HUM S09 - Passages
Course Description
The Passages series is a humanities-based series covering topics on art, theater, music, and more.
For the Summer term lecture and speaker descriptions, see our brochure at Emeritus Summer Schedule.pdf
Course Outline
Mini Series
Tuesday, June 4 Mozart’s Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music. Dramatic book reviewer Jenny Riddle, in character as Mozart’s wife Constanze, brings to life the fascinating story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the most important women in his life, based on the best-selling book Mozart’s Women by conductor and biographer Jane Glover. In this special dramatic review, Jenny wears a custom-designed period costume as she tells the moving story of Wolf and Constanze’s lives—their love and the music.
Tuesday, June 11 From Civil War to Civil Rights: The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. Juneteenth reminds us of the transformations that the Civil War amendments brought to the U.S. Constitution: the end of slavery, guaranteed birthright citizenship, expanded voting rights and a transformed relationship between the federal and state governments. But why is race still such a dividing line in America? In this lecture Joyce Haworth will explore this question by considering the story behind those amendments: a story of big dreams, political realities, and ultimately the enduring power of racism.
Tuesday, June 18 Jean Renoir: Filmmaker and Humanist.Jean Renoir, the son of painter Auguste Renoir, has influenced countless filmmakers around the world from Akira Kurosawa to Robert Altman to Satyajit Ray. Discover the brilliance of Renoir as film scholar Francine J. Sanders, M.A., explores the artist and the man through clips and discussion of several key films, including his 1939 Rules of the Game, a box-office flop now considered one of the masterpieces of world cinema and a brilliant social critique. Renoir is famous for not having heroes or villains, and for his often-quoted line from Rules: "Everyone has his reasons."
Tuesday, June 25 Reaching the Very Top: What Qualities Do Great Musicians Share? What determines greatness in musical artistry? In early 2023, a panel of experts ranked people they saw as the 300 Greatest Popular Music Artists for their musical popularity, influence, and impact. Join Jeff Winter, Ph.D. and Janis Fine, Ph.D., as they explore many of these legendary artists with fascinating back stories and performances of their celebrated music. From The Beatles, Sinatra, Garland, and Belafonte to Carole King, Sam Cooke, Armstrong, The Kingston Trio and more, join in celebrating and deepening an understanding of why these artists are considered by many to have risen to the very top.
Series I
Tuesday, July 9 Inventing the Florida Vacation: Mid-century Tourism in the Sunshine State Florida has always attracted vacationers, but in the 20th century, tourism exploded in the Sunshine State as new attractions like Weeki Wachee Springs and Busch Gardens opened. Join popular culture historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., for a look back at the history of tourism in Florida from the 1940s to 1971. We’ll explore the amusing and quirky attractions that made Florida America’s favorite vacation destination. From the waterskiers at Cypress Gardens to the alligators at Gatorland, these tourist attractions amazed and enchanted mid-century vacationers.
Tuesday, July 16 Equations From God. How did a firm belief in a caring god lead Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton to an understanding of the paths of the planets and a deep belief in the transcendence of mathematics? Rich Wilders will trace the history of astronomy and physics in cultural context from Plato to Newton. We will learn how the case for math-based science as an alternative source of truth to the Bible was made in the face of strong resistance from Protestants and Catholics alike.
Tuesday, July 23 The Adventures of Bonnie and Clyde. Historical presenter Michelle Gibbons will discuss the dark romanticism of the Depression era’s infamous criminals, Bonnie and Clyde. Gibbons will explain the couple’s childhoods, their beliefs and their decisions to become partners in crime. She will explain the passionate love Bonnie and Clyde had for each other and will also discuss how the couple, who died in a hail of police bullets, would later become a glamorized legend.
Tuesday, July 30 Celebrating Some of Jazz’s Greatest Musicians and Their Impact on the Art Form. Join Chicago jazz musician Tim Wilsey as he pays homage to some of the most influential jazz artists in history. He will discuss how the music and artists’ personalities impacted both the instruments they were known for as well as jazz music at the time, while laying the foundation for other musicians to follow in their footsteps. From the great Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Gene Krupa, Miles Davis and more, Tim will present videos of these greats and perform live some of their music.
Tuesday, August 6 Hollywood Goes to the Beach. Taking full advantage of sunny California's climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies' influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips and captivating stories.
Tuesday, August 13 Amazing Castles II - Legends, Lore and More. Castles—the stuff of chivalry and romance—still fascinate the modern mind. Join Barbara Barrett as she explores the history, treasures, legends and lore that only can be found in castles, the most imposing monuments ever built around the world. From King Arthur to modern monarchs, we’ll explore how their romantic, mysterious and intriguing castles have played a critical role in the history of civilization for more than a thousand years.
Tuesday, August 20 The Founding Mothers. Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison: Learn about the women who stood behind the Founding Fathers. Valerie Gugala will discuss who they were and how they contributed to the cause of American independence.