History, Politics & Events: Senior Institute

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Amedeo Modigliani: 1884 - 1920
Discuss the life and career of this famous Italian Jewish painter and sculptor who worked mainly in France. Seven of his nudes were exhibited in the 1917 Paris show and in 2015 his painting Nu couche sold for a record $170.4 million, becoming one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Baltimore And Maryland: Back Then And Now
Learn about the people, places and things that have fascinated us about Baltimore and Maryland; how they looked years ago, how they changed over the years, and look today. Examine cities and neighborhoods, buildings, parks, roads, people and places with instructor, Marty Sharrow.

Beyond The Fabulous Four
Learn about the individual journeys and careers of the each of four Beatles after the 1970 break-up: George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Discuss the personal contributions each made to humanity and their influence on the "Baby Boomer" generation.

Billy Wilder: His Life And Films
Learn about one of the most brilliant Hollywood filmmakers, producers and screenwriters and 5 of his important films: Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, Some Like It Hot, Witness for the Prosecution and The Front Page. View the films and explore the storylines, settings, characters, actors and the significance of each film.

Colonialism And Neo-Colonialism
Learn about policies that have impeded the development of the richly endowed continent and the actions needed for African countries to realize their potential growth and economic power. Topics include: under-tapped African resources; British colonialism; policies of population reduction; role of financial institutions; and the pathways that will lead to development of Africa's potential.

Comparative Study Of Political Systems
Examine the diverse political systems and cultures around the world that are important to US foreign relations. Delve into the historical context and current political climate and compare political systems, cultures, ideologies and leadership of the U.K., Russia, China, India and Iran as well as non-state players such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

Ghost Towns Of The United States
Learn about U.S. towns that were found and built by settlers and the economic and social reasons for abandoning them over time.

Governing In A Hyper-Partisan World
Learn about the development, challenges and trends of both state and federal partisanship from a well-known political commentator and journalist. Explore the history of partisanship, impact of media and demographics, economic and societal changes that have contributed to this extreme political gridlock.

History And Evolving Ecology Of The Patapsco River Valley
Learn about the history of this area beginning from the 1700s and how it has changed the ecology. Topics include: changes along the river caused by mills and other industries; history of the Patapsco Reserve; evolution of the Patapsco Valley State Park; environmental concerns due to floods, fires and man-made "improvements".

History Of Political Parties
Learn about the progression of the two party political system in US history. Discuss Federalists vs Democratic Republicans, Whigs vs Democrats, Democrats vs Republicans and third parties and their issues.

Jewish Personalities And Their Contributions To American And Jewish History
Learn about the lives of many Jewish personalities throughout of American history, such as Asher Levy Van Swellem, David Sarnoff, Rose Schneider, Belle Markowitz, General Mordecai Sheftall andRev. Issac Lesser. Explore their contributions to American as well as Jewish history and the context of the times in which they lived.