Spring 2025 Courses

Current Events

David Simison

Wednesdays; January 29 to March 5, 2024 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Moderated Discussion

This course is designed to engage people from across the political spectrum to discuss the divisive issues in our country with the expectation and goal that once engaged, people will recognize their mutual humanity and realize they may have more in common than they may think - in search of common ground. Topics to address include immigration, abortion, the Middle East, Ukraine, China, Russia and or any other topics that bubble up from participants.

Dave Simison has over 25 years’ experience as a mediator, has been trained in large group facilitation, and has experience working with large groups of people with diverging interests.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

Social Sciences

Patricia Kirby

Wednesdays; January 29 to February 19, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Is serial murder a phenomenon unique only to men? Of course not. Then why do we rarely hear about female serialists? Good question. One that causes confusion within and outside the field of criminology. Although history indicates that there are fewer women murderers, it shows that their crimes are equally vicious. The average female serialist kills more victims and avoids detection far longer than her male counterpart. Why is this? Are women more cunning by nature, or is society incapable of believing that the members of the 'gentler sex' could be cold-blooded killers?

This course will provide these answers through analysis of individual case studies related to notorious murderers, and reviews of media articles, legal and academic papers and original one-on-one interviews with male and female serial killers. The material is not for the faint of heart. Hardy class discussions are not only invited, but expected!

Patricia Kirby holds a PhD from American University in Sociology: Justice, Law and Society. She is a former Baltimore City police officer, homicide detective, FBI Special Agent, and FBI profiler. Her doctoral thesis, The Feminization of Serial Killing, included original interviews with male and female serial murderers. She is a former assistant professor in Sociology and Forensic Psychology at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

This course has a limit of 30 students.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

If you do not get into this course, we will share information about alternate offerings with this instructor in Chestertown this spring.

Health and Wellness

Jennifer Milus

Mondays; January 27 to March 3, 2025 (6 classes)

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

As we age, both our muscle mass and bone mass dwindle. As this happens, we can become more fragile. This course starts with an overview of bone health. Bone quantity is measured partially by the DEXA Scan. This denotes calcium density. Bone quality is measured by the trabecular bone score, or TBS. This measures the flexibility and resistance of bone to fracture. The two together, plus other risk factors, are used to predict the risk of future fractures. There seems to be a grey area, where doctors tell you that you have osteopenia, but that you are not ready for medicine. What can you do to slow or stop the process? Is it reversible? Can you take the meds, and still do the other things yourself? We will talk about calcium, nutrition, gut health, collagen, protein, posture, and proper exercise.

Dr. Jennifer Milus is a Retired Doctor of Chiropractic, turned educator, and workshop leader. She spent 30 years in practice as a Chiropractor, and Holistic Healer. Twenty-two years were spent in private practice and eight were with Navy Medicine. She got other post-doc certifications in CCSP, CSCS, EMT, MBFS, and CPT. She retired in 2021 due to an injury, and took up intense study of a subject near and dear to her heart: Natural Bone Health Strategies. Dr. Milus moved to Chestertown in 2023.

This course has a limit of 20 students.

Social Sciences

Bayly Janson-LaPalme

Mondays; January 27 to March 3, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture/Discussion

Chestertown's architectural heritage is displayed along its streets, many of which contain buildings that date from the development of the town in the eighteenth century to the end of the 20th century and beyond. This course, while beginning with well-known colonial era structures, will concentrate on the era between the end of the Civil War and the 1920s. This was a period when the town experienced growth that more than doubled its population and during which most of its surviving structures and infrastructure were built. Along with prosperity came an increasing aesthetic sophistication which is reflected in the built environment. Styles and construction details will be highlighted, as well as some of the builders and architects who left behind the townscape enjoyed today.

While local examples/locations will be shown and discussed in class, there will not be a walking tour in this course.

Bayly Janson-LaPalme, PhD, a veteran WC-ALL faculty member, is Professor Emerita of History, Catonsville Community College. She has advanced degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland. She is a specialist in Maryland history and American architecture and has published 5 books and 13 articles relating to Maryland history, mostly focused on 19th century social and economic topics. Since moving to Chestertown three decades ago she has published six articles about Chestertown's business community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts, Health and Welfare

Dawn Li

Fridays, January 31 to February 14, 2025 (3 classes)

1:00–2:00 p.m.
Moderated Discussion, ZOOM

The Dao De Jing is a widely read classic of Daoist philosophy, yet many people do not truly understand what the Dao really means. In this three-session workshop, we explore Daoist philosophy through the practice of Tai Chi and by appreciating the treasured masterpieces of East Asian painting and poetry. We engage with the wisdom of Yin Yang, the Yi Jing, Qi, the Five Elements, the Body Clock, and the cycles of nature, and uncover their practical significance in everyday life.

Each session offers participants an opportunity to connect with the Dao in meaningful ways. Through Tai Chi movements, we’ll embody the cosmic rhythms of Yin and Yang, experiencing harmony and balance as physical realities. The Daoist art of Shanshui Hua, or Chinese landscape painting, reveals a vision of idealized harmony, bringing Daoist principles to life on paper/canvas. Daoist poetry, with its distilled emotional depth, nurtures a holistic integration of body, Qi, mind, and spirit, encouraging personal growth and alignment with the natural world.

Two books will be helpful for this class but they are not required: 1) Dao De Jing by Laozi (Translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English with Toinette Lippe); 2) The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing by Kenneth S. Cohen.

NOTE: The instructor will lead some Tai Chi and Qigong movements in each class. Participants will need to wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes if they wear shoes at home.

Dawn Li, PhD, is an educator, writer, and entrepreneur with a lifelong dedication to Daoist philosophy and the arts. She has formally trained in Tai Chi and Qigong under renowned masters and finds joy in poetry, calligraphy, and nature painting. Holding a doctorate in Language and Literature, she previously taught an undergraduate course on Chinese culture at George Washington University. Dawn is the author of *Song of a Lotus Leaf* and has contributed articles to the *Journal of Daoist Studies*. She is currently working on her book, *64 Shades of Yin Yang*.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

Humanities, Social Sciences

Chris Cerino

Tuesdays; January 28 to 2/25, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course uses the 1608 voyages of Captain John Smith and the incredible accounts of the flora, fauna, and Native American cultures he encountered to introduce participants to a Chesapeake that few today can even imagine: a balanced ecosystem inhabited by passenger pigeons, wolves, bear, twelve-foot-long sturgeon, massive schools of spawning shad, herring, and striped bass, and old growth forests spreading out in all directions. Importantly, the seminar focuses heavily on the fascinating indigenous cultures that called the Chesapeake home for hundreds of generations prior to the arrival of Europeans, introducing students to the tools, trade goods, political systems, arts, and armaments utilized by Native people.

Topics that will be covered during this five-week course include:

• The 1608 voyages of exploration of Captain John Smith
• Captain John Smith’s 1612 map of the Chesapeake Bay
• The 1585 watercolor paintings of John White
• The Indigenous Tribes of the Chesapeake Region
• Native American artifacts: stone tools, pelts, trade goods, etc.
• The Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem: 400 Years Ago and Today

This program will take place at Sultana Education Foundation’s state-of-the-art Holt Education Center, located at 200 South Cross Street in Chestertown. Content will be presented in a variety of ways, including digital projection systems, lectures, and lots of hands-on interactions with historic and reproduction artifacts from the 17th century.

Chris Cerino has worked as Vice President of Sultana Education Foundation since 2000. In this capacity, he has designed and implemented educational programs that have reached over 100,000 students. An avid collector of Native American artifacts and an enthusiastic amateur historian, Mr. Cerino regularly gives talks to school and adult groups about the incredible 1608 voyages of Captain John Smith and the flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures he described. He is very knowledgeable about the histories of local tribal groups and the resources that would have been important to their culture and lifeways.

This course has a limit of 35 students.

Humanities, Social Sciences

Chris Cerino

Thursdays, January 30 to February 27, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course covers both the 18th century and modern history of the 1768 schooner Sultana. Participants will learn about Sultana’s construction in Boston in 1767, the passing of the Townsend Acts in Britain that same year, and the role Sultana played in enforcing the hated “Tea Taxes” along the mid-Atlantic coastline for the Royal Navy from 1768 – 1772.

Topics that will be covered during this five-week course include:

• The History of the Original Schooner Sultana: The Vessel’s Mission and the Political Climate Between Britain and the Colonists in the 18th Century
• The Construction of the Schooner Sultana in Chestertown, 1998 - 2001
• Operating an 18th-century schooner in the 21st century: A Talk with Sultana’s Modern Captains
• 18th Century Navigation: Tools and Techniques of the Trade
• Life on Board: Traditional Foods, Armaments, Surgical Tools, and Clothing Items of the 18th Century Royal Navy
• The Schooner Sultana Today: How the vessel carries out its modern mission of educating the next generation of stewards about the Chesapeake Bay.

This program will take place at Sultana Education Foundation’s state-of-the-art Holt Education Center, located at 200 South Cross Street in Chestertown. Content will be presented in a variety of ways, including digital projection systems, lectures, guest speakers, and lots of hands-on interactions with historic and reproduction artifacts from the 18th century.

Chris Cerino has worked as Vice President of Sultana Education Foundation since 2000. In this capacity, he has designed and implemented educational programs that have reached over 100,000 students. The under-sail programs aboard SULTANA that he designed are widely regarded as some of the most engaging and effective environmental education programs in the nation. Mr. Cerino regularly gives presentations to school and adult groups about SULTANA's history, the role that the schooner played in exacerbating tensions between the English and her colonial subjects in America, and the culture and lifeways of sailors working and living aboard Royal Navy vessels in the 18th century.

This course has a limit of 35 students.

Humanities

Jeff Coomer

Thursdays, January 30 to March 6, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

“Keep calm and carry on” is great advice for surviving the many challenges life throws at us, but how do we actually do that in practice? This course will introduce you to Stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy that’s become synonymous with maintaining equanimity in difficult circumstances. The six class sessions will cover the origin and principles of Stoic philosophy as well as the many practical techniques the Stoics developed to keep themselves centered in a world that was every bit as trying as ours (think plagues, endless border wars, and Caligula and Nero at the helm).

Along the way we’ll meet several of the ancient world’s most fascinating figures, including Seneca, the wealthy playwright, philosopher, and politician who was sentenced to death on three separate occasions, and Marcus Aurelius, the reluctant emperor who even in his own time was regarded as the embodiment of Plato’s ideal Philosopher-King. We’ll end with a look at the recent revival of interest in Stoicism as a guide for navigating life in our fast-paced modern world.

Jeff Coomer is a Washington College graduate and the retired CIO of the largest division of a Fortune 250 company. He is the current Chair of the volunteer Council that oversees the Academy of Lifelong Learning program, where he has taught courses on Buddhism, Stoic philosophy, mindfulness meditation, poetry, and trees.

Travel

Warren Case

Fridays, January 26 to March 8, 2025 (3 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

The U.S. has so much to offer the road traveler: its scenic beauty, historic sites, major cities, outdoor activities, wildlife, special events, and so much more. The instructor believes that every American should (at least once in their life) start on one coast and drive to the other – it is the only way to truly appreciate the breath and variety of our country and its people. But how do you develop a trip plan that is affordable, practical, and fulfilling? This is a large country with so many possibilities that planning a cross-country road trip can be daunting.

Many people put it off until retirement – but then not take it due to all the seemingly complex factors involved. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. The course intends to introduce potential destinations; identify the destinations important to you; identify and incorporate special events and scenic routes; discuss lodging options; determine the pace of long-distance drives; develop a realistic budget; and perhaps most paramount, tie the list of proposed destinations together into one comprehensive trip plan that is both do-able and flexible. Then . . . make it happen and share with family and friends!

Warren Case fell in love with travel in general and road trips in particular at a young age due to the family drives. Although a native of the Washington D.C. area, he attended college in southern California which provided numerous opportunities to cross the U.S. on the road. He soon began arranging group trips for family and friends. By the time he was 20, he had visited all of the “lower 48” states and has since crisscrossed the country 20+ times. When possible, he takes divergent routes to stop at new destinations along the way. He takes pleasure in introducing others to the National Parks and the park properties, but there are so many other destinations that beckon. Despite the perceived high costs and efforts of these trips, Mr. Case believes that there are ways to make crossing the country an affordable and fulfilling reality for almost everyone.

Health and Welfare

Steven Solomon

Thursdays, January 30 to March 6, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Moderated Discussion, ZOOM

Do you want to understand the concerns about the ongoing diseases of Avian Influenza, Lyme disease, Covid, and Monkeypox that are in the news? Are you concerned about the stories of antibiotics no longer working? What about all the recalls of foods causing food poisoning? Are you worried about the “forever chemicals that are in our environment? If so, this course is for you!

This course will be an introduction to the concept of One Health. It will focus on understanding the connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. This course will provide an overview of several One Health public health issues. We will describe the One Health approach and identify the crucial roles everyone plays in addressing these One Health issues. We will use examples of One Health approaches based on the experience of the instructor.

While Hippocrates, 2500 years ago, laid out the precepts of One Health, it has become an important public health strategy in recent years. This introduction will help you understand why it is a movement that continues to be adopted throughout the world and for which education is key to adoption.

Steven Solomon, DVM, MPH has 10 years of private veterinary practice experience primarily focused on food-producing animals. Following veterinary practice, he worked for 33 years in a variety of positions in the Food and Drug Administration dealing with both human and animal public health issues. He retired in 2023 as the Director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and currently resides in Chestertown.

Current Events; Business, Finance, and Law

George Nilson

Mondays; February 3 to March 3 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Moderated Discussion

The Trump Agenda has many elements, a majority of which are embodied in the much-publicized Project 2025 document. This course will explore the legal authority the Trump administration will be asserting for undertaking key initiatives as well as the legal objections that will likely be raised. What can be legally done through executive action without legislative authorization will be reviewed.

The class sessions are as follows:

• Selecting a cabinet with the advice and consent of the Senate and other appointments requiring Senate approval.
• Examination of presidential authority to direct DOJ criminal investigations.
• Removal and encampment of immigrants with varying legal statuses.
• Implications of SCOTUS immunity.
• Examination of the Trump proposals to revamp the civil service and relax the regulatory environment.

George Nilson is a lawyer of 50 years standing who has represented state and local governments at the highest levels. He has represented senators, congressmen, and other public officials. He has argued in the Supreme Court on three occasions and has significant experience and interest in public issues. He follows current events in the five selected subject matters to the point of unhealthy obsession. He is a graduate of the Yale Law School and also has a Master of Urban Studies degree. He has taught a five-session course on the Trials of Trump in 2024 and a Learn at Lunch on his ten-year experience as the City Solicitor of Baltimore from 2007 to 2016.

This course has a limit of 75 students.

Social Sciences; Math, Science, and Technology

Emily Lifs

Wednesdays, February 12 to March 5, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Dive into the fascinating world of geography and geospatial technologies, from the ancient art of mapmaking to cutting-edge innovations shaping our world today. This course offers an exploration of how maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) deepen our understanding of the planet while fueling groundbreaking solutions across industries ranging from environmental conservation to public health.

Course topics will include:

• The History of Mapmaking: Trace the evolution of cartography, from the earliest maps of the ancient world to the innovations of the Age of Exploration that revolutionized navigation. Learn how modern mapping technologies continue to expand our ability to chart and understand the world.
• The Art of Map Interpretation: Discover how to read and critically assess maps. Explore the concept of "lying with maps," how to identify a well-crafted map, and what makes certain maps more effective than others in conveying information.
• How Does GPS Work?: Gain a deeper understanding of the technology behind GPS. What is trilateration, and why are atomic clocks essential? Explore how various factors influence GPS accuracy and get an accessible explanation of the technical workings behind the GPS technology we use every day.
• GIS in Action – Shaping Our World: Explore real-world applications of GIS in a wide range of fields, from environmental conservation and climate change to urban planning, public health, and autonomous vehicles.

Emily Lifs is currently a GIS Analyst II with the Geospatial Innovation Program at Washington College's Center for Environment and Society. She joined the program in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous role as a remote sensing analyst, where she focused on land use and land cover analysis and contributed to various JANUS contracts. Emily holds a Master’s degree in Geography and a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Science, which have equipped her with a solid foundation in both spatial analysis and environmental research. Her diverse career, which also includes teaching yoga and managing studios across the United States, has fueled her passion for experiential education and collaborative approaches, aligning perfectly with the values embodied by CES.

Math, Science, and Technology

Yolanda Sanchez

Tuesdays; January 28 to March 4, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture/Discussion

This WC-ALL course might interest you if:

• You are interested in how modern drugs and vaccines are made and approved by regulators.
• You would like to learn more about precision medicine and biomarkers and how new science can help patients and doctors decide which medicine will be best for them.
• You would like to learn more about emerging therapeutic trends in regenerative medicine and aging.
• You would like to learn more about the complexities of the drug business (pricing, access, sustainability, shortages and more).

We will discuss identification of new medicines (Preclinical Phase) and development of new medicines (Clinical Phase) as follows:

• Class 1 - the phases of preclinical development to illustrate how modern drug discovery is conducted, scientific advances, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
• Class 2 - how clinical trials are run and how the FDA approves new drugs.
• Class 3 - why precision (or targeted) medicine is important to all of us (patients, doctors, and payers), plus the use of biomarkers to guide decisions on selecting a medicine.
• Class 4 - new types of drugs (e.g., cell and gene therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, mRNA-based vaccines).
• Class 5 - molecular hallmarks of aging, and recent advances in regenerative medicine and aging.
• Class 6 - why new medicines are expensive, and the trade-offs between pricing and access to new medicines.

Yolanda Sanchez PhD has more than 30 years of combined academic and industry experience in translational research and drug discovery. Yolanda now works as a scientific advisor for biotech companies in drug discovery and development, combining her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the biotech space with her extensive scientific and executive experience in big pharma. She finally moved to Chestertown in 2022 but had been regularly spending time in the Chesapeake Bay area and Kent County for many years.

Humanities

David LaMotte

Tuesdays; January 28 to March 4, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture/Video/Discussion

The Near-Death Experience phenomenon has been with us thousands of years, the term was coined for us by psychiatrist Raymond Moody in his Life After Life book in 1975, most of us by now are familiar with the term and some of the stories...but what the research of the last 50 years into this phenomenon now tells us about life and death, consciousness and the brain, and reality itself, should shift our view of each other, of much that we have been taught, of our scientific models, and perhaps of our religious beliefs. How do these findings help us deal with our own mortality, approaching end of life and the death of loved ones? Perhaps more, how do these strikingly consistent experiences inform us about the very purpose and value of life?

I plan to present video clips of near-death experiencers telling their stories, summarize the consistent features we hear and discuss their implications. Nothing is more powerful than first-hand experiencer descriptions. These will be reviewed in light of now considerable research of thousands of accounts. I'll present some brain-mind models now being more and more embraced in light of this and related research, and show how materialist scientific models are no longer sufficient given this and similar phenomena, as well as discoveries in quantum physics.

David LaMotte is retired president of the LaMotte Chemical Products Company and has been interested in near-death experiences, the research, and the considerable implications for mankind since first attending a conference on the subject in 2003 with his father (same name, Episcopal priest) who taught courses on this subject for WC-ALL for several years in the early 2000s. David leads a local NDE study group that has been meeting monthly since 2006.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

Health and Wellness

Stephanie Pessin

Fridays, January 31 to March 7, 2025 (6 classes)

10:00 to 11:15 a.m.
Lecture and Movement Practice

In this dynamic course, we explore strategies and exercises for improving balance and preventing falls, with a deep dive into the art of kinesthetic awareness—the ability to sense movement and position in both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios. Here’s what awaits you:

1. Understanding and Mastering Kinesthetic Awareness: Dip into the science behind proprioception and kinesthetic sense. Learn how to upgrade your body’s internal compass for more precise movement. Explore how kinesthetic awareness impacts daily activities and exercise performance. Enhance your internal feedback systems to adapt to different environments and gain stability when traversing familiar and unfamiliar terrain. Practice balance exercises that relate to your everyday activities and develop strategies for easily implementing them throughout your normal day.

2. Fall Prevention Strategies: increase functional awareness of the key factors that contribute to falls. Develop practical skills and actions that will reduce fall risks. Strengthen your ability to adjust and prevent missteps.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only move with enhanced confidence and safety, but also be more equipped to navigate life’s twists and turns without missing a beat!

Stephanie Pessin is a seasoned professional with deep knowledge and experience in this subject matter, a passion for promoting health and well-being, and a unique perspective to her work in injury prevention. In her earliest career, she delved into study of cross-cultural and alternative healing modalities, eventually starting a practice providing hands-on bodywork and therapeutic movement. After a decade, she returned to school to earn an MS in physical therapy, thereafter practicing PT in a way that combined the tenets of both Western and holistic medicine. Her practice has always been firmly based upon core research in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and injury prevention, right along with holistic tenets of mind-body connection and whole-person, integrated diagnosis and treatment (i.e., not only treating an isolated body-part!). In 25+ years of practicing PT, she treated patients and taught classes in fields ranging from prehabilitation to fitness to rehabilitation to promoting community health initiatives - including fall injury prevention. She is recently retired from practice and thrilled to be teaching at WC-ALL. Her knowledge and experience in the areas of kinesthetic awareness and fall prevention make her a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their physical comfort, control, confidence and safety.

Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

Nancy Hartman

Sundays, January 26 to March 2, 2025 (six weeks)

1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Movies and Discussion

“The Courage of Conviction” is the theme of the six movies in this course. Each story is based on a difficult situation that an individual or a group must deal with against almost impossible odds of success. Some of these tales are fiction, and some are based on true incidents. Regardless of the circumstances, the person knows he must have faith in himself to do what he believes is right and to summon the courage to see it through.

The stories are about alcoholism and suicide, about defending the indefensible, and about simply conducting one’s life honorably. The films include “High Noon,” “Twelve Angry Men,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Within a week of each upcoming movie, informational material will be furnished to students by email or regular mail. Brief discussions before and after each film encouraged and welcome.

Note: All movies have subtitles.

NANCY HARTMAN’s insatiable appetite for vintage movies began many years ago. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of these classic films with WC-ALL members.

Health and Wellness

Shane Brill

Fridays, January 31 to February 14, 2025 (3 classes)

10:00 to 11:15 a.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Embrace the winter chill and discover the abundance of wild food in our landscape. This hands-on, nature-based course offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land, enhance your knowledge of basic botany, and sharpen your plant identification skills, all while learning how to incorporate wild foods into your diet. You’ll leave with practical skills for identifying wild foods and a greater understanding of how to navigate culinary wellness in our natural world.

Shane Brill is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who helps individuals address chronic health concerns through targeted food and lifestyle education. With a passion for ecological literacy, his work focuses on the intersection of human vitality and environmental resilience.

This course has a limit of 15 students.

Social Sciences

Bruce Riedel

Thursdays; March 20 to April 17, 2025 (5 weeks)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

On Christmas Eve 1979, the Soviet Union invaded and occupied Afghanistan. Within a month, President Jimmy Carter developed a strategy and alliances that bogged the Russians down in an expensive quagmire. President Ronald Reagan escalated this top-secret war, which had bipartisan support. Within a decade, the Soviets had lost the war in Afghanistan and evacuated their army. The Soviet control of Eastern Europe collapsed, Germany was reunited, and the USSR ceased to exist. The CIA’s covert operation was a staggering success. No American died in the war, and the cost of the war was shared with Saudi Arabia. America was the quartermaster of the mujaheddin; Pakistan was their front-line support state. The war has been celebrated in books and film. It was a crucial moment in the development of the global jihadist movement. This course will review the history of the war in Afghanistan and the decision-making behind it in Washington, Moscow, Islamabad, and Kabul. The results of this top-secret war are still shaping our world today.

Bruce Riedel served for three decades in the Central Intelligence Agency, including eight years in the White House and overseas duty tours. He chaired President Barack Obama’s review of policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2009. He is the author of nine books about the Middle East and South Asia and has been an instructor at WC-ALL for three years.

Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

Beverly Hall Smith

Thursdays; March 20 to April 17, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

The "Golden Age of Spain" began in 711 and lasted until 1478 when Isabella and Ferdinand combined their kingdoms of Castile and Aragon to become the King and Queen of Catholic Spain. Prior to their rule, the splendid culture of Spain was created by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, who lived in harmony and created magnificent art. Palaces, mosques, synagogues, gardens, mosaics, pottery, carpets, metalwork, and more were part of this cultural exchange. The men from each religion were well-educated, and their writings and illustrations led to new scientific discoveries. When Isabella and Ferdinand expelled the Muslims and Jews from Spain, great Catholic cathedrals were built, and art became centered around the Church. This course will first focus on the art of the Golden Age in Toledo, Cordoba, and Granada, including the architecture of the Alhambra in Granada. Later, we will explore the great Catholic painters of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as Velasquez, Ribera, Zurbaran, and Murillo.

Beverly Hall Smith was an Assistant Professor of Art History for 40 years and has extensive experience leading summer trips to Europe with students, including destinations like Bulgaria and Greece.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

Social Sciences

Patricia Kirby

Wednesdays, March 19 to April 9, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Is serial murder a phenomenon unique only to men? Of course not. Then why do we rarely hear about female serialists? Good question. One that causes confusion within and outside the field of criminology. Although history indicates that there are fewer women murderers, it shows that their crimes are equally vicious. The average female serialist kills more victims and avoids detection far longer than her male counterpart. Why is this? Are women more cunning by nature, or is society incapable of believing that the members of the 'gentler sex' could be cold-blooded killers?

This course will provide these answers through analysis of individual case studies related to notorious murderers, and reviews of media articles, legal and academic papers, and original one-on-one interviews with male and female serial killers. The material is not for the faint of heart. Hardy class discussions are not only invited, but expected!

Patricia Kirby holds a PhD from American University in Sociology: Justice, Law, and Society. She is a former Baltimore City police officer, homicide detective, FBI Special Agent, and FBI profiler. Her doctoral thesis, *The Feminization of Serial Killing*, included original interviews with male and female serial murderers. She is a former assistant professor in Sociology and Forensic Psychology at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

This course has a limit of 30 students.

Business, Finance, and Law

Ron Dixon

Tuesdays, March 18 to April 22, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture/Discussion

The purpose of this course is to allow the public a chance to better understand some of the training and requirements necessary to become a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Maryland. Points of discussion will include Hiring Process, Criminal & Traffic Law, Patrol Tactics, Traffic Stops, Criminal Investigations, Field Sobriety Testing, Internal Affairs, Active Threat Mitigation, Crime Prevention, Community Relations, Crisis Intervention Team, and Police Communications. Through communication and transparency, we can strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community we serve.

Ron Dixon is the current Chief of the Chestertown Police Department. He has more than 30 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, having retired after a 28-year career with the Caroline County Sheriff's Office. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and is a 2018 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Class #438. He has served in numerous capacities during his career, including Patrol Deputy, Criminal Investigator, Supervisor of the School Resource Unit, Court Security Unit, Civil Process Unit, Administrative Unit, and Patrol Commander. He is excited to share his knowledge with those that wish to learn more about a career in law enforcement.

This course has a limit of 15 students.

Humanities

Joseph Prud’homme

Mondays, March 17 to April 7, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion (Hybrid Zoom and In-Person)

The study of religion opens the mind to possibilities beyond the natural order, fosters appreciation for spiritual inquiry, and provides a deeper understanding of human civilization. This course will explore key ideas and themes in four great religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. We shall address the teachings in major sacred texts, including, 1) the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and the Talmud, 2) the New Testament, 3) the Koran and key Hadith; and 4) elements of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita. In doing so, we shall explore the nature of religious studies; philosophical issues in these religions; comparative analysis of the similarities and dissimilarities among these traditions; historical developments; and each religion’s current diversity.

The course focuses on textual, theological, and historical study, and less on ritual or culture. The goal is to study texts and great ideas, thus seeing the major theological positions of each religion in their historical and living contexts. Copies of selected texts will be provided. Guest speakers (rabbi, minister, imam, and Vedic priest) will enrich the learning experience. Guest speakers will attend and present via Zoom.

Joseph Prud'homme is the Burton Family Chair in Religion, Politics, and Culture and the Director of the Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture at Washington College. He holds his PhD from Princeton University. He works in the areas of religious studies, political theory, jurisprudence, and intellectual history.

Math, Science, and Technology

William J. Herb

Thursdays; March 20 to April 17, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

The five classes in this course will provide an introduction to water science, followed by an in-depth discussion of the three major disciplines: surface water, groundwater, and water quality. These topics will be illustrated with examples specific to Maryland. Limited presentations on water use and water law will also be included, and the final session will focus on some of the significant issues and controversies surrounding the Conowingo Dam. Attendees who complete the course will have a solid foundation in hydrology, which will allow them to better understand discussions about water science in the media.

William J. Herb has an M.S. in forest hydrology from the Pennsylvania State University. He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for 32 years, spending the last 11 years at the U.S. Army Environmental Command. He has also worked as a management consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

Math, Science, and Technology

Beth Choate, Chelsea Peters, and Emma Cease

Wednesdays, March 19 to April 23, 2025 (6 classes)
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Semans-Griswold Environmental Hall

Lecture/Discussion, Hands-On Practice

Come explore your local environment by learning and engaging with the exciting programs happening at the Washington College Center for Environment & Society (CES)! We will tour the beautiful Semans-Griswold Hall, a self-sufficient living building that is certified by the world’s most rigorous standard for green buildings. We will preview students’ favorite activities from the Chesapeake Semester and the associated MuSE exhibits that showcase their work.

Tour the native grasslands and our new garden to learn about habitat, invasive species, nutrient pollution, and food systems. Explore how data can be visualized through maps with the Geographic Innovation Program. Build a buoy and explore water quality sensors that help us monitor the Chester River. Visit the Foreman’s Branch Bird Banding Observatory and watch bird banders catch and release migratory birds. Finally, celebrate the many environmental science research and restoration activities with a celebratory cruise along the Callinectes. You will feel like a true environmental scientist!

Beth Choate (Deputy Director), Chelsea Peters (Director of Watershed Innovation), and Emma Cease (Experiential Learning Program Manager) will co-lead this course. Through experiential learning, community & civic engagement, and research, Washington College's Center for Environment & Society (CES) prepares undergraduates to solve the most pressing issues facing the future of our planet and its people.

This course has a limit of 12 students.

Business, Finance, and Law

Thad Bench

Fridays; March 21 to Saturday, April 18, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15-5:30 p.m.

This course will chronicle in detail the journey of founding a company, growing it, and ultimately running a process to sell the business. The topics covered will be varied and directly applicable to managing and growing a business, along with the many highs and lows associated with such an endeavor. Technical areas covered will include securing working capital, corporate governance, mergers and acquisition, personnel management, marketing, and cash flow management just to name a few. There will be many case studies presented that will illustrate the practical implications and challenges leadership teams will face once the company is launched. This overview is geared to the formation and management of private businesses in the lower middle market (revenue range 5MM-100MM). The course is industry agnostic and applicable to virtually any commercial enterprise. Management best practices will be shared as well as the pitfalls and mistakes to be avoided. Entrepreneurship is an exciting ride, and this class will give students a practical and unvarnished view of what is entailed.

Thad Bench, Sr. is a seasoned business founder with 40 years of management experience. Mr. Bench has owned and successfully grown and sold a number of closely held family businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, and the professional services verticals.

Humanities

Ray Vergne

Mondays, April 7-28, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Benito Perez Galdos is Spain's most famous novelist after Cervantes. The novel *Misericordia*, published in 1898, is required reading in most high schools and colleges in Latin America, just like Dickens' *Great Expectations* is to the English-speaking world. The book deals with universal themes: charity, loyalty, faith, hope, providence, realism and fantasy. It is full of unforgettable characters and profoundly emotional situations. The action is set in Madrid, Spain, at the end of the 19th Century.

Ray Vergne is a retired cardiologist and educator with interest in the humanities.

This course has a limit of 20 students.

Math, Science, and Technology

Satinder Sidhu

Tuesdays, March 18 to April 22, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course will trace the history of physics from when it was known as natural philosophy, to its transition to an empirical discipline firmly rooted in observation, measurement, and conceptual and mathematical model building. At each stage there were multiple participants in the endeavors to develop a comprehensive understanding of interactions and motions of lumps of matter, large and small, with the aim of doing this with the fewest possible hypotheses of widest applicability. Often there were one or more individuals whose work turned out to be seminal—sometimes within a limited domain, at others in a much wider arena.

In identifying the accomplishments of these ‘Greats’, we will place their work within the context of their times. This will include how they were influenced by, and built on, the contributions of their contemporaries—rivals and collaborators alike.

Satinder Sidhu retired in 2015 after over a quarter century as one half of the physics department at Washington College. He had started professional life with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the pioneer campus of India’s hyper-competitive institutes of technology. After seven years in a multinational electronics conglomerate, he turned to physics for the greater intellectual stimulation of fundamental science. After planting a foot in each of these two closely-related disciplines with the help of a PhD in physics, he assiduously shrank from anything that felt even remotely like engineering. A five-year flirtation with particle accelerator physics at a U.S. national lab more-or-less fell into this category. Teaching across the full spectrum of undergraduate physics (plus some astronomy) did help him avoid the overspecialization he has always dreaded.

Social Sciences

David White

March 21 to April 18, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture/Discussion

The recent attack by Hamas on Israel and the ensuing conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with the involvement of Hezbollah and Iran, illustrates the complexity of religious and political sects within the Islamic World. This course will trace the birth of Islam in the 7th century, its expansion throughout North Africa and the Middle East, the resulting development of Sunni and Shia Islam, and the contributions of the Islamic World to science and art.

David White was a faculty member in the History Department at Appalachian State University and served as Dean of Arts & Sciences and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lock Haven University. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled extensively, receiving two Fulbright awards and four Joseph J. Malone Awards.

Performing and Fine Arts and Crafts

Dave Robinson

Wednesdays, March 19 to April 23, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course is back by popular demand, with audiovisual enhancements! New Orleans is a special place that gave rise to a special kind of music. In this course, we will tap into the exhilaration and pathos of traditional New Orleans jazz, examining its history, its inner workings, and its relevance to our lives today. Through guided listening and group discussion, we will gain a greater appreciation of what such artists as Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, George Lewis, Kid Thomas, and Wynton Marsalis have to say to us. Along the way we’ll examine brass bands, the first jazz record ever made, musical rule-breaking, the role of the church, the primacy of the emotional connection, and some of the music’s stylistic outgrowths. Heck, we might even stage our own second-line parade if we feel like it.

Dave Robinson is a trumpeter and educator specializing in traditional jazz and swing. He served for several years on the jazz faculty of George Mason University. His adult and student bands have played a variety of gigs in Chestertown and Easton (including at Washington College). Dave has conducted early jazz workshops at schools in New Orleans and throughout the country. For several years he hosted “The French Quarter” on Sirius XM, drawing from his huge archive of traditional jazz recordings, and he now hosts "Jazz Gumbo" on WKHS-FM (Worton). He is the author and producer of the nationally-acclaimed Traditional Jazz Curriculum Kit, published in partnership with the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the Smithsonian, the National Endowment for the Arts, and various foundations.

Humanities

Stephanie Gosman

Tuesdays, March 18 to April 22, 2025 (6 classes)

1:00 to 2:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Did you know that Kent County has 8 museums? Learn about the history of the county by exploring the intriguing collection of historic, cultural and lifestyle museums and buildings. Discover the ways of the watermen, view artifacts of farm life, and learn about the history of flight and the African American experience in Kent County. Hear the stories of each museum presented by docents with extensive knowledge of local history.

Classes will be held in each museum. Students will provide their own transportation (or carpool), and some classes will involve short walks. A schedule of museums and addresses will be emailed to students before the course begins.

For more information, visit www.museumsofkent.org or contact Stephanie Gosman at museumsofkent@gmail.com.

Stephanie Gosman, Chairman of the Museums of Kent, is always looking for new ways to promote the great museums of the County. While taking the Kent County History Tour she will be your tour guide, answering all your questions as you explore the County.

This course has a limit of 20 students.

Humanities

Stephanie Gosman

Tuesdays, March 18 to April 22, 2025 (6 classes)

2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

Did you know that Kent County has 8 museums? Learn about the history of the County by exploring the intriguing collection of historic, cultural and lifestyle museums and buildings. Discover the ways of the watermen, view artifacts of farm life, learn about the history of flight and the African American experience in Kent County. Hear the stories of each museum presented by docents with extensive knowledge of local history.

Classes will be held in each museum. Students will provide their own transportation (or carpool), and some classes will involve short walks. A schedule of museums and addresses will be emailed to students before the course begins.

For more information, visit www.museumsofkent.org or contact Stephanie Gosman at museumsofkent@gmail.com.

Stephanie Gosman, Chairman of the Museums of Kent, is always looking for new ways to promote the great museums of the County. While taking the Kent County History Tour she will be your tour guide, answering all your questions as you explore the County.

This course has a limit of 20 students.

Humanities

Jerry Webster

Thursdays; March 27 to April 17, 2025 (4 classes)

10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Moderated Discussion (Zoom)

George Saunders' *Lincoln in the Bardo*, a work that won the 2017 Booker Prize, is a fictional work populated by a cast of newly dead characters. The novel explores Lincoln's grief after the death of his son and incorporates Buddhist teachings from *The Tibetan Book of the Dead*. This course will integrate meditation practice and examine Saunders' creative process and the philosophical themes of life, death, and rebirth.

Jerry Webster has taught English for 35 years, including with the U.S. Peace Corps in Afghanistan. He has also taught Buddhist meditation since 1975 and continues to do so regularly at Johns Hopkins University and the Politics & Prose Bookstore.

Health and Wellness

Debra Silberg

Tuesdays, March 18 to April 22, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

The course will discuss how the GI tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon), liver, and pancreas function as well as the diseases/disorders of the different organs. The diseases discussed will include such topics as eosinophilic esophagitis, acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus, dyspepsia, gastric (stomach) ulcers, celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, colon polyps and cancer, fatty liver, cirrhosis, pancreatic insufficiency, and pancreatic cancer. In addition, there will be a session on the microbiome explaining what it is, and what are prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal transplants. The course will end with a session on maintaining a healthy GI tract.

Debra Silburg is an MD, PhD with specialty training as an adult gastroenterologist. She is currently retired from clinical practice. She was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for over 10 years, where she taught medical students, residents, and fellows about the GI system. After leaving the University, Debra had a 20-plus-year career in clinical development, developing drugs for the GI tract in the Pharmaceutical Industry. She is currently a consultant for biotech companies developing drugs in the GI space. Debra is also the Chief Scientific Officer of Beyond Celiac, a patient advocacy organization for celiac disease with the mission to find a treatment and cure for celiac disease. She is passionate about teaching, especially about the GI tract.

Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

Hanson Robbins

Fridays, April 4-25, 2025 (4 classes plus simulcast viewing in Easton on Saturday, April 26)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course will consist of four classes (April 4, 11, 18, and 25) prior to a trip to see the simulcast performance of *The Marriage of Figaro* on April 26th at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, MD. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and buying their own tickets (about $20-25).

*The Marriage of Figaro* by Lorenzo Da Ponte, featuring brilliant music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is considered one of the greatest operas ever written. It takes place near Seville, Spain, in the late 18th century. The opera consists of 4 acts telling the story of how two servants (Figaro and Susanna) trick Susanna’s boss, Count Almaviva, from making love to Susanna.

Hanson Robbins is an opera enthusiast. He has previously given several opera courses at WC-ALL: "Tosca," "Der Rosenkavalier," and "La Rondine."

Humanities

Donna Van Dusen

Mondays, March 17 to April 7, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Moderated Discussion

In 1953, at the age of 51, with no money and all her earthly possessions stowed in the pockets of her tunic, Peace Pilgrim began her 25,000-mile walk to spread the message of peace. She walked alone and as a chance to inspire others to work for world peace and to find peace in themselves. Having reached her 25,000-mile goal in 1964, she continued her walk, having vowed to “…remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until I am given shelter, and fasting until I am given food.”

This course provides a moving account of a woman who experienced a calling and then followed that calling in a unique way and by sharing a deeply inspiring message. Additionally, the course involves discussions based on her message on topics that continue to confront us today as well as those that can inspire inner peace.

Donna Van Dusen’s retirement, as Professor Emerita at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, has brought opportunities to further explore numerous areas of interest. Her interest in creating meaning in later life, women's life stories, conflict resolution, and persuasive communication came together when, by chance, she stumbled upon an article that mentioned Peace Pilgrim. Intrigued and inspired by Peace Pilgrim's story and message, she hopes to share that story with others.

This course has a limit of 25 students.

COURSE AT FULL CAPACITY
Please note that new registrations received for this course are likely to be added to a wait list.

Health and Wellness

Stephanie Pessin

Fridays, March 20 to April 25, 2025 (6 classes)

10:00 to 11:15 a.m.
Lecture and Movement Practice

In this dynamic course, we explore strategies and exercises for improving balance and preventing falls, with a deep dive into the art of kinesthetic awareness—the ability to sense movement and position in both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios. Here’s what awaits you:

1. Understanding and Mastering Kinesthetic Awareness: Dip into the science behind proprioception and kinesthetic sense. Learn how to upgrade your body’s internal compass for more precise movement. Explore how kinesthetic awareness impacts daily activities and exercise performance. Enhance your internal feedback systems to adapt to different environments and gain stability when traversing familiar and unfamiliar terrain. Practice balance exercises that relate to your everyday activities and develop strategies for easily implementing them throughout your normal day.

2. Fall Prevention Strategies: increase functional awareness of the key factors that contribute to falls. Develop practical skills and actions that will reduce fall risks. Strengthen your ability to adjust and prevent missteps.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only move with enhanced confidence and safety, but also be more equipped to navigate life’s twists and turns without missing a beat!

Stephanie Pessin is a seasoned professional with deep knowledge and experience in this subject matter, a passion for promoting health and well-being, and a unique perspective to her work in injury prevention. In her earliest career, she delved into study of cross-cultural and alternative healing modalities, eventually starting a practice providing hands-on bodywork and therapeutic movement. After a decade, she returned to school to earn an MS in physical therapy, thereafter practicing PT in a way that combined the tenets of both Western and holistic medicine. Her practice has always been firmly based upon core research in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and injury prevention, right along with holistic tenets of mind-body connection and whole-person, integrated diagnosis and treatment (i.e., not only treating an isolated body-part!). In 25+ years of practicing PT, she treated patients and taught classes in fields ranging from prehabilitation to fitness to rehabilitation to promoting community health initiatives - including fall injury prevention. She is recently retired from practice and thrilled to be teaching at WC-ALL. Her knowledge and experience in the areas of kinesthetic awareness and fall prevention make her a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their physical comfort, control, confidence and safety.

History

Kevin Hemstock

Mondays, March 17 to April 7, 2025 (4 classes)

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course will be a discussion of four cemeteries in Kent County that have been largely forgotten. These include the old cemetery associated with the Chestertown Protestant Episcopal Church (now Emmanuel); the original cemetery for Jane's Church; the original Asbury AME church cemetery near Chesterville; and the Quaker burial ground in Millington. We will have PowerPoint graphics and a discussion of who might have been interred in the abandoned burials.

For participants who wish to visit the cemeteries on their own, there will be maps in the PowerPoint presentation and much discussion of the locations.

Kevin Hemstock lives in Millington, Md. His family roots run throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. Before, during, and after a career in journalism, spanning three decades, he has had a strong interest in local history. In 2000, he moved to Maryland to work as editor of the Kent County News. Throughout his time there, he published hundreds of columns on the topic of local history. He left the Kent County News in 2012 to operate Old News, a genealogical and historical research service and ephemera shop in Millington. Now working from home, he continues writing about local history.

Arts and Music

Muphen Whitney

Wednesdays; March 19 to April 23, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

This course will explore the peccadilloes and peculiarities of classical composers. While their music remains timeless, many composers had fascinating and sometimes scandalous lives. From unrequited love to cross-dressing to prison time, we'll uncover the personal stories behind the music and examine both the flaws and virtues of these iconic figures.

Muphen Whitney is a lifelong lover of classical music. For over a decade, she has provided podcasts on classical music and arts organizations in several U.S. states. She is not a trained musician but draws from her vast experience attending concerts and interviewing musicians, conductors, and composers.

Social Sciences

W. Gijs van de Fliert

Wednesdays; March 19 to April 16, 2025 (5 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Lecture and Discussion

The course will examine the concept of "interdependence" and explore the history of the global discourse on interdependence as reflected in global leaders’ thought and action. It will also explore the relationship between individual action and collective responsibility in relation to global issues like climate change, inequality, and global health. The course will discuss ethical implications for the future and build awareness of the role each of us plays in global progress.

W. Gijs van de Fliert is a senior consultant, advisor, and educator working on international public diplomacy, peace, conflict resolution, and climate change. He has held positions with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Environment Programme, and other international organizations.

Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

Nancy Hartman

Sundays, March 16 to April 13, 2025 (five weeks)

1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

“The Courage of Conviction” is the theme of the five movies in this course. Each story is based on a difficult situation that an individual or a group must deal with against almost impossible odds of success. Some of these tales are fiction, and some are based on true incidents. Regardless of the circumstances, the person knows he must have faith in himself to do what he believes is right and to summon the courage to see it through.

Most of the stories are about children or young adults who are handicapped, who have been written off as uneducable, or who have little chance of realizing their dreams. One story is also about patriotism in time of war against formidable adversaries. The films include “The Miracle Worker,” “Stand and Deliver,” and “The Train.”

Note: All movies have subtitles.

Nancy Hartman’s insatiable appetite for vintage movies began many years ago. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of these classic films with WC-ALL members.

Humanities

Courtney E. Rydel

Fridays, March 21 to April 25, 2025 (6 classes)

10:30 - 11:20 a.m.
Lecture and Discussion

In this hybrid class, embedded within the “Global Middle Ages” course taken by Washington College undergraduates, you will explore tales of times long past. Delve into a variety of spicy, suspenseful, surprising, and satisfying short stories from collections written from 500-1500 CE. Collections will include Japanese *Konjaku Monogatari Shu*, the English *Canterbury Tales*, the Italian *Decameron*, the French *Lais*, and the Arabian *Alf Layla wa-Layla*—better known as *The Arabian Nights*. Come and explore along with students who are excited for an intergenerational exchange!

Courtney E. Rydel is an Associate Professor and current Chair of the English department at Washington College. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Pennsylvania. Though her expertise lies in the field of medieval literature, she teaches everything from the Bible as Literature to Women Writers to fairy tales and freshman writing.

This course has a limit of 15 students.

Fine and Performing Arts and Crafts

Robert (Bob) Miller

Tuesdays, March 18 to April 8, 2025 (4 classes)

2:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Lecture/Discussion - ZOOM

This continuing education course is designed to introduce students to best practices in travel photography. It will include sessions on getting ready to go, compositional techniques, and tips on everything from shooting landscapes and festivals to architecture and people. Students as well as the instructor will be given the opportunity to share photos and travel stories from places they have already traveled. This class is appropriate for intermediate-level students with any kind of digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR). Students should be familiar with the basic operations of their camera including how to change aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Robert (Bob) Miller is a retired science teacher with a 49-year passion for photography. He specializes in nature photography and has taken his camera all over the world. He has won many awards and was named Digital Photographer of the Year by the Arundel Camera Club. His photographs have been published in Galapagos calendars, *Save the Bay*, *Backyard Gardens*, *B&W Photography* magazine, and *Ducks Unlimited*. Bob enjoys teaching and sharing his love for photography with others.

This course has a limit of 10 students.

Humanities

Vic Evans

Thursdays, March 20 to April 24, 2025 (6 classes)

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Moderated Discussion

Making and creating are intrinsic to being human and offer pathways to happiness. In an era when every voice should be heard, poetry presents a deep reservoir of method and technique to elevate spoken and written language. Although there are no recipes, poetry making can be approached as a craft much like advanced cooking. Armed with the right tools, time and attention, everyone can write poetry.

Session 1) will focus on the importance of noticing, the ‘phases of imaginative awareness’, and the satisfactions of active engagement with fine and performing art. Maxine Greene’s “Notes on Aesthetic Education” will guide us. One of many lectures this distinguished Columbia University professor delivered at The Lincoln Center Institute over a period of decades, it appears as an essay in *Variations on a Blue Guitar* (Teachers College Press, 2001). Wallace Stevens’ poem *The Man with the Blue Guitar* (1930) was inspired by Picasso's famous painting *The Old Guitarist* (1903-04). They figure prominently in Dr. Greene’s essay, and we will discuss both in Session 2), along with hidden dimensions of the creative process.

Sessions 3) through 5) will explore effective approaches to writing, as well as the operations and interactions of poetic form and technique, including: Content, Clarity & Concision; Rhythm, Pattern Quest & Word Play; Form, Distillation & Revision. The emphasis will be on the ease and advantages of ‘open verse’. Session 3) will also include critique and deconstruction of one of the moderator’s poems and their decision-making. Session 6) will feature discussion on whether and how to become published. Poetry sharing by class members is planned for the final four sessions.

Vic Evans, an undergraduate English major, is a retired architect and certified planner who specialized in campus and project planning for 45 years as a consultant to public and private educational institutions at all levels. His clientele included dozens of colleges, universities, and school districts in numerous states and American curriculum international schools in 24 nations. Every project required succinct, analytical, and unambiguous writing that informed multiple audiences and guided institutional decision-making about campus improvements and major capital expenditure. This professional writing experience instilled a keen awareness of language mechanics and expressive methods that now stock his toolbox for creative self-expression with poetry.