SPRING 2025 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Classic Film Discussion

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Baxter Richardson	baxter.2614@charter.net	608-509-5528
Susan Watson

Course Description

This is a participatory class that relies on discussion as the means for learning more about what makes film significant. Each of the 12 films will be chosen because it meets one or more of the following criteria: 1) is from the Silent Era through 1986; 2) has artistic, innovative, cultural or genre significance; 3) has themes that are universal and challenging. All the films will be viewable on Turner Classic Movies cable network as well as other sources such as a library, Kanopy, and Netflix. To identify streaming sources for movies, the streaming guide justwatch.com is recommended.

Location	Virtual via ?
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Start Date	February 16, 2026
End Date	May 4, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	30
# of Sessions	12
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Reading US History: Transforming America, 1815-1848, Part 2

Coordinator

Name	Email
Michael Stevens	Michaelstevens50@gmail.com

Course Description

This continues the fall 2025 session where we read and discussed the first half of Daniel Walker Howe’s What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848. We will cover 1832-48. Howe examines the rise of Andrew Jackson, the Whigs who opposed him and disputes over the rights of Indians, women, and African Americans. We finish with the controversial war against Mexico which gained California and Texas for the US. Because this is Part 2 of a two-semester course, admission priority will be given to those participated in Part 1. Download Course Syllabus.  Download Coordinator Bio

Location	Virtual via ?
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date	February 16, 2026
End Date	April 20, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Psychology of Happiness

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Rebecca Warner	rebeccawarner1021@gmail.com	603-767-4310

Course Description

This course will offer a brief lecture followed by a discussion fueled by participant questions. We will examine these questions: What are positive and negative emotions, and why do we have them? How do we measure happiness and what predicts it? How is ‘eudaimonic’ happiness, which includes sense of purpose and meaning, different from simple pleasure? How can behaviors like kindness and gratitude increase happiness? Why can it be difficult to make long lasting improvements in happiness? Why are people bad at predicting how happy they will feel in future or under different circumstances? What is the potential downside to advocating complete personal responsibility for happiness? Download Coordinator Bio.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 16, 2026
End Date	April 20, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# 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!

Location	Virtual via ?
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Start Date	February 16, 2026
End Date	April 20, 2026
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

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: 2/16 Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman; 2/23 The Ponder Heart by Eudora Welty; 3/2 & 3/9 Horse by Geraldine Brooks; 3/16 & 3/23 James by Percival Everett; 3/30 & 4/6 A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende; 4/13 & 4/20 A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley.

Location	Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	February 16, 2026
End Date	April 20, 2026
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

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	February 16, 2026
End Date	May 11, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	10
# of Sessions	13
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 via ?
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	February 16, 2025
End Date	May 4, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	12
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Great English Manor Homes and Gardens – Changes over 600 years

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Arthur De Smet	tipandskip1@gmail.com	N/A

Course Description

The manor homes and gardens of England are renowned for their number, elegance, and beauty. Using extensive photographs, this four-part series will illustrate their development over 600 years in 14 manor homes and 15 gardens. The manor homes discussed will span from the medieval manors of Ightham Mote and Cotehele to the Tudor black and white of Little Moreton Hall to the Elizabethan masterpiece of Longleat, to the noted English Baroque masterpieces of Chatsworth and Castle Howard, and finally to the Victorian neo-Gothic of Knightshayes. The exterior and interior features of these buildings will be shown. The dramatic changes in garden design over the centuries will also be shown beginning with the Tudor knot garden of Little Moreton to the terraformed landscape wonders of Capability Brown and other landscape architects at Chatsworth, Stourhead and Stowe and then on to the eclectic Victorian styles of Scotney Castle and Biddulph Grange. The renowned modern gardens of Hidcote Manor, Great Dixter and Sissinghurst will conclude the series.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Monday
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	March 9, 2026
End Date	March 30, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Second Tuesday Book Group

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Sally Porter	ssporter22@gmail.com	N/A

Course Description

Join us on the second Tuesday of the month for good reading and good discussion. There is a random selection of books, with 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.) Participants will receive the Spring 2026 book list upon registration.

Location	Stark Company Realtors: 702 N. High Point Road
Meeting Day	Second Tuesday of March, April and May
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	March 10, 2026
End Date	May 12, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	3
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	February 17, 2026
End Date	April 21, 2026
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

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; Best American Essays of 2024.

Location	Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 17, 2026
End Date	April 21, 2026
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

Native Wisconsin

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Kathy Michaelis	ksmichaelis@gmail.com	608-576-4285

Course Description

Learn about Wisconsin First Nations & Experience Native culture. Did you know there are eleven tribes in Wisconsin? Study who our tribes are, where they are located, how they have struggled and thrived, and the impact of Native culture on Wisconsin. NOTE: There may be optional field trips.

Location	Virtual via ?
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	February 10, 2026
End Date	April 14, 2026
No Course Dates	March 3, 2026
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	9
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Shots Heard Round the World: History and Mystery of American Revolution

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Helene Androski	helene.androski@wisc.edu	608-335-5105

Course Description

In this class we will examine the American Revolution, not as a comprehensive overview but as a look at the experiences of the people at the time as depicted in historical and mystery fiction. We will discuss these books both for their information and for their merit as novels: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes; Drums Along the Mohawk by Walter D. Edmonds; King’s Mountain by Sharyn McCrumb, and Blood Red Roses by Margaret Lawrence. Narrative histories recommended, but not required, for background:1776 by David McCullough; The British Are Coming and The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson; The First Salute by Barbara Tuchman.

Location	Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	March 10, 2026
End Date	March 31, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	30
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Jazz

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
David Shaw	dshaw.hpr@gmail.com	N/A

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	February 17, 2026
End Date	April 21, 2026
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

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 Hans Christian Anderson 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	February 3, 2026
End Date	April 28, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	13
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, with the exception of July and August, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Book titles for each month have been selected through June, 2026, and are available from the group coordinator. The group will read and discuss both fiction and nonfiction genres. Participants will be expected to read the book selection for each month and participate in group discussion. Participants will also be asked to lead one book discussion each year.

Location	Christ Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Fourth Tuesday of March, April and May
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	March 24, 2026
End Date	May 26, 2026
No Course Dates	July 22, August 25
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	12
# of Sessions	3
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

The Musical Evolution of the Beatles 1962 - 1970

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Joseph Koykkar	jkoykkar@wisc.edu	608-276-9448

Course Description

This course will highlight how the popular music group, The Beatles, changed the music of the last half of the 20th century. A general study of what makes their music so unique and groundbreaking will be emphasized.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Tuesday
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	February 24, 2026
End Date	April 14, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	8
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

A Mindfulness Approach to Aging: Living Well with Change

Coordinator

                                                                        

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

Course Description

This course explores how mindfulness can help us meet the realities of aging with balance, clarity, and compassion. Through guided meditation, gentle reflection, and practical daily-life tools, we examine how to relate to changing bodies, shifting roles, and emotional challenges with greater ease. Drawing on contemporary insight meditation teachings, each session offers ways to recognize experience without judgment, soften resistance, and cultivate resilience and wisdom. Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike, this course supports living well with change – one moment, one breath, one chapter at a time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Location	Virtual via ?
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	9:00 AM to 10:15 AM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	April 15, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	9
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 and discussing Evil in Modern Thought by Susan Neiman, available in paperback and eBook formats, Princeton Classics, August 25, 2015. The author explores how society and its philosophers view the concept of evil and how that has evolved through the centuries.

Location	Hybrid via ? and in-person at Bethany United Methodist Church
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	May 6, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	12
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Global Affairs and the Media

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Leon Lindberg	lnlindberg204@gmail.com	608-571-9468
Kirk Elliott	kirk_elliott@hotmail.com	608-213-6100

Course Description

We focus on international events and concerns, and aim to address American issues only as they relate to the rest of the world. Sometimes American issues are compelling; we can be flexible on our topics. An invited speaker or a member of the group will make a presentation of about 40 to 60 minutes followed by participants' questions and comments for perhaps 20 minutes. We'll then continue to discuss the topic of the day or 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	Capitol Lakes
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	April 22, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
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	N/A

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 via ?
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	May 20, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	14
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Introduction to Infectious Diseases

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Barry Fox	cbcfox@wisc.edu	N/A
Linda Fox	lindafox5@yahoo.com

Course Description

This course will cover information on current diseases of concern like Covid, Influenza, and Pneumonia. We will present real cases to demonstrate how diseases are transmitted, and discuss preventive vaccines and antibiotic treatments. We will also look at Global Health and how it affects us in the United States, including imported diseases and emerging and re-emerging diseases. Finally, we will help you better understand how to keep yourselves healthy, whether in the US or traveling abroad. Download the Syllabus. Download Dr. Barry Fox's Bio. Download Linda Fox's Bio. NOTE: To register for this course, email Linda Fox at lindafox5@yahoo.com.  

Location	Virtual via ?
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	April 22, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact Linda for instructions

Page Turner's Book Discussion Group

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 to learn which books we will read.

Location	Monona Library
Meeting Day	First Wednesday in March, April and May
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Start Date	March 4, 2026
End Date	May 6, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	12
# of Sessions	3
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 via ?
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	April 22, 2026
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

Film History

Coordinator

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

Course Description

If you love movies as much as I do, don’t miss this class! Each semester we will cover a decade of movies considered as noteworthy by film experts followed by discussion of the film’s good and perhaps not so good features. I will try to incorporate some educational elements on the history and development of cinema. So as the lights dim... sit back, bring your own excitement for cinema, and let’s watch movies together! Download the Course Schedule.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Wednesday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date	February 18, 2026
End Date	May 6, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	12
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	February 19, 2026
End Date	April 23, 2026
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

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 the uniqueness and particularity of persons who may be on the spectrum. The matter of "adapting” to others’ logic generalizes, as I explore and illustrate how we can get into another person’s seemingly remote world. Regarding autism, more general issues will also be addressed: autism prevalence, autism genetics and neurology, autism diagnosis, and “autistic intelligence” (which is the title of a book I co-authored in 2022), 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. I aim for lots of discussion. Those with children, grandchildren, friends, or relatives who are on the spectrum will find this course useful, and will be encouraged to share their experiences (I myself have a son who was diagnosed when he was in 5th grade). Others with a general interest in the topics of autism and how to get in another person’s world will be welcome as well.

Location	Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 19, 2026
End Date	April 9, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	15
# 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 via ?
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	February 19, 2026
End Date	April 23, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	14
# 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’ll read Nathan the Wise by Lessing. Other plays we will choose from are Arcadia, 12 Angry Men, Fences, and Hedda Gabler.

Location	Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Start Date	February 26, 2026
End Date	April 16, 2026
No Course Dates	March 12, 2026
Participation
Class Size	18
# of Sessions	7
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Democracies vs Autocracies

Coordinator

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

Course Description

The course will cover how democratic and authoritarian 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.

Some instructions for registering:

1. Please email the course coordinator to register.
   
2. Registration is limited to the first 15 people who sign up.
   
3. If you plan to miss more than two sessions, please do not register, as it is anticipated there will be a waiting list for the course.
   
4. Since weekly readings will be sent as email attachments, access to a computer or tablet is needed.
   
   

Location	Covenant Presbyterian Church
Meeting Day	Thursday
Meeting Time	1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Start Date	March 5, 2026
End Date	April 30, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	15
# of Sessions	9
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

America's National Parks: A Video Journey

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This course will explore the birth and development of the greatest National Park System in the world! Past iconic figures such as John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, Stephen Mather, Horace Albright, Ken Burns, and others will be discussed. In addition to our video journey, we will discuss the threats and challenges that the National Park System currently faces in 2026.

Location	Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
Meeting Day	Friday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	March 6, 2026
End Date	March 27, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	35
# of Sessions	4
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Shakespeare and Poetry: Part Five

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
ThomasSchlicht		608 831-6593

Course Description

We will read two Roman plays and watch DVDs based on them: Titus Andronicas (A. Hopkins, lead role) and Coriolanus (R. Fiennes). We will also view Shakespeare in Love (G. Paltrow) and have several short lectures on Coriolanus by Shakespeare expert Prof. Clare Kinney. After continuing our study of Shakespeare's sonnets from last fall's term, we will also learn the rules for writing a Petrarchan sonnet and for totally non-Shakespearean forms from ballads to free verse, and from limericks to haiku. Volunteers who write original poems based on any forms we study in class are encouraged to read them aloud to us.

Location	Madison Senior Center
Meeting Day	Friday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 20, 2026
End Date	April 17, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Some reading/discussion expected
Class Size	8
# of Sessions	9
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

Living in 1984

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Janet Bailey	jb.plato.jb@gmail.com	N/A

Course Description

Orwellian references are everywhere. Oppression hangs heavy. 1984 has finally, irrevocably it seems, caught up to us. But the world has been living in 1984 for at least a century. This course will take themes from George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four and examine them in three contexts: during Orwell's lifetime; the year 1984 within the novel; and the 2020s. The left bookend will examine how Orwell came to write the novel, along with political theory and ideologies of authoritarian regimes. The right bookend deals with possible escape routes – idealistic and realistic. Download the Syllabus.

Location	Virtual via Google Meet
Meeting Day	Friday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Start Date	February 20, 2026
End Date	April 24, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	Regular reading/discussion expected
Class Size	20
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions

PLATO Travel group

Coordinator

Name	Email	Phone
Annette Bollig	acbollig@gmail.com	267-303-1328
Kevin Bollig	kevinbollig@gmail.com	267-303-1328
Lois Baseler	loisbaseler@gmail.com	608-220-1840
Linn Roth	linnroth102@gmail.com	608-238-2297

Course Description

PLATO Travel Group participants are adventurous, curious, and eager 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	February 20, 2026
End Date	May 1, 2026
No Course Dates	April 3
Participation	No reading to minimal reading
Class Size	No limit
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Registration not required; contact acbollig@gmail.com to be included in the email list for announcements if not already on the list. If you have joined the email list during past sessions, you will continue to be included until you unsubscribe.

Reading Three Classics

Coordinator

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

Course Description

This semester we will be reading three classics: Howard’s End, by E.M. Forster, Penguin Classics ISBN: 9780141182131; The Stranger, by Albert Camus, Vintage ISBN: 9780679720201; and Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Penguin Classics ISBN: 9780141439471. For the first class, please read up to page 67 of Howard’s End.

Location	Hybrid via ? and in-person at Fitchburg Senior Center
Meeting Day	Friday
Meeting Time	10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Start Date	February 20, 2026
End Date	April 24, 2026
No Course Dates
Participation	High participation with assignments and/or possible presentations by participants
Class Size	14
# of Sessions	10
Registration	Required, contact coordinator for instructions