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101

The News in Context
Will Blacklow

Ten Monday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Reviews and analyzes current events, placing them in political and historical context. National and international affairs are discussed along with the records and programs of both political parties. Court decisions and legislative actions of national importance will be examined. Study group members are expected to follow the news and take part in the discussions. Guest speakers may be invited. Participants will be encouraged to evaluate events in the context of their own political views and experiences. Format: group discussion.

Will Blacklow spent 30 years in politics working for Congressmen Toby Moffett and George Miller and Senator Carl Levin. He also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Clinton Administration and has worked in gubernatorial and presidential campaigns.

102

Great Britain 2006
William Frankel

Seven Wednesday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)
Begins One Week Late, March 8

Examines the history and present position of the major British institutions and the interests and activities of its population. This course will discuss the changing role of the monarchy and political parties in Great Britain today as well as current political and economic issues. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

William Frankel is a British barrister and journalist who lives in London half of the year.

106

The Presidential Office
Bradley Patterson

Ten Wednesday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Looks at the American Presidency as an office tugged by the skeins of history and jostled by the issues of today, a place of noble service and knavish machinations. What were its beginnings? What limits and standards were set? This course examines Presidential institutions today—the Executive Office and the White House staff, their structure and function. Major constitutional issues involving the Presidency will be studied: war powers, executive privilege, Congressional oversight over intelligence, the removal power, treaty making and Presidential disability. Photocopies of reading material will be provided at an extra charge. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Bradley Patterson, Jr. served as a member of the White House staffs of three presidents. He also spent 12 years at the Brookings Institution, taught at George Washington University and is a published author.

110

United States and the World Since 9/11
Chris Van Hollen

Eight Wednesday Mornings (10:00 12:00)

Explores how the United States, the world’s only superpower, has adjusted its international role since September 11, 2001. Includes assessment of U.S. success in Iraq and Afghanistan, in the broader war on terrorism, unilateralism vs. multilateralism, religious and ethnic conflicts, and domestic politics. Focus will be primarily on Europe and the former Soviet Union, Middle East, and South and East Asia. Topics also include nuclear issues, democracy, human rights and global economy. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Christopher Van Hollen is a former Foreign Service Officer whose assignments have included Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs. He has been an Adjunct Professor at American and George Washington Universities

117

Criminal Justice–An Overview
John Kavanagh

Ten Thursday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Presents an overview of U.S. federal, state, military and international criminal justice systems and current controversaries facing each. Areas of exploration will include: jurisdiction, police powers, arrest, roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys, plea bargaining, juries, trials, sentencing, prisons, secret confinement, mandatory sentencing and capital punishment. Format: lecture and discussion.

John Kavanagh is a member of the DC and Md. bars with experience as a civilian defense attorney, a military prosecutor and judge and a prison administrator. He has also been on the faculty of Georgetown University and the American University Law School.

118

India in the World: Another Asian Giant?
Surjit Mansingh

Ten Monday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Examines India as a rising power in the 21st century with a vibrant parliamentary democracy, impressive economic development, military strengths and wide diplomatic connections. This study group will address, in particular, the changing United States–India relationship from estrangement to global partnership, and India’s relations with other Asian powers, especially China. Questions to be discussed include: India’s geostrategic concerns, the meaning and changing content of nonalignment, the future of South Asia and India-Pakistan relations. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Surjit Mansingh recently retired as professor of international politics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has taught in the U.S. and earned a PhD from American University, where she is currently an Adjunct Professor in the School of International Service. She is the author of several books on India.

122

The Social Safety Net and Poverty Among Americans
Velma (Vee) Burke

Ten Tuesday Mornings (9:40 – 11:40)

How does the social safety net work to protect the poor? This course examines the history and philosophy of the government’s two-part social safety net: social insurance and welfare. How do these programs work? The poverty exposed by Hurricane Katrina shocked the nation. Will it change policy? Explores two basic poverty questions: What is the government’s responsibility, if any, for the poor? What are the obligations of the recipient? Reviews antipoverty measures and traces the incidence of poverty among demographic groups and types of families. Explores the results of the 1996 welfare reform law, which repealed the New Deal entitlement of needy children to cash benefits. This study group will also identify relevant issues before Congress. Format: lecture with discussion. (Repeat)

Vee Burke recently retired as a specialist in income maintenance at the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. She has worked and written on social welfare issues for 30 years.

128

The Resurgence of Asia
Michael Yahuda

Eight Monday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Examines the rise of China, India and the revitalization of Japan as part of a greater resurgence of Asia that is challenging Europe and America. This course will consider the re-emergence of Asia from an historical perspective and from the view points of key Asian countries. The text for this seminar is The International Politics of the Asia-Pacific since 1945 by Michael Yahuda. Format: lecture and discussion.

Michael Yahuda is Professor Emeritus, London School of Economics and a visiting scholar at George Washington University. He has an international reputation as an expert on China’s foreign relations and on East Asian politics.

205

Childhood Learning Disabilities
Susan W. Hammond

Ten Wednesday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Discusses the struggle that many children today have with learning, behavioral, and emotional issues. This course will review current understanding of and research on learning differences in childhood, from the perspective of a practicing clinician. Topics covered will include: social problems in children, specific learning disabilities, attention disorders and executive dysfunction and autism spectrum disorders. This seminar will emphasize the day-to-day impact of these issues, understanding children (and grandchildren) who have received these diagnoses and effective intervention strategies. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Susan W. Hammond is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice that has extensive experience evaluating children and adolescents with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and emotional and behavioral difficulties.

208

Psychoanalytic Ideas for Everyday Living
Ruth Neubauer

Eight Tuesday Afternoons (1:45 – 3:45)

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning basic psychoanalytic concepts and applying the ideas to everyday living. This workshop will focus on how basic unconscious processes and conflicts impact current behaviors and beliefs. Participants will read, write and discuss together in order to help ground these concepts in our reality. No advance preparation is necessary. The text used will be Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst. Format: lecture and discussion.

Ruth Neubauer, MSW, is a practicing psychotherapist in the DC area for twenty years. She is on the faculty of the Washington School of Psychiatry and is also a writer and a musician.

How Aging Affects Our Style of Living
Murray West

Eight Friday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Explores current brain and memory theory. This seminar will discuss life style changes caused by aging and will be guided first by our own experience, then by research reports by experts in the field of aging like Robert Butler, Steven Austad, and publications from the National Institute on Aging. Participants will also examine the priceless message about aging from literature like Shakespeare’s masterpiece King Lear. Each participant is expected to have some knowledge of King Lear. Enrollment limited to 20. Format: lecture and discussion.

Murray West, a gerontologist, has a special interest in the study of aging as well as memory skills for older adults. He has participated in research of memory in adults at the CNS, NINDS, and the Clinical Neuropharmacology Branch, NIMH at the National Institutes of Health.

313

Is World Poverty Inevitable?
James W. Fox and James H. Weaver

Ten Tuesday Mornings (9:40–11:40)

Explores the many dimensions of world poverty: What are the facts, particularly noneconomic indicators, about world poverty? Has foreign aid been effective? Is trade the best route to economic growth and poverty reduction? Is culture change necessary for poverty reduction? What are the critics of traditional development strategies saying? Is economic integration and globalization pro-growth and anti-poverty? What is the link between population growth, environmental degradation and poverty? Relevant articles will be handed out in class. Format: lecture and discussion

James Fox is a former chief economist for Latin America at USAID, and former head of USAID’s economic growth evaluation unit. He has also worked as an international economist at the State and Treasury Departments, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

James Weaver is a retired professor of Economics at American University, and has taught many study groups for ILR.

319

Financial Planning and Investment Management in Retirement
John D. Peterson

Eight Friday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Explores the unique financial planning and investment management needs of retirees. Participants will gain knowledge to help them make more informed decisions regarding their finances. A case study helps facilitate discussion of topics including: managing investment assets to meet spending needs (making your money last), minimizing income taxes and maximizing cash flow, understanding the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, planning for long term healthcare needs, and organizing your estate for family and charitable inclinations. The application of planning strategies to today’s investment markets, tax code and financial regulatory environment is emphasized. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

John D. Peterson is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner with thirteen years of experience advising retirees on managing their financial wealth to meet their personal and family goals.

402

What’s Chemistry Got to Do with That?
Muriel Prouty

Ten Tuesday Afternoons (1:45–3:45)

Presents a chemistry course for those who wonder about how things work, but have been afraid of chemistry. There is little math, few equations and no exams. Participants will learn how matter is dissociated into its fundamental chemical components, and then (using the rules of physics and chemistry) reassemble those components into the substances we know–and of which we are made. Emphasis will be on how chemical structure determines function. Discussion will include: LDL, HDL, trans-fats, triglycerides, hemoglobin and other proteins, DNA, RNA, nanotechnology and topics in the news and suggested by participants...and ELVIS! Text can be any fundamental or introductory chemistry text from your family or the library. Format: Lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Muriel Prouty has teaching and research experience in chemistry and biophysics, in industry, government and Academe, with degrees from Cornell and Yale. Introducing chemistry to non-scientists is interesting and challenging.

405

Global Health Revisited
Martha C. Sager

Ten Thursday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Provides a review of the legendary destruction of human populations by disease in epidemic proportions, smallpox, plague and malaria. The first alert in our times was sounded by AIDS, SARS and Bird Flu. The second alert was the discovery of antibiotic resistance developing in pathogens formerly controlled, TB, pneumonias and whooping cough. The third alert questions the potential for the uses of these resistant bugs as weapons. Students will participate in the development of a journal using current media articles and other references. Format: lecture, videos and discussion.

Martha Sager is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Biology at American University, where she taught for 34 years.

409

Human Nature
Fred North

Ten Friday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Examines five factors that are often present in societies that fail or succeed: environmental damage, climate change, hostile neighbors and friendly trade partners. The fifth factor, always significant in failure or success, is the society’s response to its environmental problems. Participants in this workshop will read and discuss Jared Diamond’s book Collapse: How Societies Fail or Succeed. Each participant will be expected to present a summary of a chapter or group of chapters and to lead the discussion. Format: participant presentations and discussion.

Fred North is a pediatrician who taught pediatrics and public health at the University of Rochester, the University of Pittsburgh and George Washington University.

415

Understanding the Information Age
Irwin Lebow

Ten Monday Afternoons (1:30 – 3:30)

Almost everyone uses e-mail today. Do you know when and how it started? How about e-commerce and its effect on “brick and mortar” sales? How are the Internet bloggers changing the news business? Why is the mighty AT&T on the threshold of disappearing? Did you know that digital TV is scheduled to replace today’s TV broadcasting by 2006? Will you have to shell out lots of dollars to enjoy the new medium? Why is everything else going digital too, from records and video tapes to cell phones and camera’s? This study group will help you understand the fast-moving information age: what it is today, where it came from, and where it is likely to take us. And most importantly, it will help you communicate with your grandchildren. Enrollment limited to 15. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Irwin Lebow is a retired telecommunications engineer with experience in government and industry. His degrees are from MIT and he spent 24 years at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory. He was Chief Scientist at the Defense Communications Agency and has written several books.

421

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Solomon Glass

Ten Thursday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Following a survey of classical physics and the examination of various experimental phenomena that demonstrated the failure of these classical concepts, we will arrive at the formulation of Quantum Mechanics, introduced by Heisenberg, Schroedinger, Born and Jordan. The statistical interpretation of Born and the Uncertainty Principle will be discussed. As time permits, various applications will be discussed, such as the Periodic Table of classical elements, magnetism, emission and absorption of radiation, electrical conductivity, the relativistic theory of the electron and antiparticles. Format: lecture and discussion.

Solomon Glass, professor emeritus, Howard University, was a professor of physics at the University of London for two years and a physicist at the National Bureau of Standards for five years.

424

Physics of Energy and Life
Ed Goldin

Ten Tuesday Mornings (9:40–11:40)

If you can take an entity’s measure, it exists. This is the world of physics. Physics is the observation and study of the essence, interaction and behavior of energy and mass. We will apply concepts of physics to things of substance, from tiny particles and quanta to immense galaxies, in order to model reality and predict change. In this context, participants in this study group will learn where the laws come from, and will explore applications of physics to inanimate objects as well as life forms. Can physics help us understand such processes as consciousness, feeling, motivation, behavior and morality? Let’s find out. Format: Lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Ed Goldin holds a PhD in Physics from Polytechnic University and a degree in Fine Arts from Cooper Union. He has taught university physics for 35 years and has done research and written a book on quantum light.

428

Darwin’s Dangerous Idea
Barbara Searle

Ten Wednesday Mornings (10:00–12:00) *

Can Darwin’s theory of natural selection really explain the development of life in all its complexity? Or does the notion of intelligent design have something to be said for it, after all? And what are some of the ways that Darwin’s ideas have permeated our way of looking at the world? Philosopher Daniel Dennett explores these questions and others in his book Darwin’s Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. Participants will read the book examining Dennett’s insights into Darwin’s ideas and the way they have been elaborated since publication in 1859. Participants will be asked, on a voluntary basis, to lead discussion of portions of chapters and to report on occasional supplementary readings. No previous knowledge of biology is necessary. Format: lecture and discussion.

*This class will meet in Capital Hall, Room 116, 4300 Nebraska Ave. on the Tenley Campus of American University.

Barbara Searle has a PhD in biology. She spent her career in international development and has co-led study groups at ILR for the past several years.

430

Understanding How Science Supports Environmental Regulation
Patricia A. Roberts and Hugh L. Spitzer

Ten Tuesday Afternoons (1:45–3:45)

Examines how science is used to support environmental regulations limiting human exposure to toxic chemicals. The goals of this course are to: 1) achieve a level of understanding that will enable non-scientists to appreciate the complexity of environmental regulation; 2) to gain hands on experience by evaluating scientific information from case studies: and 3) to understand how scientific information is used and judged by various interest groups. Enrollment limited to 18. Format: lecture and discussion.

Patricia Roberts is the former Associate General Counsel for the Pesticides and Toxic Substances Law Office at the Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to pursuing law, Ms. Roberts was a research chemist, doing biomedical research at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda.

Hugh Spitzer while at EPA taught national and state health officials and interested citizens how science is used in environmental regulations. He works with public interest groups and professional societies on methods to improve scientific credibility.

432

The Dawn of Modern Science: A History of 19th Century Science
Harold Sharlin

Ten Thursday Mornings (10:00–12:00) *

Nineteenth century science made a radical break with the past. Discoveries and theories ushered in the electronic age, modern chemistry and, of course, there was Darwin. Participants will discuss the historical development of major 19th century theories. How are theories made? When do they change and why do they change? Discussion will center on the nature of science and such issues as creationism and Darwinism. Format: lecture and discussion.

* This class will meet in Capital Hall, Room 116, 4300 Nebraska Ave. on the Tenley Campus of American University.

Harold Sharlin has a BS in electrical engineering and a PhD in history. He taught history of science at the university level for 25 years and has published three books on the history of science.

503

Song and Story
Donn Block

Ten Monday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Explores how many of our greatest composers expressed their genius in the form of song and how other songs seem to arise from within the culture. This study group will assess how language affects our appreciation and whether the singer is the critical factor. Format: lecture and appreciation. (Repeat)

Donn Block is increasingly interested in the genius of composers and cultural relevance of songs of the past centuries. His CD collection is an effort to keep up with his curiosity.

509

Calligraphy
Bertrand Mao

Ten Wednesday Afternoons (1:30 – 3:30)

Introduces participants to the fundamental skills of Chinese calligraphy and ink brush painting as well as a brief history of Chinese art. The course will also touch upon the pictographic and ideological Chinese characters in different scripts through which the Chinese culture as a whole can be better understood. Format: primarily skills with lectures and demonstration. Enrollment limited to 10.

Bertrand Mao, currently a resident artist at Rockville Arts Place, has studied and practiced Chinese calligraphy and ink-brush painting for over 50 years. He has lectured at the Sackler Museum and the National Gallery of Art.

520

Photographing People
Maurice Zubkoff

Eight Thursday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Designed to enhance the ability to take interesting photographs of people, this workshop will review using a camera for taking pictures of people and outline the elements of composition. Discussion will concentrate on different aspects of lighting, control and color usage. Bring your camera to class. Format: lecture, demonstration and practice.

Maurice Zubkoff is a retired engineer with a life-long interest in photography. He holds the DAGS Certificate of Accomplishment (Photography) and has studied with Elbridge Purdy and Freeman Patterson. He specializes in color photography.

521

Women Artists of the 20th Century
MaryLee H. Tinsley

Eight Thursday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Designed to develop a greater awareness of and appreciation for women artists primarily from the 20th century. This series will explore the lives and works of a number of British woman artists and a selection of women sculptors. It will also look at woman as artistic partners and focus on an historical review of women’s self-portraiture, particularly women painting themselves as artists. Most art lovers know of Whistler, Spencer, Rodin and Rivera, but have not heard of Knight, Carline, John or Dehner. Become familiar with these and many more woman artists. Format: lectures with slides and discussion. (Repeat)

MaryLee Tinsley is retired from the Federal Reserve Board. She spent four years in England doing post graduate study in the History of Art Department at the University of Cambridge, lecturing for that department and working for the Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

603

Poetry Workshop
Jennifer Pierson

Ten Wednesday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Presents a workshop designed for serious poets. Using images from Hayden Carruth’s long sequence poem The Sleeping Beauty and William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying this class will discuss sound and rhythm, pacing and silence, breath, language and meaning. Participants write a poem a week and critique each other’s work. The readings will develop skills in writing both poetic prose and epic poetry. Format: lecture, discussion and reading poetry out loud.

Jennifer Pierson, poet and professor of writing at George Washington University, worked as a human rights advocate, dairy farmer, editor and caterer. She holds an MFA in creative writing from American University.

620

Great Yiddish Literature
Arnold Leibowitz

Nine Friday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Focuses on the great writers of Yiddish during the Yiddish renaissance from approximately 1890–1920. Discussion will include: I.L. Perez, Sholom Aleichem, and Sholom Asch, and from more recent years I. Bashevis Singer and Chaim Grade. Participants will read and review the social history of the time. This seminar will discuss Yiddish theater using both text and video tape presentations and some Yiddish poetry. During the lunch hour, video tapes of key Yiddish plays will be presented. Participants will be asked to purchase extensive Xerox copies of course materials for approximately $35.00–$40.00. Format: lecture and discussion.

Arnold Leibowitz is an attorney in Washington DC in practice for more than 40 years. His special interests are Yiddish literature and major social and political trials.

622

Writing Your Memories
Judith Grummon Nelson

Eight Wednesday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)
Starting 2 weeks late, March 15

Designed to discuss the writer’s goals, intended audience, and writing experience. The study group will identify tools needed, and strategies for writing and organizing. Participants will consider how to start a memoir, what to leave out and why, discuss interviewing, and options for editing, publishing and marketing. Some time will be provided to write and read aloud in class. Samples of categories of resources, a bibliography of resource books, and the journal Bibliography will be available to borrow between class sessions. Format: presentation and discussion. (Repeat)

Judith Nelson, a founding member of the Washington Biography Group, is editing her family’s diaries and letters from 1852 to 1941. She has taught at Montgomery College and is a consultant and author.

644

The Crafting of Novels for Readers or Writers
Gene Calvert

Ten Thursday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Designed for two complementary groups. First, those who love reading novels and want to enhance their pleasure by acquiring an insider’s grasp of the novel-making craft. Second, those who love reading novels and want to acquire the basic tools required for first-time novelists. Topics to be covered: why we read novels (how novelists keep us turning the pages); the what, how, and why of fiction, character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, theme, voice, and revision. Topics are approached from both the reader’s and the writer’s perspective. Texts to be used are Writing Fiction (Gotham Writers Workshop) and Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. Format: lecture, discussion and guest authors.

Gene Calvert has taught graduate and undergraduate college courses, as well as management seminars. He earned graduate degrees at Case Western Reserve and Harvard Universities. He is writing his first novel.

646

The Enigmas of Hamlet
Gina Guglielmo

Nine Monday Mornings (10:00–12:00)

Explores the character of Hamlet as unquestionably one of the great enigmas of world literature. In this course the focus will be on the development of the protagonist through a close study of the soliloquies as well as Hamlet’s interaction with his father, Gertrude, Ophelia, Horatio, and Claudius. While analyzing the play’s dramatic elements, Shakespeare’s language and poetic techniques will also be examined and the use of the Folger Shakespeare Library Edition will be an invaluable resource. Finally, the enjoyment of the play will be enhanced by listening to recordings of the great speeches as well as watching and comparing the greatest actors of our time taking on the challenge of portraying this complex character. Enrollment limited to 15. Format: lecture and discussion

Gina Guglielmo has an MA from Fordham University and taught British literature for twenty five years at Immaculata and Good Counsel High Schools. She is presently a docent at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Drama Workshop on Comedy
Teddy M. Handfield

Ten Monday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Ever wonder what makes comedy work? Join us in first examining the idea of comedy and then how it is created in the following plays: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Moliere’s The Miser, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. Participants will read plays in class and discuss various methods used to create comedy and how it is received individually. Requirements include an open mind, a sense of humor and agreement to use the dialogue format as presented. Format: lecture, discussion and group reading.

Teddy Handfield, a speech-communication consultant, retired as Associate Professor from Catholic University’s Drama Department where she taught and directed plays for over 20 years. Courses included acting, voice, interpretation and communication.

Characterization in the Short Story
Rita Kosofsky

Ten Thursday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

“Getting to Know You” sings Anna Leonowens to her little charges in The King and I; Emily Post’s white gloved “How d’you do”, is heard now and then; “What has been happening in your life, dear?” your good friend may inquire. To bring YOU into a story, an author must make his or her characters known to you, to the extent and in the light of her artistic intentions. Participants in this course will study stories in which characters are the most significant element. How fully, how straightforwardly, how evasively, how cryptically...is a character presented? This workshop will read, discuss, and analyze a range of stories, from Flaubert, perhaps Kawabata, and Amy Bloom. There will be opportunities for creative writing. Enrollment limited to 12. Format: lecture and discussion.

Rita Kosofsky studied literature at the university graduate level. She has a teaching background, and has enjoyed leading Great Books and adult groups both at ILR and other venues.

Poems of Catullus
Andrew Mayer

Ten Tuesday Afternoons (1:45–3:45)

Participants will translate the poems of Catullus from Latin into English. For those who have already studied some Latin, this will provide an introduction to Rome’s preeminent lyric poet.

Andrew Mayer has a bachelor’s degree in languages and has spent many years teaching French, Latin and Russian.

Reading Emily Dickinson in Her Context
Eleanor Elson Heginbotham

Ten Tuesday Afternoons (1:45–3:45)

Explores how a reader–experienced or not–wraps his or her mind around that of the genius Emily Dickinson. Few attempt to do so through reading her poems in the context she provided–the 40 “fascicles.” In this seminar, participants will work their way, book by book, through a rich sampling of the work of one of the greatest American writers, reading individual lyrics closely and looking at the ways they are (or possibly are not) made the richer for the neighboring poems in the books she left behind. Format: lecture and discussion.

Eleanor Elson Heginbotham has taught American literature for over 30 years, the last ten of them at Concordia University, St. Paul. She has published a book and written many articles on the work of Emily Dickinson.

Voice and Vocation in Bronte and Eliot
Linda Freeman

Ten Tuesday Mornings (9:40–11:40)

Read and discuss two great novels: Charlotte Bronte’s Villette and George Eliot’s Mill on the Floss. Both novels have interesting author biography aspects to them, and both deal with the old question that Maureen Dowd is currently asking: What’s a bright girl to do in a man’s world? Bronte’s isolating experiences as a teacher in Belgium is the background for Villette, while Eliot’s early girlhood and rebellion provide the impetus for action in her novel. Participants will consider biographical material, historical context, and feminist issues to round out and deepen our understanding of these two critically acclaimed works. Format: lecture and discussion.

Linda Freeman teaches Victorian literature at the University of Maryland, has taught for Smithsonian Associates, and has led many ILR literature study groups.

What’s so Funny About Shakespeare’s Comedies?
Helen Schwartz

Nine Monday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Studies Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing and Measure for Measure, both of which are on stage at the Folger in 2005–2006. Participants in this seminar will explore various interpretations and productions, especially in terms of modern media possibilities. The first part of the class will be devoted to background on comedy, Shakespearean practice and modern stage, movie and TV productions. Discussion will center on the plays act-by-act. Although any well-edited edition (with footnotes) may be used, the Folger edition of each play is best. Format: lecture and discussion.

Helen Schwartz has taught Shakespeare for 40 years and pioneered the use of computers in teaching the humanities in universities, whether in classrooms or online.

704

Crusades and Crusader Castles
Robert W. Page

Ten Thursday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Presents a review of history from Roman times to the reign of Henry I of England. This survey will include a look at the cultural and social aspects, religious influences, methods and types of warfare and the evolution of fortresses and castles through the crusades and the era of Henry I. The lectures will start with the first crusades in order to form a better picture of the castles built during that time. Lectures will be accompanied by use of videos, overhead projections and material from the study group leader’s novel, The Medallion, depicting the early crusades. Format: some reading, lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Robert Page taught at Georgetown University and American University in Beirut. Presently he is a senior lecturer at MIT. He was Assistant Secretary of the Army, Chairman of the Panama Canal Commission and is the author of two books.

706

The Middle East
Robert W. Page

Ten Thursday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Presents a brief history of the early Middle East, and a summary of the Moslem religion, its founding and rapid spread across North Africa and many other areas. This course will cover the various important events from World War I to the present. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Robert Page taught at Georgetown University and American University in Beirut. Presently he is a senior lecturer at MIT. He was Assistant Secretary of the Army, Chairman of the Panama Canal Commission and is the author of two books.

711

17th Century English Revolutionary Period
Martin Lapan

Ten Wednesday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Presents an historic view of 17th century England, a period of change and upheaval. Two revolutions ultimately led to the dominance of Parliament, the American Revolution, and the victory of democratic institutions. How and why they came about will be discussed. Format: lecture and discussion. (Repeat)

Martin Lapan, former executive director of the Jewish Labor Committee, is a former instructor in European history and has, for the past 13 years, offered ILR courses on readings in history, politics and literature.

739

Rwanda: Genocide and Reconciliation
Sarel K. Kromer

Seven Wednesday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)

Examines the recent history of Rwanda, the Rwandan genocide and genocide throughout history, the country’s efforts to rebuild itself as a functioning society in the wake of the genocide. This group will also discuss the Gacaca process of community trials and reintegration, the trauma healing workshops, and the meaning and impact of the truth and reconciliation process in Rwanda, South Africa and worldwide. The text A Problem from Hell by Samantha Power should be read before the second class meeting. Format: lecture and group discussion.

Sarel Kromer is a retired attorney who practiced public interest law in Miami and Washington, and currently does international volunteer work.

742

Jefferson: Ideals, Achievements, and Contradictions
Robert P. Coe

Eight Monday Afternoons (1:30 – 3:30)

Examines the political life, thought and complex character of Thomas Jefferson during major phases of his career. Explores his achievements, his relationships with important political contemporaries, major issues of the time, and apparent contradictions in some of his behavior and ideas. This workshop will try to understand why Jefferson has had such an enormous influence on American politics and culture. The text will be American Sphinx by Joseph J. Ellis. Format: lecture and discussion.

Robert Coe has an MA in History from Columbia University and an MAT from Wesleyan University. He was a Foreign Service Officer in the State Department, primarily as an economist in developing countries.

744

New York: City of Tomorrow
Mark N. Ozer

Eight Thursday Afternoons (1:30–3:30)
Class begins 2 weeks late, March 15

Examines the many factors that make New York unique among the cities of the world. It embodies the spirit of 20th century modernity with its skyscrapers and cultural dynamism, polyglot nature and commercialism. This class will discuss the post-war era when the headquarters of the United Nations was located in New York as well as the New York World Fair in 1939 that foreshadowed prosperity and modernity of the “World of Tomorrow”. The exploration of the city lies not only in its present but in its sometimes hidden past that continues to express itself. Class members will be encouraged to actively contribute to class content. Format: lecture and discussion.

Mark Ozer has been interested in how the character of a city reflects both its history and geography. He extends his previous exploration of these issues in Washington to Paris, and now to New York.

745

European Military Campaigns, 1936–1940
Felipe Sanfuentes

Ten Tuesday Mornings (9:40–11:40)

Provides critical analysis of three military campaigns that changed the world: Spain, 1936–39, Poland 1939, and France, the Low Countries and Luxembourg. Included in the class will be: historiography, diplomatic background, belligerent strategy and tactics. Major campaign battles will be discussed as well as assessment of generalships, manpower, weaponry, fortifications and military and geopolitical lessons. Enrollment limited to 10. Format: lecture and discussion.

Felipe Sanfuentes is an independent researcher who specializes in 20th century military history and international geopolitics, and is a former international civil servant with 30 years experience. He has led four other study groups at ILR.

746

From the Great Thaw to the Great Migration
Fred Exton

Nine Friday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Surveys developments in Western Europe from the end of the Ice Age to the end of prehistory. Participants in this seminar will discuss the new environment created by a temperate climate leading up to the megalithic monuments of Stonehenge and Locmariaquer, and ending with the great migration of the Celtic people. Format: lecture and discussion.

Fred Exton was in the Foreign Service and had a second career as a teacher of French culture and civilization at Gettysburg College. He holds an M.S. from Georgetown University and a PhD, University of Grenoble.

Russia 1905–2005: A Century of Revolution
Sandra Levenbook

Ten Tuesday Mornings (9:40–11:40)

Discusses the political, social and economic changes which occurred during this century of revolution. This seminar will analyze and evaluate the collapse of the Romanov dynasty, the long period of communist control, the disintegration of the Soviet Empire and Vladimir Putin’s present leadership. Format: lecture and discussion.

Sandra Levenbook has taught courses on the history of Russia, Middle East, and world history for over 25 years. She was a tour leader for two ILR Trips to the USSR.

806

B. Spinoza’s Ethica More Geomerico
Laura M. de Schrenk

Ten Monday Mornings (10:00 – 12:00)

Spinoza remains a classic philosopher because, as a follower of Descartes, he used reason as a means of argumentation. Despite that, he became one of the first “rational mystics” of modernity. Monotheistic theologians in particular use Spinoza’s language when speaking about God. Format: lecture and discussion.

Laura de Schrenk, a PhD in Philosophy, was a lecturer at George Washington University, and taught in Germany and Mexico. In 1984 she cofounded the Mexican Academy of Human Rights. She has been a member and study group leader with ILR for 20 years.

Additional information
on all Study Groups and Study Group Leaders
is available in the ILR office.