LLARC Study Groups, Spring 2024

Welcome to LLARC! The LLARC’s Intersession Study Groups begin Monday, March 4. Register Now.

Details

Study groups fill up quickly! Register as soon as you can for the best chance of getting into the study groups you want.

  1. Study groups are typically led rather than taught by LLARC member volunteers or select Regis College faculty. Most use a seminar format, emphasizing discussion, usually with preparatory reading. Please read descriptions carefully for these details, and note any requested texts or materials that need to be obtained independently.
  2. Who may join? LLARC welcomes older adults with a desire for learning.
  3. Choose from two levels of participation:
    1. Basic annual membership which includes the Lunch, Listen, and Learn program
    2. Basic annual membership plus enrollment for the current semester for one or more study groups, up to four.
  4. You must be a member to enroll in courses and enjoy other benefits of membership. The membership fee of $75 is annual and is valid from September 1 to August 31.
  5. The semester tuition rate of $200 covers all your study groups for the semester. Space is limited in all classes, so enrollment is not guaranteed. Also, a study group may be cancelled if enrollment is insufficient. We strongly encourage you to make alternate selections in case your top choices are filled. You may select up to four study groups.
  6. After registering, students will receive further instructions about the payment process.
  7. Study group leaders will communicate any preparation necessary for the first class meeting.
  8. You are responsible for any additional cost of books and other materials if needed.
  9. Financial assistance is available. Please contact the LLARC office at 781.768.7135 for details.

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We are offering the following Study Groups for Spring 2024:

Creative Writing

Virginia Slep, Study Group Leader
Mondays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Zoom
March 4 through May 13, Ten weeks (No Class April 15)

In this writing group, the creative talents of the participants will be encouraged by their peers. Members are invited to write in any genre: memoir, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essay, humor or play. Handouts will be provided to stimulate writing. Participants are given time to share their writings with classmates if they choose. Sometimes in talking about someone else’s writing, we are able to clarify our own thoughts and abilities. This is a light-hearted, supportive, welcoming group whose members enjoy writing for the fun of it and is a continuation from spring 2023.

Virginia Slep holds a BA and an MA in English, and taught high school English for 35 years before her retirement. She has been leading this writing study group at LLARC since 2008 and was awarded the 2023 LLARC Bernie Shuster Award for excellence in teaching. She writes a regular column for the North Reading Transcript. Virginia has a PhD in Clinical Hypnosis and has a private practice in Wayland. In this writing group, the creative talents of the participants will be encouraged by their peers. Members are invited to write in any genre: memoir, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essay, humor or play. Handouts will be provided to stimulate writing. Participants are given time to share their writings with classmates if they choose. Sometimes in talking about someone else’s writing, we are able to clarify our own thoughts and abilities. This is a light-hearted, supportive, welcoming group whose members enjoy writing for the fun of it and is a continuation from spring 2023.

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George Washington

Bernie Shuster, Study Group Leader
Mondays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. via Zoom
March 4 through May 13, Ten weeks (No Class April 15)

Of all of our Founding Fathers, George Washington was the Foundingest (sic). Without his beliefs, without his leadership, without his idea of equality for all, America would be a far different country, if a country at all. Many wanted a monarchy, many wanted a dictatorship, many did not want independence. This course will explore what makes Washington unique and examine his persisting, multifaceted influence on American culture and politics.

Bernard Shuster earned a BA in History at UMASS Amherst and an LLD at Boston University School of Law. He practiced law for several years as a partner in a Boston Law firm. He founded and served as COO at a financial services firm. Bernie has led over 50 courses at LLARC and HILR.

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The Foundations of Our Constitution

Mary Nowak, Study Group Leader
Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
April 8 through May 13, Five weeks (No Class April 15)

Democracy in peril? It seems like a good time to look at some early documents basic to American democracy as preserved in historical records. To that end this study group will examine the following documents: Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, the Petition of Right, the Massachusetts Body of Liberties, and the Massachusetts Constitution. It's important for us to know: what these texts said, how they came to be, the people involved in their creation and enactment, what they changed, what they led to then and now, and how they relate to our present-day concept of democracy. We'll use a variety of sources: the Internet, articles and videos, books, and other relevant information available. There is no one text. Our readings and research will encourage class discussion rather than a series of lectures. The advantage of democracy is that all voices are heard.

Mary Nowak has a BA and MA in American history from Boston University. She taught American history and U.S. and world geography in Brookline. She has led several study groups for LLARC on women in the Suffrage Movement, the Labor Movement, the Progressive Movement, the American Civil War, and America’s Internment of Japanese-American citizens during WWII.

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Mysteries: The Long and Short of It Continues

Karen Mallozi, Study Group Leader
Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 4 through May 13, Ten weeks (No Class April 15)

This semester we will continue our reading and discussion with full length and short story mysteries. Discussion questions are sent out ahead of time as a framework for our time together. We look at the author's use of plot, setting, and characterization. Our purpose is not necessarily to decide if we 'like' or 'dislike' a work but to see what it adds to the genre.

Works Discussed: Rear Window by Cornell Woolrich, If You Want Something Done Right-Sue Grafton (short story), Ukulele of Death by E.J. Copperman, Things that Follow by Jim Allyn (short story), The Couple at the Table by Sophie Hannah, Detour by Joyce Carol Oates (short story), A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson, A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell (short story), In the Woods by Tana French, A Matter of the Heart-Bill Crider (short story)

Karen has led many Lifelong Learning groups and enjoyed taking courses. She holds a BA from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters in Religious Studies from Andover-Newton. She worked at the Morse Institute Library during its renovation and expansion at the Circulation desk and as administrative assistant to the then Director. Later Karen worked at a parish in Wayland and in Framingham as Director of Adult Religious Education. Besides being an avid reader, Karen gardens at home and at a Community Garden plot in Natick, enjoys cooking and eating with the Cookbook group at Concord Library, and volunteers for Natick’s Food Pantry and the Morse Institute Library.

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Around the Art World in 80 Days

Steve Kendall, Study Group Leader
Mondays, 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 4 through May 13, Ten weeks (No Class April 15)

Imagine if a Regis air balloon could take you to ten great art museums all over the world. Imagine visiting museums you’ve heard of—and may have even visited—and seeing them in a new way. And imagine visiting at least two museums (and an amazing sculpture park) that you’ve probably never heard of. We’ll do all that from the comfort of a seat at Regis, and along the way you’ll see art that’s more than 2,500 years old and less than 25 years old. Just about every well-known artist will be represented, from Rembrandt and Raphael to Picasso and Van Gogh. Together, you’ll learn about the museums, and we’ll discuss what you see: what it means, how it moves you, and what you like about it. Join us for an eighty-day art adventure.

Steve Kendall has taught art history-related courses for LLARC for the past 19 terms, and is a former recipient of the LLARC Bernie Shuster Award for teaching excellence. He has been a tour guide at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum for 12 years, and prior to retirement was the president of an advertising and public relations agency.

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Understanding the Role of Community Pharmacy in Patient Care

Ted Toufas, Study Group Leader
Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 5 through May 7, Ten weeks

We will discuss many of the health topics of concern: COPD/asthma, blood pressure, diabetes, vitamins/supplements, veterinary medications, compounding, vaccinations and a few more that are relatable to older people. We will do an overview of the topic/disease state and go over specifics that patients would encounter on a regular basis, either monitoring of a disease state, use of certain types of medications, office visits, dietary needs/modifications for certain diseases, and other active measures to promote wellness.

Dr. Ted Toufas is a Clinical Pharmacist and Pharmacist-in-Charge of the Dinno Health Compounding Lab. He has a Bachelor’s of Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Biochemistry and Genetics, and a Doctorate of Pharmacy from MCPHS University. He has a passion for learning and imparting information to patients and colleagues. Ted has received training in compounding medications, hazardous drug compounding, veterinary compounding and Quality Assurance.

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Chasing Moby Dick: American Whaling in the Age of Sail

Curtis Martin, Study Group Leader
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 5 through March 26, Four weeks

This course explores the unique history, stunning artifacts, and cultural role of whaling in early America. The course will cover four main topics: American Whaling in the Age of Sail; Life on a Whaleship; Scrimshaw: The Whaleman’s Art; and Petticoat Whalers: Women and Whaling.

Dr. Curtis Martin, resident of Wellesley since 1979, spent nearly forty years as Professor of Political Science at Merrimack College, from which he retired as Professor Emeritus in 2012. Dr. Martin earned his BA from Harvard University and his PhD in International Relations from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Dr. Martin is a noted expert in whaling and maritime culture, lecturing regularly at historical societies, libraries, schools, and conferences around New England.

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Great Film Performances II

Ronna Frick, Study Group Leader
Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom
March 5 through May 14, Ten weeks (No Class April 23)

In this course we will examine ten films that feature great performances by actresses, and examine them for what makes the performance worthy of being considered great. We will look at what defines good acting, what qualities make for a great actress, and how one differentiates between good, bad, and great acting. Why are so few actresses recognized for great comedic roles? Why are so many recognized for roles that are biographical? We will examine these and other questions related to the films in our discussion. I will send out weekly background information and study guides before viewing the films. Class members may choose to watch the films together with the class on Zoom at 1 p.m., or view the films independently and join us just for the discussion on Zoom after the film is shown. (I will provide the length of the films on the course syllabus that I will send out with the other introductory materials.) The actresses and movies we will view and discuss are: Joanne Woodward in Three Faces of Eve (1957); Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God (1986); Halle Berry in Monster’s Ball (2001); Julianne Moore in Far From Heaven (2002); Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby (2004); Natalie Portman in Black Swan (2010); Helen Mirren in The Queen (2006); Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady (2011); Judi Dench in Philomena (2013); and Glenn Close in The Wife (2017).

Ronna Frick has led literature and film related discussion groups at LLARC since 2010 and is a former recipient of the LLARC Bernie Shuster Award for teaching excellence. Prior to LLARC she taught high school English for over 40 years and served nine years as English department chair at Wellesley High School. She thoroughly enjoys teaching at LLARC and looks forward to another meaningful and fun experience with other lifelong learners.

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In Sync: An Artistic Journey Towards Personal Transformation

Pallavi Nagesha, Study Group Leader
Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 6 through May 8, Ten weeks

This course is a journey into the heart of human development through the world of Indian Classical dance. The course is designed to explore the profound wisdom embedded within the ancient philosophies and art forms and their potential to enrich lives on multiple levels.

Course Goals

  • Explore Ancient Wisdom: Delve into the philosophical underpinnings of classical arts and how they connect us to a higher intelligence.
  • Unleash Human Potential: Discover how the process of learning dance can enhance physical, mental, and emotional awareness, leading to personal growth and transformation, which will bring out the best version of yourself.
  • Relevance in the modern times: Understand the contemporary relevance of the age-old practices in navigating the complexities of our modern technology driven world.
  • Practical Application: Learn practical techniques and exercises inspired by classical dance that can be integrated into your daily life to promote holistic well-being.

Pallavi is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor and an Ayurvedic counselor. She has also undergone Ayurvedic Yoga training and currently works with clients who need to address specific issues with the physical and metaphysical.

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Earth in Crisis. Climate Change: Known Causes and Complex Solutions

Frank Villa, Study Group Leader
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
March 6 through May 8, Ten weeks

The science is clear: the most pressing technological issues facing humankind today result from the effects of human activity on the future of our planet. In this five week course, we will discuss how human existence affects our fragile but complex global ecosystem and investigate the profound changes that result from it, like global warming and its related phenomena. The future is up to us. We will explore solutions that will support future generations in living in harmony with the abundant, but limited, resources provided by planet Earth, our unique home in the universe.

Frank Villa has a lifelong interest in the natural sciences. He finds great joy in explaining complex principles and processes and bringing the latest quests and discoveries of science to a general audience. He has developed curricula and taught science courses in many settings on a variety of topics.

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Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon

Dorothy Miller, Study Group Leader
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 6 through May 8, Ten weeks

This is Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison’s third novel, which received the National Book Critics Award and the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Award. It takes place in the 50’s in Detroit and focuses on the Dead family and especially their son Milkman from birth to adulthood and relates his journey to an understanding of his family heritage and hence himself. The book is an intermixture of the fantastic and the realistic and uses references from mythology, Christianity and African folklore.

Dorothy Miller taught in the English Department at Boston College for forty years, teaching both writing and literature. She specializes in multicultural literature. She holds a BA from Brown University and MA from Boston College. This is her third course for LLARC.

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Affective computing (Artificial Emotional Intelligence), Large Language Models, and Social Robotics: Shaping the next phase of the Man-Machine Interaction paradigm

Joe Tennyson, Study Group Leader
Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
March 6 through May 8, Ten weeks

Biology inspired intelligence algorithms, social robots, and empathy enabled avatars read our body language, react to nuance in conversation, generate artistic works that evoke profound emotional responses, work with and as counselors and companions across the globe to combat alienation, social isolation, and autism, but do these AI enabled agents understand the language and the human emotions they recognize, classify, and manipulate? Can they themselves experience emotion? Empathize? Internalize? Are we equipped to separate simulation from authentic behavior? What are the issues surrounding the way these agents and their human collaborators collect, store, and use data assembled from emotion-sensing devices, sensor technology, and the Internet? Are we creating a new man-machine interactive model? What technologies led to this point, and where is it leading us? These are the questions we will tackle in this seven-day exploration of Affective computing, Large Language Models, and social robotics.

Joe Tennyson worked in the Information Technology field as a software developer, network engineer, and senior manager for forty years before retiring in 2020. He developed an on-going interest in Artificial Intelligence in the early 1980s and has followed developments in the field as they unfolded since that time. Joe holds a BA in Communication Theory and Methodology from Emerson College and an MBA from Boston College with a concentration in Operations Research.

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From the Easter Rising in 1916 to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998: The Transformation of Ireland during the Twentieth Century

Dick Sullivan, Study Group Leader
Thursdays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 7 through May 9, Ten weeks

Dick Sullivan’s interest in American immigration history, policies, and practices comes from twenty years of family history research and analysis of families making their way in the United States, despite substantial economic, social, legal and cultural barriers. He received an AB psychology from the College of the Holy Cross; Masters in Education from Boston College; and Masters in Public Administration from Northeastern University. He taught thirteen years at the Boston University School of Business in the Organizational Behavior Department.

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Ireland, a Brief History: Facts(?), Myths, Songs

Mary Hawes Mahoney, Study Group Leader
Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in person, Fine Arts Center (FAC) Room 301
March 7 through April 4, Five weeks

Irish history is a complicated thing. So much was never written by the Irish people. It was reported by others, mainly the British. Personally, I learned my Irish history at a young age, listening to traditional Irish ballads by folksingers and poets like the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. The songs and poems delineate the Irish view of their own history with humor, grief, hope and, dare I say, facts. The 'facts' can be presented as comparisons of the British reporting and the Irish perspective… always with the ever-present myths and music to give it a truly Irish flavor.

Mary Hawes Mahoney is a teacher at heart. She taught English Language Arts and history (all kinds, including ancient civilizations, world religions, American history from inception to present day, World War I and II , and Western civilization) in the Sudbury Public Schools for 37 years. Ireland and Irish history have been a particular interest because her mother’s ‘people’ were from Ireland. They had the misfortune to have traveled on ‘coffin ships’ and were refused entry at ports in Boston and New York. Subsequently, as a child, Mahoney was steeped in tales of the Irish and Irish history, but those tales did not always follow the history she was taught in school. Curiosity piqued, after she had gotten two degrees from Boston College and had been teaching history for years. Thus she accepted an invitation to spend a summer studying at the National University of Ireland, Galway in the 1990s. She returned to Galway as well as spent another summer at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She now would like to share the historical perspective gained, along with the music, myths and humor of the Irish.

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Astronomy: From Ptolemy to Cosmology

Jim McLaren, Study Group Leader
Fridays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. via Zoom
March 8 through May 10, Ten weeks (no class on March 29)

This course will be an updated reprise of the course taught at LLARC three years ago. We will look primarily at questions you always wanted to know about, but will also touch topics you didn’t know you wanted to know about, and a fair number of things nobody knows about. (Without mystery, science just isn’t any fun!). We will look at the history of astronomy, its instruments and its methods. We will tour the solar system, the galaxy, and deep space as we explore the universe from beginning to end.

Jim McLaren is a retired science teacher and department head from Newton South High School. He has co-authored several middle and high school biology textbooks. Since retiring, he has led six different science study groups for LLARC.

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The End of the Weimar Republic

William Koehler, Study Group Leader
Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
April 19 through May 17, Five weeks (no class on March 29)

Germany’s first experiment with democracy ended in early 1933 with the emergence of the Nazi dictatorship of Adolf Hitler and resulted in the world’s deadliest conflict, World War II, and history’s greatest tragedy, the Holocaust. How did this happen? We’ll explore the myriad causes and discuss similarities in today’s world.

William Koehler, Dean of the Sloane School of Business and Communication at Regis College, holds a PhD in Modern European History from Brandeis University and has taught in higher education for over three decades.

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Current Events

William Koehler, Study Group Leader
Fridays, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
March 8 through May 17, Ten weeks (no class on March 29)

Germany’s first experiment with democracy ended in early 1933 with the emergence of the Nazi dictatorship of Adolf Hitler and resulted in the world’s deadliest conflict, World War II, and history’s greatest tragedy, the Holocaust. How did this happen? We’ll explore the myriad causes and discuss similarities in today’s world.

William Koehler, Dean of the Sloane School of Business and Communication at Regis College, holds a PhD in Modern European History from Brandeis University and has taught in higher education for over three decades.

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