Posts Tagged ‘for’
The History Of Women
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Thursday; 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
In-person **NEW**
We will discuss the role women played in society throughout the ages from hunter-gatherers to modern times. While women are over half the population, standard history and anthropology texts say little about women and what they accomplished. And though it is a story often left untold, assumptions about women’s roles abound. However, current scholarship is changing those assumptions and the findings may surprise you.
We will examine many similar findings about women that demolish the myth of the ‘weaker sex’. We will shine a light on the little-known history of women, and to do so we will enlist the work of modern historians, archeologists, anthropologists, biologists, economists, and sociologists. In disentangling the past, we will learn about the stellar accomplishments of little-known female artists, writers, and scientists as well as ground-breaking discoveries by women that were credited to men.
Participants may choose to present from a wide range of topics.
Read MoreExploring the World of Podcasts
Bi-weekly; Week One; Wednesday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
In-person **NEW**
Podcasts are a relatively new use of technology to share information, expand our understanding of the world as well as to entertain us while we go about our active lives. There is a topic for every interest. This workshop aims to explore the world of podcasts by examining those that tackle a variety of topics (example: The Daily by New York Times journalists) to ones that delve deeply into specific subjects (Science Friday) to ones that tell a story (The Memory Palace). We will examine how to choose podcasts that are both reliable and enjoyable. Workshop participants will select a topic, and explore up to three podcasts on that topic. Each presenter will recommend that fellow participants listen to one of their chosen podcasts prior to the presentation and discussion which the presenter will lead. Presentation topics may include the biographical sketch of the podcast host(s) and guests, format and style, and quality of the information.
Read MoreObject Lessons
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Monday; 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
In-person **NEW**
Object Lessons utilises the growing field of material culture studies to examine the hidden lives of ordinary objects. We will create a critical framework based on the series of concise books, essays, and a blog by the same name – a joint effort of Bloomsbury Press and The Atlantic magazine. There are many titles in the series, which continues to expand. Participants can choose a book or an essay to share. Examples of recent titles are Veil, Cell Tower, and Coffee. They can also bring a personal item to analyze with the group. To glimpse the intrigue that the analysis of objects can bring to the fore, you can consult the series website:
http://objectsobjectsobjects.com/
Read MoreThe Brains Behind Scientific Revolutions
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
In-person **NEW**
The ways we interpret the physical universe and its actions has changed significantly throughout the ages. We no longer consider the ‘Four Elements of Matter’ or the ‘Humours of Living Organisms’ to be a sufficient explanation of how things are. In this workshop we will investigate the people behind the changing theories and their motivations from earliest astronomy to the state of science we have today.
Workshop participants will be expected to research this development and make a short (approximately 30 minute) presentation to the group. More information and suggested topics will be posted to the Workshop notes.
Read MoreExtraordinary Lives: Workshop on Biographies
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Monday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
In-person
Biographies recount the stories of people’s lives, placing events, decisions and actions into context. Typically, their subjects are people who have faced significant obstacles in their lives.
The workshop will focus on biographical books and films that interpret the lives of noteworthy individuals. World leaders, celebrities, business gurus, spies, popes, and heroes will be considered.
Each two-hour session will feature two biographies – preferably one book and one film per session. Each participant is expected to choose either a book or film, and give a brief presentation about their selection at one of the workshop sessions. Participants are encouraged to read the books or films discussed in the workshop. A list of book and film biographies will be circulated and the workshop schedule will be determined in consultation between participants and facilitators. Discussion will typically focus on challenges individuals faced within the context of their times.
Read MoreCelebration Of Song
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Friday; 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom **NEW**
Songs are a vital part of our lives. First, participants will give presentations on their choice of performers (e.g., Tiny Tim, the Beatles, Mel Torme), composers (e.g., Cole Porter, Jim Webb, Lennon & McCartney), historical period or favourite songs. Second, we can choose to sing the songs we discuss acapella or with accompaniment. Just listening is welcome as well. Third, we explore what makes music appealing. It’s relaxing, fun and informative.
Read MoreJazz Appreciation
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Thursday; 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In-person
Jazz music is considered to be America’s greatest original art form and is well known for its creativity and innovation. Since its emergence at the beginning of the 20th century, its evolution has been closely woven into the tremendous changes and upheaval in American society.
Our Jazz Appreciation workshop features examples and discussions of various different eras and personalities and how the evolution of jazz has reflected and contributed to those changes.
Each participant is requested to select a musician, personality, or genre and prepare a presentation of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Examples of recorded music should be provided to share with the group and time allowed for group discussion to follow.
This is an enthusiastic, highly interactive and fun class in which all are welcome from curious beginners to those who have enjoyed all aspects of jazz for many years. Wherever possible, we invite a guest musician to explain and illustrate the role of their own instrument in jazz
Read MoreArtists’ Lives
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Tuesday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Online via Zoom
Small group workshop therefore membership will be limited
Join us as we continue our exploration of various artists’ lives, artwork, influences, challenges, themes, philosophies, and legacies. Using various texts (e.g. novels, biographies, films, podcasts, interviews), we’ll also analyze representations of these lives. Possible artists include Yinka Shonibare, Suzanne Valadon, Barbara Hepworth, Käthe Kollwicz, Prudence Heward, Niki de Saint Phalle, Katsushika Oi/Katsushika Hokusai, Daphne Odjig, Vilhelm Hammershøi, Amrita Sher-Gil, Egon Schiele, and Maira Kalman. Members are expected to read, watch, or listen to each session’s text/s and present once. Presentations should include interesting research findings, thought-provoking discussion prompts, and, ideally, some images. Note: this is a smaller-group workshop with one in-depth presentation and extensive discussion per session.
Read MoreChina In The Evolving World Order
Bi-weekly; Week One; Tuesday; 12:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom
For the past several years this workshop has studied the rise of China, the US response, and their ensuing conflicts that affect Canada and the global order. The workshop will consider a range of current events, issues and policy options as they emerge and evolve in a world fraught with uncertainty. Subject to the facilitator’s discretion, it is expected that workshop members will do a presentation on a topic of interest.
Read MoreClass and the City
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Monday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Online via Zoom **NEW**
Small group workshop therefore membership will be limited
We will read twelve novels, each substantially situated in a different global metropolis. Our focus will be on lives lived in the current era within these urban conglomerates and the particular way urban social political and economic forces can both bring people together and separate them, based on classifications of citizenship, economic class, race, gender and sexuality.
We will read novels set in Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Seoul, Naples, London, New York, Dublin, Istanbul, Lagos, Mumbai, Beirut, and Dubai. Click on Find Out More for the reading list and schedule.
Each participant will select one of the readings to present to the group. Everyone is expected to read every book and be prepared to participate in the group discussion.
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