Fall 2025 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Reading US History: Transforming America, 1815-1848, Part 1

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Michael Stevens	Michaelstevens50@gmail.com	N/A

Course Description

Read and discuss Daniel Walker Howe’s What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848. This history of America’s developing years weaves together political and military events with social, economic, and cultural history. Howe examines the rise of Andrew Jackson, the Whigs who opposed him, and their disputes over the rights of Indians, women, and African-Americans. The story culminates in the controversial war waged against Mexico which gained California and Texas for the United States. Because of the size of this book, we will read the first half this fall and the second half in the spring of 2026. Download the Syllabus. Download Michael Steven's Bio.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date	September 15, 2025
End Date	November 17, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Drawing as a Sacred Activity

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Now is the time to silence the inner critic and release your Creative Spirit. In this class you will relax with a pencil and paper and you will open your mind as you explore simple drawing exercises that help you to observe the world around you without judgment. Also, these drawing exercises will help you to imagine and draw out the world within you. Drawing is more ancient than writing and today with Artificial Intelligence it is essential for all of us to connect with our Innate Creative Spirit. Come draw with Heather! Watch this 39-minute interview to learn more about Heather and her approach to drawing as a sacred activity.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Start Date	September 15, 2025
End Date	November 17, 2025
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

Why Free Speech is not a Free Pass

Coordinator

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

Course Description

You’ve probably heard someone at some point proudly proclaim, “It is a free country. I can say whatever I want,” but is that really true? Some people are all for the First Amendment until they hear something they don’t like. So, what are the limits of free speech? Does the First Amendment protect too much or not enough speech? What kind of speech? And who decides? Congress? The Court? The President? We will talk about current cases and look at the Constitution. But be prepared: your own attitudes about free speech may not always be in agreement with what the Constitution says. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Start Date	October 6, 2025
End Date	November 17, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	7
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

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. In general, we are no longer saving for retirement, but we are continuing to grow and use the money that we saved. We’ll cover topics such as the importance of diversification, taxes and retirement, investment decision-making, handling retirement fund distributions, creating qualified charitable contributions, leaving our kids money, understanding what should be in taxable vs tax deferred accounts and using tools (like Morningstar rankings) in making financial decisions. The class is designed so that we’ll learn just as much from the experiences of our classmates as we will from the YouTube videos we'll watch or guest speakers we'll hear from. Each semester offers a new mix of presentations, videos, and 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 15, 2025
End Date	December 1, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	12
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	September 15, 2025
End Date	November 17, 2025
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

Novels Old and New

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Cindy Collins	cindaa0812@gmail.com	608-220-3812
Jane Stimac	jstimac242@gmail.com	608-347-7819

Course Description

During the Fall session we will discuss the following novels: 9/15 & 9/22 The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church; 9/29 & 10/6 The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd; 10/13 & 10/20 This is Happiness by Niall Williams; 10/27 &11/3 The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys; and 11/10 & 11/17 Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes.

Location	Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	September 15, 2025
End Date	November 17, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	25
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Irv Klibaner	ihklibaner@yahoo.com	608-628-6154

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: The Art of the Story: An International Anthology of Contemporary Short Stories, by Daniel Halpern; and Best American Essays of 2024.

Location	Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 16, 2025
End Date	November 18, 2025
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

Biography

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Chuck Pils	cmpils3304@gmail.com	608-772-8575

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 look at biographies of widely different people – historical, political, show business, environmentalists, etc.

Location	Vista West
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 16, 2025
End Date	November 18, 2025
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

Alicia's Book Club

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Sally Porter	ssporter22@gmail.com	--

Course Description

Join us at the Alicia Book Club at Alicia Ashman Library at High Point and Old Sauk Rd for good reading and good discussion! Participants will receive the book list upon registration. There is a random selection of books, one to be read each month for group discussion. The expectation that each person will be a discussion leader of a book of their choice from the list during the year. (Treat provider is up for discussion.)

Location	Alicia Ashman Library
Meeting Day	Second Tuesday of Each Month: Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.
Meeting Time	10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Start Date	September 9, 2025
End Date	December 9, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	4
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 a chronological history of the film musical beginning with On the Town (1949) and continuing on through each decade. The films have been chosen due to their historical significance as well as their popularity at the box office. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date	September 16, 2025
End Date	December 16, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	14 Sessions
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Jazz

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Mike Lipp	lippfamily@charter.net	608-233-3943

Course Description

We are a congenial group of jazz enthusiasts ranging from eager newcomers to seasoned aficionados. All jazz genres are thoughtfully presented through class participation; documentaries and visiting jazz musicians and scholars. We welcome all levels of jazz knowledge and no musical skills are required. NOTE FOR PARTICIPATION: We encourage class participation. There are no assignments, however, your enthusiasm is deeply appreciated and presentations are welcome.

Location	Wisconsin Bank and Trust
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	September 16, 2025
End Date	November 18, 2025
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

Prose and Cons Book Discussion Group

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Barbara Drake	barbaradrake21@gmail.com	N/A

Course Description

This book discussion group will meet monthly throughout the year on the 4th Tuesday. Book titles for each month have been selected through May, 2026, and are available from the group coordinator. Beginning in June, 2026, members of the group will be included in the book selection process, and both fiction and nonfiction titles will be considered. Participants will be expected to read the book selection for each month and will be asked to lead one discussion group per year.

Location	Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Fourth Tuesday of Each Month: Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 25, and Dec. 23
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	September 23, 2025
End Date	December 23, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	12
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Tuesday Tea at Three with Tobey and Wes

Coordinator

                                                                        

Name	Email	Phone
Tobey and Wes Marsceill	2746platoclasses@gmail.com	954-695-2778

Course Description

Join us for an afternoon of tea, cookies and conversation at the home of Tobey and Wes Marsceill on the first and third Tuesday of each month. This is a small group discussion class on a wide range of topics related to our journey through life. Some topics might include: Plan B (with an ever changing America do seniors need a Plan B?); health care and aging in place; coping with loss; and staying connected to others.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Location	Contact Coordinators for their Fitchburg home address
Meeting Day	First and Third Tuesdays: Oct. 7 & 21; Nov. 4 & 18; Dec. 2 & 16
Meeting Time	3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Start Date	October 7, 2025
End Date	December 16, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	10
# of Sessions	6
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Gentle Chair Yoga for stress reduction

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Stephanie Steigerwaldt	steph.steigerwaldt@gmail.com	N/A

Course Description

Gentle Chair Yoga is accessible to people at all stages of life, offering the many benefits of yoga to promote mental, physical, and emotional health. This 45-minute class requires an armless, sturdy chair to provide support during seated and standing poses and movements. Over time, this practice can improve strength, flexibility, and balance; enhance proprioception; and promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. No previous experience with yoga is necessary to attend this class. Even people with limited mobility can participate. Members are welcome to drop in to try it out anytime – simply send Stephanie an email at least a day in advance of the class to receive the Zoom link.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Start Date	October 7, 2025
End Date	December 9, 2025
No Course Dates	October 28
Participation	Drop-in participation is welcome
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	9
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for Zoom link

Mindfulness of Mind: Emotion & Thinking

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Mindfulness of emotion and thinking means being present with what I feel and think in each moment, without judgment or attachment. Emotions are allowed to be felt; thoughts are noticed but not followed blindly. This creates space for clarity, compassion, and wiser choices. This class is a training dealing with using mindfulness practice to treat these mind states in the manner described above. Each 45-minutes class will include a meditation, teaching sections, and time for discussion. Previous experience with mindfulness practice is not required.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:15 AM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	November 19, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Two Major Art Centers in Europe: Paris and Vienna

Coordinator

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

Course Description

These four fully-illustrated PowerPoint presentations will highlight major works of art from the restoration of Notre Dame in Paris to the Viennese Succession. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date	October 15, 2025
End Date	November 5, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Global Affairs and the Media

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Leon Lindberg	lindbe@tds.net	608-571-9468
Kirk Elliott	kirk_elliott@hotmail.com	608-213-6100

Course Description

We focus on international events and concerns, addressing American issues only as they relate to the rest of the world. An invited speaker or a member of the group will make a presentation of about 40 minutes followed by your questions and comments for perhaps 20 minutes. We'll take a break and then pull some chairs into a circle, and discuss items of interest that members have brought to the meeting (members are invited to bring a news clipping or news item summary). We hope to increase our exposure to high-quality sources of news and information.

Location	Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	November 19, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Discussions in Philosophy

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Ed Cothroll	cothroll@tds.net	608-831-4493
Bill Colwell	wscacct@live.com	847-830-1501

Course Description

We will be reading an interesting book, Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (Fsg Classics) Paperback – October 29, 2024 by Jostein Gaarder (Author), Paulette Moller (Translator). The book is available in paperback and eBook formats. This book was written by the author as a teaching method for young students to learn the history of Western philosophy. While this course will concentrate on history and contributions of individual philosophers, the book’s back story concerns the puzzles teenage Sophie encounters in her life as she learns philosophical perspectives on those from a mysterious mentor. We will supplement from time to time with more in-depth philosophical references.

Location	Hybrid - Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	November 19, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

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 events. Some topics will be hot and 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 share relevant links via email during the week about topics for discussion.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	December 17, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	14
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Page Turners Book Discussion Group (formerly called Pinney Lane)

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Nancy Miller	nancym2079@gmail.com	608-320-0896

Course Description

This book discussion group meets on the first Wednesday of the month to discuss a novel. The book selections are determined in the spring of each year and assigned to a specific month. Group members volunteer to lead the discussion one month out of the year, and also select a month to bring treats to share with the group one month out of the year. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Monona Library
Meeting Day	First Wednesday of Each Month: Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Start Date	September 3, 2025
End Date	December 3, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	12
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Film History

Coordinator

                                                                        

Name	Email	Phone
Mary Klink	jgmk10@gmail.com	608–235–9631

Course Description

Back by popular demand! There was so much appreciation for films of the 1940's last semester that we will be watching and reviewing more movies from Hollywood's Golden Age this semester. I hope you will join me again or for the first time. I look forward to lively discussions of the films which we will watch in class. There are no reading assignments or homework for this class. Come, enjoy and learn about the history and evolution of cinema along with enthusiastic fellow cinephiles!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	November 19, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

A History and Discussion of Second Wave Feminism in the US

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
MaryJo MacSwain	mjmacwi@earthlink.net	847-372-6806
Robin Proud	robinproud@gmail.com	608-236-2229

Course Description

Second wave feminism generally refers to the social movement that began in the United States during the 1960’s. We will be anchoring the class with the book When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women From 1960 to the Present by Gail Collins. This will be supplemented with additional information. The class will require reading and active participation. We want to hear about your personal experiences. This is not just a class for women. If you are a feminist or want to learn more about it, please join us. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	October 29, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	7
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Current Events PM

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Meg Taylor	taylome@charter.net	608-369-3578
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, 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.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	September 17, 2025
End Date	November 19, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	25
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Writing Workshop - WED

Coordinator

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

Course Description

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” Louis L’Amour. Whether you’ve yet to write the first word or are deliberating over the last, our writers group will provide you with the feedback and support to bring out your best. All writers are welcome, regardless of experience or the type of writing pursued. 

The workshop is facilitated by Andy Millman, a writing coach and editor whose own stories and essays have appeared in over two dozen publications, 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 17, 2025
End Date	November 19, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	14
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

What in the World Happened

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Chuck Pils	cmpils3304@gmail.com	608-772-8575

Course Description

This course is made up of presentations on eclectic historical topics of interest. Examples of topics come from natural disasters, historical battles, assassinations, political events etc. 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. Topics this semester are determined by the group.

Location	Vista West
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 18, 2025
End Date	December 4, 2025
No Course Dates	November 27, 2025
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	11
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Learning the Language & Logics of Autism

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Douglas Maynard	dwmaynar@wisc.edu	608-213-0126

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to explore the language and logics of autism so as to adapt to uniqueness and particularity. More general issues will also be addressed, such as autism prevalence, autism genetics and neurology, autism diagnosis, and related matters. We will view videos from my research in diagnostic clinics, watch some autism-related movies (or parts thereof), and do some autism related reading. A good example would be chapters from Ron Suskind’s book Life Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism, which is about his son, Owen. There is also a movie of the same name, from which I will use video excerpts for discussion purposes. I aim for lots of discussion. Those with children, grandchildren, friends, or relatives who are on the spectrum will find this course useful. But others with a general interest in the topic will be welcome as well.

Location	Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	October 2, 2025
End Date	November 20, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	8
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

On Being Mortal: Retaining Quality of Life as We Age

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Cheryl Campbell	cheryl@hebell.net	561-403-3935

Course Description

To cover the challenges of aging, ranging from avoiding social isolation, maintaining adequate healthcare coverage and caregiver support, to living with purpose, satisfaction, while maintaining independence. Emphasis will also be placed on resources available within Madison WI. End-of-life planning, including an executor handbook, will be covered. Course will consist of presentations, handouts, and guided conversations with participants. Two optional in-person field trips will be offered: one on using the Madison bus system, and another at a downtown restaurant for lunch and walk to Winter Art Off the Square. Download the Syllabus. Download Cheryl Campbell's Bio.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Start Date	September 18, 2025
End Date	December 4, 2025
No Course Dates	Oct. 9, Oct.23, Oct. 30, Nov. 27
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	18
# of Sessions	8
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Writing Workshop - THURS

Coordinator

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

Course Description

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” Louis L’Amour. Whether you’ve yet to write the first word or are deliberating over the last, our writers group will provide you with the feedback and support to bring out your best. All writers are welcome, regardless of experience or the type of writing pursued.

The workshop is facilitated by Andy Millman, a writing coach and editor whose own stories and essays have appeared in over two dozen publications, 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 18, 2025
End Date	November 20, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	14
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Democracies vs Authoritarian Governments

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Tim Otis	tierneyotis@gmail.com	608-279-2853

Course Description

The course will cover how authoritarian and democratic forms of government evolved over the centuries. Special attention will be focused on the turbulent 20th century up to the present times. We will explore the common assumptions about why people may be attracted to one or the other form of governing, and the consequences of misplaced beliefs. We will pay particular attention to the fragility of democracy and the allure of autocracy. The course is discussion based, and there are “required” readings for each session. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	September 18, 2025
End Date	November 20, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

The Play's the Thing

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Each semester we read (aloud) from a large collection of plays that the group owns. During class, we will 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 read: The Three Sisters by Chekhov. Other plays we will choose from are Master Builder, The Respectful Prostitute, and Dr. Faustus. Please note that the November 20th class will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church.

Location	Madison Senior Center & Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date	October 9, 2025
End Date	November 20, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	7
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

We Love a Mystery

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This class meets every two weeks (or 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. Novels can be found in the South Central Library System. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Every other Thursday
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date	September 18, 2025
End Date	December 4, 2025
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

Classic Film Discussion

Coordinator

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

Course Description

Lights, camera, action! Join and discuss films selected primarily from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) shown the previous week and watched at your convenience in your own home. Think of us like a book club for movies! We discuss the history and social relevance of the films, and learn about film techniques, cinematography, and the resumes of the directors and actors. You will be invited to join the Google Meet via email the evening of the discussion. Some movies may be shown off-hours so participants should have the ability to record, tape, or stream movies or obtain a DVD from their local library to fully participate.

Location	Virtual
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	7:00pm – 8:00pm
Start Date	September 25, 2025
End Date	December 18, 2025
No Course Dates	November 27, 2025
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	30
# of Sessions	12
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Reading the Classics: Swann's Way by Marcel Proust

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This semester we will read Swann's Way: In Search of Lost Time, Vol. 1, in the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, translated by Lydia Davis. The ISBN is 978-0142437964. For the first class please read through Combray Part 1, page 48.

Location	Hybrid - Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day	Friday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 26, 2025
End Date	December 5, 2025
No Course Dates	November 28, 2025
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	14
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Shakespeare: Method and Meaning, Part Four

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Thomas Schlicht		608 831-6593

Course Description

Continuing our study of the Bard, this time we’ll read and watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, Much Ado about Nothing and Antony and Cleopatra. Some of the lead actors in these plays: Michelle Pheifer, Laurence Fishburne, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh and Charlton Heston. In addition, each week we’ll read a Shakespearean sonnet and do some easy writing exercises that will prepare us for writing our own individual sonnets. Volunteers will be welcome to read their poems aloud. Along the way we'll have plenty of fun as we always do!

Location	Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day	Friday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	September 19, 2025
End Date	November 14, 2025
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	8
# of Sessions	9
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions