Humanities and Culture: Senior Institute

Art in Spain
Examine the drawing, painting, sculpture and architecture of Spain. Address Spain's most important artistic developments as you explore the works of Goya, Ribera, Murillo, Velazquez, Zurbaran, Dali, Miro, Picasso, Chillida, Gonzalez and Gaudi. The lectures/PowerPoint presentation presents rich and colorful images inviting questions and discussions.

Ethical Dilemmas in the Bible
Discover whether or not the Bible can continue to motivate us to compare and contrast the moral and ethical issues in the text with our society today. Study the Five Books of Moses, the Kings, the Prophets, Proverbs and Psalms and bring these theme found in the Bible into our current society.  

CCBC Book Discussion
Discover and help select the best in new fiction and non-fiction books. Analyze, discuss and interpret thematic content, writing styles, historical background/context and author comparisons beginning with Emma Cline, The Girls; continue with Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air. 

Countries of the World
Explore different countries around the world, their history, customs, and political and economic structure. Topics to be covered include Vietnam, Poland, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Tibet, Ethiopia, China, and more. 

Creative Jewish People of the 20th Century
Learn about the lives, careers and innovations of several Jewish people in the 20th century that had impact on our lives: three Jewish men who founded an advertising agency that changed advertising; three men (Stan Lee, Joel Schuster, and Jerry Seigel) who created Superman and other super heroes; and Hedy Lamar, an actress, spy and inventor. 

Divine Art
Explore the importance of architecture and art between 1785 and 1891 as part of the historic houses of worship in Baltimore. View examples of historic churches and synagogues; artistic items and icons within the structures; the architects/artists; immigrant groups served; and how the houses of worship adapted to growth and changing demographics of the city. 

Doing Analysis and Being a Polymath
“Polymath - a person of wide-ranging learning and knowledge.”  Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Jefferson were examples of polymaths. Why, then, are we not educated to use multiple streams of information and diversity of thought to integrate knowledge instead of emphasizing isolated specialization? We'll analyze this philosophical approach in an effort to become polymaths. 

Fall Soups and Stews
Learn how to purchase ingredients, prepare food and cook recipes for a selection of fall soups and stews, such as cauliflower coriander soup and Michelle's almost-world-famous noodle and matzo ball soup. Discuss appropriate cooking terms and qualities of food and herbs used.  All recipes are provided. A food cost of $30, made payable to Michelle's Kitchen, will be collected at the first session.

Advanced Genealogy in the Computer Lab
This follow-up to "Genealogy in the Computer Lab" lets you learn to do more complex searches on multiple web sites to further your genealogical research. Storing and organizing genealogical data on a computer will be discussed. Familiarity with the computer and basic knowledge of genealogical web sites is necessary. 

Genes, Genetics and Genotypes: What It Is All About
Learn about the field of genetics: its underlying principles; its history, definitions of important terms, such as chromosomes, genes, the genome, genotypes and phenotypes; scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, contributions of some of the giants in the field, and the potential therapeutic applications. 

Great Decisions 2018
Gain non-partisan knowledge about many of the major challenges and issues facing the United States and the international community regarding foreign policy, then participate in a dynamic discussion on each weekly topic. 

History and Contemporary Issues of Cell Biology
Learn all about the cell: its birth, growth, life, structure, and functions. Explore cell discoveries that have led to a greater understanding of DNA and genetics and some of the scientists who were involved in this research and the implications for society. 

Labor in the Movies
Join in a discussion on the portrayal of labor and unions in the movies led by an author and union organizer. Identify themes as they relate to the labor movement by viewing films from different time periods including: The Killing Floor, Matewan, 10,000 Black Men Named George, Salt of the Earth, On the Waterfront, Norma Rae and others. 

Literature of the 1960's
Literature written during the 1960's reflected what was happening in America on the social and political arena. Authors wrote about gender, race, homosexuality, feminism and war. As people in the 1960's were trying to re-evaluate the world around them, many chose to seek better understanding through literature. We'll discuss the following authors and books: The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon, Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley by Malcolm X and Alex Haley. 

Music of Central and South America and the Caribbean
Explore the breadth of diverse musical and dance styles such as salsa, bachata, Tex-Mex/mariachi, tango, merengue, rumba, samba, bossa nova, calypso, and Latin pop and rock, among others.  Delve into the history and culture of indigenous Americans, African traditions, and the impact of European colonization on this area and its music. 

The Films of Abbott and Costello
From their early career until their decline and eventual break-up, this comedy team progressed from forming a vaudeville act to radio comedy routines to Hollywood stardom in feature films such as One Night in the Tropics, Buck Privates, In the Navy, Keep 'em Flying, Rio Rita, and Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops. 

The Japanese Tea Ceremony
Explore the history, complexity and artistic elements of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Explore its tea from China and the affiliation of tea with Zen Buddhism. Features of a Japanese tea house, utensils used, procedures of serving tea, historic lineage of tea masters, and tea's significance to Japanese art, history and culture will be discussed.

The Best Art History Movies Part III
The movies The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Metropolis, The Moon and Sixpence, La Strada and The Mystery of Picasso, are considered among the best art history movies ever made. We will discuss the movie plot, the art and the artist portrayed.

The Exciting Cooking of Northern Italy
Learn how to purchase ingredients, prepare and cook recipes from Northern Italy, including risotto, tortellini with peas, bresaola, saffron and tiramisu.  All recipes are provided.  An ingredients fee of $25 per person, made payable to Michelle's Kitchen, is due at the first class. 

The Nuts and Bolts of Journaling
Putting pen to paper can have beneficial effects on your health. Learn how to use this ancient tradition to identify problem area of your life, discover your true self and resolve internal and external conflict. Join us in learning the style that best suits you and explore the art of this powerful life tool.

Three Very Intelligent Women in Science, Philosophy and Art
Since the beginning of history, there has often been a reticence and reluctance to accept the intellectual genius of women.  Discuss the intellect of three gifted women: Emilie Du Chatelet (1706-1749), Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) and Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) in the areas of science, philosophy and art.  

The Figure of David in Renaissance Art
Learn about the remarkable centrality of the figure David in Italian Renaissance Art. Compare the biblical depictions to the images of David as a perfect specimen of youthful male humanity in the Florentine city-state under the aegis of the Medici's. Explore other sculptures including those of Donatello, Michelangelo, Verrocchio, and Bernini. 

Writing a Book
Gain skills and build confidence in your writing and leave a lasting legacy. Whether you wish to write a memoir, children's book, travel journal, cookbook or a book of your own choosing, explore ways to capture and communicate ideas, use photography, select appropriate details, polish your writing and get your book printed.