Winter 2027 Preliminary Schedule
Session dates: January 4, 2027 through February 12, 2027Registration dates: 9 AM December 14 through 9 PM December 25, 2026
Mon: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Chekhov: The Man and His Stories (Part 2)
Instructor: Nancy Dowling (In person)
Description: Chekhov rose from poverty to become a renowned master of the short story. His stories offer scenes of daily life in Russia, with characters ranging from aristocrats to serfs. His boundless compassion is evident in his writing, as well as his career as a doctor. Elements of his biography will elucidate the stories. Text will be Anton Chekhov’s Short Stories (Norton Critical Editions, ISBN 0393925307). NOTE: This text has very small print. If that’s a problem, links to online PDFs will be provided (to download or print).
Mon: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Nourish to Flourish
Instructor: Revae Reynolds (In person)
Description: Chronic disease is on the rise in the U.S., but better health often starts with what’s on our plate. This course explores the principles and science-backed benefits of a Whole Food, Plant-Based lifestyle for conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, stroke, certain cancers, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Learn how to read food labels, make smarter choices, and enjoy recipes that prove healthy eating can be both satisfying and delicious.
Mon: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM The Birth of the Broadway Mega-Musical
Instructor: Harry Nugent-Patten (In person)
Description: From 1985 to 2005, Broadway underwent one of the biggest transformations in its history. The period began with the dominance of large-scale mega musicals and ended with Broadway increasingly driven by brand recognition, pop music catalogs, and family-oriented entertainment. Join me as we watch, listen, and discuss the Tony Award nominees and winners of this epic 20-year period.
Mon: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM History of the Jews
Instructor: Phil Kibort (Zoom)
Description: This course will review the almost 4000 years of Jewish history starting with the biblical period all the way through modern Israel. 1) Biblical period through 1st Temple. 2) 1st Temple through 70 CE. 3) Talmudic period. 4) Middle Ages (Ashkenazi and Sephardic). 5) Enlightenment through Herzl. 6) 20th and 21st centuries: Modern Israel. This will be a course on how a people survived while other great empires have faded away.
Mon: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM The Aging Brain--Part 2
Instructor: Felicia Martin (Zoom)
Description: This class will continue to look at the brain and what happens as we age. It will include topics such as what is aging and can it be “cured," longevity, healthy aging and how to age with purpose. We will also discuss topics such as nutrition and supplements as well as neuroplasticity and how the brain adapts as we age. You do not need to have taken part one of this class to participate in this class.
Mon: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM The Northern Renaissance: Art, Society, and Cultural Transformation
Instructor: Li Kokesh (Zoom)
Description: This course explores the art, ideas, and historical developments of the Northern Renaissance in Europe from approximately 1400 to 1600. We will examine how artists in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and England transformed painting and printmaking through remarkable realism, technical innovation, and rich symbolism. The course places art within its historical context, investigating the rise of humanism, the growth of commerce and urban life, the invention of the printing press, and the religious upheavals of the Protestant Reformation. We will study the works of influential artists including Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Albrecht Dürer, Hieronymus Bosch, Hans Holbein the Younger, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder, etc. Presentations are augmented by audio and visual materials.
Mon: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Managing Your Finances in Retirement
Instructor: Steve Finkelstein (Zoom)
Description: Managing Your Finances in Retirement is a highly practical, engaging six-week course designed specifically for retirees and those nearing retirement who want to navigate their financial lives with greater clarity and confidence. Over six structured sessions, you'll learn how to organize your financial world, manage cash flow and taxes, make informed Social Security decisions, invest wisely, protect yourself from risks and scams, and prepare your estate and legacy. Whether you manage your finances on your own or work with a financial advisor, this course provides practical tools and proven strategies to help you stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and make informed decisions throughout retirement. Live well. Spend wisely. Be prepared.
Mon: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Memory Lane: A Look Back
Instructor: Leslie Roth (In person)
Description: Join this 6-week journey into the moments that shaped us. Dust off the memories and reconnect to them — the small and medium scenarios, the changes, beginnings, and endings that made a difference. Prompted by music, poetry, and short videos, we pause and write about past events that still play a role in who we are today. You don't have to be a writer, and memories can be true or creatively reimagined. Sharing is encouraged but never required. Come reconnect with the experiences that made you, you.
Tues: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM US Presidential History--Part 2
Instructor: Phil Kibort (Zoom)
Description: This is a thematic course. Part 2 of this course will include three new topics: Third Party Candidates, The Great Crises our Presidents Face, and The Great Accomplishments. The other topics are: The Great First Ladies, Mothers and Fathers, and Assassinations and Attempts. Each class can be taken on its own. No need to have taken part 1.
Tues: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Shakespeare--Part 2
Instructor: Michael Bonin (In person)
Description: The thrilling sequel to Shakespeare, Part 1! We'll cover three of Shakesoeare's darkest masterpieces: Macbeth, the most intense and terrifying of Shakespear's tragedies. Measure for Measure, the best of Shakespear's "problem plays." King Lear, perhaps Shakespeare's greatest play. The point of this course is not dry analysis but appreciation, even delight. The play's the thing! NOTE: you do not need to have taken Shakespeare, Part 1 to take this class. TEXT: The Folger Shakespeare Library paperbacks, available at Amazon or the Folger website: https://www.folger.edu/, Macbeth: ISBN 9781451694727, Measure for Measure: ISBN 9781982157418, King Lear: ISBN 9781501118111
Tues : 12:00 PM-2:00 PM What Do You Want Government to Do?
Instructor: Jerry Blatt (Zoom)
Description: This is class is about more than just politics. We'll cover what you want government to do about the important matters that really affect your life, like healthcare, cost of gas & groceries, safety for you & your family, taxes, housing, freedom & democracy, as well as guns, abortion, climate change, immigration, religion and .... What will the leaders of our government do in the near future about these important issues and what can we do about it? We will review what the experts have to say and share the opinions of everyone in the class.
Mon: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Blood--The River of Life
Instructor: Jacob Frick (In person)
Description: The ancients believed that blood gave their bodies life and that this gift of life came from the gods. Our understanding of the true nature of blood grew slowly for millennia until it blossomed in the last 100 years. Learn more about blood, an endlessly fascinating, and mysterious substance which transports oxygen, food, immunity, and hormones wherever it's needed, and is always ready to form a clot to seal injuries. We will discuss how blood accomplishes these tasks and learn about some of the many diseases which can affect it, such as anemia, leukemia, and hemophilia. Blood transfusion, blood types and blood donation will be covered. We will also discuss the effects of blood diseases on population health and their effects on society. Best of all we will apply our new understanding about blood to some patient case studies to solve together.
Tues: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM EXPO
Instructor: Joe Kokesh (Zoom)
Description: Innovation or national pride, World Expos since their early beginnings have always been an enormous stage for both the hosting country and the multitude of the participating countries. World Expos draw millions of people from around the world to visit, explore and be amazed each time one is held. They serve as conduits between countries, governments, companies, organizations and citizens of the world. The class will delve into their history, planning, themes, iconic structures and social impacts of these extravagantly costly and in a few cases financially ruinous world stage events.
Tues: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM After Beethoven: Schubert, Mendelssohn and Chopin
Instructor: Chris Guarino (In person)
Description: What happened to classical music after Beethoven? The generation that followed did not imitate Beethoven - they honored his legacy while forging entirely new paths of their own. In Vienna, Franz Schubert transformed song and chamber music into vehicles of profound emotional expression. In Leipzig, Felix Mendelssohn united Romantic imagination with Classical grace while helping revive the music of Bach. In Paris, Frederic Chopin turned the piano into one of the most intimate and expressive voices in all of music. Through music, biography and historical context, this course traces the evolution of Romanticism through the lives and works of three extraordinary composers. Though each died before reaching the age of forty, together they reshaped the musical landscape, proving that greatness is measured not by the length of life, but by the depth of its legacy.
Tues: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Great Literature
Instructor: Hal Jacobs (Zoom)
Description: We will discuss short stories contained in a newly published anthology titled “A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025," ed. by Deborah Treisman. The book can be purchased from Amazon: ISBN #: 978-0-593-80191-8. The 1125-page volume containing 78 short stories will be used during the upcoming Winter and Spring LIR semesters. The course will examine how short fiction, practiced at the highest level, has changed over time. For the first class, participants should read and be prepared to discuss James Thurber, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” pp. 12-17.
Weds: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Modern Advancements in Cardiac Care
Instructor: Steve Weinberg (Zoom)
Description: Explore the evolving landscape of cardiology in "Modern Advancements in Cardiac Care." This course provides a detailed look into various cardiac illnesses, covering everything from diagnosis and clinical workups to advanced therapies and preventive care. Beyond clinical practice, we will examine the broader socioeconomic factors shaping medicine today, including healthcare financing, Medicare for All, and the implications of recent funding cutbacks.
Weds: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Requiems Through the Ages: How Composers Turned Mourning into Meaning
Instructor: Harry Nugent-Patten (In person)
Description: From Mozart’s unfinished final work to Britten’s powerful response to war, requiems have expressed fear, grief, hope, remembrance, and peace. In this six-week listening course, we will explore how composers across different eras reimagined the music of mourning. No musical background is required—only curiosity and a willingness to listen closely.
Weds: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM From Marx to Mamdani
Instructor: Ken Zanca (In person)
Description: What is this “democratic socialism” that progressives love and conservatives seem to fear? How did we get from Adam Smith to Karl Marx to Zohran Mamdani? We will trace the development of these philosophies and study their positives and negatives. Really, we are asking the philosophical question: “What is the best organization of government?"
Weds: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Antisemitism 2027
Instructor: Jerry Blatt (Zoom)
Description: Hatred of Jews has been a toxic burden Jews have endured for more than 2000 years but this class will focus on recent events. After 70 years of good times, antisemitism has been spreading like a virus again. Some of the new animosity is tied to growing anti-Israel attitudes, especially among Democrats, the party of most American Jews. We will do a deep dive into the Who, When, Why and How all of this is happening. We will search for ways and means to lessen the damage, while understanding the reasons why antisemitism persists.
Weds: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM The Social Reader: Literary Discussions in Book Clubs and Beyond
Instructor: Deborah Appleman (In person)
Description: What do we talk about when we talk about literature? What is the literature most worth reading? How can we move conversations in book clubs beyond discussion of plot? This course takes a critical look at literary discussions by introducing you to a variety of literary theories and approaches to literature. We will also discuss strategies for building better book clubs.
Weds: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Magic for Seniors
Instructor: George Haas (In person)
Description: Turn ordinary objects into moments of amazement! Learn beginner-friendly magic tricks in this fun, supportive class designed for older adults. Improve fine motor skills, critical thinking, memory, hand-eye coordination, and confidence while enjoying social interaction and creative expression. It’s the perfect hobby for sharing wonder with family and friends. No expensive props or prior experience are needed—just new or nearly-new deck of Bicycle playing cards, curiosity and a willingness to have fun. Classes emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and adaptation, so you can personalize your performances. Experience the delight of creating wonder and laughter in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Weds: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM World Affairs and Public Health
Instructor: Steve Garfein (Zoom)
Description: This winter marks the twelfth course in a continuing series on artificial intelligence that began in 2023. Before each class, you will receive one or more papers to read in advance. These pre-reading assignments are intended to provide a common foundation for our discussions and to make our class time more interactive and productive. The papers will focus on our two principal themes—World Affairs and Global Health—while also illustrating best practices for using artificial intelligence in reliable, secure, and intellectually rigorous ways. Throughout the course, we will examine not only what AI can do but also how to use it responsibly to improve analysis, decision-making, and understanding in an increasingly complex world.
Weds: 2:30 PM-5:00 PM Perfect Health: Ayurvedic Lifestyle
Instructor: Kerry Abram (Zoom)
Description: This beautiful program teaches simple yet profound skills for promoting healing, vitality and longevity. Beginning with Kerry’s FEEL BETTER NOW!, Students learn a powerful regimen of health practices, backed by the latest science, orchestrated to ease stress, balance the body and mind, enhance nutrition, and reduce emotional turbulence. By design, our bodies continually seek Perfect Health. They naturally progress toward this goal in the ideal environment. As we apply new life skills, we are empowered to make nourishing life choices, achieving the changes we seek. Textbook Included! More details online: www.kerryabram.com.
Thurs: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Be a Better Photographer
Instructor: Marc Rosen (Zoom)
Description: Open to all levels of photographers. Each week, participants will have an opportunity to take and submit photos by email that encourage experimentation with composition, lighting, perspective, etc. Participants can use phones or cameras to take photos. Observers who do not wish to submit photos are also welcome to attend and learn from others.
Thurs: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Get By In French
Instructor: David Jones (In person)
Description: This is a course for those not speaking any French, which focuses on teaching the basics to handle practical situations encountered on a visit to French speaking countries. It will include personal introductions; greetings; asking for directions; and buying goods and services.
Thurs: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Trump Administration: Pro & Con
Instructor: Leonard Goldstein (In person)
Description: Whether you Love Him or Hate him...let us look at him from both sides of the Aisle...All Political views are Welcome and Respected... This is a DISCUSSION group, and not a Lecture!
Thurs: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Trump Administration: Pro & Con
Instructor: Leonard Goldstein (Zoom)
Description: Whether you Love Him or Hate him...let us look at him from both sides of the Aisle...All Political views are Welcome and Respected... This is a DISCUSSION group, and not a Lecture!
Thurs: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Codebreakers: How The British Broke Germany’s Secret Intelligence During World War II
Instructor: Mark Podrazik (Zoom)
Description: In this class, we will learn the story of how the British broke the code of Germany’s Enigma machine during World War II—and how they hid it from the Germans. We will discuss the story of Bletchley Park, starting at 150 staff in 1939 to over 9,000 at the height of the war. We will learn about the methods and contributions of Alan Turing and his peers to break the code, including some oral histories from those who worked there. The class will also delve into the US-UK codebreaking relationship and how the US broke the Japanese intelligence code. We will conclude with what happened to Bletchley Park after the war and how the British kept this secret for over 30 years.
Thurs: 2:15 PM-5:00 PM Dark Alleys and Dangerous Blondes
Instructor: John Curran (In person)
Description: Film noir is a cinematic style and genre, primarily spanning the 1940s and 1950s These movies are characterized by cynical, fatalistic narratives, sharp shadows, and corrupt characters in urban settings. Winter 2027 sessions will include films that show the evolution of the noir style after WWII. We will watch and discuss The Phantom Lady, The Asphalt Jungle, The Big Sleep, The Killers, In a Lonely Place, and The Naked City.
Thurs: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Controversial Issues
Instructor: Marc Rosen (Zoom)
Description: We will discuss and debate contemporary issues that are both controversial and familiar. Brief presentations by the facilitator and class discussion will stimulate fact-based, informative exchanges. The facilitator will ensure that all sides and viewpoints are heard and considered.
Fri: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM When US Presdents and First Ladies Grieve
Instructor: Harold Ivan Smith (Zoom)
Description: The presidents, first ladies, their families and staffs have never been immune to grief and loss: death, divorce, defeat. And they grieve in the “public eye.” Grief has propelled some to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and torpedoed the presidencies of others. What do they have to teach us about all the multitude of losses we experience today? A lot!
Fri: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Puppy Love
Instructor: Barbara Mudge (Zoom)
Description: Our canine companions and you, their “hoomans,” are invited to join a fun and interactive gathering to share your stories, tips and the unconditional love for our most precious family members, our dogs. Each week, we’ll review useful information on keeping our buddies happy and healthy including feeding, exercise, training, dog sitters, maladies and much, much more. Our moderator, a decades-long rescuer, will present advice from experts and share resources that every dog will love. Pups of any breed, size and age are welcome to join the class, on your lap or at your feet. What a treat it will be to have them with us as we learn!
Fri: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Stay Sharp for Life
Instructor: Lisa Feiner (Zoom)
Description: Do you have lapses in memory? Are you worried you may be on the path to developing Alzheimer’s? Learn what is normal aging for the brain and what is not, the underlying causes of memory loss, and steps you can take to prevent dementia. Genetics do play a role, but research has shown that lifestyle is far more important for maintaining a healthy brain. While prevention is ideal, early intervention is key and can restore the brain to its full capacity.
Fri: 12:00 PM-3:00 PM Great Trials
Instructor: Steve Moyer (Zoom)
Description: “Great Trials” is a multi-media course presenting great court room trials depicting real trials. This Winter will focus on great court room trials in Los Angeles from the 1960s to present day. Steve Moyer is a retired trial lawyer from Los Angeles who will provide commentary along with class participation.
Fri: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM The Tao Te Ching: 5,000 Years Old and Still Relevant
Instructor: Adam Cavnar (In person)
Description: In this class, we will explore the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text written in antiquity by Lao Tsu. The text is brief but profound and full of insights into living with balance, harmony, and grace; ideas that have faded in our modern times. We will uncover key concepts such as effortless action, simplicity, and the flow of nature. Whether you're new to the Tao or revisiting its wisdom, this course invites you to reflect, share, and find inspiration for a more mindful and peaceful journey ahead.
Fri: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Drones in Our World Today
Instructor: Jim Wobig (Zoom)
Description: Explore the world of drones and how they are changing our world. Learn the history, how they work, the laws, and how people are using them for recreational, commercial, military purposes.
Fri: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Biotechnology & Society
Instructor: Ralph Sinibaldi (In person)
Description: This course introduces basic concepts of biology to students who are interested in biotechnology. This is an introduction to the scientific principles and techniques of molecular biology and biotechnology, including recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning, recombinant protein production and analysis of biomolecules. Discussion of technical, ethical and safety concerns presented by medical, agricultural, pharmaceutical and forensic applications of biotechnology.