Classes, Courses, and Lectures

Spring Semester 2018

Here are the offerings of our Spring Semester, beginning February 5, 2018. Contact the office to join and receive the catalog.

In addition to the perennial favorites, there are a number of new courses being introduced. These include Folk Dancing, Important Supreme Court Cases and Journalism Insight. This last course is being presented by a visiting artist courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library. It will cover such up-to-the-minute issues as  fake news and digital literacy and also the other side of the coin: who tells our stories? Participants will work on telling the stories of their neighborhoods. We're excited about this course and hope you will be too.

Monday

The Short Story: Here and There
Instructor: Rotating Facilitators
Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Dates: February 5–April 30 (weekly except February 12, 19, April 2)
The art form of the short story offers a unique opportunity to explore how fiction can reflect and/or imitate life. Participants help choose stories that stimulate discussion and thought. *Please read "The Judgement" by Franz Kafka, for the first class (copies are available in the office, 3160 Boylan Hall).

Estate and Long-term Care Planning
Instructor: Katya Sverdlov
Time: 10:30 a.m.–noon
Dates: February 5, 26, and March 12
All your questions will be answered. Which legal documents are an absolute necessity? What is a Trust, and do you really need it?  Will you be able to afford long-term care, and how to make sure you are not subject to elder abuse. Katya Sverdlov, CFA, Esq is an estate planning attorney with offices in Brooklyn and Manhattan. She assists seniors and their families in planning for their future.

Current Events Discussion Group
Instructor: Rotating facilitators
Time: 11 a.m.–noon
Dates: March 19–April 30 (weekly except April 2)
"May you live in interesting times" is a Chinese curse. This discussion group will consider the current events of a new administration and developments abroad. Tell us what you think. Gene Reiser has a lifelong passion for history and politics. He is a former labor relations manager for CUNY.

The Power of SCOTUS to Shape our Lives: Influential Supreme Court Cases
Instructor: Debbie Miller
Time: 12:05–1:05 p.m.
Dates: March 26, April 9, 16
This class will focus on giving an overview of significant Supreme Court cases including Brown vs. Board of Ed and Keller vs. DC. We will discuss the background, rulings and the impact of each case. Debbie Miller was an educator for over 30 years teaching both middle school and high school with an expertise in American History and American Thought.

*Actor's Workshop
Instructor: Barbara Becker
Time: Noon–3 p.m.
Dates: February 5–April 18 (weekly except February 12, 19, April 2)
*Pre-registration required. Class limited to 18. This is your opportunity to tap into your creative side and explore your hidden talents…but most of all to have fun! Come join us. Please be aware that this class runs from September through May, leading up to a final performance. Barbara Becker has been assisting Actor's Workshop for the past seven years as well as having been an active participant for over 11 years. Her acting experience began in early childhood having performed with the New York City Opera.

Research in Social Sciences
Instructor: Dr. Susan Prager
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Dates: March 12–April 16 (weekly except April 2)
A look at the basic methods of Social Science (survey, focused interviews, field work) as well as the ethical issues involved in research. We will then learn how to analyze data using Dr. Prager's research on retirement. Dr. Prager taught sociology at Brooklyn College. Her interests include retirement and family.

Lectures / Events

"Athletes Who Made a Difference"
April 9, Noon–1:30 p.m.
Presented by Joseph Dorinson, a professor of history at Long Island University and who has lectured on humor and culture for BLL/IRPE since 1990.

"Instagramography": My Best Instagram Images, Designed to Look Good Square and Look Good Small
March 26, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Presented by Kenneth Axen, an adjunct full professor at Brooklyn College. His training in photojournalism and documentary filmmaking enables him to create slide shows and short films of his world travels.

"Midwood, Before Hollywood": Did You KNow America's First Full Modern Studio Was Built in Midwood in 1906?
April 16, 12:30–2 p.m.
Presented by Nellie Perera, who has worked in Theater-in-Education for 20 years as a teaching artist and workshop facilitator. She is currently an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College. Melissa Friedling is assistant professor of filmmaking and director of Undergraduate Programs in Media Studies at the New School University. She is currently working on a film project based on Midwood's cultural significance and history.

"Looks Can Be Deceiving": The Case of the "Simple" Whole Numbers 1,2,3,4...
April 23, 2–3 p.m.
Presented by Fred Friedland, who teaches mathematics at Baruch College. He has given lectures at the IRPE/BLL since 1990.

"Theatre Art Performance," featuring our students from the Actor's Workshop
May 7, 1–3 p.m.
Producer/Director Barbara Becker

Tuesday

Essay Writing for Fun
Instructor: Elizabeth DeMairo
Time: 10–11:05 a.m.
Dates: February 6–April 17 (weekly except February 20, April 3)
Learn the skills to outline and structure an essay. Using these techniques, we will write about topics of choice from politics and current events to entertainment and any other personal likes or gripes. Students must have a dedicated full sized notebook. Elizabeth DeMairo has been a lifelong writer. She has taught students of all ages, and spent her last five years teaching writing to public school fifth graders.

*BLL Book Club
Time: 10–11:45 a.m.
Dates: February 6,  March 6, April 10, May 8, June 5
*Pre-Registration is required. Classes are limited. We will discuss: Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; O Pioneers! by Willa Cather; Exit West, by Mohsin Hamid; Killers of the Flower Moon, by David Grann; and Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, by Kathleen Rooney.

Yoga, Pilates and Body Movement Awareness
Instructor: Cynthia Arenson
Time: Noon–1:20 p.m.
Dates: February 6–May 1 (weekly except February 20, April 3)
This course will consist of a series of postures and breathing exercises combined with relaxation techniques and exercises. Cynthia Arenson is a graduate of Brooklyn College and has a master's degree in exercise physiology from Queens College. She has taught yoga for over 30 years.

Three William Faulkner Novels
Instructor: Brian Keener
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Dates: February 13, 27, March 13, 27, April 10
Class will read and discuss three novels by  Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner, one of the giants of American (or any other) literature: The Mansion, followed by The Sound and the Fury and Absalom, Absalom. Special attention will be paid to Faulkner's unique and powerful prose style. Brian Keener is a retired professor at NYC College of Technology and author of John Updike's Human Comedy: Comic Morality in The Centaur and the Rabbit Novels.

Memoir Writing
Instructor: Elizabeth DeMairo
Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
Dates: February 6–April 17 (weekly except February 20, April 3)
Class will begin with a seed story of a memorable event. From their stories, using memoir writing techniques, students will have a completed memoir to which they may add visuals to create a picture/story book. Students must have a dedicated full sized notebook. Elizabeth DeMairo has had lengthy training in memoir study and enjoys assisting students bring their experiences to the written page. 

Spanish for Beginners
Instructor: Nilita León
Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
Dates: February 27–May 1 (weekly except April 3)
This course is based on a functional focus with special emphasis on oral communication and practical uses of the language. Students will learn about culture and useful, familiar and everyday expressions, basic grammar, vocabulary and phrases aimed to interact and survive in a Spanish-speaking context. Nilita León is a certificated Spanish teacher with exceptional knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries.

Cinema Featuring Black Actresses
Instructor: Frances Baugh
Time: 12:30–2:50 p.m.
Dates: March 6, 13, 20
We will celebrate Women's History Month  when we view films featuring black leading ladies. There will be a brief discussion following  all films. Frances Baugh is a music and film historian on black culture of the 1960s and 1970s and has taken many film classes. She is currently a student in our Actor's Workshop class.

Al Pacino Films—The 1990s
Instructor: Sol Makon
Time: 1:30–3:15 p.m.
Dates: February 13, 27, March 13, 27, April 10, 24
Al Pacino's brilliant performance in the 1972 film The Godfather brought him national attention and recognition. His acting success comes from immersing himself into different roles. We will be viewing the following movies: Glengarry Glen Ross, Scent of a Woman, Heat, Donnie Brasco, The Insider, and Insomnia. Sol Makon is a film and music aficionado. His expertise was further developed  by taking college courses in these fields. He also has a large media collection at his disposal.

Lectures / Events

"Dementia and Alzheimer"
March 27, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Presented by Clivia Torres, LCSW-R Care Manager Downstate Medical Center

Wednesday

Spanish, Intermediate & Beyond
Instructor: Edward Drayton
Time: 9:45–11 a.m.
Dates: February 7–May 2 (weekly except April 4)
We invite any student who has a reasonable background in Spanish study. We read, converse, listen and write in order to achieve the goal of mastering the language. Ed Drayton's passion for Spanish began when he won the medal for Spanish at his junior high school. He graduated from Brooklyn College, and went on to become a NYC public school teacher.

Reading the New York Science Times
Instructor: Dr. Leslie Jacobson
Time: 11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
Dates: February 14–May 2 (weekly except April 4)
Great things are happening in the world of science today. Read and bring the Tuesday, NY Times Science Section to class for our informative discussions about the latest breakthroughs. Leslie Jacobson has been a longtime professor in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences. She is a “founding mother” of IRPE/BLL and a major supporter of our organization since its beginning.

Mindfulness— A Place to Be
Instructor: Peggy Horwitz
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Dates: February 7–28 (weekly)
Take a moment to slow down, breathe, and simply be. You will notice a rich world of thoughts, feelings and sensory experiences that will keep your mind, brain, and body supple and your heart soft. Learn to listen to yourself by meditating, moving, using words and by being mindful. Bring your sense of curiosity and come play on a path of self-discovery. Peggy Horwitz, LCSW is a psychoanalyst working with individuals, couples and families. She teaches mindfulness practices to individuals in business, health and service-oriented organizations. She currently practices in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Movie Memories and Hollywood Humor
Instructor: Leo Gerber
Time: 12:10–1:20 p.m.
Dates: February 14, 28, March 14, April 25, May 2
We will look at famous movie dialogue, anecdotes, clichés, jokes, biographies, Oscar winners and losers, and songs from the movies. Leo Gerber is a movie buff, lectures on American history, film facts and fiction, popular songs and singers, and the history of vampires. He enjoys researching and presenting background material for his classes.

Capturing the Spirit of the Times *Course canceled
Instructor: Peter Bazeley
Time: 12:10–1:15 p.m.
Dates: March 28, April 11, 18
Historical and contemporary political art in many forms. Peter Bazeley has a B.F.A. from the Cooper Union and M.P.S. in creative art therapy and creativity development from Pratt.

1970s Films, Part 3
Instructor: Sol Makon
Time: 1:30–3:15 p.m.
Dates: February 7–May 2 (weekly except February 7 and April 4)
This is Part 3 of a continuing series, in which I screen films releases each decade chronologically. This semester you will view films of the 1970s. Films will generally alternate by genre, a comedy or romantic comedy followed by an action or purely dramatic feature. These films will include Crossing Delancey, Day of the Jackal, and The Elephant Man. Sol Makon is a film and music aficionado. His expertise was further developed by taking college courses in these fields. He also has a large media collection at his disposal.

Thursday

Current Events Discussion Group
Instructor: Gene Reiser
Time: 9:50–10:50 a.m.
Dates: February 8–March 15
"May you live in interesting times" is a Chinese curse. This discussion group will consider the current events of a new administration and developments abroad. Tell us what you think. *Please Note:  Class resumes on Monday,  March 19, from 11 a.m. to noon. Gene Reiser has a lifelong passion for history and politics. He is a former labor relations manager for CUNY.

International Folk Dancing
Instructor: Elaine Sohn
Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
Dates:March 8–May 3 (weekly except April 5)
Folk dancing is not only great exercise, but involves the memory and increases cognitive acuity. Most dances are circle and line dances, so partners are not necessary. Elaine Sohn has been leading folk dance groups for over 20 years here in Brooklyn, and recently at the Jubilee and Park Slope Senior Centers.

Significant Presidential Elections in U.S. History
Instructor: Stephen Appell, Esq.
Time: 11:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Dates: Februaty 8, 22, March 8, 22, April 12, 19, 26, May 3
We will continue examining the history of important presidential elections including their political and economic backgrounds, the candidates, the campaigns and election results and consequences. We will continue this term with the 1964 election of Lyndon Johnson and the resultant Great Society program and the Vietnam War expansion. Stephen Appell is an attorney who specialized in labor law. A graduate of Cornell and Rutgers Law Schools, he is an avid student and teacher of historical subjects.

Caretaking and Guardianship
Instructor: Herzl Eisenstadt
Time: 12:10–1:10 p.m.
Dates: February 22, March 8
Practical aspects of being a caretaker for a physically or mentally disabled person. Challenges, resources and taking care of the caretaker. Options for training a court appointed guardian and a survey of procedures and responsibilities. Herzl Eisenstadt is a New York attorney who has served as a caretaker and a court appointed supervisor of guardians.

A Lesson Before Dying
Instructor: Dianne Stillman
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Dates: March 1–April 12 (weekly except April 5)
We will read and discuss this rich and layered novel of redemption by Ernest Gaines while we explore the African-American experience in the Post World War II, south. Dianne Stillman is a retired attorney, adjunct professor of law, and high school English teacher.

The United States and the Demanding World Situation That Confronts It
Instructor: Walter Higgins
Time: 12:30–2 p.m.
Dates: February 22, March 8, 22, April 12 (February 8 session canceled)
This course will cover various topics that impact the United States: China and North Korea, judicial situations, immigration, and checks and balances. Walter F. Higgins was a news writer at CBS News and the owner of an advertising agency. He has taught courses on the Constitution and U.S. government at Brooklyn College and NYU.

Painting for Fun Using Acrylics
Instructor: Pam Goldstein
Time: 1:15–2:15 p.m.
Dates: February 8–March 8 weekly
The class will learn the basics of using acrylic paints and starting a canvas. There will be a new painting each week. Students will need to bring an inexpensive canvas and set of acrylic paints (available at Zelda's on Nostrand Avenue and Avenue I or any place you choose). You will also need a water cup and a few different size brushes. Pam Goldstein is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in textile design and fine arts. She has done fashion illustrations and to this day, does paintings at home.

Lectures / Events

"Taking a Matter to Small Claims Court"" How to Bring on a Small Claims Case. What Qualifies for Jurisdiction and Effective Preparations for Claimants and Defendants.
March 15, 12:10–1:10 p.m.
Presented by Herzl Eisenstadt, a New York attorney who has served as a caretaker and a court appointed supervisor of guardians.

"Women and Heart Disease" Including the Statistics of Heart Disease Effecting Women, Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms and Preventative Lifestyle Changes, Including Nutrition.
April 19, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Presented by Elaine Sarfati , who practiced nursing for over 50 years. She presently teaches a community health course at Long Island University School of Nursing

Friday

Social Bridge
Instructor: Ira Barnett
Time: 10 a.m.–noon  
Dates: February 9–May 4 (weekly except February 9, March 30, April 6)
For those with knowledge of bridge, come and enjoy supervised play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Ira Barnett has been supervising since 2008.

*Journalism Insights
Instructor: Lauren Jost
Time: 10:30 a.m.–noon
Dates: March 2–May 4  (weekly except March 9, 30, April 6)  *Pre-Registration is required by February 15. 
Brooklyn Public Library presents a journalism course that explores how point-of-view and perspective are used in non-fiction writing. Participants will explore the way we tell stories about our communities through various formats such as interviews, ethno drama, short story writing, journalism and oral storytelling. We will develop digital literacy skills, decipher fake news, enhance writing and storytelling skills, and develop a strategy for uncovering hidden stories that make our community unique. Lauren Jost works as a Master Teaching Artist in schools, libraries and community centers around NY with organizations such as The New Victory Theater, Brooklyn Public Library, Lifetimes Arts, and NYU.