SAGE COMMUNITY 2024 Spring Term Course Descriptions
​
DOWNLOAD 2024 FALL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
​
FALL TERM TUESDAYS OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 12, 2024
(NEW) AMERICANS IN PARIS–PART ONE / Susan Marks, M.P.A., M.A.Paris is consistently one of the most visited cities by Americans, some of whom choose to make it their permanent home. This course will present the story of three such Americans–Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker and James Baldwin. What drew them there? What draws people there today?
BIRDING IN NORTHEAST OHIO – IT’S FOR EVERYONE / Marty Cohen, Ph.D.
Why birding? Because it’s fun. There are over 200 different kinds of birds in Northeast Ohio that anyone can see with a little practice and help from readily available resources. We will discuss birding for beginner to expert and learn about the local hotspots to see birds and enjoy nature. Lots of bird photos too.
​
(NEW) CURRENT EVENTS / Avery Fromet, J.D.Each week we examine issues that are happening locally, statewide and/or nationally. After a brief history of the issue the floor will be open to a discussion of these issues.
(NEW) DEBATING THE FUTURE OF RELIGION / Hugh Burtner, Ph.D.While few dispute the CURRENT importance of religion in the contemporary world, the question about the FUTURE of religion is a fraught one. We explore this topic with the help of two recent books {H.COX, THE FUTURE OF FAITH, and P. KITCHER, LIFE AFTER FAITH: THE CASE FOR SECULAR HUMANISM}. As we follow the claims of these writers, we will also take note of the potpourri of religious groups all round. Join me for the course on a challenging topic.
(NEW) DO THE RIGHT THING / Samuel Barnett, Ph.D.
We all say we want to do the “right thing” but what makes an action “the right thing to do”? This class consists of four discussions in which you will be asked to explore some ethical issues by sharing your views and how you justify them. So come prepared to participate to disagree agreeably if necessary.
(NEW) HISTORY OF AMERICAN POLITICS / Avery Fromet, J.D.Political parties have changed throughout the history of the United States. Some have long histories but the platforms have changed. This series of seminars will discuss the history of political parties in the United States, events that made them change and/or spelled the death of some.
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY: ANTI-SEMITISM IN HISTORY
(Not a Current Events Class) / Ted Smith, B.S.
It is difficult to imagine another religious group that has endured so much consistent hatred across periods of history as the Jews. From Antiquity, through Medieval Times, The Renaissance and into the 20th Century’s ‘final’ solution. Now continuing into the 21st Century. What are the political, cultural, religious factors contributing to Anti-Semitism in all these eras? What is the result and consequence to Jew and non-Jew alike as a result of attitudes and policies?
JOURNEY OF THE SOUL / Ted Smith, B.S.
There is a recurring belief throughout time and across cultures about something we call ‘soul’. What is its purpose? Why does this belief persist? How does it connect this life to the afterlife? What about reincarnation and karma? What did ancient people understand about it that we have forgotten? Has technology distracted us from it today, or is science on the brink of a profound discovery about the soul and consciousness?
(NEW) LET’S GO INTO THE WAYBACK MACHINE! / Gerry Nemeth, B.S.E.E.T.
Let’s take a look back at places that exist only in our memories: Euclid Beach Park, Chippewa Lake Park, Geauga Lake, Richfield Coliseum and more. In addition, we will look at vintage commercials, cartoons, cars, toys and games. Prizes and a few surprises are in store for you.
(NEW) MOMENTS IN MUSIC: ECHOES OF PARIS / Edward Wiles, M.A. Music Ed., M.A. Church Music
The sounds of Paris linger and reverberate through the Autumn air. Keyboardist Ed Wiles assisted by the Aurora Street Werks and guests take musical strolls though musical landscapes. Expect music of French composers augmented by other jazz and classical Masters in this set of recitals interspersed with conversation.
READING AND REFLECTION / Neelam Bhatia, M.Ed.
A lively discussion group as participants share their opinions and experiences related to selected books.
1. The Only Woman in The Room by Marie Benedict
2. TBA
3. TBA
(NEW) SEATED QIGONG & TAIJI / Gary A. Harris, BSEE
Certified Member of American Tai Chi Qigong Assoc.
This course will be focused on Qigong. Qigong is a series of exercises that coordinate your breathing with body movements to gather, move or remove qi. Qi is another term for energy. Class participants will be learning the qigong system called Ba Duan Gin or in English, Eight Silk Brocade.
These exercises will be conducted while seated. The last 2 weeks there will be an explanation of how these movements can become Taiji movements.
SOMATIC SYMPTOMS: RED ALARMS vs. Wait & Reassess / Moshe S. Torem, M.D.
The class provides a review of various somatic-physical symptoms with basic knowledge on how to assess the severity of the symptoms that can trigger 2 different responses. It may require immediate action such as calling 911, versus carefully observing the symptom for consultation with a healthcare professional. Common symptoms to be discussed include: acute pain, fever, fainting, rapid or slow heartbeat, disorientation, blurred vision, allergic reactions, dehydration and others.
​
(NEW) TEDDY ROOSEVELT & THE PANAMA CANAL / Steven Schecter, M.A.
When completed in 1914 the Panama Canal was referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The successful completion of the Canal was an amazing feat. Its success was a victory for another Wonder, former President Teddy Roosevelt. This course will tell the story.​
​
(NEW) THREE COMEDY FILMS WITH DARK HISTORIES / Richard Burgess, M.A.
We will watch “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” with Zero Mostel. A Blake Edwards film “After the Fox” with Peter Sellers will be next. And finally, a ‘spy thriller’ titled “Shack Out on 101” with Mrs. Howard Hughes and Lee Marvin (one of his first roles on film) will complete our trio of comedies with dark histories. Big laughs will be had along with Hollywood secrets being revealed.
THROUGH THE EYES OF THE ARTIST / Felicia Zavarella Stadelman, M.A., Art Historian
These lectures offer an exclusive view into the remarkable lives and times of our most famous and beloved artists. With over 57 artists in her series, you will have the opportunity to learn about artists you may not know but will never forget! Some of the artists to be featured are: Mary Cassatt, Dr. Seuss, Henri Matisse, Pierre Renoir, and Rodin.
WHAT IF…? A CONTINUED EXPLORATION OF OUR PLACE IN ETERNITY / Margo Kernen
What if we actually are eternal beings? How might your life be different if you knew that there is life after death? This course will revisit and expand upon concepts and ideas discussed in the spring session. This course is for the open-minded spiritual explorer interested in looking beyond the material world for a broader and more liberating perspective of life.
(NEW) WHAT'S HAPPENING IN HUDSON? / Liz murphy. BA Lawrence University
Proprietor of the Learned Owl Book Shop 1983-2013
Executive Director Destination Hudson/Visitor Center 2013-present
What's Happening in Hudson? How it's special, things to do and what to look forward to.
​