Classes, Courses, and Lectures
Our fall semester began on September 9. Check out what we are going to offer below! We are already working on our winter break program.
Monday
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.
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.
- Instructor: Elaine Sohn
- Time: 9:15–10:45 a.m.
- Dates: September 9–December 2
(weekly except September 30 and October 14)
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 the original version and the Westchester Library version of "The Birthmark," by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Copies will be available in the office.
- Instructor: Rotating Facilitators
- Time: 10:50–11:50 a.m.
- Dates: September 9–December 2
(weekly except September 30 and October 14)
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. 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., and M.A. in English literature, and a doctorate from Adelphi University.
- Instructors: Julie Kirshner and Sunny Brandler
- Time: noon–3 p.m.
- Dates: September 9–December 2
(weekly except September 30 and October 14)
Spanish for Beginners (Level 1)
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. Instructor Nilita León is a certificated teacher with exceptional knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries.
- Pre-registration is required.
- Instructor: Nilita León
- Time: 12:30–2 p.m.
- Dates: September 16–December 2
(weekly except September 30 and October 14)
Slide Shows
- Presented by Professor Kenneth Axen
- October 28: Cycling France—Enjoy photojournalistic images of the Loire Valley made on a bike trip from Orleans to Chinon
- November 11: Korea—Enjoy photographs made during a summer trip to Hong Kong, China, and Korea
- Time: noon–1:30 p.m.
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
Tuesday
Contemporary Book Club
We will discuss "Judas," by Amos Oz; "The Corpse Washer," by Sinan Antoon; "Fools of Fortune," by William Trevor; "How to Be Both," by Ali Smith; and "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," by Leo Tolstoy.
- Pre-registration is required.
- Classes are limited.
- Time: 10–11:45 a.m.
- Dates: September 10, October 15, November 12, and December 10
Estate Planning: Not Just for Millionaires
This course will cover basic estate planning documents (power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and wills) as well as all types of trusts (reversible, irreversible, special needs, etc). We will discuss taxes (capital gains and estate) as well as Medicare planning. Examples and mistakes of the rich and famous will be used to illustrate the concepts. 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.
- Instructor: Katya Sverdlov
- Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
- Dates: September 10–24
Painting—Acrylics 101
Comprehensive foundations in painting. You will learn the use of color and basic visual components. Call the office if you need more information. Please bring paints, brushes, canvas boards, water container, rags, 5x8 sketch pad, and charcoal. Susan Tischler is a BLL member who has studied Art and has been painting for over 10 years.
- Instructor: Susan Tischler
- Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
- Dates: September 10–October 22
(weekly except October 1 and 8)
Intellectual Life Series—Coordinated by Toby Sanchez
- What does the NYCLU do in Albany, and why it is important to you?
- Speaker: Erika Lorshbough
- September 17
- Time: 1–2:10 p.m.
Civilizations With Kenneth Clark
The history of Western civilization from the Dark Ages to the 20th century through art and architecture with sections on drama, literature, music, philosophy, and socio-political movements. David Krupp attended SUNY Buffalo as a psychology major and taught in the New York City public schools for 45 years.
- Pre-registration is required.
- Class is limited to 15.
- Instructor: David Krupp
- Time: 2:15–3:30 p.m.
- Dates: September 24–November 12
(weekly except October 1 and 8)
Yoga, Pilates, and Body Movement Awareness
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 more than 30 years.
- Instructor: Cynthia Arenson
- Time: noon–1:20 p.m.
- Dates: October 15–December 3 weekly
Special Lectures—Presented by Robert Cherry
- 12:30–2 p.m.
- October 15: "The Real Situation of Arab Citizens of Israel"—The dramatic economic, educational, and occupational improvements experienced by Israeli citizens in the last decade.
- December 3: "What Is Needed to Revitalize Poor Black Neighborhoods"—High-profile killings of black men and the Black Lives Matter movement have distracted the public from constructive consideration of violent crime.
Professor Robert Cherry has been teaching economics at Brooklyn College for almost 40 years and has published a number of articles on Jewish middlemen and Herman Lubinsky, the owner of one of the more important jazz record companies, Savoy.
Health Care Lecture Series—Coordinated by Elaine Sarfati, RN, Community Health Professor, LIU
- 12:30–2 p.m.
- October 22: "Making the Best of Your Well Exam Visit" (Elaine Sarfati)
- October 29: "Hearing and Aging" (Shelley Cherry)
- November 12: "Memory and Aging" (Megan Christ, LMSW)
- November 26: "Preparedness and Safety" (Elaine Sarfati)
- December 3: "Benefits of Good Nutrition" (Elaine Sarfati)
Special Lectures—Presented by Amy Cunningham
Amy Cunningham, a progressive funeral home owner, licensed director, and celebrant who collaborates with New York City families to help them create the best funerals and memorial services possible. She specializes in green burials, home funerals, and cremation services at Green-Wood Cemetery's crematory chapels as well as memorial events of all sorts.
- 12:30–1:50 p.m.
- November 5: "Planning an Affordable, Eco-Friendlier Funeral"
- November 19: "Good to Go: A Guide to Modern Funeral Planning"
Wednesday
Brooklyn History
We will talk about the impact the East River bridges had on the population explosion in Brooklyn in the late 1800s and early 20th century; how Brooklyn's neighborhoods got their names; and the history of how Brooklyn College came to be in 1930. The final session will be a walking tour of historic Coney Island. Ron Schweiger is a retired school teacher who was appointed the "Official Borough Historian" by former Borough President Marty Markowitz. He has 30 years of experience on aspects of Brooklyn history.
- Instructor: Ron Schweiger
- Time: 9:30–10:45 a.m.
- Dates: September 11–October 2, weekly
- October 16: Walking tour
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. 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.
- Instructor: Edward Drayton
- Time: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
- Dates: September 11–December 4
(weekly except October 9 and November 27)
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. Leslie Jacobson, a longtime professor in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, is a "founding mother" of IRPE/BLL and a major supporter of our organization since its beginning.
- Instructor: Leslie Jacobson
- Time: 11 a.m.–noon
- Dates: September 11–December 4
(weekly except October 9 and November 27)
Current Events Discussion Group
We will enlist rotating facilitators for a discussion of local, national and international news. Tell us what you think! Our members have a vast depth of experience and will rotate to facilitate the Current Events Discussion Group.
- Instructor: Rotating Facilitators
- Time: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
- Dates: September 18–November 13
(weekly except October 9 and 23)
Language to Image: Film Adaptations of Literary Texts III
We will discuss the transformation from literary text to movie, a complex process that raises many questions. What is the relationship of a literary text and its movie adaptation? Should we expect fidelity to the original text or is the adaptation an independent, original work? What do literary texts and movies have in common? How do they differ? In other words, what can each of these media do that the other can't because of the way they communicate?
Texts and their film adaptations include Ryûnosuke Akutagawa's In the Grove (1922) and Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon; Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, Luis Bunuel's Robinson Crusoe, and Jack Gold's Man Friday; and Frank Rooney's The Cyclists' Raid (1951) and Laslo Benedek's The Wild One (1953). Lilia Melani is an English professor at Brooklyn College. Liz Weis is a faculty member in Brooklyn College's Film Department.
- Instructors: Professor Lilia Melani and Liz Weis
- Time: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
- Dates: September 11–October 23
- (weekly except October 9)
Reflections on Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery
This course will cover treatments for addiction and discuss factors contributing to someone's developing an addiction along with an ecological model for understanding addiction. We will also discuss recovery planning, relapses, and mental health problems, and how to pursue and achieve a better quality of life in recovery. Recommended text for the course is Straight Talk about Addiction, Treatment, Recovery, and Achieving a Better Quality of Life, published by Carroll and is available at Amazon. Dr Jerome Carroll's career in addiction began in 1971 when he became the director of Psychological Services at Eagleville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. He has explored the mental health-substance abuse interface.
- Instructor: Jerome Carroll
- Time: 2:15–3:15 p.m.
- Dates: September 18 and 25; October 16, 23, and 30; November 6, 13, and 20
Intellectual Life Series—Coordinated by Toby Sanchez
- 11 a.m.–noon
- October 2: "The Crisis in Local News and Why It Matters to Everyone"—Presented by Alyssa Katz, deputy editor of The City, a new independent online newspaper
- November 6: "What Is Forgiveness?"—Presented by Rabbi Sam Levine
Special Lecture—Presented by Professor Kenneth A. Gould
Kenneth A. Gould is the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also a professor of sociology at Brooklyn College and a professor of earth and environmental sciences at the CUNY Graduate Center.
- October 2: "Climate Change and Gentrification"—Climate change is the ultimate gentrification.
- 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Special Lecture—Presented by Laura Fishman
Laura Fishman has a Ph.D. in history. She is professor emerita from York College (CUNY), where she taught a variety of courses in women's history as well as European and world history.
- October 23: "Breaking Boundaries:19th-century women's activism and the struggle for suffrage"—Women's active participation and leadership in several 19th-century social movements, including temperance, abolitionism, women's rights, and the struggle to attain the right to vote.
- 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Special Lecture—Presented by Fred Friedland
Fred Friedland teaches Mathematics at Baruch College. He has given lectures at the IRPE/BLL since 1990.
- October 23: "Points Aren't Apples: Exploring the mysteries of infinity"—Where does infinity come from? How big is infinity? Are there little infinities and big infinities? Can you take an infinite number of steps? How far would you go?
- 12:30–2 p.m.
Thursday
Classic Book Club
We will discuss: Villette, by Charlotte Brontë; A Passage to India, by E.M. Forster; The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton; and Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov. Richard Redmond is retired from the IT Department of a major investment bank. Prior to that he worked as a librarian for many years.
- Pre-registration is required.
- Classes are limited.
- Facilitator: Richard Redmond
- Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
- Dates: September 19, October 24, November 21, and December 12
Let's Talk About the Challenges of Aging
The class will explore aging issues in a supportive environment. Article and or short videos may be used to enhance the class discussion. Maria Rose Cassius has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years and is experienced in leading therapy groups.
- Instructor: Maria Rose Cassius
- Time: 11 a.m.–noon
- Dates: September 12, October 17, November 14, and December 5
Significant Presidential Elections in U.S. History
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. Stephen Appell is an attorney who specialized in labor law. A graduate of Cornell and Rutgers Law School, he is an avid student and teacher of historical subjects.
- Instructor: Stephen Appell, Esq.
- Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
- Dates: September 12–December 5
(weekly except October 10 and 24, November 28)
Essays, Articles, and Op-Eds
This class will consist of open discussion on selected thought-provoking topics found in essays, articles, op-eds, and documentaries. Discussion will be enhanced by using PowerPoint slides, videos, and documentaries. Please read The New York Times article "The Struggles of Rejecting the Gender Binary" before the first class. Copies available in the office. Annette Libert has been a registered nurse/administrator and educator for 44 years. She facilitated two training sessions for BLL.
- Instructor: Annette Libert
- Time: 12:30–1:50 p.m.
- Dates: September 26–December 5
(weekly except November 28)
The 2020 Presidential Election
This course will examine the United States' complex system of choosing a president, including the primaries and caucuses used to choose party nominees and the Electoral College. Current candidates and their strategies will be discussed as well as proposals for reforming the system. Bruce Altschuler is a professor emeritus of political science at SUNY Oswego, where he taught for 37 years. He has written seven books and numerous articles about American politics.
- Instructor: Bruce Altschuler
- Time: 2:15–3:30 p.m.
- Dates: September 12–October 17
(weekly except September 26)
Friday
The Start of Something Mysterious Book Club!
Each month we will tackle a different mystery novel, enjoy a lively discussion based on its merits, and review a brief biography of the author. Please read And Then There Were None (Ten Little Indians), by Agatha Christie, before the first class. The next book will be selected in class. Sharon Sturm is a retired New York City school teacher who loves reading serial mysteries in chronological order, though she is open to stand-alones as well.
- Instructor: Sharon Sturm
- Time: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
- Dates: October 4, November 8, and December 6
- Room: 4109 Boylan Hall
Film Noir
The film genre film noir flourished during the 1940s and 1950s, and reflected the tensions and insecurities experienced by Americans. Film noir counterbalanced the optimism of Hollywood's musicals and comedies. We will view and discuss these films. Sol Makon's passion is film. He has an extensive knowledge of cinema, much of it gained through film courses he took at The New School.
- Instructor: Sol Makon
- Time: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Dates: September 13–December 6
(weekly except November 29) - Room: 3404 Boylan Hall
Film: Fargo
A reality-based crime drama set in Minnesota in 1987. Jerry Underwood is a car salesman who has gotten himself into debt and is so desperate for money that he hires two thugs to kidnap his own wife for ransom. Len Rudorfer, LCSW is a retired social worker who was a therapist and program director at South Beach Psychiatric Center. He has been interested in film for many years and has a large DVD collection.
- Instructor: Len Rudorfer
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Date: October 18
- Room: 4315 Boylan Hall
Museum Walks and Talks—Docent–Led Tours
Coordinator: Linda Silverman, an avid museum-goer. She was a program director at NYC College of Technology (CUNY) in adult and continuing education
- Pre-registration is required.
- Members travel independently to museums.
- Tours start 11 a.m. and last one hour
- See catalog for registration instructions and fee information.
Tours
- September 20: The Guggenheim Museum—Collection Highlights: Turn of the Century Through the 1980s
- October 4: NYU Grey Art Gallery—Modernisms: Iranian, Turkish, and Indian
- October 25: The Jewish Museum—Edith Halpert Collection: Rise of American Art
- November 15: Bard College Gallery—French Fashion Women and the First World War
- December 6: Metropolitian Museum—Alex Vallattan: Painter of Disquiet
