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Fall 2022 Course Schedule

Announcements

COVID Protocols

COVID protocols are specific to each host site. Please see the posting on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your coordinator.

Registration

To register for a course, please email or call the course coordinator.

Printable Course Listing

Printable Fall 2022 Course List (PDF)
37-Pages Total - Revised Sept. 20, 2022

Course Details

Click on a course title below to view detailed information about the course.

Monday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Classic Films Tobey Marsceill, Wes Marsceill Virtual
2 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Reading US History, Jill Lepore, These Truths: A History of the United States Michael Stevens Virtual
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Experiencing Great English Literature Phil Paulson Madison Senior Center
4 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Refighting the Civil War Daryl Sherman Virtual
5 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sensing the World Around Us Linn Roth Capitol Lakes
6 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pathways to a Sustainable Planet Richard Steeves Virtual
7 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Imaginative Drawing with the Non-Dominant Hand Heather C. Williams Virtual
8 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Exploring Creativity Karen Wulff Christ Presbyterian Church
9 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Money Skills for Retirees Tom Eggert Virtual
10 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Novels Old and New Bonnie Dill, Carol Spiegel, Marsha Urbaniak Hybrid - Vista West
11 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM First Amendment Freedoms and Limits in an Era of Incitement and Hate Speech Allen May, J.D. Madison Senior Center
12 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Women's Journeys toward Self-Discovery Grethe Brix-J. Leer Virtual

Tuesday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Biographies Chuck Pils, Mary Becker Wisconsin Bank and Trust
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Short Stories and Essays Irv Klibaner Covenant Presbyterian Church
3 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Truth Decay Jack Mitchell Virtual
4 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Whither the State Dennis Dresang, Terry Shelton Virtual
5 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Jazz Toni Jakovec Wisconsin Bank and Trust

Wednesday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Buddhism: An Overview Craig Wille Hybrid - Vista West
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Continuing Philosophy Ed Cothroll, Bill Colwell, John Miller Virtual
3 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Current Events AM Mert Corwin Virtual
4 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Five Painter Profiles Mary Em Kirn Oakwood Village West
5 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Global Affairs and the Media Leon Lindberg, Steve Hirsch, Kirk Elliott Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
6 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Observational Drawing Heather C. Williams Virtual
7 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Biographies Eastside Helen Brewster Goodwill Community Room
8 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Current Events PM Meg Taylor, Jerry Burns Virtual
9 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Frontiers in Life Science Paul Brandl UW Space Place
10 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Writing Workshop - WED Andy Millman Virtual
11 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Film History Jim O’Brien Oakwood Village West
12 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Reminiscence Writing Judy Havens, Mary De Wolf Hybrid - Madison Senior Center

Thursday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM What in the World Happened Chuck Pils, Hank Whipple, Jim Albright Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
2 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Conversations in Global Spirituality Jeanne Bowman, Howard Bowman Christ Presbyterian Church
3 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Healthy Aging: Maintaining Function and Preventing Injury Frank Stein Attic Angel Place
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Writing Workshop-THURS Andy Millman Virtual
5 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Play’s the Thing Tess Mulrooney Madison Senior Center
6 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM We Love a Mystery Barbara Evens Virtual

Friday

#

Time

Course

Coordinator

Location

1 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Delightfully Dickens: Great Expectations and Bleak House John and Jan Kinar Virtual
2 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PLATO Travel Annette Bollig, Kevin Bollig, Lois Baseler, Linn Roth Capitol Lakes
3 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thinking as a Sacred Activity Heather C. Williams Virtual
4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM What Really Happened on 9/11? Tom Schlicht Madison Senior Center

Fall 2022 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Monday

1

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Classic Film Discussion

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tobey and Wes Marsceill platoclassicfilms@gmail.com 954-695-2778

Course Description

Virtual meetings to discuss a film selected primarily from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) shown the previous week and watched at your convenience in your own home. Participants will be invited to join the Google Meet site via email the morning of the discussion. Some movies may be shown off-hours so participants should have the ability to record/tape/or stream movies to fully participate. Please contact Tobey Marsceill via email to register.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Start Date September 19, 2022
End Date December 12, 2022
No Course Dates September 26, 2022; November, 28 2022
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 35
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

2

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Reading US History, Jill Lepore, These Truths: A History of the United States

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Michael Stevens michaelstevens50@gmail.com 608-215-4887

Course Description

We will read and discuss the first half (1492-1865) of Jill Lepore’s highly acclaimed book These Truths: A History of the United States, which takes its title from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident. ” Lepore tells stories and introduces us to people who help us discuss her central question: when has America succeeded and when has it failed to live up to those “self-evident truths”? Join us as we explore US history together in this lively account. Get a copy of the book and come prepared at the first session to discuss the Introduction and Chapter 1.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 12, 2022
End Date November 14, 2022
No Course Dates October 24, 2022; October 31, 2022
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Syllabus These Truths Syllabus Fall 2022.pdf
Coordinator Bio Michael Stevens Bio.pdf

Monday

3

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Experiencing Great English Literature

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Phil Paulson philplsn@gmail.com 608-318-1567

Course Description

We will explore a novel, poetry, and a play. The novel will be Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, a coming-of-age story of “Pip” set in Kent and London of the early to mid-19th century. It begins in a cemetery, ends in an eventual triumph of good over evil and explores affection, loyalty, and conscience versus social advancement, wealth, and unprincipled ambition. Poems from the Seashell Anthology of Great Poetry will be selected and discussions led by class members. Our play will be selected by the class in the first two sessions with its reading and discussion in the last four sessions.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2022
End Date November 21, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

4

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Refighting the Civil War

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Daryl Sherman snippetswi@gmail.com 608-238-5106

Course Description

We continue the DVD presentation with discussion format presented virtually, with a review of Ken Burns' Civil War, and some of the special features. We will focus the presentation and discussion on some DVDs devoted to single battles. We will then decide whether we wish to continue or whether it is time to bring the course to a conclusion.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 26, 2022
End Date December 5, 2022
No Course Dates October 3, 2022
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

5

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Sensing the World Around Us

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Linn Roth rothlinn@sbcglobal.net 608-238-2297

Course Description

Through interactive presentations and demonstrations, this course will provide an introduction to neuroscience: how neurons work, how the brain is organized, and how we hear, see, taste, smell, touch and balance. No background in science or preparation required. If you have an interest in the brain, our senses, and asking questions, join us to learn how we perceive the world around us, how much we distort that world, and how the brain creates each individual’s reality. Programs will include a brief review of how senses change with age, common myths about the brain, plus questions and answers.

Class will meet Tuesday October 25 (instead of Monday October 24).

Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 26, 2022
End Date December 5, 2022
No Course Dates November 21, 2022; November 28, 2022
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Syllabus Sensing the World Around Us Syllabus.pdf

Monday

6

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Pathways to a Sustainable Planet

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Richard Steeves coot42@gmail.com 608-833-5586

Course Description

Tis is a discussion group on adapting to a sustainable society. We explore the consequences of our current path and how they could be mitigated by using carbon free energy. We will also talk about the effects of electrical distribution, our food choices, and how to promote biodiversity. We will take a field trip on October 10th to Holy Wisdom Monastery to learn about their sustainability work.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2022
End Date November 21, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

7

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Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Imaginative Drawing with the Non-Dominant Hand

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Heather C. Williams heather@drawingtogether.com 760-213-6060

Course Description

In this class you will explore your heart’s wisdom with drawing exercises that I presented around the world for twelve years for the Louise Hay International Teacher Training. You will learn that you have within you all the resources you need to do what you came here to do, to express your talents and abilities, to improve the quality of your life, to change old patterns, to fulfill your dreams. Drawing is a sacred activity because it connects your conscious mind, unconscious mind and supra-conscious mind.

Lecture and Drawing Exercises - Heather's book, Drawing As a Sacred Activity, was published in 2002 and is available at all book stores and public libraries.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2022
End Date November 21, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Coordinator Bio WHO IS HEATHER.pdf

Monday

8

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Exploring Creativity

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Karen Wulff wulff.karen@gmail.com 608-770-8408

Course Description

Class will be a workshop where individuals work on their personal art goals in a sharing environment. Participants can exchange knowledge and offer “gentle” feedback to each other if they want to. Bring the supplies you will need for your own project. Everyone must bring a plastic or similar material sheet or tarp to put under their workspace. We are fortunate to be invited to use the space and therefore this requirement is a must.

Location Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 pm
Start Date September 19, 2022
End Date November 21, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 10
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

9

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Money Skills for Retirees

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tom Eggert tleggert@wisc.edu 608-279-8608

Course Description

Retirees have different financial challenges than younger people. We no longer save for retirement, but now grow and use the money we saved. We’ll cover diversification, interpreting your financial statements, taxes, socially responsible investing, thematic investing, investing outside the market, creating a personal investment plan and using tools in making investment decisions. The class is designed so that we’ll learn just as much from our classmates as from guest speakers. We will have a mix of presentations, guest speakers and reviews of our investing successes and failures.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 12, 2022
End Date November 21, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

10

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Novels Old and New

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Bonnie Dill thedills8412@att.net 608-434-8919
Carol Spiegel lookingglass18@gmail.com 608-206-3623
Marsha Urbaniak urbaniakmarsha@gmail.com 608-219-2394

Course Description

During the Fall Semester we will discuss the following novels.

  • Sept. 19 & 26 - Return of the Native
  • Oct. 3 - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford
  • Oct. 10 & 17 - Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
  • Oct. 24 &31 - The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
  • Nov. 7 - Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
  • Nov. 14 & 21 - The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See.

Location Hybrid - Vista West
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September, 19 2022
End Date September 21, 2022
No Course Dates November 21, 2022
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Monday

11

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First Amendment Freedoms and Limits in an Era of Incitement and Hate Speech

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Allen May, J.D. amay@att.net 630-263-2629

Course Description

On January 6, 2021, the United State Capitol was stormed by a mob attempting to overturn the outcome of the Presidential election. Five people died and more than 140 people were injured. Some claim the mob’s actions were criminally provoked by inflammatory words spoken during a rally before the attack. Inciting lawlessness is not protected by the First Amendment. But how far can you go before speech crosses the line? Course members will discuss these boundaries and various theories of free speech. We will also consider limits the government has to control prohibited speech through censorship and even to compel some speech.

                  
Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 19, 2022
End Date November 7, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 16
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
SyllabusFirst Amendment Syllabus.pdf

Monday

12

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Women's Journeys toward Self-Discovery

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Grethe Brix-J. Leer grethebrix42@gmail.com 608-236-0158

Course Description

Writing journals and memoirs helps you shape your life story while also clarifying what it has meant to you. This class will use prompts to help you enter into your writing as a stepping-stone toward deeper self-awareness. These prompts are meant to be suggestive, and class members are free to modify them as they choose. The class will continue to build a sense of community, based on discussion in an open non-judgmental atmosphere. Discussions are based on class members’ writings, and all sharing is voluntary and respectful of each person’s privacy.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Monday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 26, 2022
End Date November 14, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

1

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Biographies

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Chuck Pils cmpils3304@gmail.com 608-772-8575
Mary Becker scrabblenutmj@gmail.com 608-395-9450

Course Description

We are biography readers who enjoy sharing their experiences. Presentations are participants’ responsibility. It is optional for participants to do a presentation. We will examine the lives of men and women who went into political, military, and entertainment careers. What factors caused them to enter these professions? Did they make contributions to national or international history? Not all are of heroic proportions. Some of the best life stories are about people who have fallen into oblivion, but lived interesting lives. Controversial personalities add particular spice to discussions.

Location Wisconsin Bank and Trust
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 27, 2022
End Date November 29, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

2

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Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Irv Klibaner Irwinhklibaner@gmail.com 608-274-4089

Course Description

For those who love reading and discussion, this is the perfect entertainment. One hour each is devoted to a short story and an essay. There is always a lively, opinionated, and friendly atmosphere with a welcome for all participants. Come join us as we delve into the ever-fascinating world of short stories and essays created by some of the best writers who have put pen to paper. Texts to be used: Best American Short Stories 2021 and Best American Essays 2021.

Location Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 20, 2022
End Date November 22, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

3

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Truth Decay

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Jack Mitchell jwmitch1@wisc.edu 608-274-6903

Course Description

Former President Trump and many of his supporters deny the fact that he lost the 2020 election. Millions reject the facts of climate change or the importance of vaccinations. Traditional news media are accused of reporting fake news, while upstart media make no pretense of sticking to facts and striving for truth. This course will look at evolving attitudes toward human rationality and objective methods for seeking truth. And we will explore media technology from the printing press to the Internet and their implications for journalism that pursues truth and propaganda that seeks to persuade.

                                     
Location Virtual
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 20, 2022
End Date November 8, 2022
No Course Dates

Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 16
# of Sessions 8
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Syllabus Truth Decay Syllabus.pdf
Coordinator Bio Jack Mitchell Biography.pdf

Tuesday

4

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Whither the State

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Dennis Dresang dresang@lafollette.wisc.edu 608-438-0686
Terry Shelton Tkshelton1321@gmail.com --

Course Description

Review of state and national political developments. Examination of key public policy issues affecting U.S. economy and society.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 27, 2022
End Date November 22, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday

5

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Jazz

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Toni Jakovec tjakovec@yahoo.com 650-948-5831

Course Description

Presenters from within the group and outside experts. Early New Orleans to contemporary. No musical skills necessary. Learn about upcoming events. Group outing organized if enough class interest.

Location Wisconsin Bank and Trust
Meeting Day Tuesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 27, 2022
End Date November 29, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

1

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Buddhism: An Overview

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Craig Wille wille.craig@gmail.com 608-692-3163

Course Description

This course will present an overview of primary beliefs and practices related to Buddhism, a historic review of Buddhism’s development through the present day, and its effect in terms of art and social systems. Buddhist practices will be discussed however the primary focus of this class is not on development of skill in those practices. While the class will be taught in a hybrid manner-in other words including availability through Google meet. While the use of the hybrid option is certainly an option, I encourage you to consider attending live!

Location Hybrid - Vista West
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date December 14, 2022
No Course Dates October, 05 2022; October, 12 2022; November 23, 2022
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

2

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Continuing Philosophy

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Ed Cothroll cothroll@tds.net 608-831-4493
Bill Colwell wscacct@live.com 847-830-1501
John Miller milo13@fastmail.com 317-430-1111

Course Description

We will be reading and discussing the book How The World Thinks: A Global History of Philosophy, by Julian Baggini, reprint 2019, by Granta Books, London. The book is available in paperback. The author seeks to expand our Western-centric understanding of philosophical thought through exploration of the philosophies of Japan, India, China, and the Muslim world as well as the lesser-known traditions of Africa’s and Australia’s first peoples. Here is a short video introduction by the author: Julian Baggini on How the World Thinks - The Hedgehog and the Fox.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date December 7, 2022
No Course Dates November 23, 2022
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

3

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Current Events AM

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Mert Corwin mdcorwinjr@gmail.com 608-774-3403

Course Description

This class will discuss local, national and international, hot and current, events. Some topics will be very current and others will be ongoing issues. Topics will be determined each week, at the start of the session. All viewpoints are encouraged. The format will be very casual and interactive. Participants are encouraged to forward relevant links, during the week, about current topics, for discussion.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 30, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size 20
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, email the coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

4

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Five Painter Profiles

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Mary Em Kirn mkfloridays@yahoo.com 239-287-2325

Course Description

From the 1400s to the 1600s, the area of Flanders (present day Belgium) was the center of some of Northern Europe’s most important artistic endeavors. Discover the rich heritage of Flemish painting during fully illustrated PowerPoint presentations. Prof. Kirn will discuss oil paintings by Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, and Anthony van Dyck.

Location Oakwood Village West
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date October 19, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size 30
# of Sessions 5
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

5

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Global Affairs and the Media

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Leon Lindberg lindbe@tds.net 608-238-9000
Steve Hirsch hirsch4622@icloud.com 608-347-5810
Kirk Elliott kirk_elliott@hotmail.com 608-255-5646

Course Description

We focus on international events and concerns, addressing United States issues only as they relate to the rest of the world. An invited speaker or a member of the group will do an online or hybrid (online and in-person) presentation for about 40 minutes, and then take questions and comments for perhaps 20 minutes. After we take a break, we'll then discuss items of interest that members have brought to the meeting (members are invited to bring a news clipping or summary of an item of interest). We hope to increase our exposure to high-quality sources of news and information.

Location Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 30, 2022
No Course Dates November 23, 2022
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

6

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Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Observational Drawing

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Heather C. Williams heather@drawingtogether.com 760-213-6060

Course Description

In this class you will explore my unique approach to perception and observational drawing that I learned during my 5-year Art Apprenticeship with Norwegian artist, Jan Valentin Saether. You will learn my 5 Keys to observational drawing and whether you are a beginner or an advanced artist, you will gain a new way of seeing the world around you. Drawing is the core method of researching, investigating, developing and communicating ideas. Today, drawing is viewed as an essential skill for everyone. It is a sacred activity because it engages your mind, your heart and your unique point of view!

Lecture and Drawing Exercises - Heather's book, Drawing As a Sacred Activity, was published in 2002 and is available at all book stores and public libraries.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 23, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Coordinator Bio WHO IS HEATHER.pdf

Wednesday

7

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Biographies Eastside

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Helen Brewster hbrewster1944@gmail.com 608-358-6774

Course Description

Group members present biographical sketches on a person (sometimes persons) of their choice. Volunteer presentations are needed about once a year, group is flexible. Otherwise, there is no preparation or homework. We learn a lot, much of it unexpected, and enjoy lively discussions. Contact Helen via phone or email to discuss or join this friendly, welcoming group.

Location Goodwill Community Room
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 16, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation only when presenting. Otherwise, group discussions follow presentations.
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

8

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Current Events PM

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Meg Taylor taylome@charter.net 206-369-3578
Jerry Burns geburns@facstaff.wisc.edu 608-556-2924

Course Description

This is an in-depth discussion course on current events in Wisconsin, the United States and the World. Course members choose the topics and lead and moderate a discussion or two. We email readings and website links prior to each discussion. Each presenter may invite a guest with some first-hand knowledge or experience on the topic for the discussion.

Since this is a popular course and often has a waiting list, there is another Current Events course available on Wednesday mornings.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date December 7, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 25
# of Sessions 12
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

9

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Frontiers in Life Science

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Paul Brandl pbrandl90@gmail.com 920-698-6097

Course Description

This class will bring us to the “cutting edge” of scientific research. Each week a different researcher or science expert reports and discusses his or her innovations, inventions and/or discoveries. The UW Biotechnology Outreach Directory has brought a variety of researchers to this class over the past several years. Topics have included: bird flu, heart disease, cancer, aging, stem cells, DNA sequencing, nanotechnology and others. You will be able to discuss your questions and concerns with these science experts each week.

Location UW Space Place
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 30, 2022
No Course Dates November 23, 2022
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

10

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Writing Workshop - WED

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Andy Millman mill60062@yahoo.com 847-275-6251

Course Description

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Maybe you haven’t written the first word. Possibly you’re polishing that manuscript. Our writers' group will provide you with the feedback, structure and support you need to push forward or get started. All writers are welcome, regardless of your experience or the type of writing you wish to pursue.

Andy Millman’s writing has appeared in several outlets, including Whistling Shade, Points in Case, Midwest Review, The Big Jewel, Zest Literary Journal, Black Heart Magazine, Flash Fiction Magazine, The Helix  and Pif Magazine.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 30, 2022
No Course Dates November 2, 2022
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

11

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Film History

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Jim O’Brien jimrobr@gmail.com 608-286-1946

Course Description

Tough guys in tough situations make good decisions and bad, but women are tough, too, and brave, and sing better, if necessary. Sometimes, the past seems like a refuge, but that won’t last. The future looks hopeful, but it’s not going to be easy. As Judy Garland sings, “someday soon we all may be together, if the fates allow.” Amen to all that.

Location Oakwood Village West
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September, 21 2022
End Date November, 23 2022
No Course Dates
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Wednesday

12

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Reminiscence Writing

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Judy Havens judyandpeteh@charter.net 608-443-0777
Mary De Wolf leeandme@arkansas.net 608-318-0556

Course Description

Participants write stories about their pasts and share them with the class. Sometimes they’re funny; sometimes they’re sad; and sometimes they’re fleeting memories that we want to capture with our pencils. We choose our topics from our childhood, our family life and our careers to express who we are. No experience required!

Location Hybrid - Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Wednesday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 21, 2022
End Date November 30, 2022
No Course Dates November 2, 2022
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 10
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

1

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What in the World Happened

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Chuck Pils cmpils3304@gmail.com 608-772-8575
Hank Whipple hwhipple7854@att.net 608-249-7773
Jim Albright albright.jd@gmail.com 937-545-4567

Course Description

This course is made up of presentations on eclectic historical topics of interest, from prehistoric times to the present. Presentations last 45 minutes to an hour (or more, depending upon presenter and topic), with time remaining for questions and answers. Enthusiastic Q & A’s are the norm. Some of the topics this Fall include: Catastrophes, the Chicago and Peshtigo fires; Personal stories of three Germans during WWII; and the US Coast Guard.

Location Hybrid - Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 22, 2022
End Date December 1, 2022
No Course Dates November 24, 2022
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

2

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Conversations in Global Sprirtuality

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Jeanne Bowman jbowman0116@gmail.com 262-844-8223
Howard Bowman hbowman0731@gmail.com 262-844-6620

Course Description

Utilizing texts from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Taoism, the course will invite us into insights for the spiritually independent. The course will be a series of structured conversations (not lectures nor academic study of world religions). We will share insights based on various religious texts related to themes such as Ultimate Reality, The Nature of Self, Wisdom, Discerning One’s Path and Dying.

Participants will need the text The World Wisdom Bible edited by Rami Shapiro (find on Amazon or other places).

Location Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date September 22, 2022
End Date October 27, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 6
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

3

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This course has been cancelled.

Healthy Aging: Maintaining Function and Preventing Injury

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Frank Stein Franklin.Stein@usd.edu 608-274-1242

Course Description

Healthy Aging is a lecture and discussion course from an occupational therapist's perspective that explores the topics such as designing personal health goals, prescriptive exercise, managing stress, healthy diets, mindfulness, longevity, and spirituality. The coordinator will use latest research to support presentation. The class will be a combination of lectures through PowerPoint followed by comments, questions, and discussion.

Location Attic Angel Place
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September, 22 2022
End Date December, 01 2022
No Course Dates November, 24 2022
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 9
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

4

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Writing Workshop-THURS

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Andy Millman mill60062@yahoo.com

847-275-6251

Course Description

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Maybe you haven’t written the first word. Possibly you’re polishing that manuscript. Our writers' group will provide you with the feedback, structure and support you need to push forward or get started. All writers are welcome, regardless of your experience or the type of writing you wish to pursue.

Andy Millman’s writing has appeared in several outlets, including Whistling Shade, Points in Case, Midwest Review, The Big Jewel, Zest Literary Journal, Black Heart Magazine, Flash Fiction Magazine, The Helix and Pif Magazine.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 22, 2022
End Date December 1, 2022
No Course Dates November 24, 2022
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

5

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The Play’s the Thing

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tess Mulrooney tlmmdsn@aol.com 608-257-5595

Course Description

Each semester we read (aloud) and discuss three or four plays using an integrated approach which allows everyone to participate. Participant volunteers will each present a brief background of each play and playwright before reading begins. This semester we will be reading The Crucible, Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Lady Windermere’s Fan and You Can’t Take It With You.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 29, 2022
End Date December 8, 2022
No Course Dates November 24, 2022
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 15
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Thursday

6

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We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Barbara Evens evansbj@charter.net 608-833-6822

Course Description

The class meets every two weeks (every other week) to discuss and critique contemporary mystery novels. Members take turns leading the discussion focusing on the author, settings, characters, plot development and conclusion. Readings are chosen at the end of each semester for the next semester. The first class we will discuss Song of the Lion by Anne Hillerman . Novels can be found in the South Central Library System.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Every other Thursday
Meeting Time 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date September 22, 2022
End Date December 8, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 18
# of Sessions 7
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Syllabus We Love a Mystery Syllabus.pdf

Friday

1

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Delightfully Dickens: Great Expectations and Bleak House

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
John and Jan Kinar jrkinar@gmail.com 608-238-2826

Course Description

This semester we will read two works by Charles Dickens: Great Expectations ISBN: 9781435167193 and Bleak House ISBN: 9780141439723.

Location Virtual
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 16, 2022
End Date December 16, 2022
No Course Dates November 25, 2022
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size 14
# of Sessions 13
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Friday

2

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PLATO Travel

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Annette Bollig acbollig@gmail.com 267-303-1328
Kevin Bollig kevinbollig@gmail.com 267-303-1328
Lois Baseler julois@chorus.net 608-220-1840
Linn Roth rothlinn@sbcglobal.net 608-238-2297

Course Description

PLATO Travel Group participants are adventurous, curious, and anxious to share their experiences and information from trips all over the planet. Members present travelogues of their adventures and information on their destinations in a friendly atmosphere where exchange and discussion are welcome. The group compiles information on various travel companies and tips for specific trips, and members socialize and explore trip materials during a mid-presentation break. We encourage members to bring friends interested in a trip topic and/or joining PLATO, and armchair travelers are always welcome!

                  
Location Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 23, 2022
End Date December 2, 2022
No Course Dates November, 25 2022
Participation No reading to minimal reading
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 10
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
SyllabusPlato Travel Syllabus.pdf

Friday

3

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Thinking as a Sacred Activity

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Heather C. Williams heather@drawingtogether.com 760-213-6060

Course Description

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the world today – as, I’m sure, have you. A few months ago, I watched a very interesting video that inspired me to explore three different kinds of thinking: mechanical thinking, critical thinking and straight thinking in the abstract. It is from this inspiration that I am creating a new class titled: Thinking as a Sacred Activity. In this class, we’ll use drawing and journal writing to explore our own unique way of engaging these three kinds of thinking.

We’ll also study the history of human innovations. As well as the work of Socrates, Aristotle, Carl Jung and Thane Walker – to better understand where we are today with technology and artificial intelligence.

                  
Location Virtual
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date September 30, 2022
End Date October 28, 2022
No Course Dates
Participation High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size No limit
# of Sessions 5
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions
Syllabus Plato Travel Syllabus.pdf

Friday

4

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What Really Happened on 9/11?

Coordinator

Name  Email Phone
Tom Schlicht 608-831-6593

Course Description

Were the President’s two wars justifiable? Was the Patriot Act? Was his EPA announcement that Ground Zero was safe to clean up? Why did he first resist forming the 9/11 Commission? Then, why did he underfund, stonewall, delay security clearances, resist providing documents, refuse to have his staff, his VP, and himself testify under oath? What was being covered up? We read excerpts and watch DVDs by scholars and whistleblowers. Please join our discussion.

Location Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day Friday
Meeting Time 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date September 16, 2022
End Date December 2, 2022
No Course Dates November 25, 2022
Participation Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size 10
# of Sessions 11
Registration Required, contact coordinator for instructions

PLATO is proudly supported in part by Oakwood Village.


PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in association with:

for more information, contact us at:

info@platomadison.org

608-572-6869

6209 Mineral Point Road #203
Madison, WI 53705

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