins of political life.

Week 2. The Rise of the Modern State: Machiavelli and Bodin; Hobbes and Locke: sovereignty, political authority, and the emergence of social contract theory.

Week 3. Equality, Revolution, and Critique of Society: Rousseau and Marx: the general will, inequality, property, and the critique of capitalism.

Week 4. Contemporary Debates on Justice and Liberty: Rawls and Nozick: distributive justice, individual rights, self-ownership, and the limits of government.

Ready to go beyond the basics with ChatGPT? This four-week course takes a deeper dive into one of today’s most talked-about digital tools.After learning the fundamentals of how ChatGPT works and how to ask effective prompts, the class focuses on real-world applications through live demonstrations and guided examples. . Explore how ChatGPT can assist with everyday tasks, help research health and wellness topics, and provide insights related to finances, legal questions, and life planning. Each week highlights practical uses that help you save time, organize ideas, and make sense of complex information. Designed for curious learners ready to go beyond the basics, this interactive course helps you build real confidence using ChatGPT as practical digital assistant for everyday life.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURE:

Week 1. Explore how ChatGPT works, how conversations unfold, how to write stronger prompts, and practice with live demonstrations, simple exercises, and real first uses.

Week 2. Use ChatGPT as your personal digital helper to write, plan, organize, and generate ideas for everyday situations. 

Week 3. Learn how to use ChatGPT to break down complex medical terms, explore wellness topics, and prepare for conversations with healthcare providers.

Week 4. Discover how ChatGPT can assist with researching services, understanding financial or legal information, and organizing important life details.

While jazz can be expressed through any instrument, the piano remains the ultimate vessel for harmonic exploration and imaginative improvisation. This seminar offers an immersive look at the visionaries who transformed the keyboard into a powerhouse of original melodies and complex rhythms.Through a curated selection of rare videotaped performances and iconic historic recordings, trace the evolution of jazz piano across every major era. From the stride masters of the 1920s to the modern fusion pioneers, you will discover the unique "voice" and legacy of the artists who defined the genre. Space is limited.

LECTURES:

Week 1. The 1920s: James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Earl Hines. The 1930s: Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Count Basie

Week 2.  The 1940s: Bud Powell, Nat Cole, Lennie Tristano. The 1950s: Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson

Week 3. The 1960s: McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea 

Week 4. Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Hiromi Uehara, Danilo Perez

Armchair travelers, chic globetrotters, and die-hard Francophiles, lace up your (imaginary) walking shoes and join us for another romp through our favorite City of Light! Whether you're “visiting” Paris for the very first time, gearing up for a real-life trip, or happily daydreaming about a city you fell for long ago, this new chapter of our Walking Paris series has plenty in store. (It’s not necessary to have seen the other chapters.) We’ll revisit beloved spots, uncover hidden gems, nibble on juicy bits of French history, even dash off on some delightful day trips beyond the city limits.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

1. Paris from Lutèce to Hidalgo: Travel through time and discover how Paris grew from a modest fishing village in the middle of the Seine into the vibrant international metropolis we know today. We’ll wander through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, witness Haussmann’s titanic reinvention of the city, and arrive at the bold, eco- minded transformations unfolding under the current mayor. It’s the whole story of Paris—messy, magnificent, and endlessly evolving.

2. Paris on a Rainy Day: Don’t despair if the Paris skies decide to open up, some of the city’s best adventures begin under an umbrella! After all, this is the city that invented the charming “Passages” precisely for ducking out of bad weather. Come explore the countless ways to stay dry while discovering Paris: from museums tucked high above the rooftops to treasures hidden below ground, all offer beauty, history, and a perfect escape from the rain.

3. The French Revolution of 1789: Dive into the drama and upheaval of the Revolution. From the storming of the Bastille to the rise of Napoleon, we will examine how the city was physically and socially transformed by the blood, brilliance, and bold ideas that still echo through the streets today.

4. Day Trips beyongd the City Limits: We leave the city center behind to venture into the surrounding countryside. Discover storybook villages, royal estates, and unforgettable secret corners—all located just an hour from the heart of Paris.

Immerse yourself in four distinctly different films that explore the rich tapestry of French culture through the intricate relationships of their characters. Each session begins with a pre-screening introduction to provide historical context and key cultural elements to observe. Following the screening, we engage in lively discussions to unpack social nuances and artistic observations.

Note: All films are in French with English subtitles. Each film is viewed and discussed in class on the same day; no outside reading or viewing is required.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1.  Jeux Interdits (Forbidden Games): Orphaned after a Nazi air raid, five-year-old Paulette is taken in by a peasant family. She forms a poignant bond with ten-year-old Michel as they attempt to make sense of a crumbling world by creating a secret burial ground for Paulette’s pet. This classic explores the innocence of childhood set against the harsh realities of wartime France. 86 min.

Week 2.  Le Hérisson (The Hedgehog): Based on the beloved novel, this film follows the unlikely friendship between a disillusioned 12-year-old girl and the gruff, intellectual concierge of a bourgeois Parisian apartment building. It is a tale of great charm and warmth that offers a biting social critique of class and hidden lives. 100 min.

Week 3.  Je verrai toujours vos visages (All Your Faces): A powerful drama exploring the French restorative justice system. This fictionalized documentary brings victims and offenders of violent crimes together in mediated dialogue. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film navigates the complex emotional journey of forgiveness, empathy, and the power of human communication. 118 min.

Week 4.  Les Invités de mon père (My Father's Guests): Lucien Paumelle, a retired doctor and lifelong human rights activist, shocks his family when he invites a young Moldovan woman and her daughter to live in his home. This provocative comedy-drama examines the limits of idealism, family dynamics, and the complexities of the French immigrant experience. 100 min.

Since the October 7 attacks, Israel’s forceful response has fundamentally reshaped the Levant, dismantling Hamas and Hezbollah strongholds and contributing to the fall of the Assad regime. Yet, despite these military breakthroughs, a new regional order remains unsettled. Israel continues to navigate a multi-front conflict against Iran and its proxies while facing a global surge in antisemitism and shifting diplomatic pressures from Arab partners. Join Dr. Rabil for this compelling lecture series as we explore these rapid transformations. We will analyze Israel’s "strategy of prevention" and its impact on emerging alliances involving Turkey and Pakistan. Over four sessions, covering the Levant, Arab Gulf, Iran, and Turkey, we examine whether military dominance can pave the way for lasting peace in an evolving Middle East.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. Israel and the Levant

Week 2. Israel and the Arab Gulf

Week 3. Israel and Turkey

Week 4. Israel and Iran

Since the October 7 attacks, Israel’s forceful response has fundamentally reshaped the Levant, dismantling Hamas and Hezbollah strongholds and contributing to the fall of the Assad regime. Yet, despite these military breakthroughs, a new regional order remains unsettled. Israel continues to navigate a multi-front conflict against Iran and its proxies while facing a global surge in antisemitism and shifting diplomatic pressures from Arab partners. Join Dr. Rabil for this compelling lecture series as we explore these rapid transformations. We will analyze Israel’s "strategy of prevention" and its impact on emerging alliances involving Turkey and Pakistan. Over four sessions, covering the Levant, Arab Gulf, Iran, and Turkey, we examine whether military dominance can pave the way for lasting peace in an evolving Middle East.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. Israel and the Levant

Week 2. Israel and the Arab Gulf

Week 3. Israel and Turkey

Week 4. Israel and Iran

Why do we obey governments? What makes a society just? Who should own property—and why? These questions have shaped Western political thought for over two millennia. This four-week course introduces participants to some of the most influential political philosophers, from Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers such as Marx, Rawls, and Nozick. Through clear lectures and lively discussion, we will explore ideas that continue to influence contemporary debates about freedom, equality, property, justice, and the role of the state. Each session places these thinkers in their historical context while examining the enduring questions they raise. Participants are encouraged to engage in discussion and debate about concepts such as the social contract, the general will, communism, and self-ownership. No prior background in philosophy or political theory is required—only curiosity and a willingness to explore big ideas.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. Ancient Foundations: Plato and Aristotle: justice, citizenship, and the philosophical origins of political life.

Week 2. The Rise of the Modern State: Machiavelli and Bodin; Hobbes and Locke: sovereignty, political authority, and the emergence of social contract theory.

Week 3. Equality, Revolution, and Critique of Society: Rousseau and Marx: the general will, inequality, property, and the critique of capitalism.

Week 4. Contemporary Debates on Justice and Liberty: Rawls and Nozick: distributive justice, individual rights, self-ownership, and the limits of government.

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 to foster discussion. 

These diverse films take us across borders to examine the universal human experience through vastly different cultural lenses. By stepping away from a single geography, we see how filmmakers from different continents tackle shared themes and create a global dialogue, proving that while languages differ, the emotional resonance of a well-told story is universal.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

LECTURES:

Week 1. "The Zone of Interest", 2023: It's hard to imagine that just a hair's breadth away from the peaceful and idyllic household of the man who commands Auschwitz, the unimaginable horrors of the Final Solution were unfolding in full swing. And as noisome fumes and muffled, blood-curdling noises blemish his wife's verdant utopia, a question emerges. When evil becomes banal and apathy requires no effort, what separates man from beast? Running time 105 Min.

 

Week 2. "Sentimental Values", 2025: Exploring complex family dynamics between an estranged father and his daughters, the film is a thought-provoking examination of unresolved relationships and artistic ethics. 133 Min.

 

 

Week 3. "Two Prosecutors", Ukraine, 2025: In the USSR in 1937, a newly appointed prosecutor discovers an undestroyed letter from a prisoner that reveals corruption in the secret police, the NKVD. His search for the truth becomes dangerous. 117 Min.

Week 4. "The Ties That Bind Us", France, 2024: Exploring the challenges of modern family structures, the film follows a single father, a feminist librarian and a child seeking a place to belong as they navigate love and desires. It questions what it means to be a family. 106 Min.

Titles are subject to change.

Explore four groundbreaking films that reshaped cinema and captured the cultural pulse of their eras. In this four-week course, we’ll view selected clips and dive into iconic works by Roman Polanski, Milos Forman, Stanley Kubrick, and Federico Fellini. Each session includes guided discussion, behind-the-scenes stories, film analysis, and fun trivia, perfect for cinephiles and curious newcomers alike. Discover how these visionary directors used style, story, and symbolism to challenge norms and create timeless masterpieces. Spoiler alert! Watch the movie in advance so you can add to the discussion!

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. 

LECTURES:

1. "Chinatown": Corruption, loss, and the noir aesthetic reimagined.  

2. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest": Freedom, sanity, and institutional power.  

3. "Dr. Strangelove": Satire, nuclear anxiety, and Kubrick’s dark brilliance.  

4. "8½": Dreams, identity, and Fellini’s cinematic autobiography.  

Ed Katz is an award-winning producer, film enthusiast, and educator with over 15 years of experience in marketing for arts and entertainment. He leads popular film discussion groups in Palm Beach Gardens and beyond, combining his dual degrees in Film and Marketing to offer insightful, engaging explorations of cinema.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Street photography is a fine-art medium rooted in the candid capture of fleeting moments in shared public spaces. Both art and craft, it reveals emotional, psychological, philosophical, and cultural truths about the human condition. In this 100% projector-driven course, we’ll explore how great street photography uses tone, form, point of view, lens choice, metaphor, and composition to create powerful images. We’ll also examine how a personal philosophy of life shapes this art form and gives it depth. Weekly pacing may vary based on discussion, with emails previewing upcoming content. Students are invited (but not required) to share their own work during the final class. All levels welcome. Student sharing is optional. Space is limited to foster discussion.

1. Philosophy & Vision: Arbus, Salgado
2. Color & the Magical Mundane: Haas, Leiter
3. Cultural Immersion & Gear: Allard, Winogrand
4. Decisive Moments: Cartier-Bresson, Frank
5. Visual Metaphor & Staging: Kertész, Eisenstaedt
6. Student Submissions: Every part counts (God is in the details) – wrap up

Leo Howard Lubow is an award-winning photographer, writer, and educator specializing in portraits, commercial, and fine art photography. A former AV-rated attorney, he now teaches photography through programs like Johns Hopkins Odyssey and Horizon Workshops, with his work featured in major publications and recognized by the Maryland Photography Alliance as a "Maryland Master."

Explore the hidden history of American intelligence in this eye-opening eight-week course. Contrary to popular belief, the United States developed a civilian intelligence service long before World War II, starting with Washington’s spies during the Revolution. Journey through the evolution of U.S. intelligence—from early agents with artistic and scientific talents to FDR’s private spy network, the OSS, and the creation of the CIA. Discover lesser-known stories of espionage, diplomacy, and innovation that shaped the nation’s survival and security. The course concludes with a look at today’s complex intelligence community and its future challenges. Join us for a fascinating exploration of America’s secret defenders.

LECTURES:

1. The American Revolution:Washington and Franklin’s Spies

2. American Spies in Europe: Cooper, Morse, Irving, and the Bread and Cheese Club

3. The Purloined Life of Edgar Allan Poe

4. Lincoln’s Spies: Engineers and Diplomats

5. FDR and The Room

6. The OSS and the Birth of the CIA

7. Successes, Failures, and the Privatization of Intelligence

8. Today and Into the Future

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Join us for this exciting series exploring the history of American musical theater! From its roots in vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley to the groundbreaking works of Gershwin, Bernstein, and Sondheim, and on to modern legends like Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, we’ll trace the evolution of this uniquely American art form. Lectures will spotlight the historical and social backdrop of beloved productions, while diving into the lives, influences, and signature styles of the composers who shaped the genre. A fun, interactive musical experience filled with stories, sounds, and surprises—perfect for music lovers of all kinds!

LECTURES:

1. The Genesis of Broadway: From Vaudeville to Scott Joplin to "Tin Pan Alley," how a generation of impoverished musicians gave birth to a new American Art form.  Music of Joplin, early Gershwin and others.  

2. George Gershwin, Father of Musicals: A retrospective on his life and music, focusing on his legacy as the architect of the "Broadway musical" concept and his unique compositional style.  Music of George and Ira Gershwin 

3. Bernstein and Sondheim, the second generation: How "postwar" musicals reflected the changing American socio-political landscape, with special focus on the relationship between Bernstein and Sondheim and how they pioneered the modern musical theater format. Music of Bernstein and Sondheim.  

4. Hollywood and the Rise of the "Movie Musical": A closer look at some of the most beloved movie musicals, including "Top Hat," "White Christmas" and "Guys and Dolls."  The complex relationship between movie studios, composers, and talent will be explored.  Music of Irving Berlin, Frank Loesser, others.

5. Changing Music for Changing Times: A look at Broadway's "Transition Years", moving away from Sondheim towards simpler "pop" stylistic influences, and how this changed the scope of American Music.  Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber and "Rent", others.  

6. Disney and the Cartoon Movie Musical.  How Disney used the format of Broadway Musicals to completely revitalize its brand in the early 1990's, creating one of the most beloved animation traditions in modern history.  Music of Alan Menken.  

Born in Kentucky, concert pianist Aaron Orin earned a piano scholarship to the University of Kentucky at age 14 and graduated at 19. He has performed at the White House and other prestigious venues, recently completed a Master’s in Piano Performance at FAU, and is pursuing a second Master’s in History while working as a musical director for numerous South Florida shows.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.

Welcome to our Mah-Jongg class! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect place to dive into the exciting world of Mah-Jongg. In this fun, relaxed setting, you'll learn the basic rules, including identifying tiles, rules of the game, how to read the card, along with tile combinations to advanced strategies that will elevate your play. With over 25 years of experience, Diane Engel will guide you step-by-step, making sure you feel confident and comfortable at every stage. With plenty of hands-on practice and opportunities to ask questions, you'll be playing like a pro in no time. Join us for a fun and engaging experience—come for the game, stay for the community! Space is limited.