SPRING-II SESSION

 A WIDE LENS ON HOT SPOTS IN THE WORLD: IRAN, ITS HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS Instructor: F.X. Charet

In the shifts and changes that are rippling across the world, it is a challenge to keep up, get the salient facts, and come to an understanding of what is occurring. Rather than skimming the surface of any given subject, it is often more productive to take a closer and deeper look. In this course Iran will be the focus in the hopes of clarifying its background history and current place in the modern world and the implications for the future of the Middle East.

CLASSICAL COMPOSERS AND THEIR MUSIC - A CLOSER LOOK – I, J, K,L Instructor: Roxanne Martel

This course is continuing with the series of classes on composers, in alphabetical order.  It will take a look at the music of classical composers in greater depth than previous sessions.  We will explore a variety of music from well-known, and some lesser-known composers.  Each composer has left a body of works and the plan is to go beyond the “popular” repertoire and listen to a broader selection of works including symphonies, concertos, sonatas, and chamber music.  The composers will include Ives, Janáćek, Kabalevsky, Kodály, Khachaturian, Korngold, Liszt and Léhar.

HISTORIES OF SCIENCE Instructor: Bruno Paul Stenson

A general history of science followed by a closer look at individual sciences both well known (e.g.
palaeontology) and lesser known (e.g. volcanology). NOTE: Prior knowledge of any science is not
required for taking this course.
1) A History of Science
The development of scientific ideas, methods and discoveries from prehistory to the 21st century.
2) Fossils / Dinosaurs of Canada
What dinosaurs were, how their remains were preserved, why we find them where we do, and some
Canadian dinosaurs... dead and alive!
3) Hominids
The evolution of our species and the close relatives we outlived to become the only hominids on Earth.
4) Charles Darwin
The life of Charles Darwin, the ancient roots of evolutionary theory, and the repercussions of his most famous book.
5) Volcanoes: Dust and Liquid Rock
How volcanoes work, and a look at some famous examples including Vesuvius, Tambora... and Mount Royal? Hmm...
6) Get Stuffed! A History of Taxidermy
This lecture is stuffed with information about taxidermy, and examples – both good and very, very bad – of that unique art.

MODERN THOUGHT:  IDEAS THAT HAVE FORMED OUR WORLD Instructor: F.X. Charet

A continuing tour through the highways and byways of contemporary western thought - to what end? So that you may get a sense of the passion that has enticed the western mind to probe, criticize, argue and celebrate the wisdom and the folly of trying to uncover truth, understanding and the meaning of life and the impact this has had on the world.   

MOVIE MATINEE

We will only be showing 5 movies during the Spring II session as there are too many holidays on the Mondays.  This selection was made from the input we received at our last board meeting.

Hope you enjoy them!

1.    The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - 2012 – comedy

2.    Belle – 2014 – historical drama

3.    St. Vincent – 2014 – comedy

4.    Manchester by the Sea – 2016 – drama

5.    Anatomy of a Fall – 2023 – suspense