TOPICS
OFFERED FOR SUMMER
2007
Please note that the books listed for each course are only
possible candidates.
Do not buy any until the coordinators advise you what they will use as a common
reading, if any.
1. (AFR)
AFRICA: THE PAST 50 YEARS
As Europe’s colonial powers withdrew from Africa, dozens of
states were renamed and launched—beginning with Ghana in 1957—while the world
looked on in encouragement. Africa is
rich in gold, diamonds, oil, and other natural resources, yet it is a continent
mired in squalor, misery, deprivation, and chaos. We will examine what went wrong and discuss solutions. Through discussion and class reports we will
compare and contrast African states
that are politically unstable or lack a central government with the states that
appear to be succeeding. We will look
at agriculture, manufacturing, education, health care, telecommunication, and
infrastructure, as well as dictatorships and wars.
Common
Reading: The Fate of Africa: A History of 50 Years of Independence
by Martin Meredith, (Public Affairs, 2005;
paperback)
2nd & 4th
Thursday, a.m. – Room 8
2.
(AGE) WHY
AND HOW WE AGE: A BIOLOGICAL VIEW
Why do we age? Is aging inevitable? Will medical advances allow us to extend the human lifespan? These questions often enter our discussions. This Study/Discussion Group will use the book, A Means to an End: The Biological Basis of Aging and Death by noted cell biologist, William R. Clark, to examine the process of aging from a new and important perspective, that of cell and molecular biology and the underlying discipline of genetics. The author will take us from the simple to the complex, from single-celled organisms to human beings. Topics for supporting members’ research could include: strategies for extending average human life by caloric restriction, the use of antioxidants, social and economic aspects of living longer, gene therapy. We will be dealing with complex concepts of cell and molecular biology that are written for the science-oriented lay person to understand. We will conclude with a discussion of the tensions likely to arise between length of life and the ramifications inherent in an aging population. The goal of this study group will be to gain an understanding of why and how we age by studying the aging process of our cells.
Common Reading: A
Means to an End: The Biological Basis of Aging and Death, by William R. Clark (252
pages; ISBN: 0195153758,
Oxford Press, 2004. paperback)
1st & 3rd
Wednesday, p.m. - Room 7
3. (AIN) ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM IN THE UNITED STATES
This course will examine the recurring phenomenon of anti-intellectualism in American culture. We will read and discuss Richard Hofstader's Pulitzer Prize winning book, Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, to understand the roots of this phenomenon. Hofstadter defines anti-intellectualism “as a resentment and suspicion of a life of the mind.” It is a complex set of ideas and attitudes which minimizes reason and critical thinking and which has affected American politics through a variety of movements, some of which have roots in religious evangelicalism and others which have an egalitarian belief that the common man is as good and as worthy of holding political office as the educated intellectual.
Some possible topics for presentations are:
• Ideals of the Founding Fathers on religion and their influence on constitution
• Jacksonian Democracy: egalitarianism and anti-intellectualism.
• The Second Great Awakening and the spread of Evangelicalism
• Abolitionist movement and Social Gospel Reform movement of 1890-1910
• Scopes trial: influence of evangelicalism on education, science vs Bible
• Anti-intellectualism in McCarthyism and Stevenson campaign
• The Sixties and its after-effects: religious, anti-intellectual, egalitarian?
• Civil Rights Movement and its religious roots
• Growth of Religious Right and its effect on politics, especially in the South
• Influence of religion since 1980s on American medicine, science, FDA
• Anti-intellectualism in education: the self-esteem movement, curriculum, etc.
• Role of religion and anti-intellectualism in recent political campaigns
Common Reading: Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, by Richard Hofstader (464 pp)
2nd & 4th
Wednesday, a.m. – Room 7
4.
(AYN) AYN RAND AND
OBJECTIVISM
“At a sales conference preceding the publication of Atlas
Shrugged one of the book salesmen asked me whether I could present the essence
of my philosophy while standing on one foot. I did as follows: 1. Metaphysics:
Objective Reality 2. Epistemology: Reason 3. Ethics: Self-interest 4. Politics:
Capitalism.”
We
will examine Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism and address its three axioms
and their interrelation. Existence is
the first axiom, Consciousness is the second, and Knowledge is the third. Her philosophic viewpoint derives from
Aristotle, and we will contrast it to some other views belonging to Platonism,
Christianity, and German idealism. Rand authored or co-authored dozens of
books, plays, essays, and short stories. These, the voluminous writings about
her, and the Ayn Rand Institute will provide many topics for presentation. Is
her philosophy outdated and/or an antidote to the present state of the world?
Common Reading: Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand, by Leonard Peikoff (Dec. 1993)
2nd & 4th
Wednesday, p.m. – Room 7
5.
(BSS) BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES - 2006
According to author Barbara Kingsolver, "A good short
story cannot simply be Lit Lite; it is the successful execution of large truths
delivered in tight spaces." Not
only do these words capture the essence of the short story, but possibly touch
on why Omnilore members enjoy discussing and analyzing them. The proposed common reading features twenty
short stories selected by the editors from hundreds of stories published in
various literary reviews and magazines during the previous year. Our aim is through lively, informed group
discussion to explore new insights into a diverse group of stories and authors. At each session, participants will present
research on selected authors, and their use of the short story form, as well as
lead an in-depth discussion of the works.
Common
Reading: The Best American
Short Stories - 2006, by Ann Patchett and Katrina Kenison (October 2006)
BS1: 1st & 3rd Friday, p.m. - Room 7
BS2: 2nd & 4th Tuesday, p.m. - Room 8
6. (CFS) CONTINUED FINANCIAL SUCCESS
This class is independent of the prior semester. You need not have taken the prior class for
your wealth to benefit from this one. Managing money has a scientific basis. It
has little to do with stock picking and a lot to do with understanding
economies, diversification, asset classes, etc. Modern Portfolio Theory fundamentals are accessible to any
interested person and will have a positive influence on your wealth and risk
profile. We'll split our time between
the core text and member researched presentations. Presentation topics might
include. Diversification and its affect
on risk and reward, Sources of good financial information (including the
Internet), Financial vocabulary, Bonds vs. bond funds, Yield curve analysis,
Exchange rates and the effect on foreign investment, Hedging away risk,
Derivatives - what are they and what are they good for, Investment ideas from
Nobel Laureates, Computer modeling (Monte Carlo simulation and withdrawal
rates), Risk reduction - knowing yourself and what it takes to sleep well,
Rebalancing and market timing, Kinds of mutual funds, Taxes and after tax
yields, etc., etc. The goal is better
understanding of managing your net worth through a diversified portfolio.
Common Reading: The
Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio, by William J. Bernstein (240 pages; hardcover)
2nd & 4th
Wednesday, p.m. – Room 8
The course will provide an overview of the past two
thousand years in China, providing a focus on how the old empires continue to
affect China’s domestic and international policies today. The second half of
the course will take a more extensive look at China at the present time as it
continues on course to become the country with the largest economy in the world
within the next 30 years and how that might affect America and the world.
Presentations will be expected. .
Common Reading: China:
The Balance Sheet, by C.
Fred Bergsten, et al. (Public Affairs, March 2007)
2nd & 4th
Monday, p.m. – Room 7
8. (DEC) GREAT
DECISIONS - 2007
Each year the Foreign Policy Association publishes a book of eight issues in foreign policy. Each Great Decisions topic includes: historical background, description of current U.S. policy and alternative policy options, informative maps and detailed graphs, as well as opinion ballots for readers to express their views. This S/DG has always inspired lively discussions.
The topics for 2007 are: the Middle East, Climate Change, Mexico, Migration, South Africa, War Crimes, Central Asia and Children.
Common Reading: Foreign
Policy 2007 (About $14 if ordered
in Bulk.)
1st & 3rd
Thursday, p.m. - Room 7
9.
(GKN) GENGHIS KHAN REVISITED
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is a revisionist history by Jack Weatherford, Professor of
Anthropology at Macalester College, who traveled to places unseen by Westerners
since the Khan's death. In just 25
years the Mongols conquered more lands and people than the Romans had in over
400 years. Weatherford analyzes the
rout of imperial China, the siege of Baghdad and the razing of numerous
European castles, but also credits the Mongols for seeking not merely to
conquer the world but to impose a global order based on free trade, a single
international law and a universal alphabet.
To vast conquered territories they brought carpets, noodles, tea, playing
cards, lemons, carrots, fabrics and even a few words such as the
cheer-hurray. (Oh, yes, catapults and
flame throwers too.) Weatherford's
lively analysis significantly restores the Mongols' reputation and takes some
wonderful learned detours such as the so-called Secret History of the Mongols which the Nazis translated in the
hope that it would help them conquer Russia.
Common Reading: Genghis Khan and the Making of the
Modern World, by Jack Weatherford
(352 pages)
1st & 3rd
Tuesday, p.m. - Room 7
10. (HUD) THE MAJESTIC
HUDSON
This class covers the majestic Hudson River and its historic and beautiful valley. The Hudson valley was settled thousands of years before Christ. We will cover the many people, places and events that made history in this area including but not limited to the following:
Iroquois and Algonquin
Henry Hudson and the Dutch
The British in New “York”
The Huguenots in New Paltz
The Revolution and West Point
Fulton’s steamboat and the Erie Canal
Artists Cole, Church and Durant
Writers Washington Irving and Edna St. V. Millay
Tycoons Gould, Rockefeller and Vanderbilt
Presidents Roosevelt and Van Buren
Polluters GE and Con Edison versus the environmentalists
Baseball Greats in Cooperstown
If there is sufficient interest Omniloreans will take a bus/boat trip in the Hudson Valley October 8-12, 2007. See Announcement in the Information area of the Omnilore Website.
No Common
Reading.
2nd & 4th
Thursday, p.m. – Room 8
11. (IRN) UNDERSTANDING IRAN
Iran, one of George Bush’s three countries forming the axis of evil has become the most powerful country in the Middle East other than Israel. Understanding it and particularly the struggles within Islam and the profound cultural differences between Persians and Arabs will be of great help in getting a better grasp on much of the geopolitical, religious, economic and cultural controversies that surround the Middle East today. Presentation topics could include Iran’s economic system, recent history, ancient Persian history, Shiite Islamic law, current political system, Persian art and literature, women’s rights, human rights, technology, nuclear energy generation, oil supplies and policies, and biographies of Khomenei, Khamenei, Khatami, or Ahmadinejad.
Common Reading: Hidden Iran, Paradox and Power in the Islamic Republic, by Ray Takeyh (Times Books, 2006, 272 pages, $25.00)
The Shia Revival, by Vali Nasr (W.W. Norton, 2006)
1st & 3rd
Tuesday, p.m. - Room 8
From the eighth to the fifteenth century,
a world distinguished by its depth of religious tolerance and cultural
symbiosis developed in the Iberian peninsula.
How did this essentially Middle Eastern society manage, in spite of its
differences, to advance scholarship and scientific knowledge beyond anything
imagined in the western world? We will
consider both the historical background and the rich variety of the Andalusian
culture.
Common Reading: The
Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of
Tolerance in Medieval Spain, by Maria
Rosa Menocal (Back Bay Books, 2002 )
1st & 3rd
Monday, p.m. - Room 7
13. (MZT) WHAT TO LISTEN FOR IN MOZART
This S/DG will study the life of the composer and the
development of his musical style from his beginnings as a child prodigy through
his coming of age. We will examine his achievements within the aristocratic
society of the late 1700's, a society on the brink of revolution. Mozart remains one of the most intriguing
figures in history of classical music with an adventurous life that is
reflected in his innovative works.
Common
Reading: What
to Listen For in Mozart, by Robert
Harris (paperback, June 2002)
2nd & 4th
Monday, p.m. - Room 8
14. (PHL)
PHILOSOPHY AND ITS IMPACT ON OUR LIVES
A survey class covering the big questions that are relevant
to our lives. Both philosophical and theological positions are fair game in
covering important ideas. The basic six of; Truth, Goodness, Beauty, Liberty,
Equality, and Justice are covered in the core text. Each participant will
choose an additional topic for presentation and discussion. Examples of
additional topics are; Ethics, Good and Evil, Happiness, Wealth, Citizenry,
Education, Experience, Family, Love, Wisdom, etc. Classes will include both a
discussion of the core text and presentation/discussion of the additional
topics. These topics, and how we view them, represent the worldview that we
bring to our experiences in life.
Common Reading: Six Great Ideas, by
Mortimer Adler (paperback; 243 pages)
1st & 3rd
Wednesday, p.m. - Room 8
15. (SSP) 2007 SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL – An S/DG with
Travel
This course will discuss some of the following plays
offered by the Summer 2007 Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah: Twelfth Night, Candida, Coriolanus,
Lend Me a Tenor, King Lear, and The Matchmaker. An Ominilore trip to the festival is
scheduled from July 22 – July 27, 2007.
Call Marilyn Landau for details.
The class discussions will cover the reading of the plays as the class chooses
and those who attend the Festival can share discussions of the productions. Comparisons will be made to the differences
in reading a play and seeing it performed.
Omniloreans may participate in the class without joining
the trip. Check the Omnilore Website
for more information and announcements.
Common Reading: TBD
1st & 3rd
Thursday, p.m. - Room 8
16. (WNE) APPRECIATING THE
FRUIT OF THE VINE
This study/discussion group is designed for those with the “thirst” in learning about wine. Taking a widely used textbook for Universities as their guide, participants will take an in-depth, academic look at wine, from sensory evaluation to the science of viticulture and winemaking. The book is robust, with chapters including study guides, references and bibliography. Topics for additional members’ research and presentation could be: wine and nutrition, history of viticulture, wine and fetal health, the vineyard ecosystem, enemies of the vineyard, decoding the wine label, the economics of winemaking, the subtleties of wine tasting. At the end, members may not be connoisseurs but they will have a comprehensive knowledge of all types of wine. Any tastings the group may choose to conduct will take place outside of the Franklin Center.
Common Reading: The University Wine Course, by
Marian W. Baldy, Ph.D,
[ISBN: 0932664695]
1st & 3rd
Monday, p.m. - Room 8
17.
(WRI) THE WRITING
MIND
This S/DG concentrates on fostering creativity and
improving techniques of the writer through the production of original pieces of
writing, literary critique and presentations by each group member. Presentations are on literary topics or on
the philosophy, subtleties or techniques of writing. Each member will be responsible for; a presentation, at least two
submissions of original fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or other form of writing,
and for reading and critiquing submissions from other group members.
Common Reading: None
Suggested
WRI: 2nd
& 4th Tuesday, p.m. – Room 7
18. (SHP)
SHAPERS OF OUR MODERN WORLD
A Lecture Course on Tape by Dr. James Burke
History is filled with ideas, discoveries, and inventions
that although seemingly unrelated are connected in the most surprising
ways. James Burke has pulled together
many of these threads into informative and interesting intellectual fabrics
that he has presented as magazine articles, books, and very popular TV series. We offer one of his TV series, Connections
as a Summer course not requiring Omnilore participants to prepare and give
presentations of their own. Interesting
little steps along the way include how James Watt, inventor of the first
practical steam engine also revolutionized office work, Pizzaro defeating the
Incas, the split over slavery in the 18th century, and how Freud is
related to maps, and much more.
No Common Reading.
SH1: 2nd
& 4th Friday, p.m. – Room 7
SH2: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, a.m. –
Room 7
19. (POET) POETS,
POEMS, and POETRY
This is a
special group of dedicated lovers of poetry who will follow the same basic
format of a Study/Discussion Group and meet to read and discuss their favorite
poems, favorite poet, and poetry in general.
The typical session consists of the reading of at least 3 poems, each
followed by a brief presentation about the poet and the selected poem. Group discussion of the poem and poet will
be included. Poems may be selected from
any source and a copy of the poem will be provided to each group member in
advance. This is an opportunity to meet
with other poetry lovers and possible future poetry lovers to listen to, discuss,
and analyze great poetry.
Common Reading: None
Suggested
POET: 1st
& 3rd Friday, a.m. – Room 7