Summer 2024 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Mass Extinctions: Are We Next?

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Alan Capelle	alandcapelle@gmail.com	608-215-9632

Course Description

The earth has experienced five mass extinctions over its 4.6 billion year history. We will explore all these major events in detail and speculate if humans are next in our current 6th extinction! Join Prof. Alan (Madison College) as we embark on a great journey through lost worlds in earth's history.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
Start Date	June 3, 2024
End Date	June 24, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	30
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Book Discussion # 2: Discussing Bill McKibben’s “Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?" (2019)

Coordinator

                                                                        

Name	Email	Phone
Alan Capelle	alandcapelle@gmail.com	608-215-9632

Course Description

We will once again return to another lively discussion on one of Bill McKibben’s more recent books. Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? is a powerful and sobering call to arms, to save not only our planet, but also humanity itself.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Start Date	June 3, 2024
End Date	June 24, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	30
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Exploring Creativity

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This class is an ongoing 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. We are fortunate to use this space. Come and make a commitment to yourself to do art at least two hours per week. Join a group of people who enjoy working on their art together in a peaceful and supportive environment.

Location	Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	June 3, 2024
End Date	August 5, 2024
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

Why Free Speech is not a Free Pass

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Contrary to the belief of some that “It is a free country; I can say whatever I want,” the First Amendment has limits, but when? If someone provokes a mob to storm the United States Capitol, is the speech protected? Can a trial judge in a case where I am a defendant issue a "gag" order to prevent me from criticizing his rulings? What if I am a presidential candidate? Can you be forced to listen? Can you be compelled to speak? Does social media have to follow the same rules? Course members will discuss these boundaries and various theories of free speech. Download the Course Syllabus.

Location	Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	June 17, 2024
End Date	July 22, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	6
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Irv Klibaner	Irwinklibaner@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 2022 and Best American Essays 2022.

Location	Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	June 4, 2024
End Date	July 23, 2024
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

History of the Hollywood Musical

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Michael Troudt	mgmfanatic@aol.com	920-279-1846

Course Description

This is summer session will look at some great composers starting with Rhapsody in Blue. The films have been chosen due to their historical significance as well as their popularity at the box office.

Location	Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	June 4, 2024
End Date	July 2, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	35
# of Sessions	5
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Current Events

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This class will discuss local, national, and international events, both hot and current. 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 for discussion.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Start Date	June 5, 2024
End Date	September 11, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	15
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Introduction to Meditation

Coordinator

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

Course Description

The class provides the ideas and practices related to mindfulness in order to begin or renew a practice. There are a variety of approaches to mindfulness practice. This class focuses on what is known as Insight (or Vipassana) mindfulness, done through the use of mindfulness of breath. Mindfulness can produce increased levels of serenity, joy and focus. Also, it works toward the goals of knowing the mind, training the mind and freeing the mind from the habits and impulses that contributes to the “unsatisfactoriness” we frequently feel in regard to everyday life.

Location	Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date	June 5, 2024
End Date	July 3, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	5
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Exploring Generative AI or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Large Language Models

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Donaby Henton	aiexplorer125@gmail.com	--

Course Description

Take a non-technical dive into ChatGPT, Midjourney and Generative AI. We will take a high level look at how they work and what that means for their results. Try your hand at AI generated knock-knock jokes and pictures of tabby cats rollering skating on Venice Beach! We will review use cases and social ramifications, specifically the Writers Guild Agreement and the Midjourney lawsuit.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Start Date	June 5, 2024
End Date	June 26, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Writing Workshop

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	June 5, 2024
End Date	August 7, 2024
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	14
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions