This schedule is current until December 2009.
| # | Monday |
| 12) 13) |
WRITING MADE EASY Calling all writers, or would-be-writers of short stories, novels or memoirs. We will discuss the craft of writing dialogue, plotting, setting, developing characters and publishing. You will learn through lecture, discussion, writing exercises and critique. All writing levels will be accommodated. Instructor: Camille Minichino, Ph.D., author of short stories, essays, and eleven mystery novels. 4 classes $40 ($36 EC Members) |
| 14) |
OPERA COMEDIES We will discuss the history of Saudi Arabia, one of the richest countries in the world. This country plays a significant role both in Muslim politics and economics, and in global affairs today. Few things are known about the political system functioning in the country and the ideology it professes and often exports to the Muslim world. Instructor: Irwin Tallarico, EdD., University of San Francisco, has 48 years of experience in the field of education. 5 classes $50 ($45 EC Members) |
| 15) |
GREAT OPERETTAS Great operettas are lively, bubbly, silly, but an enjoyable frolic. Opera arias and great comedy actors make these frothy performances a delight. We will view DVD performances of Fledermaus, A Night in Venice, Merry Widow, Der Zarewitsch, The Land of Smiles, and The Gypsy Countess. Instructor: Irwin Tallarico, EdD., (see bio class #14) 6 classes $60 ($55 EC Members) |
| 16) |
ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE BIBLE Learn how the scientific practice of archaeology can help refine, and sometime challenge, interpretations of the Judeo-Christian Bible. Discussion includes such hot button topics as Noah's Ark and the Exodus. Instructor: Mitch Allen, PhD., archaeology UCLA, is an instructor at Mills College and founder of Left Coast Press, Inc., an academic publisher specializing in archaeology. 4 classes $40 ($36 EC Members) |
| 17) |
MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA We will discuss the evolving situation in two geopolitically and economically important countries of the Far East. Both countries have traditional and diverse environments, and a strong influence of Islamic political ideas. We will view documentaries on the social and cultural ideological situation in each country. Instructor: Ismail Agayev, Ph.D., Philosophy and Religion, is the author of 16 published articles on the history of Shi’a and Islamic development in Iran and the Caucasus. He has taught in educational institutions in the U.S. and overseas. 4 classes $40 ($36 EC Members) |
| 18) |
INSIDE ISLAM: SHI'AS AND SUNNIS We will examine the origins and internal characteristics of Shi'a and Sunna, two major religious branches and spiritual movements inside Islam. Five new documentaries will help illustrate the differences between these two branches. We will discuss the relationship between Shi'a and Sunna in today's political environment in Iraq, Pakistan and Lebanon. Instructor: Ismail Agayev, Ph.D., (see bio class #17) 5 classes $50 ($45 EC Members) |
| 19) |
IRAN AFTER THE ELECTIONS In this new course we will analyze the latest social, political and cultural developments in Iran, and their relevance to the results of this year's presidential election. We will see two new documentaries and familiarize ourselves with information that will help us understand the Iranian political system. Instructor: Ismail Agayev, Ph.D., (see bio class #17) 6 classes $60 ($55 EC Members) |
| 20) |
PERSIANS AND TURKS Turks and Persians feel the deep impact of Islamic philosophy and spirituality. This new course, with examples from poetry, music and Sufi literature, will demonstrate three perceptions of cultural reality: Persian, Turkish and Islamic, as they developed and enriched each other throughout history. Instructor: Ismail Agayev, Ph.D., (see bio class #17) 5 classes $50 ($45 EC Members) |
| 21) 22) |
ITALIAN FOR TRAVELERS Learning conversational Italian in just six weeks is possible. Each lesson is geared toward specific conversations needed for travel. Former students are amazed at how much they can understand by the end of the series. p> Instructor: Lucia Falcone, born and raised in Murano, Italy, is a graduate of UC Berkeley. Author of Over Bridges Across Tables, a collection of short stories that celebrates life in Italy. 5 classes $50 ($45 EC Members) |
| 23) |
HOLLYWOOD DOES HISTORY: AMADEUS Ever wondered about the historical accuracy of the film Amadeus? Did Mozart really giggle like that? Was Antonio Salieri really out to get him? We will begin by discussing the historical record and then view the film. We will also consider the play, and Peter Schaffer's depictions of Mozart and Salieri. We will discuss what Hollywood changed and why it might have done so, and whether this practice of dramatizing historical events is helpful or harmful. Instructor: Ann Taylor MA, Humanities, University of Chicago, teaches at Diablo Valley College and Las Positas. 4 classes $40 ($36 EC Members) |
| 24) |
THE HERO IN WORLD MYTHOLOGY In Joseph Campbell's book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, he discusses aspects of the hero story that seem to be common to most mythologies. We will discuss various stories of heroes from several traditions, look at the idea of the romantic hero of the 19th century, and the hero today. You do not need to have read Campbell's book to take this course. Instructor: Ann Taylor MA (see bio class #23) 4 classes $40 ($36 EC Members) |
| 25) |
TURKEY AND THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE Turkey's location makes it a strategic link between Europe and Asia. The result has been many conquests and two long-lived empires, the Ottoman Empire being the most important. We will examine the characteristics of Ottoman rule, structure of the present government, and the importance of Turkey in the muddled Middle East. Instructor: Gay Joyce, MA., has taught Western Civilization and US History for over 30 years. She is a member of the American Historical Society and National Association of Scholars. 6 classes $60 ($55 EC Members) |
| 26) |
WORLD WAR II In previous classes we discussed the causes of World War II. This class series covers the goals of the leaders, problems among the allied nations, and the relationship of leaders to the military. We will discuss military action, especially on the Russian front and in the Pacific. We will end with a discussion of the state of Europe and the Far East at the end of WWII. Instructor: Gay Joyce, MA., (see bio class #25) 6 classes $60 ($55 EC Members) |
