february - march 2019
HRM classes
1. Shakespeare’s Villains - John Baxter
Shakespeare’s Villains - John Baxter
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
Why do Shakespeare’s villains so often rival his heroes and heroines for the center of attention? Why do we love the bad guys? Or love to hate them? We’ll start with a quick survey of some of the most notable marquee-hogs and then look closely at some particular questions in specific plays: the political and ethical dimensions of Richard III; the racial and religious angles of The Merchant of Venice; the powerful forces underlying a good marriage gone wrong in Macbeth. You should read the plays closely and come to class prepared to discuss the many questions (big and little) they give rise to.
Instructor Biography
John Baxter is Professor Emeritus of English at Dalhousie University. He is the author of Shakespeare’s Poetic Styles (1980; rpr. Routledge, 2005) and co-editor of Aristotle’s Poetics by George Whalley (McGill-Queen’s, 1997) Selected recent articles include: “‘My Shakespeare, rise’: Ben Jonson’s Celebration of His Shakespeare,” Cahiers Elizabethain: A Journal of English Renaissance Studies. Vol. 90.1 (2016): 30-41; “The Aristotle-Coleridge Axis Revisited,” Proceedings of the 2015 George Whalley Conference, http://georgewhalley.ca/gwp/ (Fall, 2016); and “Tying the Knot in Othello,” Essays in Criticism 64.3 (July, 2014): 266-92. His essay, “Perilous Stuff: Poems of Religious Meditation,” Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature 62. 2 (Winter, 2010): 89-115, was the winner of the 2012 Joseph M. Swartz Memorial Prize. After 37 years of teaching at Dalhousie, he retired on June 30, 2017.
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
Why do Shakespeare’s villains so often rival his heroes and heroines for the center of attention? Why do we love the bad guys? Or love to hate them? We’ll start with a quick survey of some of the most notable marquee-hogs and then look closely at some particular questions in specific plays: the political and ethical dimensions of Richard III; the racial and religious angles of The Merchant of Venice; the powerful forces underlying a good marriage gone wrong in Macbeth. You should read the plays closely and come to class prepared to discuss the many questions (big and little) they give rise to.
Instructor Biography
John Baxter is Professor Emeritus of English at Dalhousie University. He is the author of Shakespeare’s Poetic Styles (1980; rpr. Routledge, 2005) and co-editor of Aristotle’s Poetics by George Whalley (McGill-Queen’s, 1997) Selected recent articles include: “‘My Shakespeare, rise’: Ben Jonson’s Celebration of His Shakespeare,” Cahiers Elizabethain: A Journal of English Renaissance Studies. Vol. 90.1 (2016): 30-41; “The Aristotle-Coleridge Axis Revisited,” Proceedings of the 2015 George Whalley Conference, http://georgewhalley.ca/gwp/ (Fall, 2016); and “Tying the Knot in Othello,” Essays in Criticism 64.3 (July, 2014): 266-92. His essay, “Perilous Stuff: Poems of Religious Meditation,” Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature 62. 2 (Winter, 2010): 89-115, was the winner of the 2012 Joseph M. Swartz Memorial Prize. After 37 years of teaching at Dalhousie, he retired on June 30, 2017.
2. A More or Less (and Skimpy) History and Politics of the Liquid Which Fuels Our Society - Michael Collins
A More or Less (and Skimpy) History and Politics of the Liquid Which Fuels Our Society - Michael Collins
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
‡ Tantallon Public Library, 3646 Hammonds Plains Road, Upper Tantallon ‡
Course Description
Ambition, technical expertise, skullduggery, high and low diplomacy, treachery, military requirements, and capitalism ‘red in tooth and claw’
Instructor Biography
Michael Collins - First Life as an Oil Industry operations ‘Gypsy” in England, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Second Life as an academic, PhD and teaching Economic, Social History, and Soviet Studies at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. In Canada has taught at Mount Saint Vincent University, Saint Mary’s University, Acadia and Dalhousie University.
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
‡ Tantallon Public Library, 3646 Hammonds Plains Road, Upper Tantallon ‡
Course Description
Ambition, technical expertise, skullduggery, high and low diplomacy, treachery, military requirements, and capitalism ‘red in tooth and claw’
- History of exploration and development of the industry. Heavy initial emphasis on North America.
- Standard Oil and business genius John D. Rockefeller
- Russia, South Sea Trading and Hard Nosed Dutchmen. A quick trot along twister and devious paths.
- The Desert Kingdom. USA enters the Middle East and trades Iran for Saudi Arabia.
- World War and Industrial War. Japan and Germany risk all for the prize of ‘black gold’.
- SUEZ 1956. Protecting oil supplies and the last gasp of Imperialism, USA cracks the whip and shows it does not need allies. Pearson.
Instructor Biography
Michael Collins - First Life as an Oil Industry operations ‘Gypsy” in England, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Second Life as an academic, PhD and teaching Economic, Social History, and Soviet Studies at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. In Canada has taught at Mount Saint Vincent University, Saint Mary’s University, Acadia and Dalhousie University.
3. Spy School 101 - Hugh Williamson & Ian MacVicar
Spy School 101 - Hugh Williamson & Ian MacVicar
Tuesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
‡ Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville ‡
Course Description
Spy School 101 will provide a basic introduction to the field of intelligence, and its darker cousin “Espionage”. The class will examine both the real world of government intelligence agencies and their activities, and the fictional world of spying, in print and on the screen. The library and its resources, both hard copy and electronic, 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.
Instructor Biography
Hugh R Williamson is an adjunct professor with a Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia, and is 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 also had a lengthy career in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where he served as a diving officer, naval intelligence officer, and naval control of shipping officer, commanding NCS Unit three. He was a senior instructor in 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, and 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.
Dr. Ian MacVicar is the Director/Principal Analyst of Ian MacVicar Universal Security Intelligence Cognitive Solutions (I-MUSICS) Consulting, Inc., which hosts 15 networked consultants from military, police, business, legal, and healthcare backgrounds. Dr. MacVicar is a Royal United Services Institute Nova Scotia Research Fellow, specializing in intelligence and security policy issues. 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 specialize in the history of intelligence, espionage, and associated legal oversight regimes. He has published articles on leadership, human security, and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. Ian has also presented on how to develop psychological resilience in leaders to government and business audiences. LCol MacVicar has served for over 40 years in the Canadian Armed Forces in Field Artillery, Chemical Biological Radiological Defence, Arms Control infantry, and as a Cadet Instructor. He is a 2017 graduate of the Veteran Trainers to Eradicate Child Soldiers (VTECS) program, and his current research includes developing intelligence protocols for addressing the phenomenon of child soldiers. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society, the Army Cadet League of Nova Scotia (Ex-Officio), and the Canadian Military Intelligence Association Halifax Chapter, where he acts as Director Academic Outreach.
Tuesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
‡ Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville ‡
Course Description
Spy School 101 will provide a basic introduction to the field of intelligence, and its darker cousin “Espionage”. The class will examine both the real world of government intelligence agencies and their activities, and the fictional world of spying, in print and on the screen. The library and its resources, both hard copy and electronic, 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.
Instructor Biography
Hugh R Williamson is an adjunct professor with a Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia, and is 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 also had a lengthy career in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where he served as a diving officer, naval intelligence officer, and naval control of shipping officer, commanding NCS Unit three. He was a senior instructor in 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, and 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.
Dr. Ian MacVicar is the Director/Principal Analyst of Ian MacVicar Universal Security Intelligence Cognitive Solutions (I-MUSICS) Consulting, Inc., which hosts 15 networked consultants from military, police, business, legal, and healthcare backgrounds. Dr. MacVicar is a Royal United Services Institute Nova Scotia Research Fellow, specializing in intelligence and security policy issues. 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 specialize in the history of intelligence, espionage, and associated legal oversight regimes. He has published articles on leadership, human security, and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. Ian has also presented on how to develop psychological resilience in leaders to government and business audiences. LCol MacVicar has served for over 40 years in the Canadian Armed Forces in Field Artillery, Chemical Biological Radiological Defence, Arms Control infantry, and as a Cadet Instructor. He is a 2017 graduate of the Veteran Trainers to Eradicate Child Soldiers (VTECS) program, and his current research includes developing intelligence protocols for addressing the phenomenon of child soldiers. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society, the Army Cadet League of Nova Scotia (Ex-Officio), and the Canadian Military Intelligence Association Halifax Chapter, where he acts as Director Academic Outreach.
4. Plants, People, and Politics - Hilda Taylor
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Plants, People, and Politics - Hilda Taylor
Tuesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
This course explores the diverse ways that cultures have utilized plants. Historically, plant hunting has driven fantastic journeys of exploration but plants have also been the cause of strife between nations. Plants provide us with a wealth of valuable resources – we are frequently unaware of the contribution they make to our lives. The course will attempt to increase your appreciation of the plant kingdom and the roles plants play and have played in contributing to the way we live today. For example, currently we are dealing with the legalization of Cannabis and the opioid crisis – both major societal issues and both plant based.
Instructor Biography
Hilda Taylor obtained a BSc from the University of Liverpool and a PhD from the University of Waterloo. After moving to Wolfville in 1971 she taught a variety of courses in the Biology Department at Acadia University. Her research interests were mycological, in particular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the vascular plants of the salt marsh. For several years she ran the Scanning Electron Microscopy unit. She was active in several organizations involved with equity matters, and served on the CAUT Status of Women Committee.
Plants, People, and Politics - Hilda Taylor
Tuesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
This course explores the diverse ways that cultures have utilized plants. Historically, plant hunting has driven fantastic journeys of exploration but plants have also been the cause of strife between nations. Plants provide us with a wealth of valuable resources – we are frequently unaware of the contribution they make to our lives. The course will attempt to increase your appreciation of the plant kingdom and the roles plants play and have played in contributing to the way we live today. For example, currently we are dealing with the legalization of Cannabis and the opioid crisis – both major societal issues and both plant based.
Instructor Biography
Hilda Taylor obtained a BSc from the University of Liverpool and a PhD from the University of Waterloo. After moving to Wolfville in 1971 she taught a variety of courses in the Biology Department at Acadia University. Her research interests were mycological, in particular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the vascular plants of the salt marsh. For several years she ran the Scanning Electron Microscopy unit. She was active in several organizations involved with equity matters, and served on the CAUT Status of Women Committee.
5. Issues and Challenges of the Criminal Justice System in NS - Kit Waters & colleagues
Issues and Challenges of the Criminal Justice System in NS - Kit Waters & colleagues
Wednesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Captain William Spry Community Centre - CMPR, 16 Sussex Street, Halifax
Course Description
The criminal justice system plays an important role in promoting public safety through crime prevention initiatives; holding offenders accountable and providing opportunities for reintegration; and supporting victims of crime, their families and witnesses. And yet, many citizens do not understand how the system works. Unfortunately, misinformation can erode public confidence in the justice system.
This course aims to promote understanding of how the adult criminal justice system works in Nova Scotia. Case studies will be used to describe how the system responds to victims, offenders and witnesses from the point of first contact with law enforcement personnel, through the court and correctional systems, through to release into the community.
The course will answer questions that are of interest to participants, such as:
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES
Janis Aitken, MSW has had a 45 year career in Corrections, having held probation officer, management, training, and program development/implementation positions. Her primary areas of concentration/responsibility are now in Domestic Violence and Restorative Justice but her experience extends to high risk youth and female offenders.
Dana Bowden is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Certificate in Criminology. She has been working in the criminal justice system for 28 years, with almost 20 years in the Department of Justice. She worked in the Correctional Services, Public Safety and Court Services Divisions and is currently the Manager of Special Initiatives with Victim Services, Department of Justice.
Staff Sergeant Robert Fox, Watch Commander for 4 Watch has been a member of Halifax Regional Police for 17 years, with international and domestic policing experience. Appointed to the Departmental Sergeant Major, the senior Non-Commissioned Officer reporting directly to the Chief of Police. He has had experience with the General Investigation, Guns & Gangs Unit, Drugs, and the Major Crime Unit, Sexual Assault Investigation Team and VICE . S/Sgt Fox was deployed to Sudan with the United Nations from 2007 to 2008 as a UN Police Training Advisor and to Ukraine with the Canadian Forces to train the Ukrainian Army in 2016. In 2017 he was named into the Order of Military Merit (Member) and was awarded the medal of Military Merit by Governor General Julie Payette.
Ginette Gautreau-Leger, Victim Services Officer with Correctional Service of Canada for the last 3 years. Ginette has over 25 years of service with CSC (17 of them working in a Federal Institution). Ginette is also an EAP Referral Agent which provides assistance to colleagues and their families by offering confidential and non-judgemental support and help; helps identify needs and offers information about internal and external resources available to employees.
The Honourable Joseph P. Kennedy, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, BA (1965), LLB (1968) practised law in Bridgewater from 1969 to 1978 and also served as a Federal Crown. Chief Justice Kennedy was appointed Judge of the Provincial Court in September 1978. In July 1993, he was appointed as Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court and in July 1996 as Chief Judge of the same Court. In April 1997, Chief Kennedy was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, and in July 1997 as that Court’s Associate Chief Justice. In July 1998, he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the position he holds today. Chief Justice Kennedy announced he will retire in the Spring of 2019.
Dolly Mosher is the Victim Service Coordinator for Halifax Regional Police. Dolly has worked in policing for more than 20 years and has extensive knowledge in the field of domestic violence and domestic homicide. She presently sits on the Canadian Femicide Observatory and the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative.
Lynne O’Brien is the Regional Manager, Community Relations and Training with the Parole Board of Canada and has worked in various positions with the Parole Board over the past 30 years. Her responsibilities include training of Board members and staff, the PB decision registry service, development of victim services and delivery of public education.
Ainsley Robinson BA (Criminology) has been a Parole Officer for Correctional Service of Canada for 8 years and now works exclusively for the Women’s Supervision Unit in Halifax. She is a trainer for the Women-Centred Training and has a background in working in residential care facilities as well as with those with significant mental health challenges.
Catherine St-Onge MA (2007) has been a Parole Officer for Correctional Service of Canada for 9 years both at the Dartmouth Parole Office and the Women’s Supervision Unit. She is a CSC trainer for Women-Centered Training and Parole Officer Continuous Development.
Amy Siciliano, PhD is the Public Safety Advisor for Halifax Regional Municipality, leading the municipality in its journey toward holistic, collaborative approaches to community safety. She is passionate about championing community-led solutions to local problems, and finding creative ways to harness the inherent strengths of community. An Adjunct Professor at Saint Mary’s University, she also teaches courses in cartography, urban, and social geography.
Inspector Dean Simmonds, Central Division Commander, Halifax Regional Police, began his policing career as a community constable with the RCMP in 1997 and has been employed with the HRP since 2001. He was honoured as Officer of the Year in 2007. Promoted in 2017, Inspector Simmonds has worked in many operational and investigative units, including the Guns and Gangs unit and the Community Response Crime Prevention Unit.
The Honourable Ann Marie Simmons, Judge of the Nova Scotia Provincial and Family Courts, LLB (1983) practised as a prosecutor with Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service and, immediately prior to her appointment to the bench, she was the chief prosecutor with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada – Atlantic Region. Judge Simmons also has taught at Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law.
Kit Waters retired from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice after 30 years in the criminal justice policy field. Over the past ten years she has taught a number of criminology courses at Saint Mary’s University. She is the Past President of the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association and the President of the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia.
Wednesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Captain William Spry Community Centre - CMPR, 16 Sussex Street, Halifax
Course Description
The criminal justice system plays an important role in promoting public safety through crime prevention initiatives; holding offenders accountable and providing opportunities for reintegration; and supporting victims of crime, their families and witnesses. And yet, many citizens do not understand how the system works. Unfortunately, misinformation can erode public confidence in the justice system.
This course aims to promote understanding of how the adult criminal justice system works in Nova Scotia. Case studies will be used to describe how the system responds to victims, offenders and witnesses from the point of first contact with law enforcement personnel, through the court and correctional systems, through to release into the community.
The course will answer questions that are of interest to participants, such as:
- How do police investigate different types of crimes?
- What does remand mean? What is an undertaking? Under what circumstances are alleged offenders released into the community/held in custody while awaiting trial?
- What is the role of the Crown attorney? Defence counsel? What factors does the judge consider in sentencing?
- What types of corrections programs are provided? What is the difference between provincial and federal institutions? Between probation and parole?
- How are parole decisions made? How is risk assessed? What happens when parole is suspended/revoked?
- What is restorative justice?
- How are victims supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system?
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES
Janis Aitken, MSW has had a 45 year career in Corrections, having held probation officer, management, training, and program development/implementation positions. Her primary areas of concentration/responsibility are now in Domestic Violence and Restorative Justice but her experience extends to high risk youth and female offenders.
Dana Bowden is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Certificate in Criminology. She has been working in the criminal justice system for 28 years, with almost 20 years in the Department of Justice. She worked in the Correctional Services, Public Safety and Court Services Divisions and is currently the Manager of Special Initiatives with Victim Services, Department of Justice.
Staff Sergeant Robert Fox, Watch Commander for 4 Watch has been a member of Halifax Regional Police for 17 years, with international and domestic policing experience. Appointed to the Departmental Sergeant Major, the senior Non-Commissioned Officer reporting directly to the Chief of Police. He has had experience with the General Investigation, Guns & Gangs Unit, Drugs, and the Major Crime Unit, Sexual Assault Investigation Team and VICE . S/Sgt Fox was deployed to Sudan with the United Nations from 2007 to 2008 as a UN Police Training Advisor and to Ukraine with the Canadian Forces to train the Ukrainian Army in 2016. In 2017 he was named into the Order of Military Merit (Member) and was awarded the medal of Military Merit by Governor General Julie Payette.
Ginette Gautreau-Leger, Victim Services Officer with Correctional Service of Canada for the last 3 years. Ginette has over 25 years of service with CSC (17 of them working in a Federal Institution). Ginette is also an EAP Referral Agent which provides assistance to colleagues and their families by offering confidential and non-judgemental support and help; helps identify needs and offers information about internal and external resources available to employees.
The Honourable Joseph P. Kennedy, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, BA (1965), LLB (1968) practised law in Bridgewater from 1969 to 1978 and also served as a Federal Crown. Chief Justice Kennedy was appointed Judge of the Provincial Court in September 1978. In July 1993, he was appointed as Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court and in July 1996 as Chief Judge of the same Court. In April 1997, Chief Kennedy was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, and in July 1997 as that Court’s Associate Chief Justice. In July 1998, he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the position he holds today. Chief Justice Kennedy announced he will retire in the Spring of 2019.
Dolly Mosher is the Victim Service Coordinator for Halifax Regional Police. Dolly has worked in policing for more than 20 years and has extensive knowledge in the field of domestic violence and domestic homicide. She presently sits on the Canadian Femicide Observatory and the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative.
Lynne O’Brien is the Regional Manager, Community Relations and Training with the Parole Board of Canada and has worked in various positions with the Parole Board over the past 30 years. Her responsibilities include training of Board members and staff, the PB decision registry service, development of victim services and delivery of public education.
Ainsley Robinson BA (Criminology) has been a Parole Officer for Correctional Service of Canada for 8 years and now works exclusively for the Women’s Supervision Unit in Halifax. She is a trainer for the Women-Centred Training and has a background in working in residential care facilities as well as with those with significant mental health challenges.
Catherine St-Onge MA (2007) has been a Parole Officer for Correctional Service of Canada for 9 years both at the Dartmouth Parole Office and the Women’s Supervision Unit. She is a CSC trainer for Women-Centered Training and Parole Officer Continuous Development.
Amy Siciliano, PhD is the Public Safety Advisor for Halifax Regional Municipality, leading the municipality in its journey toward holistic, collaborative approaches to community safety. She is passionate about championing community-led solutions to local problems, and finding creative ways to harness the inherent strengths of community. An Adjunct Professor at Saint Mary’s University, she also teaches courses in cartography, urban, and social geography.
Inspector Dean Simmonds, Central Division Commander, Halifax Regional Police, began his policing career as a community constable with the RCMP in 1997 and has been employed with the HRP since 2001. He was honoured as Officer of the Year in 2007. Promoted in 2017, Inspector Simmonds has worked in many operational and investigative units, including the Guns and Gangs unit and the Community Response Crime Prevention Unit.
The Honourable Ann Marie Simmons, Judge of the Nova Scotia Provincial and Family Courts, LLB (1983) practised as a prosecutor with Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service and, immediately prior to her appointment to the bench, she was the chief prosecutor with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada – Atlantic Region. Judge Simmons also has taught at Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law.
Kit Waters retired from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice after 30 years in the criminal justice policy field. Over the past ten years she has taught a number of criminology courses at Saint Mary’s University. She is the Past President of the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association and the President of the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia.
6. Round the World in 80 Days - a 19th Century Photographic Journey - Alan Griffiths
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Round the World in 80 Days - a 19th Century Photographic Journey - Alan Griffiths
Wednesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Parkland Clayton Park, Cameron Hall, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
Course Description
At 8:45 P.M. on Wednesday, October 2, 1872, Fogg accompanied by his valet Passepartout set out by train to travel "Around the World in 80 Days." Such was the task of our intrepid heroes in the novel of Jules Verne as they strove to win a bet of 20,000 pounds. In this course there will be perils and excitement along the way as it follows the route they traveled through London, Egypt, India, Hong Kong, Japan, America and back to the UK. Instead of train and steamer tickets we will follow the route somewhat loosely, taking dangerous detours to ruins, meeting odd characters and participating in political upheavals and see the world through the photography of the time. We'll look into the history of photography in the different countries we tumble across and ponder why they were so different. It will be an enjoyable jaunt through the Victorian world of around 1872.
Instructor Biography
Alan Griffiths started out as a prehistoric archaeologist specializing in animal movements in Sardinia. Realizing that it is difficult to make a living in this field he moved into computer consultancy and academic research. He lectured at Sheffield University in the UK on Multimedia, was a visiting lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh and a Visiting Professor at the University of Massachusetts in addition to giving lectures widely. He has consulted for the British Library, NATO, IBM, Hewlett Packard and was the Chief Information Officer for an ill-fated dot com start-up in the USA. He has been interested in photography for many years and created www.luminous-lint.com in 2005 to help explore the history in some depth. To date photographs from almost 3,000 organizations, photographers, photographic galleries and private collectors around the world have been included. This allows users to explore an ever-expanding online history through over 700 online exhibitions, numerous biographies, techniques, timelines and a visually rich website. Luminous-Lint includes over a thousand parallel and interlinked histories of photography and it is used by major institutions around the world.
Round the World in 80 Days - a 19th Century Photographic Journey - Alan Griffiths
Wednesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Parkland Clayton Park, Cameron Hall, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
Course Description
At 8:45 P.M. on Wednesday, October 2, 1872, Fogg accompanied by his valet Passepartout set out by train to travel "Around the World in 80 Days." Such was the task of our intrepid heroes in the novel of Jules Verne as they strove to win a bet of 20,000 pounds. In this course there will be perils and excitement along the way as it follows the route they traveled through London, Egypt, India, Hong Kong, Japan, America and back to the UK. Instead of train and steamer tickets we will follow the route somewhat loosely, taking dangerous detours to ruins, meeting odd characters and participating in political upheavals and see the world through the photography of the time. We'll look into the history of photography in the different countries we tumble across and ponder why they were so different. It will be an enjoyable jaunt through the Victorian world of around 1872.
Instructor Biography
Alan Griffiths started out as a prehistoric archaeologist specializing in animal movements in Sardinia. Realizing that it is difficult to make a living in this field he moved into computer consultancy and academic research. He lectured at Sheffield University in the UK on Multimedia, was a visiting lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh and a Visiting Professor at the University of Massachusetts in addition to giving lectures widely. He has consulted for the British Library, NATO, IBM, Hewlett Packard and was the Chief Information Officer for an ill-fated dot com start-up in the USA. He has been interested in photography for many years and created www.luminous-lint.com in 2005 to help explore the history in some depth. To date photographs from almost 3,000 organizations, photographers, photographic galleries and private collectors around the world have been included. This allows users to explore an ever-expanding online history through over 700 online exhibitions, numerous biographies, techniques, timelines and a visually rich website. Luminous-Lint includes over a thousand parallel and interlinked histories of photography and it is used by major institutions around the world.
7. Czech / Slovak Film, Take 2 - Fred Young
Czech / Slovak Film, Take 2 - Fred Young
Wednesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Parkland at the Lakes - Phase 2, Kinross Hall Theatre, 122 Baker Drive, Dartmouth
Course Description
This course will screen six feature films from the many excellent Czech and Slovak films which examine the contemporary society of this central European Country during its varied experience with capitalism, fascism, and communism from the 1930s to the 1960s. All films will have English subtitles and will be from 90 to 100 minutes long, so as to allow for some ‘talking time’ after the film is shown.
Instructor Biography
Fred Young is a retired history professor from Saint Mary’s University who has extended his interest in 20th century continental European history into East Central Europe. He has now both taught regular history courses on Poland and East Central Europe for SCANS, as well as have offered several courses specifically on films from these countries, particularly films made during the communist period, 1945-89. Formerly his history specialty was on 19th and 20th Continental Europe, with his research and writing focused on Germany.
Wednesdays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Parkland at the Lakes - Phase 2, Kinross Hall Theatre, 122 Baker Drive, Dartmouth
Course Description
This course will screen six feature films from the many excellent Czech and Slovak films which examine the contemporary society of this central European Country during its varied experience with capitalism, fascism, and communism from the 1930s to the 1960s. All films will have English subtitles and will be from 90 to 100 minutes long, so as to allow for some ‘talking time’ after the film is shown.
Instructor Biography
Fred Young is a retired history professor from Saint Mary’s University who has extended his interest in 20th century continental European history into East Central Europe. He has now both taught regular history courses on Poland and East Central Europe for SCANS, as well as have offered several courses specifically on films from these countries, particularly films made during the communist period, 1945-89. Formerly his history specialty was on 19th and 20th Continental Europe, with his research and writing focused on Germany.
8. Creative Writing - Gwen Davies
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Creative Writing - Gwen Davies
Wednesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
This is an active course in writing, for those who want to explore your own stories but have never gotten around to it, and those who need help to get back to writing. The class is designed to be a safe place for beginners to get started, and useful to those with writing experience. Over the six weeks, we will play with ways to find a focus, uncover memories, write pieces that hold a reader’s interest, and organize what you write. You will come away with a folder of writing and some ideas on how to keep your project going.
Instructor Biography
Gwen Davies has been teaching creative writing for about 25 years. She started the Community of Writers at the Tatamagouche Centre, a four-stream writing event, and ran it until the Centre had to draw back and refocus 15 years later. She has had several stories published in literary magazines and has won a few prizes. Her book Facing the Other Way came out in 2016. She supported her writing habit with teaching, by working in literacy and other types of community endeavours, and recently retired from 35 years of consulting in clear language and design. She holds degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and King’s, Halifax. She grew up travelling around Europe with her Air Force family in a VW camper, and took up parkour at age 62.
Creative Writing - Gwen Davies
Wednesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
This is an active course in writing, for those who want to explore your own stories but have never gotten around to it, and those who need help to get back to writing. The class is designed to be a safe place for beginners to get started, and useful to those with writing experience. Over the six weeks, we will play with ways to find a focus, uncover memories, write pieces that hold a reader’s interest, and organize what you write. You will come away with a folder of writing and some ideas on how to keep your project going.
Instructor Biography
Gwen Davies has been teaching creative writing for about 25 years. She started the Community of Writers at the Tatamagouche Centre, a four-stream writing event, and ran it until the Centre had to draw back and refocus 15 years later. She has had several stories published in literary magazines and has won a few prizes. Her book Facing the Other Way came out in 2016. She supported her writing habit with teaching, by working in literacy and other types of community endeavours, and recently retired from 35 years of consulting in clear language and design. She holds degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and King’s, Halifax. She grew up travelling around Europe with her Air Force family in a VW camper, and took up parkour at age 62.
9. Nunavut: Change in Canada’s Eastern Arctic - Nick Newbery
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Nunavut: Change in Canada’s Eastern Arctic - Nick Newbery
Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
‡ Woodlawn Public Library, 31 Eisener Blvd., Dartmouth ‡
Course Description
The courses cover past, present and future aspects of the Canadian Eastern Arctic, viewing them from cultural, social, economic and political perspectives so as to understand the new North today. To make them come alive, all sessions are as varied as possible, enhanced whenever viable by the inclusion of stories, films, artifacts, clothing, music, artwork, photography and modern Nunavut material.
Instructor Biography
Nick Newbery was born 1944. Educated in England and Ireland. To Canada in 1970. Taught French in Toronto for 6 years then spent 30 years in Canadian Arctic teaching all subjects and for 17 years ran program for at-risk Inuit youth. Did a lot of photography, published 3 trilingual photo books and 27 teacher manuals. Gave all my photos to Govt. of Nunavut where it was put on a website (newberyphotoarchives.ca). To NS in 2005, teaching courses on Nunavut at MSVU where have raised money for 5 students to do northern one month practicums in Baffin so are well orientated before getting teaching job there. Re-visit Baffin annually to supervise students. Married, home in Porter’s Lake.
Nunavut: Change in Canada’s Eastern Arctic - Nick Newbery
Thursdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
‡ Woodlawn Public Library, 31 Eisener Blvd., Dartmouth ‡
Course Description
The courses cover past, present and future aspects of the Canadian Eastern Arctic, viewing them from cultural, social, economic and political perspectives so as to understand the new North today. To make them come alive, all sessions are as varied as possible, enhanced whenever viable by the inclusion of stories, films, artifacts, clothing, music, artwork, photography and modern Nunavut material.
- Pre-Contact Society: the Physical Aspect
- Pre-Contact Society: the Social Aspect
- The Coming of Outsiders & the Loss of Independence
- Regaining Control: The Land Claim and Creation of Nunavut
- Education and Inuit Youth
- Inuit Arts
Instructor Biography
Nick Newbery was born 1944. Educated in England and Ireland. To Canada in 1970. Taught French in Toronto for 6 years then spent 30 years in Canadian Arctic teaching all subjects and for 17 years ran program for at-risk Inuit youth. Did a lot of photography, published 3 trilingual photo books and 27 teacher manuals. Gave all my photos to Govt. of Nunavut where it was put on a website (newberyphotoarchives.ca). To NS in 2005, teaching courses on Nunavut at MSVU where have raised money for 5 students to do northern one month practicums in Baffin so are well orientated before getting teaching job there. Re-visit Baffin annually to supervise students. Married, home in Porter’s Lake.
10. Volcanoes - Milton Graves
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Volcanoes - Milton Graves
Thursdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
Volcanos are the most obvious constructive geological features. They happen in human time with spectacular effect. Volcanos are not evenly distributed geographically and differ greatly in their character. The observation of volcanic activity has guided our concepts of the nature of what lies beneath the earth’s surface. Join me in an overview of the world’s volcanos. Discover their variety. Consider the stuff that comes out of them: liquid lava, solids of various sizes, and gas. This volcanic material is crucial to the history of the earth, providing valuable resources for life on earth as it endangers those who venture near their fascinating eruptions.
Instructor Biography
Milton Graves retired from Dalhousie University in 2015 after 15 years of teaching Earth Sciences. He has an MSc from Dalhousie University and worked as a geologist before teaching. He taught a second-year course entitled “Dinosaurs” at Dalhousie University for 10 years.
Volcanoes - Milton Graves
Thursdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
Volcanos are the most obvious constructive geological features. They happen in human time with spectacular effect. Volcanos are not evenly distributed geographically and differ greatly in their character. The observation of volcanic activity has guided our concepts of the nature of what lies beneath the earth’s surface. Join me in an overview of the world’s volcanos. Discover their variety. Consider the stuff that comes out of them: liquid lava, solids of various sizes, and gas. This volcanic material is crucial to the history of the earth, providing valuable resources for life on earth as it endangers those who venture near their fascinating eruptions.
Instructor Biography
Milton Graves retired from Dalhousie University in 2015 after 15 years of teaching Earth Sciences. He has an MSc from Dalhousie University and worked as a geologist before teaching. He taught a second-year course entitled “Dinosaurs” at Dalhousie University for 10 years.
11. Music Theory 101 - Jacob Caines
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Music Theory 101 - Jacob Caines
Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 08 to Mar 15
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
Join Music Theory 101 and learn how to read music. The course will incorporate: the history of music theory, how we arrived at the notation system we use today, how theory translates to listening and playing music, and the fundamentals of being able to use theory in your everyday musical life. No previous experience required as the course starts from the very basics of music reading. Come learn a new musical language, the history of theory, and analyze some fantastic pieces of music.
Instructor Biography
Jacob Caines is a conductor, musicologist, clarinetist, and teacher in Halifax Nova Scotia. Having studied music education and conducting at Acadia University, he went on to complete a Master of Arts in Musicology at the University of Ottawa. Jacob's thesis was focussed on the Eastman School of Music and their first wind ensemble conductor, Frederick Fennell. This research allowed him to spend time at the Eastman School in Rochester sifting through the personal documents and scores of the late conductor. After graduating from the University of Ottawa, he accepted the position of Director of Music and Choir Director with the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa and the Canadian Unitarian Council as their Music Director at the annual national conference. It was at this time that Jacob co-founded and became Artistic Director for Sesquisharp Productions. Jacob is currently a part-time faculty member of the Fountain School of Performing Arts and is the conductor of the Dalhousie University Wind Ensemble. Jacob has been working as a clarinet and saxophone faculty member at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and serves as a board member with the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. Jacob is an advocate for lifelong music education, community through art, and cultivating a love of all art forms and music genres in performers and audiences.
Music Theory 101 - Jacob Caines
Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 08 to Mar 15
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Room 15, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
Course Description
Join Music Theory 101 and learn how to read music. The course will incorporate: the history of music theory, how we arrived at the notation system we use today, how theory translates to listening and playing music, and the fundamentals of being able to use theory in your everyday musical life. No previous experience required as the course starts from the very basics of music reading. Come learn a new musical language, the history of theory, and analyze some fantastic pieces of music.
Instructor Biography
Jacob Caines is a conductor, musicologist, clarinetist, and teacher in Halifax Nova Scotia. Having studied music education and conducting at Acadia University, he went on to complete a Master of Arts in Musicology at the University of Ottawa. Jacob's thesis was focussed on the Eastman School of Music and their first wind ensemble conductor, Frederick Fennell. This research allowed him to spend time at the Eastman School in Rochester sifting through the personal documents and scores of the late conductor. After graduating from the University of Ottawa, he accepted the position of Director of Music and Choir Director with the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa and the Canadian Unitarian Council as their Music Director at the annual national conference. It was at this time that Jacob co-founded and became Artistic Director for Sesquisharp Productions. Jacob is currently a part-time faculty member of the Fountain School of Performing Arts and is the conductor of the Dalhousie University Wind Ensemble. Jacob has been working as a clarinet and saxophone faculty member at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and serves as a board member with the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. Jacob is an advocate for lifelong music education, community through art, and cultivating a love of all art forms and music genres in performers and audiences.
12. Astronomy Part 1 - Gary Welch
[THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL]
Astronomy Part 1 - Gary Welch
Fridays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Feb 08 to Mar 15
Parkland Clayton Park, Cameron Hall, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
Course Description
Has your curiosity been piqued by news of merging black holes, the latest photos from the surface of Mars, reports of earthlike worlds orbiting other stars, another attempt to identify dark matter? This two-part course will help you learn more about those and other headline-grabbing topics; it will also present a broader view of what astronomers do than conveyed by popular news outlets. Expect lots of pretty pictures and new concepts and, yes, teeny bits of math here and there. A background in science or math, however, is not needed. Astronomy, Part 1 will focus on the night sky, on our solar system, and on the tools astronomers use to understand what's out there. Why do we see only one side of the moon? What is the evidence for water on Mars? What causes the volcanic eruptions on Jupiter's moon Io? How does the Sun produce energy, and how do we know? How can earth-bound telescopes compete with or even outperform the Hubble Space Telescope?
Instructor Biography
A native of California, Gary Welch immigrated to Halifax in 1974 to help found the astronomy program at Saint Mary's University. He is now Professor Emeritus in the Department of Astronomy and Physics. During his career at Saint Mary's Dr. Welch used telescopes in space and on earth to help understand the lives of galaxies. He taught courses ranging from introductory astronomy for first-year arts majors to specialty topics for post-graduate students, and also enjoyed giving presentations to Metro area secondary schools as part of the Dalhousie University program Scientists and Innovators in the Schools.
Astronomy Part 1 - Gary Welch
Fridays 1:30 PM-3:30 PM (6 wks) Feb 08 to Mar 15
Parkland Clayton Park, Cameron Hall, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
Course Description
Has your curiosity been piqued by news of merging black holes, the latest photos from the surface of Mars, reports of earthlike worlds orbiting other stars, another attempt to identify dark matter? This two-part course will help you learn more about those and other headline-grabbing topics; it will also present a broader view of what astronomers do than conveyed by popular news outlets. Expect lots of pretty pictures and new concepts and, yes, teeny bits of math here and there. A background in science or math, however, is not needed. Astronomy, Part 1 will focus on the night sky, on our solar system, and on the tools astronomers use to understand what's out there. Why do we see only one side of the moon? What is the evidence for water on Mars? What causes the volcanic eruptions on Jupiter's moon Io? How does the Sun produce energy, and how do we know? How can earth-bound telescopes compete with or even outperform the Hubble Space Telescope?
Instructor Biography
A native of California, Gary Welch immigrated to Halifax in 1974 to help found the astronomy program at Saint Mary's University. He is now Professor Emeritus in the Department of Astronomy and Physics. During his career at Saint Mary's Dr. Welch used telescopes in space and on earth to help understand the lives of galaxies. He taught courses ranging from introductory astronomy for first-year arts majors to specialty topics for post-graduate students, and also enjoyed giving presentations to Metro area secondary schools as part of the Dalhousie University program Scientists and Innovators in the Schools.
Chester classes
13. Meeting the Neighbour - Wendell Eisener
Meeting the Neighbour - Wendell Eisener
Tuesdays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
St. Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street, Chester
Course Description
Religious diversity in Canada is now represented by all of the world's major living traditions; this is true in large cities and in small fishing and farming communities. This six-week course examines six of the world's major religions--Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--both in their historical contexts as well as in their local adaptations to Nova Scotian society.
Instructor Biography
Rev. Dr. Wendell Eisener studied music at Acadia University and pursued theological studies in Ontario. He returned to Nova Scotia in 1995 and has had a career that includes the pastoral, secular, artistic and technical. He teaches at Saint Mary’s University and on occasion at the Atlantic School of Theology. An avid musician he has performed and conducted on both sides of the Atlantic.
Tuesdays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
St. Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street, Chester
Course Description
Religious diversity in Canada is now represented by all of the world's major living traditions; this is true in large cities and in small fishing and farming communities. This six-week course examines six of the world's major religions--Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--both in their historical contexts as well as in their local adaptations to Nova Scotian society.
Instructor Biography
Rev. Dr. Wendell Eisener studied music at Acadia University and pursued theological studies in Ontario. He returned to Nova Scotia in 1995 and has had a career that includes the pastoral, secular, artistic and technical. He teaches at Saint Mary’s University and on occasion at the Atlantic School of Theology. An avid musician he has performed and conducted on both sides of the Atlantic.
14. Jazz Essentials - Ted Blackbourn
Jazz Essentials - Ted Blackbourn
Thursdays 2:30 PM-4:30 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
St. Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street, Chester
Course Description
What are the essentials of Jazz? What distinguishes Jazz from other musical genres? How has Jazz changed throughout its history? Can Jazz be defined? What is the relationship between Jazz and the popular song?
By examining examples of recorded Jazz from its earliest days to the present, course participants will explore these and other questions in order to gain a greater depth of understanding of this rich and ever-changing art form.
Recordings of popular songs as interpreted by jazz musicians will be used to illustrate the elements of Jazz and the many stylistic changes that have developed over the years.
Topics:
Instructor Biography
Ted Blackbourn is a graduate of the music programs at Humber College and York University in Toronto. He earned his BE from the University of Toronto and taught high school for the Peel District School Board (Mississauga and Brampton) for 29 years. Throughout those years, Ted performed and recorded with a number of bands including his own jazz trio. Since retiring from teaching, Ted has spent his time composing and arranging music for large jazz ensembles and has recorded three Big Band CDs featuring his arrangements. Ted is a member of the Tuesday Night Big Band in Halifax and the Chester Brass Band.
Thursdays 2:30 PM-4:30 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
St. Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street, Chester
Course Description
What are the essentials of Jazz? What distinguishes Jazz from other musical genres? How has Jazz changed throughout its history? Can Jazz be defined? What is the relationship between Jazz and the popular song?
By examining examples of recorded Jazz from its earliest days to the present, course participants will explore these and other questions in order to gain a greater depth of understanding of this rich and ever-changing art form.
Recordings of popular songs as interpreted by jazz musicians will be used to illustrate the elements of Jazz and the many stylistic changes that have developed over the years.
Topics:
- The Elements of Music (and the ways in which they are used in Jazz)
- The importance of improvisation in Jazz
- The influence of the blues
- Styles of Jazz (New Orleans, Swing Era, Be-Bop, Cool, Latin, Modal, Fusion….)
- Jazz instrumentation
- Standard Jazz ensembles (from small group to big band)
- Roles of each instrument in an ensemble
- Jazz composition and arranging
Instructor Biography
Ted Blackbourn is a graduate of the music programs at Humber College and York University in Toronto. He earned his BE from the University of Toronto and taught high school for the Peel District School Board (Mississauga and Brampton) for 29 years. Throughout those years, Ted performed and recorded with a number of bands including his own jazz trio. Since retiring from teaching, Ted has spent his time composing and arranging music for large jazz ensembles and has recorded three Big Band CDs featuring his arrangements. Ted is a member of the Tuesday Night Big Band in Halifax and the Chester Brass Band.
Mahone Bay classes
15. From Art House to Green House: Changing Concepts in House Design - Bridget Elliott
From Art House to Green House: Changing Concepts in House Design - Bridget Elliott
Mondays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 04 to Mar 11
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
Course Description
How have our houses and sense of home been shaped by leading architects and designers? Looking at a selection of prototypical houses from leading design movements, we consider how conceptions of “good design” have evolved over the past 150 years, beginning with the mid-nineteenth century arts and crafts of William Morris and ending with environmentally sustainable design today.
Each week we will explore a related set of design movements from a particular period, focusing on detailed case studies of particular houses.
Instructor Biography
Bridget Elliott is Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario where she taught art, architectural and design history in the Department of Visual Arts. She specializes in the modern period and has published widely on women artists and modernism, arthouse cinema, and Art Deco. Her most recent book (coedited with Michael Windover), The Routledge Companion to Art Deco, is forthcoming in 2019. She moved to the south shore a few years ago and is passionately devoted to exploring the coastline with her husband and two standard poodles.
Mondays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 04 to Mar 11
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
Course Description
How have our houses and sense of home been shaped by leading architects and designers? Looking at a selection of prototypical houses from leading design movements, we consider how conceptions of “good design” have evolved over the past 150 years, beginning with the mid-nineteenth century arts and crafts of William Morris and ending with environmentally sustainable design today.
Each week we will explore a related set of design movements from a particular period, focusing on detailed case studies of particular houses.
- High Victorian Design, the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau (Charles Eastlake, William Morris, Victor Horta and Antoni Gaudi)
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Early European Modernism (De Stijl, Bauhaus, Le Corbusier and Eileen Gray)
- Post-War America (Levittown, Mies Van der Rohe, Charles and Ray Eames)
- Scandinavian and Pop Design (Alvar Aalto, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Buckminster Fuller, Alison and Peter Smithson, Archigram)
- From Postmodern to Sustainable Design (Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi, Charles Jencks, Frank Gehry).
Instructor Biography
Bridget Elliott is Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario where she taught art, architectural and design history in the Department of Visual Arts. She specializes in the modern period and has published widely on women artists and modernism, arthouse cinema, and Art Deco. Her most recent book (coedited with Michael Windover), The Routledge Companion to Art Deco, is forthcoming in 2019. She moved to the south shore a few years ago and is passionately devoted to exploring the coastline with her husband and two standard poodles.
16. Understanding Consumer Behaviour: Can people make better choices in life? - Tony Schellink
Understanding Consumer Behaviour: Can people make better choices in life? - Tony Schellink
Tuesdays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
Course Description
Every moment of every day we are consuming goods and services. Consumption behaviour is our most predominant activity. Why do we consume particular products? Can we and others consume them in a way that is better for us and the world around us? By understanding some basic principles around consumer behaviour you will be better able to appreciate why people purchase and consume the way they do. From a practical point of view, you should observe human behaviour differently after taking this course. There will be several opportunities to apply your knowledge and to undertake simple observational research during the course for those class members interested in collecting data for discussion and analysis in the classroom.
Instructor Biography
Tony Schellinck has a PhD in Consumer Psychology from the University of Illinois and taught Consumer Behaviour at Dalhousie University for two decades. During much of his career he applied basic principles of consumer behaviour in a wide range of areas, including work for the Consumers Association of Canada, the Advertising Standards Council of Canada, and the Canadian Standards Association. As well, he conducted research for many of Canada’s largest corporations. A recipient of the Financial Post Leader in Management Education award, he is currently CEO of Focal Research Consultants Limited conducting consumer research in countries around the world.
Tuesdays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
Course Description
Every moment of every day we are consuming goods and services. Consumption behaviour is our most predominant activity. Why do we consume particular products? Can we and others consume them in a way that is better for us and the world around us? By understanding some basic principles around consumer behaviour you will be better able to appreciate why people purchase and consume the way they do. From a practical point of view, you should observe human behaviour differently after taking this course. There will be several opportunities to apply your knowledge and to undertake simple observational research during the course for those class members interested in collecting data for discussion and analysis in the classroom.
Instructor Biography
Tony Schellinck has a PhD in Consumer Psychology from the University of Illinois and taught Consumer Behaviour at Dalhousie University for two decades. During much of his career he applied basic principles of consumer behaviour in a wide range of areas, including work for the Consumers Association of Canada, the Advertising Standards Council of Canada, and the Canadian Standards Association. As well, he conducted research for many of Canada’s largest corporations. A recipient of the Financial Post Leader in Management Education award, he is currently CEO of Focal Research Consultants Limited conducting consumer research in countries around the world.
17. "You Don’t Need a Weatherman": Problems in Contemporary Terrorism - Angus Smith
"You Don’t Need a Weatherman": Problems in Contemporary Terrorism - Angus Smith
Wednesdays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 20; No class on Feb 20
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
Course Description
This course is a survey of international and North American terrorism beginning in the 1960s. Built around six critical dates, it will consider the various ways in which terrorism has manifested itself as well as some of the social and political responses to the problem.
Each section will focus on two or three core texts. Students will be provided with short excerpts to aid in understanding and discussion.
Instructor Biography
Angus Smith recently retired after 30 years in the Canadian intelligence community, a career that included work on Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, police corruption, organized crime, terrorism and national security.
Angus currently lives on the South Shore of Nova Scotia where he keeps bees and writes for a variety of publications including The Jewish Review of Books, Rural Delivery and The Police Chief.
Wednesdays 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 20; No class on Feb 20
Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street, Mahone Bay
Course Description
This course is a survey of international and North American terrorism beginning in the 1960s. Built around six critical dates, it will consider the various ways in which terrorism has manifested itself as well as some of the social and political responses to the problem.
Each section will focus on two or three core texts. Students will be provided with short excerpts to aid in understanding and discussion.
- 1968 – Children of the Revolution
- Baader-Meinhof, the Red Brigades and others
- Nationalism and belonging: Ireland, Spain and Quebec
- 1979 – Check and Mate: Going After the King
- Iran and the hijacking of the Revolution
- The siege of Mecca
- Lebanon and the struggle for Islam
- 1989 – A Wilderness Called Peace
- Afghanistan, the USSR and the Cold War
- Latin America: drugs and liberation theology
- Asia: Tigers, Moros and the Golden Temple
- 1992 – Insurrection: Ruby Ridge and the New Civil War
- Another kind of homegrown terrorism
- Neo-populism and neo-fascism
- 2001 – Very Close Indeed: 9/11 and After
- The rise of al Qaeda
- Back to Afghanistan
- Iraq and the unwinnable war
- 2014 – The Revolution Will be Televised
- ISIS and the new Caliphate
- Loyalties: foreign fighters and homegrown terrorism
- The war of the flea: pirates and barefoot soldiers
- ISIS and the new Caliphate
Instructor Biography
Angus Smith recently retired after 30 years in the Canadian intelligence community, a career that included work on Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, police corruption, organized crime, terrorism and national security.
Angus currently lives on the South Shore of Nova Scotia where he keeps bees and writes for a variety of publications including The Jewish Review of Books, Rural Delivery and The Police Chief.
Liverpool classes
18. The History, Form, and Art of Traditional, Fixed Verse Poetry - Pamela Ditchoff
The History, Form, and Art of Traditional, Fixed Verse Poetry - Pamela Ditchoff
Wednesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Trinity Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool
Course Description
If you have a fondness for beautiful verse, pithy poetic expression, lines that sing with sound and rhythm throughout history, I believe you will enjoy this course.
By definition, fixed verse poems provide a template within which the poet works. Various elements such as meter, rhyme scheme and line length guide and limit a writer’s choices when composing. The challenge and art of fixed verse is to be creative and innovative while adhering to guidelines. Poets who have accepted this challenge include: Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dryden, William Blake, Dylan Thomas, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost, and Sylvia Plath to name a few.
In this course we will explore and discuss the history, form, and art of the: Couplet, Quatrain, Sonnet, Sestina, Pantoum, Terza rima, Ballad, Ghazal, Haiku and Limerick. Informal in-class writing exercises, with guidance from the instructor, will be presented for those who wish to explore and stretch their creativity, to recall and record memories in poetic language in a poetic form.
Instructor Biography
Pamela Ditchoff, poet and novelist, holds an MA in English/Creative Writing from Michigan State University (1985). She has taught creative writing for the past thirty years at various levels including the Creative Writers In Schools program. Her literary works have been recognized and highlighted at Michigan State University in their Michigan Writers Series. Ditchoff's first book, Poetry: One, Two, Three, was published by Interact Press (1989) as a guide for teaching poetry in the classroom. She is the author of five novels; her latest work, Phoebe’s Way, was published by ECW Press (Toronto) in 2014. Ditchoff was awarded the Chicago Review Award in Fiction in 1991, a John Ciardi Scholarship in 1991, and a Walter Dakin Fellowship in 1998. She resides in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.
Wednesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Trinity Church Hall, 196 Church Street, Liverpool
Course Description
If you have a fondness for beautiful verse, pithy poetic expression, lines that sing with sound and rhythm throughout history, I believe you will enjoy this course.
By definition, fixed verse poems provide a template within which the poet works. Various elements such as meter, rhyme scheme and line length guide and limit a writer’s choices when composing. The challenge and art of fixed verse is to be creative and innovative while adhering to guidelines. Poets who have accepted this challenge include: Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dryden, William Blake, Dylan Thomas, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost, and Sylvia Plath to name a few.
In this course we will explore and discuss the history, form, and art of the: Couplet, Quatrain, Sonnet, Sestina, Pantoum, Terza rima, Ballad, Ghazal, Haiku and Limerick. Informal in-class writing exercises, with guidance from the instructor, will be presented for those who wish to explore and stretch their creativity, to recall and record memories in poetic language in a poetic form.
Instructor Biography
Pamela Ditchoff, poet and novelist, holds an MA in English/Creative Writing from Michigan State University (1985). She has taught creative writing for the past thirty years at various levels including the Creative Writers In Schools program. Her literary works have been recognized and highlighted at Michigan State University in their Michigan Writers Series. Ditchoff's first book, Poetry: One, Two, Three, was published by Interact Press (1989) as a guide for teaching poetry in the classroom. She is the author of five novels; her latest work, Phoebe’s Way, was published by ECW Press (Toronto) in 2014. Ditchoff was awarded the Chicago Review Award in Fiction in 1991, a John Ciardi Scholarship in 1991, and a Walter Dakin Fellowship in 1998. She resides in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.
Truro classes
19. From Bach To Beatles: Evolution of the Guitar - Vladimir Sitnikov
From Bach To Beatles: Evolution of the Guitar - Vladimir Sitnikov
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
Course Description
Each class is a mini concert by the instructor, dedicated to a certain genre of music or period in history. It starts in Germany and Italy (baroque), moves around Western and Eastern Europe in the classical and romantic periods, with a longer stay in Spain (flamenco music). Next to Latin America, with the beats of salsa from Cuba, samba and bossa nova from Brazil and tango from Argentina. Lastly to North America, where we will learn the sounds of jazz, blues and contemporary music.
Instructor Biography
Before Vladimir - professional musician for more than 20 years - made Canada his new home, he mastered his guitar and composition in Russia. A prize winner of an international classical guitar competition, he graduated from Rostov State Conservatory and toured across Europe with the Bis Band, as well as a solo player.
In Canada Vladimir continued his musical career. He has released CD's "Classical and Jazz Compositions for Guitar", "Bossanova Live and More" and "Back To The Future". Has been teaching music at Talent Studio, Kingsview Academy and SCANS in Halifax and Ontario Conservatory in Toronto, performing with such bands as Maderaz, Lady Son, Bossanova and many more at venues and festivals all across Canada, including Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto and the Maritime Museum and Dalhousie University in Halifax, writing songs and arrangements. He appeared on award winning records such as Reflection's "Stress Less" and Lady Son's "Semillas", TV and radio stations including CBC. Currently, Vladimir is the musical director of The Shining Lights Choir - a community choir for homeless and disabled people as well as the host of the weekly classical music program From Bach To Beatles on CIOE 97.5 FM radio station, both in Halifax, NS.
With Maderaz Latin Music, Vladimir performed around 100 educational shows per year in schools across Ontario as a part of Prologue To The Performing Arts for ten years, collaborating with such children performers as Lois, Sharon and Bram, Jack Grunsky, Eric Nagler, and Balet Creole.
Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 05 to Mar 12
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
Course Description
Each class is a mini concert by the instructor, dedicated to a certain genre of music or period in history. It starts in Germany and Italy (baroque), moves around Western and Eastern Europe in the classical and romantic periods, with a longer stay in Spain (flamenco music). Next to Latin America, with the beats of salsa from Cuba, samba and bossa nova from Brazil and tango from Argentina. Lastly to North America, where we will learn the sounds of jazz, blues and contemporary music.
Instructor Biography
Before Vladimir - professional musician for more than 20 years - made Canada his new home, he mastered his guitar and composition in Russia. A prize winner of an international classical guitar competition, he graduated from Rostov State Conservatory and toured across Europe with the Bis Band, as well as a solo player.
In Canada Vladimir continued his musical career. He has released CD's "Classical and Jazz Compositions for Guitar", "Bossanova Live and More" and "Back To The Future". Has been teaching music at Talent Studio, Kingsview Academy and SCANS in Halifax and Ontario Conservatory in Toronto, performing with such bands as Maderaz, Lady Son, Bossanova and many more at venues and festivals all across Canada, including Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto and the Maritime Museum and Dalhousie University in Halifax, writing songs and arrangements. He appeared on award winning records such as Reflection's "Stress Less" and Lady Son's "Semillas", TV and radio stations including CBC. Currently, Vladimir is the musical director of The Shining Lights Choir - a community choir for homeless and disabled people as well as the host of the weekly classical music program From Bach To Beatles on CIOE 97.5 FM radio station, both in Halifax, NS.
With Maderaz Latin Music, Vladimir performed around 100 educational shows per year in schools across Ontario as a part of Prologue To The Performing Arts for ten years, collaborating with such children performers as Lois, Sharon and Bram, Jack Grunsky, Eric Nagler, and Balet Creole.
20. Living Another Culture - Marty Zelenietz
Living Another Culture - Marty Zelenietz
Wednesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
Course Description
“Living Another Culture” explores some of the basic concepts of socio-cultural anthropology through the instructor’s experiences of doing field research in a coastal village community on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. Ideas such as culture, ethnicity, ethnocentrism, identity, kinship and cultural appropriation will be illustrated using anthropological field information, and related to contemporary life in Canada. We will question some of our basic operating assumptions about life, and see if and how those assumptions are shared by others.
Instructor Biography
Marty Zelenietz trained as a socio-cultural anthropologist at the University of Manitoba and McMaster University, receiving his Ph.D. in 1980. His fieldwork with the Kilenge people of Papua New Guinea in the late 1970s and early 1980s enabled him to write scholarly papers on a wide range of subjects including contemporary development, sorcery, the impact of the Second World War, kinship and social organization, and more. Marty retired from Saint Mary’s University in 2017, after three and a half decades of teaching at several Maritime universities and the University of Papua New Guinea.
Wednesdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 06 to Mar 13
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
Course Description
“Living Another Culture” explores some of the basic concepts of socio-cultural anthropology through the instructor’s experiences of doing field research in a coastal village community on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. Ideas such as culture, ethnicity, ethnocentrism, identity, kinship and cultural appropriation will be illustrated using anthropological field information, and related to contemporary life in Canada. We will question some of our basic operating assumptions about life, and see if and how those assumptions are shared by others.
Instructor Biography
Marty Zelenietz trained as a socio-cultural anthropologist at the University of Manitoba and McMaster University, receiving his Ph.D. in 1980. His fieldwork with the Kilenge people of Papua New Guinea in the late 1970s and early 1980s enabled him to write scholarly papers on a wide range of subjects including contemporary development, sorcery, the impact of the Second World War, kinship and social organization, and more. Marty retired from Saint Mary’s University in 2017, after three and a half decades of teaching at several Maritime universities and the University of Papua New Guinea.
21. Jewish Holidays and Seasons - Rabbi David Ellis
Jewish Holidays and Seasons - Rabbi David Ellis
Thursdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
Course Description
Each week the course will focus on one of the major Jewish holidays. We will study the prayers and biblical texts specific to the day, learn about its place in Jewish history and its aesthetics in art and music. We will also include a section on Jewish cooking & recipes.
Instructor Biography
Rabbi Ellis is the Regional Chaplain for the Atlantic Jewish Council and as such he travels throughout the Maritimes.
Thursdays 1:00 PM-3:00 PM (6 wks) Feb 07 to Mar 14
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro
Course Description
Each week the course will focus on one of the major Jewish holidays. We will study the prayers and biblical texts specific to the day, learn about its place in Jewish history and its aesthetics in art and music. We will also include a section on Jewish cooking & recipes.
Instructor Biography
Rabbi Ellis is the Regional Chaplain for the Atlantic Jewish Council and as such he travels throughout the Maritimes.
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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.