Course Listing
Arts, mathematics, finance, history, litereature, science and more... we have it all at Osher.
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See the complete listing of course offerings below to find the classes that peak your interest.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayMonday
The Story of Human Language (F5)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
We will learn how human languages arise, constantly change, flourish, and disappear. We will examine sub-families of languages, the dialects, pidgins, and creoles that evolve when societies become isolated or interact. The lectures of Professor John McWhorter form the basis for this course.
Course Leader
Daan Zwick
Daan Zwick has enjoyed listening, talking, reading and writing, and using the human language for over 80 years. He now feels it is time to find out what this tool is all about. The best way to do this is to lead a class at Osher, which, after all, is all about communication
Sign Language and Fingerspelling (F4)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, WorkshopCourse Limit: 15
This course will focus on increasing skill and vocabulary and will include student interaction, videos, and a guest speaker. Prerequisite: Completion of Sign Language I & II at Osher, or basic sign language knowledge.
Course Leader
John Ratcliffe
John Ratcliffe, deaf since birth, is a 1953 graduate of RIT in the printing department. He has taught sign language all his life, led the deaf culture course at the Athenaeum 12 years ago, taught senior citizens in Florida for 12 years, was an RSD panel member for certification of interpreters, and has done some tutoring and mentoring in the past.
Books
American Sign Phrase Book
Lou and Barbara Fant0
Price: $0.00
Classic Motor Cars: 1929 - 1941 (F3)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 21, 2009 - October 19, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
This is a discussion of classic motor cars of the time period, with plenty of pictures and interesting lecture material. These are the exclusive, high priced ($5,000 - $40,000), custom built cars. The Depression years? What Depression?? I will include much about the car interiors, colors, and famous owners (Rudolph Valentino, etc).
Course Leader
Dick Knoblock
Dick Knoblock is a retired engineer with a lifelong passion for motor cars. He has an extensive automotive library, and has owned or driven a wide variety of vehicles.
Native American Literature and Culture (F1)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion/Seminar, Lecture, ReadingCourse Limit: 25
This course will explore themes and symbolism in works taken from the anthology "Talking Leaves: Contemporary Native American Short Stories" edited by Craig Lesley, and within the novel "The Way to Rainy Mountain" by N. Scott Momaday.
Course Leader
Sheryl deJonge-Loavenbruck
former adjunct professor at SUNY Brockport in English and former head of Native American Studies at Northern Teachers' College in the Netherlands, is now a full-time novelist, poet, and short-story writer.
Serious Scenarios (F2)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
October 26, 2009 - November 30, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Discussion, Peer Group Seminar, ReadingCourse Limit: 25
Participate in the creation of optimistic/pessimistic scenarios relative to what should/might happen with regard to these issues: health care, the economy, education, crime in Rochester, and Middle-East hostilities. A summary will be presented as a one-session course in the winter or spring of 2010.
Course Leader
Bill Hosley
Bill Hosley studied economics at Dartmouth College and graduated from the Sloan School of Management at MIT. Bill has led Osher courses in Investments and Local History. He has facilitated Great Decisions sessions elsewhere for a number of years.
The Athenaeum Book Club (F6)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 16, 2009
3 sessions
Course Type: Discussion, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
Our class is a MONTHLY book club that continues to meet through all three terms. It is based on the Great Books Shared Inquiry method.We select books proposed by class members at the first meeting.
Course Leader
Georgia DeGregorio
Though a business major in college, Georgia DeGregorio has always sought out opportunities to explore new ideas from great books.
Lois Tucker
Lois Tucker is a retired counselor, former teacher, community volunteer, and always an avid reader.
Contemporary Events (F9)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: DiscussionCourse Limit: 0
The content of the course is determined by the members. There is no shortage of contemporary events in today’s environment. All or any of these could be the content of the course. The only outside reading necessary is what can lead to good discussion.
Course Leader
Cornelius Sullivan
has a multifaceted interest in current events and encourages all to join in the conversation
Memoirs (F8)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Reading, WritingCourse Limit: 0
New and experienced class participants inspire each other to preserve their “Life Story” for future generations. “No one will care?” Think about the stories you’ve heard and can’t quite remember. Someone will be glad for your effort, maybe even you.
Course Leader
Carol Samuel
a "mostly retired" obstetrical nurse remains enthusiastic about encouraging people to record their memoirs.
Women in the Bible (F7)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion/Seminar, Guest Speakers, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Osher members and one guest speaker will each present a biblical woman. Our subjects will range from Genesis to the four gospels. Included will be Eve and Lilith; Ruth and Naomi; Orpha and Tamar; Deborah and Jael; Sarah and Hagar; Miriam and Noah's wife; Mary and Martha; Judith and Mary Magdalene.
Course Leader
Dori Saltzman
Dori Saltzman is a retired Education Administrator and teacher. She loves to read and travel and has been to many different countries, including Egypt.
Sidney Shapiro
Sidney Shapiro, is a University of Rochester professor emeritus of electrical engineering. As a voluteer for Reachout Radio, he presented a program of poems. He's read poetry in his Osher science courses and in the Darwin and Einstein peer group seminars
Ruth Lebowitz
Ruth was bitten by the "acting bug" very early in life--"Perhaps I just wanted to be somebody else! Her theatre experience included acting, stage management, set and costume design, props, etc.
Janice Shapiro
Janice Shapiro, a major talent at watching art slideshows when young, now enjoys science.
Ed Lebowitz
Ed Lebowitz has been interested in science as far back as he can recall. He avidly reads Discover Magazine and Scientific American each month. He is a retired interist.
Kelly Beller
is a bibliophile, singer, dancer, poet and communitarian
Shirley MacDonald
Shirley MacDonald had a career teaching student nurses and moved on to hospital administration with responsibility for critical care areas in a 1000 bed hospital. She is a professional student in retirement.
Susan Nurse
Express Yourself in Writing (F10)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: WritingCourse Limit: 0
Use the richness of your imagination to write about subjects and ideas suggested by the course leader. Enjoy the opportunity to write the stories, essays and poems you have mentally composed over the years. To assist in improving your skills, a gentle and positive critique of your writings will be provided.
Course Leader
Pat Edelman
Pat Edelman's many years as a librarian have given her a deep appreciation of books and for the talent required to write them.
Basic Acting: Listening (F13)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Class Participation, Discussion, Field Trip, Lecture, Writing, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
Acting is reacting. The illusion of the first time in multi-character scenes is the most important effect an actor has to learn to accomplish. In a safe, supportive environment we will learn about and experience what is entailed in listening and reacting on stage.
Course Leader
Ed Scutt
Ed Scutt has acted and taught his whole adult life. He has won acting awards for roles in "Inherit the Wind" and "Almighty God Bierce", his original full-length solo drama
Cosmology: The History and Nature of the Universe (F12)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
This course will cover the origin, evolution and composition of our universe which began 13.7 billion years ago in a “big bang” and is comprehensible as Einstein stated. This will be shown in simple intuitive terms with 1700 illustrations, stunning images, computer simulations, and animations by using DVD lecture and discussion.
Course Leader
Avri Michaeli
Avri Michaeli has been interested in science since childhood and thus became an engineer. Lately he has become fascinated by taking courses in the cosmos and the big bang discoveries in the field within the last 30 years.
Medical School in Two Hours a Week (F11)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 21, 2009 - November 30, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Guest Speakers, Lecture, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
This will be a survey course of the human body in health and disease. Readings will be supplemented by lectures on structure and function, with an emphasis on diseases. We anticipate continuing the class in future terms to cover additional organ systems.
Course Leader
Alex Marcus
Alex Marcus is a retired physician who practiced neurology and psychiatry.
Victor Poleshuck
Victor Poleshuck is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, emeritus, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, and former chair of the Ethics Committee adn chair of the Ethics Consultation Service, Rochester General Hospital.
Ed Lebowitz
Ed Lebowitz has been interested in science as far back as he can recall. He avidly reads Discover Magazine and Scientific American each month. He is a retired interist.
Josh Hollander
Books
The Human Body in Health and Disease
Thibodeau and Patton0
Publisher: Mosby
Location: barnesandnoble.com OR the RIT bookstorePrice: $0.00
Tuesday
Introduction to the Environment (F17)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 21, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, Guest Speakers, LectureCourse Limit: 0
The 21st century has already been marked by world-wide recognition of “the environment.” How did this ecological concept develop so we now talk about “The Green Century”? We will learn about environmental thinkers including Darwin, Thoreau, Muir and others whose concepts have hatched a new vision for a new age.
Course Leader
Hugh Mitchell
Hugh Mitchell has pursued a dual career as social worker and environmental volunteer. He has led many Rochester environmental causes since Earth Day 1970, and he currently helps lead the NYS Sierra Club.
Geology and Optics for the Airplane Passenger (F18)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 21, 2009 - December 1, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
When flying, an observant passenger can determine a great deal about the geological and botanical history of the earth below and how man has changed its appearance. And the passenger may also see unusual optical effects – halos, glories, mirages – rarely seen on the ground.
Course Leader
Jim Owens
Jim Owens, a physicist who has worked in optics and geophysics and spent many hours on airplanes, stumbled on some delightful books many years ago and has been enjoying their insights whenever he can cadge a window seat.
FDR: Priviledge and Pain (F15)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
FDR’s decisions and actions as president have deep roots in his less-explored personal history and earlier career. We’ll examine his pre-White House years, focusing on the experiences that shaped him into the political figure who is today regarded as one of our greatest, most influential presidents. A winter course will explore his presidency and its impact on the U.S. at home and abroad.
Course Leader
Kathy Krebs
Kathy Krebs is a retired school counselor. To a former political science major, politics and history have never lost their appeal and exploring women's roles in WWII is a fascinating topic for one born right in at the war's end.
Cancer from the Pathologist's Perspective (F14)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 22, 2009 - October 20, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
A pathologist looks at cancer - what is it, how do we diagnose it? We will discuss terminology of different types and take a look at the more common kinds of cancer, as well as some statistics.
Course Leader
Elise dePapp
is a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and practiced and taught pathology at Strong and the former Genesee Hospital for over 30 years
Ancient Greek Civilization (F16)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
The Greeks enjoy a special place in western culture and identity. Much of what we esteem in our culture derives from them including democracy, epic poetry, drama, history writing and philosophy. The course will cover the late Bronze Age, and lectures will explore the similarities and differences between Greek culture and our own.
Course Leader
Marie Levin
Marie Levin had a 30-year career in marketing management and was a vice president and COO for a major clinical laboratory. Marie is an avid history buff.
Samuel 1 and 2 (F20)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Peer Group SeminarCourse Limit: 0
Using a seminar format and slow close reading of Scripture with a variety of excursions to related topics, we will challenge the texts and compare translations and commentary. All opinions are appreciated in a safe and sharing environment.
Course Leader
Kelly Beller
is a bibliophile, singer, dancer, poet and communitarian
William Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' (F21)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar will be the subject of this course which will utilize audio CD and cassette and video DVD and VHS. Among the actors who will be performing are Marlon Brando, John Gielgud, Greer Garson, James Mason, Deborah Kerr, and Charlton Heston.
Course Leader
Harvey Granite
Harvey Granite has taught Shakespeare at the Athenaeum since its very beginning, and teaches writing and literature at RIT. He has taught at the U of R and spent ten summers teaching English in Poland, Solvakia, and Ukraine.
Short Overview of Computer History (F23)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
This course will cover computer technology, applications and the emergence of the commercial computer market starting in the 19th century and ending with the development of the World Wide Net and the emergence of the personal computer as a common and essential household and office appliance.
Course Leader
Julian Thomas
Julian Thomas encountered computers as an undergraduate (1950s) and has been in the computer industry (including 30 years with IBM) since then. He’s now doing website development, programming, Linux, and tinkering.
Mt. Hope: Cemetary of American Union (F22)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 22, 2009 - October 20, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Field Trip, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Mt. Hope is considered one of the most beautiful and historically important cemeteries in the United States. We will study about – and meet – many famous, not-so-famous, and infamous Mt. Hope residents. This is a multidisciplinary course emphasizing history, geology, art, architecture and the general ecology of the cemetery...and perhaps a ghost story or two. There will be two field trips and three classroom sessions.
Course Leader
Bill McLane
recently retired after working as a journalist, Marine Corps officer, teacher, educational psychologist, and counselor. He's certain he's found a home at RIT/Osher
'Flickstory': The Study of History Through Films (F19)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Films to be shown will illustrate excellence in film making and will provide historical settings and background for discussion of the period. Among the films will be Frost/Nixon and Ode to Joy: The Fall of the Berlin Wall (on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of this event). Handouts will be distributed in class at the cost of $1 per person.
Course Leader
Anne and Bob Allen
Anne and Bob Allen are retired social studies teachers who have a driving interest in continually learning about the past, particularly as it is illustrated in films.
Poetic Visions (F25)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Reading, Seminar, WritingCourse Limit: 18
Using a seminar format, we will explore aspects of famous poems and share poems we have written and enjoyed. Come prepared to have some fun with poetry.
Course Leader
Gary Lehmann
Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Gary Lehmann's poetry is published all over the world about 100 times each year. His poetry books include Public Lives and Private Secrets and The Span I Will Cross.
Eight Great Theories of Personality (F26)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion/Seminar, LectureCourse Limit: 30
Four Osher members will each explore two or more theories of personality ranging from the psychodynamic through the cognitive behavioral. Theorists will include Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, B.F. Skinner, Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Albert Ellis and others.
Course Leader
Barry and Susan McVay
Barry and Susan McVay served at counselors and psychologists for local school districts for over 30 years.
Howard Maslich
Howard Maslich, a former pshchology professor, is president and founder of Specialized Training Services, a training company specializing in sales and negotiation.
Carole Maslich
Carole Maslich has degrees in health sciences and homeopathy and is a registered nurse.
The Golden Age of Broadway Musicals (F27)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
September 22, 2009 - December 1, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
This course will cover the golden age of Broadway musicals from Oklahoma in 1943 to Hello Dolly and Fiddler on the Roof in 1964. In each class a different show will be watched, listened to and discussed.
Course Leader
Lewis Neisner
Lewis Neisner is a retired college professor. A Sherlock Holmes enthusiast for over 52 years, he was president of a Sherlockian society in Baltimore, and recently he founded Rochester Row, a local Sherlockian society.
Learning About the Wide, Wide World (F24)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
October 27, 2009 - December 1, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Guest Speakers, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Oh, the places you will go! Join us as Osher travelers (and guests) enable us to experience the culture of Egypt, Vietnam, Kenya, Zanzibar, Morocco and Hungary. As always, we will culminate our study of each place by sampling the cuisine of the area.
Course Leader
Carole Haas
Carole Haas, loves to read and discuss thought provoking books
Wednesday
Nuclear Powered Electricity (F29)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 23, 2009 - October 21, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Lecture, DiscussionCourse Limit: 35
Generation of electricity by nuclear power is being advocated by some to address global warming, as no carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere. Concerns linger, though, with safety, disposal of radioactive waste, and cost. This introduction to nuclear power is intended for the general student, with plenty of opportunity for discussion.
Course Leader
Jim Huff
Jim Huff started his career in nuclear powered submarines and most recently was manager of training and certified as a senior reactor operator at a commercial nuclear power plant.
Will McCoy
Will McCoy started his career in nuclear reactor fuel performance analysis and later participated in standardized nuclear plant design and economic evaluations in the electric utility industry.
Saratoga, the Turning Point of the Revolutionary War (F31)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, Guest Speakers, LectureCourse Limit: 40
The pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War - Saratoga - and the rest of the story: British General Burgoyne brought his great military reputation to this battle as well as his mistress. General Benedict Arnold was a hero who helped defeat the British Northern Strategy. After conflicts with New York over territory, Vermont fought along with the New York militia.
Course Leader
Mike O'Neal
Mike O’Neal is a retired vice president of philanthropy at Rochester General Hospital. He has a great interest in history and how it relates to contemporary problems.
Beginning Italian (F28)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion, Reading, WritingCourse Limit: 0
This is an introduction to the Italian language, with basic grammar rules, composition of simple sentences, and easy readings.
Course Leader
Gloria Cialone
Gloria Cialone graduated from the University of Naples, Italy. Gloria would like to share her knowledge of the Italian language with Osher members.
Presidential Leadership (F32)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
We will compare and contrast five presidents (Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush) by evaluating their backgrounds, elections, characters and key decisions. We’ll include discussion and analysis based on the PBS video, "The American President and the Human Drama of Our Nation’s Highest Office".
Course Leader
Alan Shank
Alan Shank, professor emeritus of political science at SUNY Geneseo, has led previous Osher classes on Presidential Crisis Decisions, Globalization and Great Decisions in U.S. Forein Policy.
Nuclear Powered Electricity (F30)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
October 28, 2009 - December 2, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Lecture, DiscussionCourse Limit: 35
(THIS IS A REPEAT OF COURSE F29)
Generation of electricity by nuclear power is being advocated by some to address global warming, as no carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere. Concerns linger, though, with safety, disposal of radioactive waste, and cost. This introduction to nuclear power is intended for the general student, with plenty of opportunity for discussion.
Course Leader
Jim Huff
Jim Huff started his career in nuclear powered submarines and most recently was manager of training and certified as a senior reactor operator at a commercial nuclear power plant.
Will McCoy
Will McCoy started his career in nuclear reactor fuel performance analysis and later participated in standardized nuclear plant design and economic evaluations in the electric utility industry.
Understanding the Human Brain (F35)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 23, 2008 - December 2, 2008
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
We will examine our brain, mind, and the nature of consciousness. We will become familiar with many prominent scientists and thinkers and their contributions in this field. The primary focus will be on neuroscience, but views from philosophy, psychology and other disciplines will be included.
Course Leader
Alex Marcus
Alex Marcus is a retired physician who practiced neurology and psychiatry.
Memoir Writing Techniques (F36)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Workshop, WritingCourse Limit: 15
In this course we will discuss and practice elements of memoir writing that can interest not just your family. We will practice finding the “slice of life” to write about, creating a visual scene and suspense, using dialog and humor, and making your reader care about your characters and the concept of your story.
Course Leader
Flo Smith
Flo has been trying to write something interesting for years and thrives on peer suggestions (and praise).
Learn to Draw (F37)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Visual, Workshop, Laboratory, LectureCourse Limit: 24
This is a class for people who think they can’t draw, but wish they could. We’ll do a still-life, nature study, landscape, building, and portrait in pencil or Conte crayon. You may discover there’s an artist inside that’s been trying to get out.
Course Leader
Bob Stites
Bob Stites is a retired businessman who lives in the country, south of Brockport. He has exhibited occasionally at local shows but, as an artist, regards himself a “recreational amateur.”
Contemporary Events (F34)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: DiscussionCourse Limit: 0
If the news of the day interests you, or leaves you with questions or concerns, join with others to explore issues affecting our lives. While the leader will act as facilitator, members will suggest the day’s topics and should bring to class supporting information from any of the media.
Course Leader
June Clase
After June Clase dropped out of college, she explored beachcombing before returning to finish college. As a retired college teacher, she tries to be an informed citizen.
Advanced Italian (F33)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion, Reading, WritingCourse Limit: 0
This course expects some previous experience with Italian as we concentrate on conversation and the reading of short stories and poems.
Course Leader
Gloria Cialone
Gloria Cialone graduated from the University of Naples, Italy. Gloria would like to share her knowledge of the Italian language with Osher members.
Books
Easy Italian Reader
Ricardo Saggese0
Price: $0.00
Brush Up Your Science; Start Studying How... (F39)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
September 1, 2008 - December 1, 2008
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion/Seminar, Lecture, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
Nine Osher members match up with nine chapters of Natalie Angier’s The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science, a witty idiosyncratic book which makes science entertaining. Subjects covered include physics, chemistry, biology, geology and astronomy.
Course Leader
Janice Shapiro
Janice Shapiro, a major talent at watching art slideshows when young, now enjoys science.
John Holder
But for calculus, John Holder might have been one of the scientists or engineers about whom we’re reading.
Computer Bits and Pieces (F41)
1:30 PM—3:00 AM
September 23, 2009 - December 2, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Have you ever wondered how a digital computer does what it does? Ever wondered how and why binary systems are used? How about bits and Boolean logic? You may know how to write a memo in Word but do you know what’s going on under the hood? That’s where we’re going with this course. I hope you’ll enjoy the ride.
Course Leader
Ed Salem
Ed Salem is a professor emeritus retired from RIT where he did research and taught electrical engineering for 30 years.
Readers' Theatre (F40)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
October 28, 2009 - December 2, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, ReadingCourse Limit: 15
Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Try acting! Readers’ Theater will give you the opportunity to get into someone else’s persona, without endless weeks of rehearsals. Class participants will read various roles from a new play each week, learn a little about the author and discuss our likes/dislikes about the play.
Course Leader
Ruth Lebowitz
Ruth was bitten by the "acting bug" very early in life--"Perhaps I just wanted to be somebody else! Her theatre experience included acting, stage management, set and costume design, props, etc.
Books
One Act: Eleven Short Plays of the Modern Theater
Samuel Moon0
Location: amazon.comPrice: $0.00
Irish Literature (F38)
1:30 PM—3:00 PM
October 28, 2009 - November 2, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, DiscussionCourse Limit: 0
The class will read aloud and discuss Irish literature, prose and poetry. We will also use an occasional video reflective of Irish literature and culture. Discussion material will be provided in advance of each class. Caprice and levity are welcome if not outright encouraged.
Course Leader
Jack Callaghan
Jack Callaghan desires to continue the efforts of former facilitators of Irish literature at the Athenaeum/Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Thursday
Photographic Memories - American History in Pictures (F44)
9:30 AM—11:30 AM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
With the invention of photography in the early 1800s, events both large and small could be “frozen in time.” In this course, we will look at historical American photographs from the Civil War Era to modern times.We will concentrate on the works of great masters of the craft: Timothy O’Sullivan, Margaret Bourke-White, Lewis Hine, Robert Capa...just to name a few. Topics will include immigrants, child labor, war photography, civil rights movement, life in the fifties and the sixties.
Course Leader
Timothy McDonnell
Timothy McDonnell is an adjunct instructor at Monroe Community College and the co-coordinator of the NY Geographic Alliance. He has led many courses on geography, science, history and other topics at Osher since 2005.
Three Medieval Masterpieces... (F45)
9:30 AM—11:30 AM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion/Seminar, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
...‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,’ ‘The Stanzaic Morte Arthur’ and ‘The Alliterative Morte Arthure’
These Arthurian poems are among the finest in English, and modern editions have made them accessible to readers unversed in Middle English. Analysis will focus on the consummate literary artistry of Gawain, and the contrasting characterizations of Arthur in the two Mortes which rank just below Gawain in literary excellence.
Course Leader
Francia Roe
Francia Roe has a graduate degree in English from the University of Rochester and taught Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition and Advanced Placement English Language and Composition.
Books
King Arthur's Death: The Middle English Stanzaic Morte Arthur and Alliterative Morte Arthur
Larry D. Benson0
ISBN: 1-879288-3
Revised by Edward E. Foster
Price: $0.00
Participate in Life (F42)
9:30 AM—11:30 AM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Class Participation, LectureCourse Limit: 35
There are many facets to participating in life. We will touch on a few through listening, discussion, and reading. Understandings are meant to make rich experiences possible in everyday life. The class is upbeat from the presence of those attending.
Course Leader
Stillman Clark
Stillman Clark has accrued understandings that deserve to be shared. He delights being with folks who are searching for more fulfillment on their journey.
Second-Guessing the Academy (F43)
9:30 AM—11:30 AM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, DiscussionCourse Limit: 30
Each week, the class will select one or two current movies, which members will then see independently. The following week, members will discuss and rate the selected films. Everyone is encouraged and expected to participate in the discussion.
Course Leader
Burt Freedman
Burt Freedman is a retired pharmacist. His interests include theater, reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
Joan Hart
Joan Hart's early years were spent volunteering. In later years she was a free-lance copy editor and proofreader and worked as amanuensis to a printing consultant and publisher.
Italian and Northern Renaissance Art (F46)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
This course is an overview of Italian, Northern and German Renaissance art covering the 15th and 16th centuries, and will include Michelangelo, Jan Van Eyck, Albrecht Dürer and other famous artists from that era. It will be presented by eight Osher members.
Course Leader
Gisela Balents
Gisela Balents has always had an avid interest in art. She was a docent at MAG for five years and took art history courses at Nazareth College.
Quantum Mechanics (F47)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Lecture, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
This will be the first half of “Quantum Mechanics” from The Teaching Company. It will cover the need for quantum mechanics which applies to interactions on the atomic and sub-atomic scale. The contributions of Einstein, Planck, Bohr, Heisenberg, deBroglie, Schrödinger and others will be included, along with a simplified form of mathematics. Second half will be offered in Spring 2010 term. (Textbook: Course transcripts are highly encouraged and available from course leader at discount price of $25 plus S/H.)
Course Leader
Joe Charles
Joe Charles is a physicist interested in many areas including cosmology, physics, math, investing, computers, history, biography, memoirs and poetry.
The Sherlock Holmes Novels (F48)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, Discussion, Lecture, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
In this course we will read, watch, listen to and discuss the four Sherlock Holmes short novels: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Valley of Fear.
Course Leader
Lewis Neisner
Lewis Neisner is a retired college professor. A Sherlock Holmes enthusiast for over 52 years, he was president of a Sherlockian society in Baltimore, and recently he founded Rochester Row, a local Sherlockian society.
Books
The Complete Sherlock Holmes
0
Available at amazon.com, Border's, and Barnes & Noble for about $15
Price: $0.00
Three Medieval Masterpieces... (F49)
1:30 PM—3:30 PM
September 24, 2009 - December 3, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion/Seminar, ReadingCourse Limit: 0
THIS IS A REPEAT OF F45. These Arthurian poems are among the finest in English, and modern editions have made them accessible to readers unversed in Middle English. Analysis will focus on the consummate literary artistry of Gawain, and the contrasting characterizations of Arthur in the two Mortes which rank just below Gawain in literary excellence.
Course Leader
Francia Roe
Francia Roe has a graduate degree in English from the University of Rochester and taught Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition and Advanced Placement English Language and Composition.
Books
King Arthur's Death: The Middle English Stanzaic Morte Arthur and Alliterative Morte Arthur
Larry D. Benson0
ISBN: 1-879288-3
Revised by Edward E. Foster
Price: $0.00
Friday
Belize, Guatemala, and the Yucatan: an Area of Study (F53)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 25, 2009 - December 4, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Our focus will be the geography, geology, history, culture, environment, economy, and current events of this part of the world. Members will be expected to follow news of this region and voluntarily do research to support their curiosity. A study of the Mayans will be included.
Course Leader
Phil Weisberg
Phil Weisberg taught for 33 years and has led courses at Osher. He traveled through Belize, Guatemala, and the Yucatan earlier this year.
The Philosophy of Frederich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sarte (F52)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
September 25, 2009 - December 4, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, DiscussionCourse Limit: 0
We will study Frederich Nietzsche’s concepts of Will to Power, Master/Slave Morality, and Eternal Recurrence. In the second five weeks we will study Jean-Paul Sartre’s concepts of Emotion and Responsibility, Phenomenology, Bad Faith, Being-For-Others and No Exit. Each session will include a 30-minute video lecture followed by guided discussion.
Course Leader
Howard Maslich
Howard Maslich, a former pshchology professor, is president and founder of Specialized Training Services, a training company specializing in sales and negotiation.
Miles Ahead: Miles Davis in the 50's (F51)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
October 30, 2009 - December 4, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/VisualCourse Limit: 0
From the Birth of the Cool recordings in 1950 to Kind of Blue in 1959, the decade of the 1950s was the most creative and innovative of Miles Davis’ 50-year career. This course will review Miles’ major recordings including those of his first great quintet, the late ‘50s sextet with John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley and his historic orchestral collaborations with Gil Evans.
Course Leader
Peter Luce
Peter Luce has taught jazz history courses at both Osher and Chautauqua. He also enjoys photography, hiking, biking and travel.
Our Electric Power System Made Simple (F50)
9:30 AM—11:00 AM
October 30, 2009 - December 4, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
When we flip a switch, will the lights come on? This course is for those who are curious as to how it all works. We will examine the four components of the electrical system: generation, transmission, distribution, and interconnection. We will also discuss alternative energy and the future.
Course Leader
Heinz Kepplinger
Heinz Kepplinger has 43 years experience in the electrical industry, including 39 years at RGE as a lineman, system designer and technical trainer. He is an Army veteran, an RIT alum, and a master electrician.
Jim Roddy
Jim Roddy has an educational background in physics and electrical engineering and worked in the Kodak Research Lab for many years on lasers and laser writers. He recently worked at the GM Fuel Cell plant in Honeoye Falls on hydrogen powered vehicles.
The Study of Chaos (F55)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 25, 2009 - December 4, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, LectureCourse Limit: 0
Sir Isaac Newton left us with an orderly universe ruled by mathematical laws. But is there something disquieting in the idea of a vast universe where everything is predetermined with no room for chance? Enter “Chaos.” This is a Teaching Company DVD course with course leader explanations and extensions.
Course Leader
Bill Faul
Bill Faul trained in chemistry but spent half of his Kodak career in digital imaging. A devoted exerciser, trumpet player, and collector of O-gauge trains, he has led Osher Courses from ‘60s Pop to Modern Physics.
Music in Film (F56)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
September 25, 2009 - December 4, 2009
10 sessions
Course Type: Audio/Visual, DiscussionCourse Limit: 0
This course will explore the craft and art of film scoring, and will begin with a viewing and discussion of the documentary, Sanctuary: Lisa Garrard. Gerrard’s powerful vocals and musical style have captivated fans and filmgoers for 20 years. We will also view and listen to clips from a variety of film composers.
Course Leader
Tess Padmore
Tess Padmore has a masters degree in business administration; more than 100 hours of coursework in film, Spanish and education; and taught in the Medical Humanities Program at the U or R.
Man-Made Global Warming Reactions (F54)
11:15 AM—12:45 PM
October 30, 2009 - December 4, 2009
5 sessions
Course Type: Class Participation, Discussion, LectureCourse Limit: 0
The science of “man-made climate change” will be explained, including predictions that are exciting discussion and controversy. Mankind’s history and science will be examined. The earliest global warming predictions will be described. Skepticisms that are opposing the science’s predictions will be addressed.
Course Leader
Leon Balents
Leon Balents is a retired microelectronic engineer who is interested in what is happening on our planet and to its populations. He believes the threat of global warming warrants understanding and discussion.
