Classes, Courses, and Lectures
BLL WINTERCESSION 2019
TUESDAY
January 8 2019
Senior Debate 1
Instructor: Dr. Thomas I.Benson
Time 1:00pm
January 15
The Right to Try Law
Instructor: Rona Goldwitz
Time 11:00am
Senior Debate 111
Instructor: Dr Thomas I.Benson
Time 1:00pm
January 22
Jeff Koons: A retrospective of His Work
Instructor: Peter Sohn
Time 11:00am
Film Body Heat
Instructor: Len Rudorfer
Time: 1:00pm
Thursday
January 10
Deceptive Practive Practice: The Mysteries nd Mentors Of Ricky Jay
Instructor: Peter Sohn
Time :11:00am
Senior Debate 11
Instructor: Dr Thomas I. Benson
Time 1:00pm
January 17
The Future of BLL
Instructor: Rona Goldwitz
Time: 11:00 am
Film The Shawshank Redemption
Instructor: Sol Makon
Time: 1:00pm
January 24
Are we really what we eat?
Instructor: Maura McGovern
Time: 11:00am
World War 1: Social,Cultural and Political Impact
Instructor: Laura Fishman
Time 1:00pm
All sessions will be held inroom 3139 Boylan Hall
Senior Debate a three part series
program will provide a general introduction to the rules and methods of senior debates,which
is characterized by a sense of informality,mutual respect,fun,and a recognition that all of us have something
worth saying about important topics of public concern.
Session 1 lively town hall style discussion of major questions facing contemporary American society: is it time
to rewrite our constitution?
Session 2 An introducton to a number of more popular formats for senior debate and their associated rules and
methods.
Session 3 We will do some informal exercises and some highly abbreviated debates,
to give particpants an opportunity to experience the fun and challenge of senior debate.
Deceptive practice: The Mysteries And Mentors Of Ricky Jay
Ricky Jay was a world-renowned magician,author,actor and performer who regularly evoked
astonishment from even the most jaded audiences. This will take you on a journey inside the secretive world of magic.
The Right to Try Law
Right to Try was created to let terminally ill patients try experimental drugs that have not been approved by FDA
But is was opposed by medical experts and more than 40 health organizations. Why? This a little-known story of
media,manipulation and politics.
THE FUTURE OF BLL
We have been focused on issues involving the college recently ,but on-going questions
involving BLL programs, instructors, membership and more haven't gone away. Come to this
brainstorming session to talk about them. Let"s get ideas and input form you our members about how we want to
move forward.
Film: The Shawshank Redemption
Despite his claim of innocence for the murder of this wife and her lover, a banker is sentenced to life
imprisonment at Shawshank State Penitentiary. While there, he becomes instrumental in a money
laudering operation, led by the prison warden. Through guile and a fierce determination, he plans and escape.
Directed by Frank Darabont.1994 Actors Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. In Color
Jeff Koons: A Retrospective of His Work
This film lets you in on the largest, most comprehensive survey of his art ever assembled, spanning
four decades,and just as diverse as you would expect.As someone said of him, "Koons is one of the
most complex, lauded, criticized,polarizing,fascinating and singular artists of our time"
Are we really what we eat?
Let's Cook History : the Age of Enlightenment
How has social history affected the way we eat ,the types of food we serve for special occasions and on
a daily basis? The 18th century was a turning point in political ,social and religious life. These changes were
reflected in the kitchens of the nobility and commoners. Explore what riggered modern cuisine.
World War 1: Social ,Cultural and Political Impact
Dicussion of the new borders and new voices that emerged to transform the world in the
wake of this conflict. video presentation from PBS series "The Great War and the Shaping of
the Twentieht Century."
Film:Body Heat
Ned Racine (William Hurt) is seedy small-town lawyer in Florida. During a searing heatwave,he's
picked up by sexy,married Matty Walker (Kathleen Turner). A passionate affair commences but it isn't
long before they realize the only thing standing in their way is Matty"s rich husband Edmund (Richard
Crenna).A plot hatches to kill him but will they pull it off? Director: Lawrence Kasdan, 1981,In Color
International Folk Dancing
Folk dancing is not only great exercise, but it involves the memory and increases cognitive agility. Most dances will be circle or line dances, so partners are not necessary.
Instructor: Elaine Sohn
Time: 9:15–10:45 a.m.
Dates:
Elaine Sohn has been leading folk dance groups in Brooklyn Heights for more than 20 years. She recently began offering classes at the Jubilee Senior Center and the Park Slope Senior Center.
The Short Story: Here and There
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 "
Rotating Facilitators
Time: 10:50–11:50 a.m.
Dates:
Current Events Discussion Group
"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.
Instructor: Morty Marshack
Time:
Dates:
Actor's Workshop
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.
Instructors: Julie Kirshner and Sunny Brandler
Time: noon–3 p.m.
Dates:
Julie Kirshner graduated Brooklyn College with a degree in theater and a master’s degree in English. Sunny Brandler is a retired professor from CUNY who holds a B.A., M.S.W., M.A. in English literature, and a doctorate from Adelphi University.
Enjoy a variety of beautiful photojournalistic images taken with an
Presentor: Professor Kenneth Axen
Time: 1–2 p.m.
Date:
Kenneth Axen is 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.
An Overland Trip Through “Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan”: Special Slide Show and Short Film
Presentor: Professor Kenneth Axen
Time: 1–2 p.m.
Date:
Kenneth Axen is 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.
since 1990.
Tuesday
Introduction to iPhones and iPads (class size is limited to 10; pre-registration required)
This course will cover the following topics: typing on iPhones and iPads, sending text messages, taking photos/videos and sending via text message, apps, accessing the Internet on a smart phone, watching movies and listening to music, and security. Students must bring their own devices.
Instructor: Kenneth Jackson
Time: 10–11 a.m.
Dates: September 25–December 4 (weekly)
Kenneth Jackson works for the Office of Information Technology Services at Brooklyn College and has volunteered numerous hours helping people understand their smart devices.
BLL Book Club (classes are limited; pre-registration required)
We will discuss: Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee; Everything I Never Told You, by Celeste Ng; The Feast of the Goat, by Mario Vargas Llosa; Hunger, by Roxanne Gay; and Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande.
Time: 10–11:45 a.m.
Dates: September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, 2018, and January 8, 2019
Painting—Acrylics 101
Comprehensive foundations in painting. You will learn the use of color and basic visual components. Bring paints, brushes, canvas boards, water container, and rags.
Instructor: Susan Tischler
Time: 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Dates: October 2–November 20 (weekly)
Susan Tischler is a BLL member who has studied Art and has been painting for over 10 years.
Yoga, Pilates, and Body Movement Awareness
This course will consist of a series of postures and breathing exercises combined with relaxation techniques and exercises.
Instructor: Cynthia Arenson
Time: noon–1:20 p.m.
Dates: September 25–December 4 (weekly)
Cynthia Arenson is a graduate of Brooklyn College and has a master's degree in exercise physiology from Queens College (CUNY). She has taught yoga for more than 30 years.
Essays, Articles, and Op-eds
Sharing thoughts, ideas, and experiences provides the opportunity to better understand ourselves and others. This class will consist of open discussions on selected thought-provoking topics found in essays, articles, and op-eds.
Please read "Heroin in the Heartland" before the first class. Copies are available in 3160 Boylan Hall.
Instructor: Annette Libert
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Dates: September 25–December 4 (weekly)
Annette Libert is a registered nurse/administrator and educator for 44 years. She has facilitated two sessions for BLL.
Spanish for Beginners
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; useful, familiar, and everyday expressions; and basic grammar, vocabulary, and phrases aimed to interact and survive in a Spanish-speaking context.
Instructor: Nilita León
Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
Dates: September 25–December 4 (weekly)
Nilita León is a certificated Spanish teacher with exceptional knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries.
Wednesday
Spanish, Intermediate and Beyond
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.
Instructor: Edward Drayton
Time: 9:45–11 a.m.
Dates: September 26–December 5 (weekly except November 21)
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 New York City public school teacher.
Reading the New York Science Times
Great things are happening in the world of science today. Read and bring the Tuesday New York Times Science Section to class for our informative discussions about the latest breakthroughs.
Instructor: Leslie Jacobson
Time: 11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
Dates: September 12–December 5 (weekly except September 19 and November 21)
Leslie Jacobson has been a long-time 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.
Movie Memories and Hollywood Humor
Famous movie dialogue, anecdotes, clichés, jokes, biographies, Oscar winners and losers, and songs from the movies.
Instructor: Leo Gerber
Time: 12:15–1:30 p.m.
Dates:
Leo Gerber is a movie buff who 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.
Presentor: Fred Friedland
Date:
Time: 12:30-2:00
Fred Friedland teaches mathematics at Baruch College (CUNY). He has given lectures at IRPE/BLL was head of audiology at Brooklyn College for more than 20 years and has written several journal papers on this subject.
THURSDAY
Essays, Articles, and Op-eds
Sharing thoughts, ideas, and experiences provides the opportunity to better understand ourselves and others. This class will consist of open discussions on selected thought-provoking topics found in essays, articles, and op-eds.
Please read "Heroin in the Heartland" before the first class. Copies are available in 3160 Boylan Hall.
Instructor: Annette Libert
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Dates:
Annette Libert is a registered nurse/administrator and educator for 44 years. She has facilitated two sessions for BLL.
Ruth Gruener is a Holocaust survivor and author who also co-authored Prisoner B-3087 with her husband, about his concentration camp experience. She lectures in schools throughout New York City and is a tour guide at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Significant Presidential Elections
We will complete our consideration of the 1964 election of Lyndon Johnson and the resultant Great Society Program and the Vietnam War expansion. We will then examine the 1968 election in the context of a tumultuous background of urban unrest and protests over the Vietnam War and assassinations.
Instructor: Stephen Appell
Time
Dates:
Immigration Law
Instructor:
Time:1:000–2:00.
Dates:
.
Language to Image: Film Adaptations of Lierary Texts II
What is the relationship of a literary text and its movie adaptation—faithful reproduction of the original text, an independent, original work, or something in between? What do literary texts and movies have in common? How do they differ? What can each of these media do that the other can't because of the way they communicate? Texts and their film adaptations include Shakespeare's Macbeth and film adaptations by Welles and Kurosawa; Proulx's Brokeback Mountain and Ang Lee's adaptation; Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Whale's adaptation; Woolrich's Rear Window and Hitchcock's adaptation; Julio Cortazar's Blow Up and Antonioni's adaptation. Please read Macbeth before the first class.
Instructors: Lilia Melani and Liz Weis
Time: 1–4:30 p.m.
Dates: September 6–October 25 (weekly)
Lilia Melani is an English professor at Brooklyn College. Liz Weis is a faculty member in Brooklyn College's Film Department.
Friday
Social Bridge
For those with knowledge of bridge, come and enjoy supervised play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Instructor: Ira Barnett
Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Dates: September 7–December 7 (weekly except November 23)
Ira Barnett has been supervising since 2008.
"Museum Walks and Talks": Docent-led Guided Tours
Members travel independently to museums. All tours begin at 11 a.m. and last one hour. Registration begins on the day of receipt of the catalog and is through e-mail only. If you do not have e-mail, you may call 347.834.4578. Do not send checks until your choices are confirmed. Docents will guide us through special exhibitions and regular tours.
Coordinator: Linda Silverman
Linda Silverman is an avid museum-goer. She was a program director at NYC College of Technology (CUNY) in adult and continuing education, and collaborative academic programs for more than 20 years.
- Chaim Soutine: Flesh—Jewish Museum
Focus on the Expressionist artists's remarkable paintings depicting hanging fowl, beef carcasses, and rayfish, considered to be his greatest artistic achievements.
September 14; $23 - Charting the Divine Plan: Orra White Hitchcock (1796–1863)—American Folk Art Museum
Explores the confluence of art, love, science, and religion in the extraordinary art of one of America's first female scientific illustrators.
September 28; $8 - Chaim Gross, Sculptor—Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation
Tour the studio of Chiam Gross, the modern American sculptor who produced work from 1921 to 1991. See the living space and special exhibition area featuring more than 200 of his works.
October 12; $15 - Hilma af Klint: Paintings of the Future—Guggenheim Museum
Exhibition will focus on the artist's breakthrough years, 1906–20; bold, colorful, abstract paintings untethered from recognizable references to the physical world.
October 26; $23 - Dutch Masters of the 17th Century—Metropolitan Museum of Art
Focus on key issues in the 17th-century Dutch culture, from debates about religion and conspicuous consumption to painters' fascination with the domestic lives of women.
November 16; $24 - Neo Realismo: The New Image of Italy, 1932–60—Grey Art Gallery @ NYU
Poignantly portrays life in Italy through the lens of photography before, during, and after World War II.
December 7; $5
