Fall 2008
course listing
Humanities
HISTORY
ANCIENT
EGYPT HISTORY, PART 1*
G01
Wednesday: 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Instructor: Ernest Grabill
Ancient Egyptians were a highly advanced people who
developed a civilization which lasted for over 3000
years. In four semesters we study their history, mythologies,
and culture from prehistory to the time of Cleopatra.
(1289)
CRUSADES:
THEN AND NOW*
G02 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Monday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Raymond Eid
The religious-military expeditions to the Holy Land
led by European knights confronted three great medieval
civilizations: Latin, Greek, and Islamic. We review
this epic encounter and its resonance in the political
landscape of modern times. (1046)
New!
ENGLAND: VICTORIAN PERIOD
1815-1914*
G03 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Instructor: Robert Ehrlich
England becomes the empire where the sun never sets.
A period of expanding participation in politics, social
reform, and the good and the bad of the industrial revolution.
(1287)
FROM
JEFFERSON TO JACKSON 1801-1837*
G04
Friday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Edward Fersht
The history of the United States from 1800 to 1840,
during which time the Union survived and expanded in
the face of forces threatening to divide it. (492)
HISTORY
OF ANCIENT GREECE, PART 1*
G05
Wednesday: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Ernest Grabill
Western civilization began in ancient Greece. This semester
we follow the Greeks from prehistory to the time of
the Persian Wars (490-480 B.C.). We study the Bronze
Age cultures (Minoan and Mycenaean), through the Dark
Age and the Archaic period. (401)
New!
HISTORY OF ANCIENT ROME, PART 1*
G06
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Dorry Truitt
The history of Rome will be traced from its mythological
beginning to the end of the Republic. This will include
the Punic Wars, expansion around the Mediterranean Sea,
and great Romans who participated in those events. Videotapes
and PowerPoint presentations will be used. (1261)
JEWISH
HISTORY: CIVILIZATION AND THE JEWS*
G07
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Ruth Fisher Goodman
A nine-part series spanning three millennia of Jewish
history and culture narrated by Abba Eban, former Israeli
ambassador to the United Nations. The series brings
to life the long and complex history of the Jews and
emphasizes dominant cultural characteristics of civilizations.
(1083)
JOHN
ADAMS: AN AMERICAN PATRIOT*
G08
Wednesday: 10:15 a.m. –11:15 a.m.
Instructor: Sigmund Ettinger
A look at the presidency and life of John Adams, our
second president, who succeeded George Washington. We
will examine his life during the Revolutionary War,
his role in the Continental Congress, his foreign service,
his presidency as well as vice-presidency, his family,
and his life in retirement. A beautiful video presentation
followed by discussion. (232)
MAYANS
AND AZTECS TO 1500 A.D.*
G09
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Frank Gay
The development of the Mayan culture from about 1000
B.C. and the Aztec culture from about 1000 A.D. Both
are explored up to the time of the Spanish invasions.
(871)
NAPOLEON*
G10
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Vincent Pro
Napoleon Bonaparte: his life and times. Learn about
the France he led and the Europe he shaped. (1202)
New!
NORTH POLE—SOUTH POLE*
G11 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Monday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Peter Wellington
2008 is the International Polar Year—scientists working
on increasing our knowledge of the polar regions. Learn
about the explorers, climatology, geography, animal
life, and the impact of climate change, including three
lectures by UD faculty dedicated to the International
Polar Year. (1290)
Q,
THE JESUS GOSPEL*
G12
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Instructor: Gerard Smit
"Q," its origin and background and how it reveals Jesus.
Syllabus and course detailed description are at www.rootseeker.org.
(1291)
New!
QUAKERS: TRADITION, VALUES, AND CURRENT PRACTICE*
G13
Thursday: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Instructors: Michele Sullivan and Sheila Johnston
We will briefly study the origins of Quakerism in England
and examine its changes up to the present with particular
emphasis on notable individuals and their influence
on the society and culture of Pennsylvania and Delaware.
(231)
TRAINS,
TRACKS, AND TRAMS*
G14
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Crawford MacKeand
History of railroads, why they were needed, who built
them, and their place 100 years ago and today. Covering
passengers, freight, and streetcars. (1086)
TWELFTH
CENTURY AROUND THE WORLD*
G15 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Friday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Ginou Berkowitch
A panoramic view of what was going on during the 12th
century from the Americas to the Orient. As applicable,
the history, society, and culture of the different civilizations
are described. (1277)
UNITED
STATES/MIDDLE EAST RELATIONS: 1914 TO 9/11*
G16
Thursday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: George Ward
Covers the history of the United States' relations with
the Middle East from before World War I to September
11. It focuses on the cultural and political changes
in the region which led to this tragic event and what
the future might bring. (1137)
New!
WINSTON CHURCHILL: HIS LIFE*
G17
Monday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Carl Schnee
Winston Churchill's long and fascinating life will be
examined through the showing of 12 one-half hour professional
lectures on DVD, preceded and followed each week by
comments by the instructor, and class discussion. Also,
several guest lecturers will make presentations. (1286)
WHEN
GIANTS ROAMED THE SKY*
G18 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Thursday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Robert Davis
In the early years, science fiction filled the dreams
of many, but when giant airships (dirigibles) took to
the sky, many of those dreams became very real. This
course explores the history of the success and tragedy
of airships and how modern technology has now brought
about a phoenix-like revival. (283)
back
to top of page
LITERATURE
New!
AMERICAN POETRY NOW: TODAY'S GREAT POETS*
H01
Monday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Janet Fielding
Our text, American Poetry Now: Pitt Poetry Series
Anthology, offers a plethora of contemporary poets whose
works provide readers with joy, awe, delight, and discovery.
Selections from the works of Collins, Cervantes, Kooser,
Olds, Song, Suarez, Weaver, and others will be presented
for discussion. Class participation is encouraged. (207)
New!
AMERICAN THEATER: WILLIAMS AND MILLER*
H02
Tuesday: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Instructor: James Cosgrove
The course will deal with two giants of the American
theater—Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. The plays
covered will be The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named
Desire, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Williams and Death
of a Salesman and The Crucible by Miller. (1293)
New!
ANTON CHEKHOV: PLAYS AND STORIES***
H03
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: John Snyder
We shall discuss Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters, and
a number of short stories of one of the truly great
writers in world literature. (1265)
New!
BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES**
HO4
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Rudi Carboni
Class discussion of stories by the greatest American
writers of the 20th century, and winners of Nobel, Pulitzer,
National Book, and other awards. The course objective
is to acquaint participants with samples of the work
and style of these authors. Limited to 35 students.
(272)
GREAT
BOOKS: FIRST SERIES, VOLUMES 1 & 2*
H05 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Instructors: Emily Reed and Debbie DuBois
This is a continuing course of readings and discussions
of the great books of civilization using shared inquiry
to trace ideas through the ages. We will examine the
Bible and works by Marx, Freud, Rousseau, and Shakespeare.
Selections are from the Adult Great Books Program, First
Series, Volumes One and Two. Syllabus is available upon
registration or in the office. Limited to 25 students.
(748)
GREAT
BOOKS: GREAT CONVERSATIONS, VOL. 1***
H06
Thursday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Instructors: Debbie DuBois and David Hamilton
Group discussion of classic and contemporary writing
using The Great Books method of shared inquiry. Authors
include Ibsen, Poincare, Freud, Conrad, and Munro. Selections
are from Great Conversations Vol. 1, The Great Books
Foundation. Syllabus is available. Limited to 20 students.
(1209)
GREAT
IRISH WRITERS, PT. 2*
H07
Wednesday: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Don Byrne
A sampler of the most cherished Irish writers, many
of whom achieved fame after leaving Ireland. Authors
include Swift, Shaw, Joyce, O'Casey, Synge, Wilde, Yeats,
and Friel. (1197)
New!
JAMES JOYCE SAMPLER*
H08 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Monday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Richard May
The short stories and novels of James Joyce were rejected
initially by publishers, banned by censors, and found
baffling by readers but are now considered literary
masterpieces. This course will sample and critically
discuss Joyce's Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist
as a Young Man, Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. Limited
to 25 students. (1263)
New!
JAMES JOYCE'S ULYSSES*
H09 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Bruce Morrissey
Read and share the enjoyment of Joyce's Ulysses, the
most significant literature of the last 300 years. Consider
the story and action of Bloomsday in Dublin, the connections
to the I, and marvel at Joyce's literary craft. Take
the challenge of Molly Bloom's chapter-long sentence
on life, sex, and love at the entrance to the dream
world. (1262)
New!
MYTHS—SEX, SCIENCE, AND THE SACRED*
H10 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Parry Norling
Our entertaining journey: myths remain a powerful force
in our lives. Even today they furnish scientific explanations
of how nature works, glorify our sex lives, and help
us worship many gods and goddesses. (1292)
New!
ROMANTIC POETS***
H11
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: John Snyder
We shall discuss the poetry of Blake, Coleridge, Wordsworth,
Byron, Shelley, Keats, and if time, others. (1264)
SHAKESPEARE
IN PERFORMANCE*
H12
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Irene Farrance
Videos of at least three plays are viewed each semester,
combined with lectures on the background and themes
of each play. Supplemental videos from noted scholars
are also used. Theater trips are scheduled as possible.
This semester the course will focus on Romeo and Juliet,
Love's Labour Lost, and Antony and Cleopatra. (180)
SHORT
SUBJECTS*
H13
Monday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Chenda Davison
Do you enjoy hearing a story read aloud? Here's a chance
to hear stories, tales, yarns, and even some poetry
read aloud. Hear works by such favorites as James Thurber,
Ray Bradbury, Dylan Thomas, Joyce Carol Oates, and Woody
Allen. Bring some of your own to share. (1188)
New!
STORIES OF WILD, WISE WOMEN*
H14
Thursday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Edee Fenimore
From gutsy girls to courageous crones, heroines thrive
in ancient legends, folk tales, myths, and fables of
many cultures. Join this class for a chance to hear,
discuss, and maybe even tell these stories. (1712)
UTOPIAN
LITERATURE—FICTION, FACT, PROPHECY***
H15
Tuesday: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Instructor: John Cerasari
After an introduction of two classical texts (Plato's
Republic and Thomas More's Utopia) on the subject of
utopian literature, we will do a critical analysis of
three modern texts—Huxley's Brave New World, Bradbury's
Fahrenheit 451, and Orwell's 1984. We will examine,
specifically, the common elements which engendered the
ideological rationale for the absolute control over
the inhabitants of utopian societies, through the use
of censorship, book burning, writing and rewriting history,
and psycho-social conditioning. (1212)
back
to top of page
PHILOSOPHY
New!
ARISTOTLE: THE ETHICS AND THE POLITICS*
I01
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Keith Schmude
How does one become a good ("virtuous") citizen? Many
of Aristotle's ideas continue to be relevant. Limited
to 50 students. (172)
CONNECTIONS*
I02
Wednesday: 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Instructor: Rebecca Button
A discussion class exploring contemporary, social, and
cultural issues. Limited to 45 students. (182)
DISCOVERING
YOUR TRUE SELF*
I03
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Jim Patton
A Russian philosopher and mystic, George Gurdjieff,
who lived in the early half of the past century, brought
a tradition he called the "Fourth Way" to the West after
a 20-year search for wisdom the world over. (505)
FRIEDRICH
NIETZSCHE: HIS THOUGHTS AND IDEAS*
I04 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Monday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Richard Warner
A course on the thoughts and ideas of the late nineteenth
century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who
in the words of the Oxford Companion to Philosophy,
is "one of the most controversial, unconventional, and
important figures in the history of modern philosophy."
Based on videotape presentations by husband and wife
team Robert Solomon and Kathleen Higgins, both philosophy
professors at the University of Texas, Austin. (506)
GREAT
MINDS OF THE WESTERN INTELLECTUAL TRADITION*
I05 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Thursday: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Richard Warner
"The Crisis of Modernity." Second half of the 20th century
featuring Hayek, Popper, Kuhn, Quine, Habermas, Rawl,
Derrida, Rorty, Gouldner, MacIntyre, and Nozick. Discussion
leaders are John Cerasari, Irving Engelson, Irving Esbitt,
Herman Glotzer, Peter Heytler, Dick Kirk, Keith Schmude,
and Richard Warner. Limited to 130 students. (920)
THEOSOPHY
AND ITS MODERN MOVEMENT*
I06 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Herbert Lubitz
Throughout history there have always existed hidden
or esoteric philosophies, known under such names as
the perennial philosophy, ancient wisdom, and the Kabbalah
(among others). The end of the nineteenth century saw
a new introduction of this knowledge by the Theosophical
Society in the West. We take a look at the content and
history of this philosophical movement. (688)
New!
YOGA PHILOSOPHY, GENERAL SURVEY*
I07
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructors: Jay Newlon, Lois Osborn, and Rosanne Lisi
An introduction to yoga philosophy concepts and historical
background. Lecture content as well as representative
stretches, breathing routines, and relaxation/meditation
practices. Class conducted seated or limited standing
by chairs. Fall semester only. (1285)
YOGA
PHILOSOPHY, BASIC*
I08
Monday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Jay Newlon
For beginning or long-time students, this class includes
basic stretches and postures done with awareness of
the breath. Done in a noncompetitive atmosphere and
aiming to improve flexibility, balance, and strength
and to nourish the spirit. Bring a mat or towel. Limited
to 60 students. (191)
YOGA
PHILOSOPHY, BASIC*
I09 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Roni Duff
Class includes basic yoga postures (asanas), methods
of breathing (pranayama), and relaxation (savasana),
which encourage strength, flexibility, and balance and
help to integrate the body, mind, and spirit. Welcoming,
non-competitive environment suitable for beginners as
well as those with experience. Please bring a towel
or mat. Limited to 60 students. (191)
YOGA
PHILOSOPHY, BASIC*
I10 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Friday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructors: Steve DeMond and Jay Newlon
Similar in content and difficulty to I08 except for
day and time. Limited to 60 students. (191)
YOGA
PHILOSOPHY, INTERMEDIATE*
I11
Monday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Yvette Rudnitzky
Class progresses from warm-up period of two months to
concluding two months of intermediate physical challenge.
Most suitable for experienced or new students in good
health. Limited to 60 students. (1148)
YOGA
PHILOSOPHY, INTERMEDIATE*
I12
Tuesday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Margaret Gilday
Yoga postures of intermediate level, with strong emphasis
on breathing techniques. Stretches and balances help
the body build strength and develop flexibility. Writings
of great yoga masters are introduced. Limited to 60
students. (1161)
back
to top of page
RELIGION
EXPLORING
CHRISTIAN ROOTS, PART 3*
J01
Wednesday: 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Instructor: Gerard Smit
A final look at the message of Jesus, the Jew; his actions,
especially the final actions of his life; the meaning
of his death; and the development from Jesus to Christ
with historical background. We will also examine Paul
and Christianity. Syllabus and course description at
www.rootseeker.org.
(597)
New!
JUDAISM: AN INTRODUCTION*
J02 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Start Date: September 19, 2008
Instructors: Marvin Cytron and Susan Cytron What could
be simpler than worshiping a single God for 3,000 years?
But Judaism is far from simple; as a religion, culture,
and civilization it has evolved in surprising ways.
DVD lectures and class discussions will explore this
heritage from biblical times to today. (1266)
MODERN
WOMAN'S SEARCH FOR THE DIVINE*
J03
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Yvette Rudnitzky
The 21st century has left all of modern humanity needing
new and meaningful images of the divine. Is there a
way that searching for spiritual aliveness is different
for females than for males? Join us as we reach deeply
into a woman's journey toward the sacred. The course
requires the reading of one book to be announced in
class plus some classroom writing. (1193)
New!
OLD TESTAMENT—PART 1*
J04 [Syllabus or additional course information available online.]
Wednesday: 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Instructor: Fred Seyfert
The Old Testament was written over a period of 1,000
years by many authors. "It contains myth, saga, and
history; tragedy, comedy, and farce; economics and politics;
literature and poetry and much more." The course follows
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine's (Duke University) lectures throughout
the semester. Suggestions for further reading will be
offered, and time allowed for classroom discussion.
This class offers the best available knowledge and research
today in order to provide students with richer insight
into the older Bible. Class members are encouraged to
do some outside reading. (206)
REVELATION:
DECODING THE BOOK*
J05
Monday: 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
Start Date: September 22, 2008
Instructor: Marian Wilson
This look at Revelation covers analysis of secret code
words used, modern references to the Apocalypse, and
related Old and New Testament scriptures. Lectures and
class participation used. Bring your Bible. (197)
SPIRITUALITY,
PART 2*
J06
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Gerard Smit
Part 1 looked at spirituality in general and its connection
with the universe (creation spirituality). Part 2 will
focus on the God concept and how it was expressed in
ancient history and in later mysticism. Syllabus and
course detailed description are in: www.rootseeker.org.
(545)
back
to top of page
WRITING
POETRY
WRITING WORKSHOP*
K01
Tuesday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Helen Griffith
Students will write poems, critique others' poems, and
have work critiqued by other class members. Specific
exercises to focus and expand individual expression.
Class participation and help with facilitation encouraged.
Limited to 16 students. (567)
WRITE
NOW!*
K02
Tuesday: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Claire Cosgrove
Come prepared to write and share with class members.
Work done previously and works in progress also will
be reviewed. Writers of all levels are welcome. Pen
and paper needed. Limited to 14 students. (1156)
WRITE
YOUR MEMOIRS*
K03
Wednesday: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Karen Clark Williams
Learn the pleasures and principles of memoir writing
and practice what you learn by sharing your work with
your classmates. Beginning writers welcome. Limited
to 30 students. (1163)
WRITER'S
CRAFT*
K04
Monday: 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Start Date: 09/15/2008
Instructor: Jeanette Gibson
Explore the world of prose writing with discussion,
examples, practice, and shared critiques. Try your hand
at memoirs, essays, letters to the editor, and short
fiction. Limited to 14 students. (1042)
WRITER'S
WORKSHOP*
K05
Tuesday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Catherine Wheeler Bowen
Prose writing, fiction or nonfiction. Class members
critique each others' work. Lively discussion of writing
principles evolves from review process, following established
guidelines. Not for beginning writers! Limited to 12
students. (512)
WRITER'S
WORKSHOP*
K06
Wednesday: 2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Catherine Wheeler Bowen
Same as K05 except for day.
WRITING
HAIKU*
K07
Monday: 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Instructors: Wendy Schermer and Dick Williams
Poetry writing workshop for the American version of
Japanese haiku and related genres. The emphasis is on
coaching and camaraderie. Limited to 25 students. (202)
YESTERDAY
FOR TOMORROW*
K08
Monday: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Instructors: Patricia Dempsey and Karen Clark Williams
Enjoy writing personal memoirs, enriching family history,
sharing with friends. We do not critique but provide
guidelines. We welcome all levels of writing skills
and diverse experiences. Limited to 40 students. (203)
back
to top of page
|
