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Seminars
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SEMINARS ON CAMPUS

        FRIDAY AFTERNOON           

Fall 2008

All Seminars are 1 to 2:45 p.m. 

Registration: Please call coordinator early to register or go to the Rendezvous on Aug. 22. Do not call the office.

"Guests on Campus" and "Participants in Seminars" 

These two phrases describe our presence as Renaissance members at Sacramento State this Fall of 2008. We are guests because we pay no tuition and no fees for available classrooms that are not needed by professors for students on campus. Our members are participants in seminars because we pay no professors to lead us. Therefore, without professional instructors, we learn in most classes by doing some of the research, giving presentations of our findings on topics and generally contributing to the efforts of volunteer coordinators on various topics. The few coordinators who do not require member presentations (but do encourage questions or comments in class) are so noted in bold in their seminar descriptions below.


AMERICAN INTERVENTIONS                Mendocino 1024

John Andrew, Nell Farr

From the 1813 invasion of Canada to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the United States has often intervened in the affairs of other nations. Frequently these interventions have had unintended consequences for both America and the other countries. We will explore the history of some of these events, details unknown to most Americans. Examples that we will study include Hawaii, Chile, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Iran and Central American countries. This shall be a participatory seminar limited to 25 Renaissance members.

EXPERIENCING ARCHITECTURE            Library 1533

Stan Mofjeld, Tom Dole

Does its architecture, its style, affect your attitude about a building or even a community? This shall be a continuation of Architecture Past and Present, a popular seminar given a few years ago. This subject endeavors to excite your visual and spatial experience of differing architecture. For the most part, presentations will be visual, employing graphic media such as slides, video or internet. The seminar coordinators can advise or assist participants in the presentations.

GRAND OPERA!                                            Alpine 204

Eliane Watson

Now that opera lovers can experience Metropolitan Opera performances in high definition at a local theater, let's take a look at what will be offered next season. We'll learn the opera stories and listen to beautiful arias on CDs that we anticipate to hear live from New York City later. Active participation and presentations are expected in class, with assistance if needed from the avid opera coordinator. Novice opera and other classical music fans could learn to enjoy this distinct, professional style of music and theater.

GREAT EXPLORERS                                     Alpine 148

Wayne Luney

Learn about the persons who expanded our knowledge of the world through their explorations of lands previously unknown to Europeans. We will prepare talks about explorers who were active between the late middle ages and the early 20th Century. Suggested topics for class participation include Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama, Alexander von Humboldt, James Cook, Richard Burton, and Ronald Amundsen. By the way, who discovered America or the U.S. West or Hawaii?

GREAT TRIALS IN HISTORY                         Alpine 144

Mike Sands, Bob Taylor, Joy Skalbeck

This is a participatory seminar, much like the similar one presented in the past. From the Salem witch trials to the Scopes "Monkey" trial to the O.J. Simpson trial, we will examine some of the great or memorable trials in history and examine the impact, if any, they had on our lives. Members of class may select a trial from a prepared list or choose their own.

MAGICAL EGYPT                                  Mendocino 4004

Erica Vagt

We will view and discuss eight DVDs presented by Emmy award-winning John West, who leads a new generation of scientists through magical Egypt, thus pioneering a radical new understanding of Egypt's past. Topics will include mystery schools, sacred geometry, possible earlier civilizations, ancient codes, and Luxor and Karnat temples. Also, haunting looks at Abu Simbel, the afterlife, and links between ancient and modern magical practices. This series was not shown on TV and is not available in stores. Contributions to purchase these DVDs are requested with the amount based on the number of class participants.

MIXED BAG OF FILMS                                 Library 1522

Gloria Luney, Marion Isaac, John Liberty, Jon Courtway

Join us for an engrossing potpourri of lesser-known classic, near-classic, and cult films from directors both foreign and American. These films range from quirky and wildly humorous comedies to profoundly serious dramas. Enrollment is limited to room capacity of 53 participants. While this is a NO PRESENTATION style seminar, we anticipate lively, informal discussions following the screenings. Sign up early and enjoy an afternoon at the movies..

MYSTERY WRITERS                                       Alpine 156

John Walker

Mysteries are intriguing and suspenseful with fascinating storylines. Mysteries are certainly the most popular of all genre novels. Class members will learn which 100 mystery novels have been selected as the best ever written! You will further discover which of the authors are most acclaimed and the class will primarily focus on those authors. There is no doubt that by semester's end, every class member will have lists containing many mysteries and authors that they intend to read.

READING PROUST'S BOOK IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME                                                   Douglass 213

Karen Ewing, Kay Mogavero

One of Western literature's most celebrated novels is Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust. This series of seven books was written in the early 20th Century by a man whose passion was to project in literary art the very "form of time." Critics consider that Proust stands alone in his achievement as a novelist. This is a continuing seminar. We will be reading Volumes 4, 5, and 6 in the Fall 2008 on to the Spring 2009. Contact the coordinator for the book collection title and source.

SCIENCE FICTION LITERATURE                   Alpine 205

Ele Meux

Many people haven't read SF because they associate the term with Star Trek, Star Wars, X-Files, etc. But Science Fiction includes classics such as Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. This seminar's goal is to acquaint those who haven't read SF with some of its classics, and to provide the veteran SF readers with an opportunity to read and discuss old favorites and new examples. We will include short stories and excerpts from SF books and ask members to read 20-40 pages weekly. Lists of Science or Speculative Fiction material to be read will be provided.

SOUTH ASIA                                                 Alpine 232

Onkar Bindra, Al Wolfgang

About 1.5 billion of the 6.4 billion people worldwide live in South Asia, an area which, by the way, includes two countries with nuclear power capabilities or power. Here's another fact that may seem surprising: While the South Asians constitute 1.5 percent of our U.S. population, they nonetheless comprise 38 percent of our doctors! This seminar's goal is to help us learn about the countries included in this remarkable region. We'll cover Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, plus Diego Garcia and the great Indus-Sarasvati civilization. We have a lot to learn, don't we?

THE ETRUSCANS                                     Mariposa 1001 

Paul Micheli

The Greeks used "a, ß, γ" to start their alphabet, but we use "a, b, c" because the Etruscans had no "g" sound. The Church adopted miter and staff, but these were the regency instruments of the Etruscan haruspex. Today we speak of human rights because Etruscan women enjoyed equal rights with their men. Ladies--this is the culture that started equality! These are a few of the many legacies that we inherited from these people, who then disappeared! Explore with me the painted tombs in necropolises unearthed all over Italy. We'll learn about the people called Etruscans who, having disappeared, then resurrected and became the delight of the Renaissance.

20TH CENTURY POETRY                     Mendocino 4005

Chuck Scarcliff

From Robert Frost to W.B. Yeats to Sylvia Plath, we will read and discuss poems by major and not so major American and British poets of the 20th Century. Participants will need to purchase the seminar syllabus ($10 or less) and read a few poems before we meet each week. This seminar will emphasize primarily the discussions of the poems in the syllabus, their styles and their messages and their merit.

200 YEARS OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC                                                  Capistrano 227

Mike Harkins

We will survey the evolution of the most popular genres of American music by listening to many diverse musical recordings. The expedition starts with the "penny broadsides" of the northern colonies and the "slave hollers" of the rural South. Slide shows of photos and music will take us from the earliest jazz, blues, folk, and country styles to modern times. We will trace jazz ensembles to big band swing, crooners to pop divas, rhythm and blues to rock 'n roll, and soul to disco. Continue on with urban funk to rap, and rock to its spinoffs such as metal, punk, and grunge. You'll hear the differences, understand the connections, and enjoy!

UNTOLD STORIES OF OLD SACRAMENTO                                      Mendocino 4008

Marge and Claire LeDonne

Rip the tourist facade off of Old Sacramento. Expose the untold stories of ruthless (Gold Rush) developers, politicians, scoundrels, and heroes who shaped this notorious neighborhood and California's influential position in today's world. Join us in examining this neighborhood from its start as a tent city and the West Coast's largest skid row to its evolution as a test case for urban development. Don't miss this chance to learn the real history of our capital city.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING                        Kadema 266

Catherine McCormick, Ken Kinyon

Discover your own creative ability through the beauty and excitement of transparent watercolor painting. Ability to draw is helpful, but this seminar is for beginning to advanced students. Members of the class will do some instruction in principles and elements of design. Students may choose their own projects. Critiques of completed paintings will be made by class members if desired and guest experienced artists will be invited. Call Catherine McCormick to register.

WRITING PERSONAL HISTORIES        Mendocino 3007

Jan Schroeder, Dennis Kohlmann, Irina Kravtchenko

The world has changed so much since we were children. This is an opportunity to record your experiences for your grandchildren. Participants will be asked to bring typed pages of about 500 words each week to share in class. Support will be given to those who want it, but no critiques. Writing your life history can be quite interesting, even therapeutic. Being in this class will stimulate many memories, and you will have the opportunity to meet and get to know other Renaissance members in this interactive group setting. Class size may be limited.