SAGE COMMUNITY 2024 Spring Term Course Descriptions
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DOWNLOAD 2024 SPRING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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SPRING TERM TUESDAYS APRIL 9 – MAY 21, 2024
ALTERNATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIONS / Hugh Burtner, Ph.D.
In this course we will look at the origins, beliefs and influence of the Quakers, Mormons, Christian Scientists, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Assemblies of God. Our study will help us better understand parts of our rich and varied American religious landscape.
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. (A version of this course was given in 2019.)
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CIVIL WAR STORIES / Steven Schecter, M.A.
A look at what you did not learn in high school and correcting some of the lies that were taught. This class highlights interesting personalities, from women spies to comparing Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. The North, based on population and industry, should have easily won the war within two years. We will explore why this did not happen.
COMMON MYTHS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR / Theodore Chandler, Ph.D.
About a dozen common myths in human behavior (such as practice, genetics, empathy) will be explored to illustrate the negative consequences of failing to address their impact. A list of myths will be distributed during the first session.
FREE WILL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITIES / Theodore Smith, B.S.
Philosophers, Theologians and even Physicists have grappled with the idea of free will. Some conclude we have it, but don’t use it very well. Others deny its existence at all. If we do have it, what’s the best use of it? Stephen Hawking, Richard Muller and Gerald Schroeder all sought an answer through science. Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Spinoza and Immanuel Kant have all weighed in on the subject as well. Let’s explore and discuss their conclusions.
iPHONE CAMERA BASICS...THE VERY BASICS / Gurmukh Bhatia, B.S.
For those of you using an Apple iPhone, in this class we will show you the basic controls of your phone's camera app. Aside from talking about how to take a picture, we will talk about live photos, zoom, taking panoramic photos, adjusting exposure and taking video. If time permits, we will also discuss adjusting the look and feel of a picture that has already been taken.
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI AND QIGONG / Gary A. Harris, BSEE,
Certified Member of American Tai Chi Qigong Association
This is an 8-Step Yang Style Tai Chi form that will introduce students to several basic movements that are in the 24-Step Yang Style form. We will also play several different Qigong exercises. Tai Chi is a form of Qigong. Qigong exercises help to gather and move energy throughout the body. We will also do some basic exercises to help with balance.
JEFFERSON’S BIBLE / Theodore Smith, B.S.
Of all his accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson was most proud of Self-Governance, Freedom of Religion and Education. He wanted a solid philosophy to guide both the people and his fledgling nation and their elected representatives. Jefferson literally took a razor blade to several copies of the Bible, cutting and pasting the teachings of Jesus onto blank pages. The result is “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth.” We will explore his life and times, what he put in and left out, and why.
MOMENTS IN MUSIC / Edward Wiles, M.A. Music Ed., M.A. Church Music
For those who love music, this course is the perfect way to end your day at SAGE! It is a musical treat designed by lecturer-musician Ed Wiles. Invited local musicians, advanced music students from Hudson’s Western Reserve Academy, and informative commentary concerning the music, composers, and performers provide a complete music appreciation experience.
NEWS AND VIEWS / Carole Rice
An open forum discussion group. Suggested topics offered each week by participants may focus on global, national, regional and local political and social issues. Join in this lively class session.
READING AND REFLECTION / Neelam Bhatia, M.Ed.
A lively discussion group as participants share their opinions and experiences related to selected books.
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The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
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Instructor will provide copies of selected essays from The Price of the Ticket by James Baldwin
The Acoustical Foundations of Music / Ed Solem, M.S.
We will explore the principles behind our enjoyment of music, from the nature of sound and hearing to the workings of instruments and the influence of the concert hall.
THE HISTORY OF THE CONSTITUTION / Avery Fromet, J.D.
The United States Constitution is the oldest working government document in the world and has been amended only 27 times. This is the story of its creation and the amendments to it.
THE WORLD’S GREATEST MYSTERIES / Avery Fromet, J.D.
Who was the Man in the Iron Mask? What really happened to Amelia Earhart? What became of the lost Colony of Roanoke? Did Atlantis really exist? Was there a King Arthur? These and other mysteries will be explored during this lecture series.
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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: Suzanne Valadon, Leonardo da Vinci and Romare Bearden.
WHAT IF…? / Margo Kernan, M.S. Community Counseling
What if we actually are eternal beings? What if there is life after death? What if this life we are living now is just one of many we have lived? How might your life be different if you knew these things were true? This course is for the open-minded spiritual explorer, interested in looking beyond the material world for a broader, more liberating perspective of life. Each class will begin with a meditation, followed by a lively expedition into topics of Life After Death, Near and Shared Death Experiences, Reincarnation and more. Let’s explore the possibilities together!
WHO WROTE THE PLAYS ATTRIBUTED TO SHAKESPEARE? / Richard Burgess, M.A.
A look at the contenders and pretenders who may have written the most famous plays ever. The only thing more controversial is who to believe and why there is so much doubt about Shakespeare. There is even a question as to whether or not he could sign his own name.
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