1. Energy is Life: Food, Transportation, Wilderness, and How Our Changing Energy Needs Affect Everything - Ecology Action Centre
Energy is Life: Food, Transportation, Wilderness, and How Our Changing Energy Needs Affect Everything - Ecology Action Centre Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (5 wks) Apr 09 to May 21 no classes April 30, May 7
HYBRID PRESENTATION In-Person: Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax Virtual: Zoom webinar
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course looks at how Energy and Climate issues intersect with Food, Transportation, Built Environment, and Wilderness. Using examples from current and past Ecology Action Centre initiatives staff from multiple EAC teams, who demonstrate their ecological commitment and passion through their choices, their words, their support, and their actions, will explore these intersections from a holistic perspective. Facilitated discussion will enable each presentation to delve deeply into specific concerns within each area. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Hannah Minzloff creates social spaces for people to come together, explore ideas, and develop community driven change. (Energy Team)
Abby Lefebvre uses her passion for working towards a sustainable future to strengthen and engage communities to combat climate change. (Energy Team)
David Neira has been a consultant in energy, environment and climate change for international entities, working in energy policy advocacy, research, program development and campaigning, particularly relating to the emerging offshore wind industry. (Energy Team)
Katharine Turner is a sustainability researcher and coastal community enthusiast with a passion for using diverse methods of science communication to build community and inform more just energy policy. (Energy Team)
Ben Hammer believes that transit and trails can provide independence and the ability to step out of our geographic comfort zones to share experiences with people and places we might not otherwise interact with. Good transit makes our communities stronger and the world a little bit smaller. (Transportation Team)
Karen McKendry has worked as a conservation planner and biologist and has training in Wilderness and Remote First Aid, OCC Field Leader (Hiking, and Winter), and Reconnecting with Nature workshop facilitation. (Wilderness Team)
Kortney Kortney researches how we can creatively imagine the future of our communities in a way that reflects how people interact with their environments, built and natural. (Built Environment Team)
Vicki Madziak loves the sense of connection food fosters between people and the environment. Experiences working at nonprofits and delivering community programs informs her work to increase access to services, while recent farm work experience inspires her work to support local food systems. (Food Team)
2. Sherlock Holmes: Icon for the Ages - Mark Alberstat
Sherlock Holmes: Icon for the Ages - Mark Alberstat Tuesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (5 wks) Apr 09 to May 21 no classes April 30, May 7
HYBRID PRESENTATION In-Person: Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax Virtual: Zoom webinar
COURSE DESCRIPTION Created in the late Victorian era, Sherlock Holmes, the world’s first consulting detective, as he described himself, has become a global phenomenon. From Sesame Street to blockbuster movies, Holmes casts a long shadow over literature, entertainment, and popular culture. This course will explore the creation of Holmes including an examination of the original stories, such as The Hound of the Baskervilles, one of English literature’s best-loved detective stories; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the detective as well as a mountain of other fiction and non-fiction, and Holmes’s place in the world today. The game’s afoot! INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Mark Alberstat is a retired IT professional. The last 15 years of his career he spent in the provincial government creating and maintaining public-facing websites. Mark has been a Sherlock Holmes fan since his early teens and now edits and writes on Holmes and Conan Doyle regularly as well as presenting topics at conferences and meetings around the world.
ONLINE
Virtual class
3. The Cultural Hi$tory of Money - David McNeil
The Cultural Hi$tory of Money - David McNeil Thursday 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Apr 11 to May 16 Virtual: Zoom webinar
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will examine the western cultural history of money, from its very beginnings to the crypto market. How has money directed the development of humankind (e.g., the wealth of all people, nations, and communities)? How does it permeate our work, our family histories, our sense of saving and security? How has it been portrayed in literature and the arts? How is it associated with ethnic framing? How does it dominate personal desire? While money does not necessarily lead to happiness, most of us would admit to not being exempt from its temptations. So much of our sense of ourselves involves measuring wealth, showing it off, keeping it safe, giving it to charitable causes. Join me in considering how money is constantly in our thoughts and actions. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY David McNeil was a professor at Dalhousie University where he taught English Literature (1984-2018). His specific interests were in the Restoration and Eighteenth-Century, the South Sea Bubble, Satire, the Novel, and Sports Literature (Hockey). Previous SCANS Classes taught: Hockey and Canadian Culture; Satire. He has published two books (plus numerous articles) and edited two others.
4. Artificial Intelligence 101 - George Butters
Artificial Intelligence 101 - George Butters Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (5 wks) Apr 12 to May 17 (no class on April 26) Virtual: Zoom webinar
COURSE DESCRIPTION A six-part exploration of AI: What it is, where it came from, how it’s already pervasive in our lives. AI for words. AI for other media. How to use it effectively. The risks and rewards. The strange and wonderful. Where to next.
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY A former full-time journalist. I managed the Chronicle Herald’s Port Hawkesbury bureau before moving to CBC-TV Cape Breton, then spent five years as the Chief Political Correspondent for the CTV Network in the New Brunswick Legislative Press Gallery. My freelance work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, in radio and TV across Canada, in the US and the UK. Since 1993, I’ve made my living almost exclusively online. We were the first fully licensed AOL Design Partner in Canada, and I was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002 for creating and managing Child Find Canada Online for a decade. I’m a specialist in live-streaming video and have been using Zoom for eight years. My companies have designed, built and managed hundreds of websites over the years, including five years as the Digital Content Managers for the Forest Products Association of Canada. I’m currently the President and Chief Operating Office of the Canadian Freelance Guild, part of CWA-Canada, the national union that represents about 7,500 media workers. My responsibilities include professional development and I personally deliver all of our AI courses aimed at helping our members navigate this new and complicated world.
HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
In-person classes
5. Goddesses in Antiquity - Julie Strong
Goddesses in Antiquity - Julie Strong Wednesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Apr 10 to May 15 The Berkeley on Pepperell, 6240 Pepperell St, Halifax
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines the origins and myths of ancient Greek and near-Eastern goddesses. Among the many delightful and intriguing stories are: the amours of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty; the vengeances of Hera, wronged wife of Zeus, king of the gods; the homicidal depression of Demeter, bereft earth goddess, and the conquest of Tiamat the fearsome Babylonian dragon goddess by the god Marduk. This latter event is representative of the decline of the Goddess under patriarchy. Attention is given to the demonised divine feminine, such as Lilith, biblical Adam’s first wife, who was banished from Eden for refusing to lie beneath her husband. Hecate, the benevolent goddess of the waning moon, much maligned by those who have not understood her power, is restored to her rightful place as an aged and wise companion to youth. In conclusion we will consider ways to restore the Goddess to human consciousness and by so doing increase respect for our planet, Gaia, the earth. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Dr Julie Strong is a nearly- retired family physician and shamanic practitioner in Halifax. She holds a medical degree from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland and a BA in Classics from Dalhousie University. Julie has given talks, locally and internationally, on insanity in Ancient Greek Literature. She plays viola in a string orchestra and can’t get enough of pickleball.
6. The Brontës - Elizabeth Edwards
The Brontës - Elizabeth Edwards Wednesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Apr 10 to May 15 Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COURSE DESCRIPTION Charlotte Bronte wrote of her sister Emily’s novel that gentle readers “will hardly know what to make of the rough strong utterance, the harshly manifested passions, the unbridled aversions and headlong partialities of unlettered moorland hinds…” But what readers have in fact made of the novel is one of the classics of English literature – as they have of Charlotte’s own novel. This series of lectures will discuss the work of the three Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne. The lectures will provide context, background and biography for the sisters, as well as examining their novels in detail, especially the great works Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey. From their early mutual involvement in the creation of the fantasy kingdoms of Gondal and Angria, through the deaths of their sisters by tuberculosis, and the tyranny of their only brother, the family dynamic was at the heart of their literary production, as were the moors on which they lived. Lectures will seek to illuminate their creative process, and the novels themselves. We will end with reflection on the afterlife of their work, for instance in the novel The Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, and the poems of Anne Carson. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Elizabeth Edwards is an English Professor (retired) at the University of King’s College, where she taught for 31 years in the Foundation Year and Contemporary Studies Programs, and in the English department of Dalhousie. She holds a PhD from Cambridge University, with a specialty in Middle English Literature and critical theory. She is the author of a monograph and many scholarly articles in the fields of medieval literature and contemporary art. She has been Vice President of King’s, and President of the Canadian Society of Medievalists. Her interest in Victorian literature is passionate and long-standing.
7. Concepts and Concerns of Contemporary Art (“My 5 Year-Old Could Make It Too!”) - Margarita Fainshtein
Concepts and Concerns of Contemporary Art (“My 5 Year-Old Could Make It Too!”) - Margarita Fainshtein Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Apr 11 to May 16 Cameron Hall, Parkland Clayton Park, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
COURSE DESCRIPTION Contemporary art has many intriguing facts and fascinating histories, tied to politics, history, power, and other aspects. While exploring diverse examples of contemporary art, and diving into stories behind them, this course will take us into the journey of looking, seeing, analysing, and understanding. Throughout the course we will discuss such forms of art as performance, installation, and multi- media art through the prism of cultures, diversity, historical backgrounds, and socio-political perspectives. In addition, we will talk about process vs result, and there will be even an opportunity to create our own mini performances/installations! To immerse into the art world and discuss the above topics in depth, we will have a unique opportunity to visit the Art Gallery and to have our very own tour, while physically connecting and feeling the magical atmosphere of Art! INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Born in Ukraine, Margarita Fainshtein earned a BFA from University of Haifa, Israel, and MFA from School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Exhibitions include: Ukranian Institute of Modern Art, Chicago; Chicago Art Department; Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax; Studio 21 Fine Art, Halifax, NS, and other venues in North America and Europe. Fainshtein’s work reflects the complexity of multi-cultural citizenship and immigrant identity as it intersects with personal, political, and cultural relations. What relation do political movements have with individual histories? Is there a global citizen? From Ukraine, I repatriated to Israel, and immigrated to Canada. I’m Nova Scotian, however, I have other cultural identities, which intersect and define who I am. Fainshtein lives and works in Halifax.
8. Postwar American Life in the Musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein - David Overton
Postwar American Life in the Musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein - David Overton Thursdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Apr 11 to May 16 Cameron Hall, Parkland Clayton Park, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
COURSE DESCRIPTION Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! set off a revolution in the American musical theatre leading to a greater concentration on character and plot development. It also led to musicals dealing with serious themes and ideas. All the R&H shows deal, in one way or another, with issues confronting the American public at the time. This course will look at those shows chronologically, from Oklahoma! to The Sound of Music, through the lens of those issues. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Before he retired in 2008 David Overton was a professor in the Dalhousie University Theatre Department for almost forty years. During that time he taught a wide range of classes, including classes in film and musical theatre. Since retiring he has continued to be active as a freelance director and writer. His most recent directing project was the original chamber opera Memories Beyond the Grave in the spring of 2023.
9. Popular Music Before the Rock Revolution - Steven Baur
Popular Music Before the Rock Revolution - Steven Baur Fridays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Apr 12 to May 17 Church Hall - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course offers a chronological survey of Anglophone popular music in North America from roughly 1800 to 1960, focusing on the intersections of music, history, politics, culture, and social identity. Participants will study a wide range of recordings, representing some of the most popular and impactful popular music styles and genres that have emerged over the last 200 years. Participants will be introduced to basic musical terms and concepts and will develop critical listening skills. The survey will highlight the ways in which popular music both reflects and directs social, historical, cultural, and political developments, and how popular culture provides an arena for negotiating vital social issues, such as class, race, gender, and sexuality, among others. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Steven Baur is an Associate Professor of Music in the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University. He has published widely on topics in nineteenth- and twentieth-century music from both “classical” and “popular” traditions, from Ravel to Ringo and from Mendelssohn to the mambo. His work appears in leading international musicology journals, and he has co-edited two books. He is currently working on a book investigating drum kit performance practice since the dawn of recording, explicating the social meanings created by drummers on record over the last 150 years. Baur is also an accomplished drummer with dozens of recordings and hundreds of live performances in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain to his credit.
10. Contemporary Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Issues III - Phil Warman
Contemporary Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Issues III - Phil Warman Fridays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Apr 12 to May 17 Parlour Room - Hope United Church, 3055 Connaught Avenue, Halifax
COURSE DESCRIPTION This discussion course will deal with six contemporary issues that are in the news frequently. Each class will examine the science behind each issue and compare the facts with the 'emotional' responses provided by the media. Topics, one topic per session*:
Biosolids & municipal wastes: What do we do with them?
Biomass (agricultural & forest): Can it replace oil, gas and coal as a fuel source.
Is Organically grown food more nutritious and sustainable than conventionally grown food?
Do we need vitamin and mineral supplements?
Sustainable personal living: producing one’s own energy and food, even in an urban environment.
Climate change: What should individuals do to alleviate the problem?
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Dr Warman has a BSc degree in Agronomy and MSc and PhD degrees in Soil Biochemistry from the University of Guelph. In the 1970’s, he was an ‘organic’ fruit and vegetable farmer near Tavistock, Ontario and Rigaud, Quebec. In 1978 Dr. Warman was hired as Interdisciplinary Research Coordinator at Macdonald College of McGill University where he also taught soil science courses and was the Director of the Blair Farm. In 1981, Dr. Warman joined the Chemistry Dept. at NSAC where he was full Professor of Soil Science until his retirement in 2004. In 1994 he was awarded Forschheimer Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was the second recipient of NSAC’s Lifetime Research Award (1997). Dr. Warman is author or co-author of more than 105 scientific and technical papers and 17 technical reports. His research interests include soil biochemistry, soil-plant relations, heavy metal bioavailability, composting of agricultural and industrial wastes and the analysis and application of alternative fertilizers to soils and crops. He is the President and CEO of Coastal BioAgresearch Ltd., an R&D company. Dr. Warman was an Adjunct Professor at McGill & Dalhousie University. He is an Executive member of the Cobequid Interfaith Council, a Board member and Gabbai at Shaar Shalom Congregation, and a Sustainable Agr. Consultant.
MAHONE BAY
In-person classes
11. The Long War for East and Southeast Asia - Brendan Wright
COURSE DESCRIPTION This lecture series will look a series of interrelated wars and revolutions that afflicted East and Southeast Asia from 1912-1979. Subjects will include the Chinese Civil War, the Sino-Japanese War, the Korean War, the Vietnamese Revolution, and the Indonesian and Cambodian Genocides. Beyond looking at the political and military history of these conflicts, we will also look at the social history of mass violence in the region by focusing on the legacies, traumas, and memories of these conflicts. The final lecture will examine issues of truth reconciliation and the prospects of peace and war in the future of the region. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Dr. Brendan Wright obtained his PhD in history at the University of British Columbia in 2016. He has taught at various universities, including the University of Toronto, Carleton, Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s University, the University of Prince Edward Island, and the University of British Columbia. His work has appeared in a number of leading academic journals in the fields of Asian studies, memory studies, and genocide studies. Dr. Wright’s research focuses on mass killings, state-building, and processes of Truth and Reconciliation on the Korea peninsula.
COURSE DESCRIPTION Spy School 110 will provide contemporary introduction to the field of Intelligence, and its darker cousin “Espionage”. The class will examine both the real world of governmental intelligence agencies and their activities, and the fictional world of spying, in print and on the screen. References will be made to resources, both hard copy and electronic, which will provide a gateway for research and discovery into the ENIGMAtic world of information “Hide and seek”, played by governments, business, and some surprising other parties as well. Classes will also include practical applications of “tradecraft” and “media literacy” which can assist in identifying, evaluating and safely navigating current society hazards , both on -line and in real time and place. The final class will be held after a two week break, when the instructor returns from visiting the Spy Capitals of Europe. This will include an expose on “Spy Tourism”, including famous real and fictional locations, museums , and tours. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Hugh R Williamson is Retired adjunct professor with a Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia.. and was the lead investigator and project manager for the Dalhousie Marine Piracy Project. He is a lawyer with a background in Law of the Sea, ocean resources management, naval intelligence, maritime security and enforcement, and integrated maritime management issues. He had a lengthy career in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where he served as a Communications Officer, diving officer, naval intelligence officer, and naval control of shipping officer, commanding NCS Unit three. He was a senior instructor at the Naval Intelligence Section at Fleet School (Quebec) and lectured extensively in the Canadian naval fleet school system on the law of the sea, law of armed conflict, maritime law, law of naval operations, law of Intelligence, commercial shipping operations and Strategic Naval Geography . He is also a senior research fellow of the Maritime and Environmental Law Institute at the Schulich School of Law, and the International Ocean Institute . He has consulted extensively on fisheries and ocean management in the South Pacific and Caribbean. In addition to Dalhousie University, he was on the faculty of the World Maritime University in Malmo Sweden, the University of the South Pacific, in Fiji where he directed the ocean resources management program, and the University of Papua New Guinea faculty of law.
13. The Role of Money and Its Effect on the Climate Crisis - Richard Zurawski
COURSE DESCRIPTION This lecture series will look at the climate crisis through the lens of money and finances, its affect how we understand and react to mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis. It covers the financing of misinformation, climate crisis denial, and the discrediting of legitimate science and scientists, through a vast network of pseudo-thinktanks financed by the fossil fuel industry. It looks at how this misinformation infiltrates our politics, our cities, personal lives, and living spaces. It covers how money affects our willingness to adopt to new climate crisis adaptation and mitigation methods including technologies such as batteries, hydrogen, green electricity, urban planning, transportation, education, food security, green spaces, immigration, and the environment.
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY I host a weekly science question and answer show on Q104 (radio) in Halifax (Q-Files). I have been an on-air meteorologist and science reporter for the CBC, CTV, GlobalTV, and Rogers Media. I was an elected HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) Councillor for District 12 and served for four years (2016-2020). I was also the Climate Change Critic and the Green Renewal Critic the Green Party of Canada shadow cabinet. My PhD dissertation work specialized in Climate Crisis and the media. I have a B.Sc in physics and an M.A. (Research) in education. I was a lecturer at Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University from 2011-2017. As a documentary film-maker I have produced, written and hosted numerous science and history documentaries, broadcast domestically and abroad. I have syndicated three children’s television series, Wonder Why?, The Adventures of the AfterMath Crew and WiseWeatherWhys. I have published four books, my first about Maritime weather, the second about climate change, the third about the media in science, and my fourth, The Science Files - Questions and Answers From A to Z is based on the questions and answers of my on-air listeners. My work to promote science and learning on all levels was rewarded in November of 2013 with the Discovery Centre’s Science Champion Award.
LIVERPOOL
In-person classes
14. Seeing is Believing: How the Telescope Changed Our Understanding of Who We Are and What We Know - Tony Schellinck
Seeing is Believing: How the Telescope Changed Our Understanding of Who We Are and What We Know - Tony Schellinck Mondays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Apr 08 to May 13 Trinity Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool
COURSE DESCRIPTION “I do not hesitate to assert that I consider astronomy as the most important force in the development of science since its origin sometime around 500 B.C.” Otto Neugebauer. Even today our knowledge of who we are and where we fit into the cosmos is rapidly advancing with the use of large and space-based telescopes. The Seeing is Believing course is a mixture of history (going back to 3,000 BC and the creation of the constellations), science (how observers discovered how the universe works), the development of telescope technology, and practical observing through binoculars and telescopes (this may include field trips if we can work it in these times.). The course describes in detail the character and the lives of the astronomers as well as how and what they contributed to the advancement of knowledge about the universe. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Tony has always had an interest in astronomy; but it wasn’t until age 55 that he became active as an amateur astronomer. A former Dalhousie professor, he knows that the best way to learn a topic is to teach it. He therefore participates in public viewing sessions around Nova Scotia, has become a regular presenter at the Halifax Planetarium, and has given lectures at parks and libraries around the province. His SCANS course A Practical Guide to Observing the Night Sky with Binoculars has been offered five times. He currently owns nine telescopes, but as he explains to his wife, they all have a special purpose. A history buff, he is fascinated by the development of science throughout history, in particular astronomy. Technical developments of the telescope allowed keen minds to discover what the universe is and our place in it.
15. Women in Jazz - Ted Blackbourn
Women in Jazz - Ted Blackbourn Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Apr 11 to May 16 Trinity Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool
COURSE DESCRIPTION Reading existing jazz histories could easily give the impression that if women were involved at all in the development of jazz, it was in a secondary or insignificant role. The truth is that women have played a major role in the creation and development of jazz from its earliest days through to today. Certain male jazz artists have always been held up as the most important figures in jazz history – Buddy Bolden, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie… - but from the beginning, women have made vital contributions to the development of jazz as performers, composers, arrangers, and bandleaders. This course will highlight the contributions of women jazz musicians while examining some of the challenges faced by women in the workforce, and in the world of jazz, from the early 20th century through to today. Throughout the course, audio and video examples will showcase the talents of many of the amazing women in jazz history. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Ted Blackbourn is a graduate of the music programs at Humber College and York University, and a graduate of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Toronto. From 1983 until 2012, Ted taught high school for the Peel District School Board in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario. Throughout his years as a student and as a teacher, Ted performed with various jazz groups including his own jazz trio. In 2014, Ted and Cathy moved to Nova Scotia to enjoy retirement on the South Shore. Since then, Ted has focused on writing music for large jazz ensembles and has recorded four albums with his own big band. Ted is a member of the Chester Brass Band, The Tuesday Night Big Band, and Ocean Blue Jazz Quartet.
TRURO
In-person classes
16. Ambition, Hi-Tech Fusion, and the Global Impact of the Ongoing Ukraine Conflict- Ian MacVicar
COURSE DESCRIPTION Russia’s “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine has deep roots in the see-saw between Russian dominance and Ukrainian independence over a millennium. This updated course builds on the foundations of Ambition, Hi-Tech Fusion and the Global Impact of the Ukraine-Russia Conflict presented in Fall 2022. The evolving conflict will be analyzed through five lenses: 1) Military operations for the layperson; i.e. understanding strategic, operational, and tactical warfighting in the era of information operations; 2) Ambition, i.e. national and international political manoeuvring; 3) Hi-Tech Fusion, i.e. weapons Research & Design and Capability Development; 4) Global Impact, i.e., in the spheres of evolving alliances, energy, financial, and food security shocks; and 5) Anticipatory Governance, i.e. How does technological innovation influence warfighting and legal norms?
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY LCol (Retd) Dr. MacVicar served for over 40 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in numerous intelligence-related posts. He spent five years as an On-Site Arms Control Verification inspector on multi-national inspection teams as a Team Leader, Photographer, Inspector, and as a Russian interpreter. He participated in over 50 inspections in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the nations of the former Warsaw Pact in eastern Europe. He is now the Director/Principal Analyst of Ian MacVicar Universal Security Intelligence Cognitive Solutions (I-MUSICS) Consulting, Inc., which hosts 17 networked consultants from military, intelligence, police, business, legal, and healthcare backgrounds. He is a Senior Writer with Calian Group, Ltd., where he has been employed as the lead writer in the revision of the Canadian Army’s principal tactical manual, the Combat Team Commander’s Handbook, and in disaster response exercise design. He is a graduate of the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Staff College and of the Canadian Army Staff Course. Dr. MacVicar has presented his research on cognitive traps (i.e. distortions in thinking) in security planning at conferences in the United Kingdom and Canada. His SCANS SpySchool 101 and 201 lectures delivered with colleague Hugh Williamson, specialize in the history of intelligence, espionage, and associated legal oversight regimes. His SpySchool 301 course examines the psychological aspects of intelligence analysis. He has published articles on leadership, human security, and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. His most recent article, “What About the Camp Followers” is published in the Spring 2020 edition of JD-Journal for Deradicalization. Ian has also presented on how to develop psychological resilience in leaders to government and business audiences. He is a 2017 graduate of the Veteran Trainers to Eradicate Child Soldiers program, and his current research includes developing intelligence protocols for addressing the phenomenon of child soldiers. Dr. MacVicar is a Director with numerous Boards, including (formerly) the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society; the Army Cadet League of Canada - Nova Scotia Branch, Canadian Military Intelligence Association Halifax Chapter, and the Canadian Intelligence Network-Réseau canadien de renseiegnement. Dr. MacVicar is a Royal United Services Institute Nova Scotia Director and Research Fellow, specializing in intelligence and security policy issues, and in veteran’s issues. Ian is also a Certified Yoga Teacher, specializing in Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy Certified teaching, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness. He is a Member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Accessibility Network and a Certified Supplier with the Inclusive Workplace Suppliers Council of Canada.
17. Unconventional Travels and Transportation - Truro community members
COURSE DESCRIPTION In response to the incredibly positive response of Truro Chapter members to a ‘themed course’ (e.g., Diversity in Art; fall 2023), this course structure will rely on several instructors, each contributing their own experience and expertise. Topics will include the history, the people, and the culture of unconventional travel locations such as Indonesia, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Israel. There will also be some presentations on unique modes of travel (the Bay Ferries).
The specific topics and presenters are:
April 9 Israel (2 hr) – Phil Warman & Devorah Gillard
April 16 Africa as seen by a younger version of ourselves- Gary Patterson; Alison & David Fielding
April 23 Ethiopia, The Gambia (2 h) – Nancy Pitts
April 30 Indonesia & Finland (2 hr) – Phil Warman
May 7 China and Hong Kong (2 hr) - Alison and David Fielding
May 14 Bay Ferries & Travel in early NS (2 hr) – Elinor Maher
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES The experience and credentials of each instructor will be provided in class.