FALL 2017 COURSES
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At a glance
HRM classes
1. Understanding Human Evolution |
Mondays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 16, ends November 27 |
Ever since the remains of “Neanderthal Man” first came to light nearly 200 years ago, the steady accumulation of fossils, artefacts, and other types of evidence from Africa, Asia, and Europe has yielded a great wealth of knowledge of the human family tree, and with it, a good many surprises and unanswered questions. This course, six lectures altogether, offers a primer on the evolution of our species, Homo sapiens, a development whose beginnings reach back many millions of years. Starting with basic concepts of biological evolution, lectures move on to examine some key discoveries, past and present, and what they reveal about our common ancestry. At the same time, they will also consider what the unfolding story of our origins might tell us about what it is to be human. [top] |
2. A Social Historical View of African Nova Scotian History |
Mondays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins September 25, ends November 20 (no classes Oct 9, Nov 6, Nov 13) |
This course will offer students an opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural traditions of the African Nova Scotian experience. We will examine the history and contemporary issues facing African Nova Scotians (ANS), through this social- historical lens. Participants will be able to discover the ways in which race, sex, gender, class, disability, sexual identity and age affect ANS, particularly the impact on health and well-being. Reflections on the lived reality of oppression and traditions of survival, resistance, activism and critical hope will be addressed. Finally, participants will explore creative ways to bridge differences and build alliances to effectively work with the African Nova Scotian community. [top] |
3. Spy School 201 [THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL] |
Mondays, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 16, ends November 27 |
Spy School 201 expands on Spy School 101, which described intelligence agencies, terminology, practical tradecraft, the history of spying, the legal foundations of such activities, and the real life impact of intelligence on policy making. Spy School 201 examines hidden aspects of intelligence and espionage, including the role of women, well-known spy scandals, the often related use of sex as a ruse to gain information, conspiracy theories, and “black operations, and the increasing role that intelligence plays in politics, and politics plays in intelligence. An ongoing theme of the course is the researching, analysis and validation of information received from multiple sources. There is no requirement to have taken Spy School 101 as a prerequisite. [top] |
4. How to Talk Back to an Economist |
Alex Roberts [bio] |
‡ Keshen Goodman Public Library, 330 Lacewood Drive, Halifax ‡ [location] |
Mondays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 16, ends November 27 |
The subtle, arcane, (but not so dismal) science of economics affects each and every one of us on a daily basis - be it the rising cost of family groceries, investing in the stock market, or making informed choices as a voter. However, a little training in some basic concepts can go a long way in helping to comprehend the economic forces shaping our lives, avoid economic fallacies, and not be deceived by economists. This six-week course is designed as a lively, accessible, and painless guide to economics and the economy - with an emphasis on ideas and understanding rather than formulas. Relevant real-world examples, video clips, cartoons and case studies will be employed to help demystify the jargon and explain key concepts. The focus will be on big ideas such as globalization and trade, money, the GDP, inequality, recessions and depressions, and understanding economic indicators. As well, hot-button issues such as the legalizing marijuana, BREXIT, neuroeconomics, NAFTA, “Trumponomics,” “nudge” economics, virtual currencies, behavioural economics, and the merits of carbon taxes will be featured; along with snapshots of the most influential economists. [top] |
5. Contemporary Debates about Capitalism: 20th Century to Present |
Daphna Levit [bio] |
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 10, ends November 14 |
Capitalism may have started as a philosophical concept, but it has developed into the foremost economic system. With its dominance, the voice of its dissenters has also grown louder. Has it failed? Has it been badly managed? Is it the fault of politicians? Is it fundamentally unethical? This course will examine the views and arguments about capitalism of some of the sharpest minds in the 20th and 21st centuries, which have made an impact on governments, political leaders, economists and educated people throughout the world. [top] |
6. Novels of Horror: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and R. L. Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde |
Victoria Rosenberg [bio] |
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax [location] |
Tuesdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 10, ends November 14 |
A close reading of each of the three novels, analyzing the narrator’s and the characters’ point of view and how the novel evokes an atmosphere of horror. Note on text of Frankenstein: the earliest edition is the 1818 one. There are substantive differences between it and the later 1831 edition. I would prefer participants read the 1818 edition. However, Signet conveniently publishes all three of the course’s novels in one inexpensive volume and though the Frankenstein is the later one, convenience may well outrank scholarship. (Book Mark will stock the Signet edition of the three in one, as well as the Oxford editions of each of the three novels individually.) If participants come, some with the earlier edition and some with the later, we can compare the two texts in class, during discussions. [top] |
7. Historical Dynamics of Fashion |
Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 11, ends November 15 |
Sessions full of innuendo, character assassination and trivia. Weekly offerings on a subject full of pulchritude, half-baked opinions,and things I like. These lectures draw together some of the points raised in a full university course. The theme is to ask what changes in dress tell us about society, economics, and culture. Do we wear clothing simply to keep warm or to for modesty, or are there other reasons? What drives the concept of fashion? Why and how does fashion appear in many societies?
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8. Six Controversies [THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL] |
Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 11, ends November 15 |
This course features a discussion on a different issue or question each week. Classes are introduced by Norman Pereira. Class members pick up and carry forward the discussion. Topics will include: When should Donald Trump be impeached? Is the university still the marketplace of ideas? What is hate speech and should it be banned? Is Islam a religion of peace? How does Vladimir Putin threaten Western civilization? How is the direction of Canadian politics changing under Justin Trudeau? A list of Readings/Online Viewings will be suggested for each class. [top] |
9. From Bach to Beatles: Evolution of Guitar |
Thursdays, 9:30 am to 11:30 am (6 wks) - Begins October 12, ends November 16 |
Each class is dedicated to a particular genre of music: baroque, classical, romantic, flamenco, Latin American, blues / jazz, modern. Students will learn history of guitar music as well as basic music theory and songwriting. By the end of the course an original song will be recorded. [top] |
10. Beginner’s Guide to Italian Renaissance: 1492-1600 [THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL] |
Thursdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 19, ends November 23 |
This course is designed for anyone curious about an age that saw a more analytical and intellectual approach to life take hold, as the focus of attention shifted from the Church to humans and the world around them. While the majority of time will be devoted to the art and artists of the era, time will be given to the significant events, notable personalities, and the underlying spirit that spurred an expansion of thought, creativity and commerce that rivaled, if not surpassed, the Classical World. An emphasis will be placed on the works of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, plus the drastic effects of the Protestant Reformation. One need not have attended the spring offering on the Italian Renaissance (14th and 15th century) to understand and appreciate this course. [top] |
11. Women in Russian History [THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL] |
Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 13, ends November 17 |
The course “Women in Russian History” will describe the role of women in the history of Ancient Russia; the role and life of women in the medieval Russia; women on the Russian throne; growth of feminism at the end of the 19th century and the role of women in the revolutions in 1905 and February and October revolutions in 1917; active role of Soviet women in building the new socialist society. The course “Mysteries of Russian History” concentrates on the main events in the history of the Ancient Rus’, medieval Russia, reforms of Peter the Great; golden century of Catherine the Great; victory over Napoleon; WW1. [top] |
12. Israel’s Earliest Dissenters of Zionism |
Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 13, ends November 17 |
Considering the current number of incompatible ideologies in the global political sphere and their turbulent impact, the disputes about Zionism are timeworn, obstinate and of lesser immediate dramatic interest. Yet the turmoil in the Middle East is commonly attributed to the existence of the State of Israel and the injustices perpetrated in the name of Zionism, a movement that has existed since the end of the 19th century. Many early founders of Zionism would likely be appalled by its contemporary derivation. And many contemporary Israeli dissenters are silenced by the pervasive nationalism that seeks to entrench militant Zionism. Rarely heard are the opinions of Israeli intellectuals who oppose the evolution of successive extreme nationalist governments and policies. They are silenced from within Israel and from without by the loud chorus of powerful Jews in the diaspora. This course attempts to give some of them a voice. [top] |
Chester classes
13. Seldom Heard Voices of Contemporary Critics of Zionism |
Tuesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 10, ends November 14 |
The swirl of opposing political and national narratives today makes dissent practically unavoidable for thinking individuals in relatively free societies. And the need for informed dissent is increasingly obvious in societies seeking to create and exploit patriotic narratives for political or financial gain. A multitude of intentions acted to create the State of Israel in 1948. But that creation became a geo-political difficulty in the Middle East with much wider and more sinister global consequences. The initial Zionist search for an independent state for the Jews who had survived the ravages of World War II, had gradually transformed into a nationalistic justification for any act of aggression committed by the government. The voices discussed in this course are Israeli scholars and historians, all eminently qualified, opposing the evolution of successively extreme nationalistic governments with militant policies. The course follows but does not require previous attendance in the course on Earliest Dissenters of Zionism. [top] |
14. Glenn Gould: Music’s Public Recluse |
Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 12, ends November 16 |
Glenn Gould was a 20th century Canadian pianist and composer. He is best known for his interpretations of the keyboard music of J.S. Bach. He performed music of many other composers and composed audio documentaries for radio. Since his death at age 50 in 1982, in addition to recordings issued during his lifetime, many more of his recordings have been released both of studio and live performances though he ceased concert-giving in 1964. Although he lived largely as a recluse in the latter half of his life, his ability to maintain a public status was inimitable. The course will examine his music making as both performer and composer, concentrating on his performance as a pianist. [top] |
Mahone Bay classes
15. A Practical Guide to Observing the Night Sky |
Tuesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 10, ends November 14 |
After completing this course the participant should have a greater appreciation of and knowledge about what there is to see in the sky and how to find and observe them. Topics covered include: how to find your way around the summer, fall, winter and spring night skies; how to observe the moon and planets; and what galaxies, globular clusters, open clusters, planetary nebula, diffuse nebula, double stars and interesting asterisms can be found. We will also cover how to view these objects using dark adapted eyes and averted vision, and practice observing using a variety of instruments from binoculars to telescopes. We will also explore topics of interest to participants. If the weather cooperates we will have a couple of nights when we will put into practice what we learned in class. [top] |
16. A History of Recorded Sound from Edison to MP3 |
Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 11, ends November 15 |
Learn about the technology of recorded sound, with side bars into the musical, sociological, and business influences that made these technologies possible. [top] |
17. An Introduction to Chinese Culture - Part 2 |
Thurdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 12, ends November 16 |
This session is designed for anyone interested in China and its culture. It is not necessary to have taken Part 1. This course examines the Chinese language, and how Chinese people communicate using language and non-verbal language. We will look at some of the Chinese fine arts, such as calligraphy and painting, and performing arts such as Peking Opera. We will also learn about the science behind Traditional Chinese Medicine and the origin of natural treatments. Finally, we will explore the challenges that China faces today. 1. Peking Opera and Performing Arts 2. How Chinese People Communicate (Language and Body Language etc.) 3. Fine Arts (Calligraphy and Painting) 4. Traditional Chinese Medicine 5. Movie: Gua Sha: a Treatment 6. Facing the Challenges [top] |
Liverpool classes
18. An Introduction to Chinese Culture - Part 1 |
Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 12, ends November 16 |
By approaching and looking at different aspects of life, this course will attempt to demonstrate the core cultural values which make Chinese culture different from others in the world. The main goal will be to explore Chinese ways of life, ways of thinking and ways of behaviour by looking at Chinese history, philosophy, language and arts. This class will help participants come to a better understanding of China and its people.. [top] |
19. Principles and Paradigms of Computing: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going |
Wednesdays, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 11, ends November 15 |
Computing systems are woven into the fabric of our modern society. Today’s computer architecture has its roots in developments in the 1950’s. Since that time, incremental improvements in materials engineering and algorithm design have resulted in the extraordinary systems which underpin our modern society. In this course, you will learn about the fundamental building blocks of all modern computers and how they have evolved. However, computing systems are now reaching the limits of fundamental physics, in the quest for more speed and power. Future computing systems will continue to exhibit greater power and performance in spite of those limits, by embracing new principles and paradigms of computing, including parallelism and quantum computing. [top] |
Truro classes
20. Women in History: Untold and Unsung |
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 3, ends November 7 |
Many female university students have told me they hated their ‘Women’s Studies’ courses. So, I included courses on women who had been ‘role models’ even if many of them were not widely known. The role of women in history is very badly documented. This course is heavily involved with western industrialized nations mainly due to research limitations. The six-week course will include such topics as:
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21. Introduction to Art History |
Fridays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (6 wks) - Begins October 6, ends November 10 |
We’ll begin in the Middle Ages, and the Insular art of the Ancient Celts, the illuminated manuscripts of the Irish monks, and the architecture of Charlemagne’s period. In week two, we’ll explore Romanesque and Gothic architecture in the Age of the Crusades. We’ll look at how the Crusades impacted the building of the great cathedrals of Western Europe. The Italian Renaissance in week three: we’ll see how the humanists brought about the rebirth of Classical Antiquity and study the Great Triad of High Renaissance painters: Michelangelo, da Vinci and Raphael. In week four, we’ll look at the Baroque and the Counter-Reformation period, followed by Neoclassicism and the Enlightenment in week five. We’ll end with Modern Art, from the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists to Emily Carr and the Group of Seven. [top] |
COURSES |
ORGANIZATION |
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. This series of treaties did not surrender Indigenous land, resources or sovereignty but instead established rules for an ongoing relationship between nations. We recognize the significance of these treaties and the need for continual learning and engagement in the work of the truth, reconciliation and equity. We are all treaty people. We also recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. This series of treaties did not surrender Indigenous land, resources or sovereignty but instead established rules for an ongoing relationship between nations. We recognize the significance of these treaties and the need for continual learning and engagement in the work of the truth, reconciliation and equity. We are all treaty people. We also recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years.