THE ARTS IN GERMAN-SPEAKING EUROPE
Biweekly Thursdays 10-12 Week 2
Room 5
This workshop will examine mainly the visual arts in German-speaking Europe.
In the fall term we will look at a selection of artists (painters, sculptors, architects, etc.) from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In the winter term we will concentrate on the artistic activity in the period before World War II but will also cover the work of several more modern German artists and/or architects. A more detailed list of suggested artists will be available from the facilitators.
All participants are expected to make at least one presentation. Help can be provided to find references and illustrations, and to prepare illustrations for these presentations.
Robbie Robinson (905-629-1038 / robmiss@sympatico.ca) has a broad education in both the arts and sciences. The history of the arts and society in various areas of the world has always fascinated him.
Elaine Rodgers (416-924-5190 / erodger1661@rogers.com) retired from the hectic world of business and is now pursuing her wide interest in the arts.
ATMOSPHERE AND CLIMATE
Biweekly Thursdays 12-2 Week 2
Room 1
We can't avoid hearing about climate change. The changes happening now may have significant impact on the way we live our lives.
How has our earth acquired the atmosphere and climate that it currently enjoys? What is the nature of the weather we experience? What are the factors that effect change?
We will study the chemistry and physics of how atmospheres are developed and maintained and what this means to the nature of the planets that subtend them.
We will investigate the history of our earth's atmosphere and look at the features of our planet and its environment that affect climate and our weather systems.
We can even try our hands at forecasting this planet's future climate.
Each participant will make a presentation, using articles in current journals such as Scientific American, Discover Magazine, New Scientist, and Science News as source material.
Linda Tu (416-226-0031 / lindatu@sympatico.ca) is a scientist by training and persuasion. She has taught science courses at university level and informally to bright children.
BRITISH HISTORY: 1776 -1837
Biweekly Tuesdays 10-12 Week 1
Room 5
During the long reign of George III, the regency and rule of scandalous George IV and then his brother William IV, Great Britain adjusted to the loss of American colonies, twenty-two years of warfare with France, the union with Ireland, economic transformation to an increasingly industrial and urban way of life, and the strains of social, religious and parliamentary reforms. For their presentations, workshop participants can choose from a wide variety of subjects: the enterprise and discoveries of Josiah Wedgwood, James Watt, botanist Joseph Banks, astronomer William Herschel, railroad builder George Stephenson; the artistry and literature of Turner, Blake, Austen, Wordsworth, Byron and Scott. Topics could also include the inspirational prowess of Nelson and Wellington, the astute leadership of Pitt the Younger, and the conscientious zeal of Wilberforce.
Bill Hall (416-766-7173) is a retired Assistant Head of History and Geography at a secondary school for the arts. He also taught these subjects in England for three years. His interests include reading, travel, photography and cultural history.
CHINA: THE FORMATION OF A PEOPLE
Biweekly Tuesdays 10-12 Week 2
Room 5
"What makes the Chinese Chinese?"
This workshop focuses on the earliest periods of Chinese history from its mythological and archeological beginnings to the end of the so-called First Empire in the third century C.E. Within a roughly chronological framework we will explore China's earliest arts and technologies, the various philosophies of the "Hundred Flowers" period, the imperial system of emperors, concubines and eunuchs, the art of warfare, the educational curricula, and the formulation of the family and gender relations. Find out whether the Chinese really invented everything. And why they call themselves the Han people. All participants are expected to make at least one presentation.
Rick Guisso (416-762-1341 / ric33tor@hotmail.com) has been a student and teacher of the history of pre-modern China, Korea and Japan for longer than he cares to remember. New to the Academy, he looks forward to the exchange of ideas in the congenial format he has found there.
CONTEMPORARY FILM A
Biweekly Wednesdays 12-2 Week 2
Room 1
Discussions will focus on contemporary films, including both international and art forms. Universal themes and cultural values, both implicit and explicit, will be examined.
Members of the workshop are expected to see all the films selected and to take turns leading the discussions. The names of the first two films will be given to members before the first session.
Sandra Hoshooley (416-690-5600 / sandrahosh@rogers.com) worked for 31 years with IBM as an administrative middle manager. She then spent four years in Vancouver and a year in Calgary (preparing for the '88 Olympics) before returning to Toronto. She enjoys theatre and film and is an avid golfer come summer.
CONTEMPORARY FILM B
Biweekly Thursdays 2-4 Week 2
Room 5
Welcome to all Film Fans! In each session we jointly choose two contemporary films. Each member is then expected to view and rate them based on a set of criteria developed by the group as well as their personal enjoyment. This has been a lively workshop where members are never at a loss for discussion.
Members will take turns introducing the films, but everyone should come prepared to discuss them.
Ruth Sidorchuk (416-267-9252 / ruth.sidorchuk@sympatico.ca) is a retired school librarian. After several years of membership in various Academy workshops, she has found her niche in her love of film and is looking forward to another great year of film viewing.
CRITICAL ISSUES
Biweekly Thursdays 2-4 Week 1
Room 5
Our focus will be an in-depth examination of critical issues impacting our city, country and world. Some examples would be: modern day slavery, challenges in public broadcasting, or the future of the UN. Each participant will propose and research an issue of importance, present a 20 minute summary and suggest questions to promote lively discussion.
Diana Chastain (416-465-0635 / dianach@me.com), formerly a teacher in immigrant neighbourhoods, has long been interested in world affairs and social activism. She enjoys a
good discussion with a range of opinions.
Margaret Prugovecki (416 486-4750 / margaretp10@yahoo.com) is a retired English teacher and TV Public Affairs researcher. She taught a grade 13 course: "20th Century History of Ideas -Marx, Freud and Darwin" and, through travel and reading, has maintained a keen interest in social issues.
DOCUMENTARY FILM
Biweekly Wednesdays 10-2 Week 2
Room 5
Documentary films reflect the richness and ambiguity of life, bringing us real stories from the world around us. Members of the workshop will explore this exciting medium by presenting and discussing contemporary films, ranging across a wide variety of topics: fine arts, politics, social and psychological issues. We plan to include films with Canadian content, or those directed by Canadian film-makers.
Grace Scheel (416-769-8249 / gracescheel@hotmail.com) has made film a part of her life ever since attending Saturday matinees at the "Blood Tub" in Winnipeg; she has never missed a TIFF and enjoys the HotDocs series.
Sharon Harris (416-486-7017 / s_harris@rogers.com) retired after a varied career in education focused on the gifted, immigrants, and those with special needs. Simultaneously, she pursued a second career as a fine art photographer and her works have been exhibited widely.
THE ECONOMIST READERS
Weekly Thursdays 10-12 Weeks 1 and 2
Room 1
This group will meet to extract the wit and wisdom in politics, business, finance, culture, literature and science from this influential, international journal. Subscription copies can be delivered by mail (phone 1-800-456-6086) or e-mail (economist@neodata.com).
At each session, the group selects about a dozen articles, and the discussion is led by the person proposing each article.
Jim McCartney (416-487-0950 / berlin@rogers.com) holds an MA in Modern History from U of T and taught high school history in Toronto for 36 years.
Linda Tu (416-226-0031 / lindatu@sympatico.ca) is a scientist by training and persuasion. She has taught science courses at university level and informally to bright children.
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Weekly Fridays 2-4 Weeks 1 and 2
Room 1
This workshop is focused on discussions of current events. Members suggest topics of interest: they are expected to be aware of events reported in the various media and to come prepared to discuss them.
Each session will begin with a listing of the proposed events of interest, followed by a short presentation of each event by the member who suggested it, and then by discussion.
David Ptolemy (416-690-7594 / ptolemyd@idirect.com) is a chartered accountant who enjoys retirement with the Academy and adventure travel.
EVOLUTION OF GOD
Biweekly Tuesdays 2-4 Week 2
Room 1
In his Evolution of God (2009) Robert Wright maintains that religions in the modern world can reconcile themselves to one another and to science. Presentations in the first term will be based on Wright's book. Participants will be asked to evaluate and discuss Wright's position on the historical development of the concept of God in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the second term participants will be invited to compare Wright's views with those of such authors as: Huston Smith (Why Religion Matters); George Vaillant (Spiritual Evolution); Karen Armstrong (A Case for God) and Lionel Tiger (God's Brain).
Carolyn Murray (416-752-1814) carolyn.murray@utoronto.ca, has long had an interest in religion and, particularly, inter-faith dialogue. Upon retirement as a U of T librarian (for 30 years) in 2003, she began studying at Regis College, Toronto School of Theology and completed an MA degree in 2008. She has facilitated workshops on Hinduism & Buddhism and Muslim–Christian Relations, as well as three others.
EXTRAORDINARY CANADIANS
Biweekly Tuesdays 10-12 Week 2
Room 1
The Penguin Extraordinary Canadians series is edited by John Ralston Saul. He has chosen eighteen prominent writers of fiction, commentary and history to tell us historically correct "stories" of noted Canadians from 1848 onwards. Discussions and presentations by participants will be based on the lives of this diverse selection, among whom we find Louis La Fontaine and Robert Baldwin, Big Bear, Nellie McClung, Glenn Gould, Tommy Douglas and Marshall McLuhan. How do they fit together and what do they tell us of our shared history?
For more information watch the interview with John Ralston Saul and Allan Gregg at www.extraordinarycanadians.com
Laura Baldwin (416-495-0951 / landlbaldwin@rogers.com) has worked in the field of community development, has been a long-time member of the Academy and enjoys discussing ideas raised in books that reflect our world today.
FAMOUS TRIALS
Biweekly Tuesdays 12-2 Week 2
Room 1
From ancient times to the present there have been many notable trials that have illuminated their own societies. This workshop will look at the background of each trial and salient biographical information about the defendants and plaintiffs, as well as provide an overview of the trial, the prevailing social attitudes, the administration of justice and the social consequences of the court's decisions.
Participants will be expected to prepare presentations dealing with the trial they select as a basis for group dialogue and discussion.
Madeline Grant (416-961-3323/maddyg@sympatico.ca) is a retired librarian whose first professional job was in the Law Library of the University of Toronto. This helped to spark her interest in the law and interesting trials.
GLOBAL VILLAGE ON FILM
Biweekly Fridays 10-2 Week 1
Room 5
In our workshop we will review and discuss cultural behaviours of people in twelve selected countries through the powerful and instructive medium of film. Because of our extended time period (four hours every two weeks) we have the opportunity to view the films during our workshop, with follow-up discussion.
At each session participants will share information and reviews that will enhance our discussions.
Arne Bowers (905-859-0740 / arnebowers@routcom.com) has a broad background in teaching, traveling and the study of media ecology with Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman.
GREAT GARDENS OF THE WORLD
Biweekly Tuesdays 12-2 Week 2
Room 5
"Paint when you plant!" exclaimed Alexander Pope. Do you agree? What makes a garden great? We will explore the genius of "Capability" Brown, of André le Nôtre; storied gardens like Giverny, Villandry, Sissinghurst, Stourhead, Majorelle and the Imperial Gardens of Kyoto; modern gardens like Toronto's Music Garden and the royal estate at Highgrove. What about mazes or the chahar bagh? A list of possible subjects and a basic bibliography will be provided, but participants should feel free to choose a favourite of their own for their presentation.
Gillian Long (416-447-6927 / gillian.long@utoronto.ca) has loved gardens since she planted her first nasturtium at the age of three. She owns a fascinating book called "1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die" and hopes that the workshop will bring her closer to that number.
Norma Pidgeon (416-488-1072 / normapidgeon@rogers.com) finds gardening is a lot like raising children - frustrating, exasperating - but in the end rewarding. In both instances we look for perfection, but in the end we're happy if they just stand up straight!
HISTORY OF IDEAS: 20TH CENTURY
Biweekly Wednesdays 12-2 Week 1
Room 5
All changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
W.B. Yeats
Such can be said of many ideas of the 20th Century. In this workshop we will explore the past century's key intellectual events. The workshop will be based on Peter Watson's book, The Modern Mind: An Intellectual History of the 20th Century. It will be offered over two years.
From the unconscious to the Russian Revolution, Animal Farm to The Great Leap Forward, DNA to the Internet, we will examine the major writers, artists, scientists, and philosophers who produced the ideas by which we live today.
All participants will make a presentation, choosing a favourite idea and doing further research to stimulate an open discussion.
Mark Abbott (416-769-8942 / markjosie@rogers.com) travelled from a coal-mining village in Yorkshire to Math and Engineering in London, followed by service with the Royal Navy, positions in industry, academe and public service in Canada.
Josie Szczasiuk (416-769-8942 / szcz@rogers.com) has a background in biology and education and has always been intrigued by the major driving forces in history.
HISTORY OF INDIA
Biweekly Fridays 2-4 Week 1
Room 5
We will journey through the fascinating history of India, from its ancient kingdoms and religions to the energetic modern nation that is the world's largest democracy. In order to understand how India has evolved, we will discuss the key people, events and forces that have shaped this land. Members' presentations will include the birth of Hinduism and Buddhism, the enlightened rule of Ashoka, the magnificence of the Mughal Empire, the legacy of the British Raj, Gandhi and Indian nationalism, and the thriving India of today.
All participants will make a presentation, choosing a favourite idea and doing further research to stimulate an open discussion.
Jim Lutz (416-696-5246 / lutz@ceoexpress.com) is a retired banker with a Masters degree in British Imperial History. He studied Indian history and comparative religion at Columbia University, and has continued his interest in Indian civilization since his student days. He has visited Delhi, Agra, Mumbai and the great Rajput cities of Rajasthan.
INTERESTING WOMEN
Biweekly Wednesdays 2-4 Week 1
Room 1
The group will explore the lives of women of the past and the present, as may be suggested and chosen by its members, each of whom will be expected to make a presentation. Among the most interesting are Sarah Bernhardt, Catherine Le Grand, Golda Meir, Hillary Clinton, Evita Peron, Lady Byron, Mrs. Oscar Wilde, both Queen Elizabeths and the People's Princess.
The workshop is open to both men and women.
Anne Barcham (416-762-5160 / abarcham@pathcom.com) taught French and Latin in High School then moved to Adult Education, including extensive consulting experience with the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, University of Toronto and the provincial government.
Ross Linton (905-731-6850 / rosslinton@rogers.com) is a Q.C. and a Master Emeritus of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and has been a facilitator since the Academy began. With four daughters and three granddaughters, he has a particular interest in historical women.
JANE AUSTEN
Biweekly Fridays 10-12 Week 2
Room 1
Jane Austen's novels are surely favourites of many Academy members, and participants will be able to choose from a range of possible topics for their presentation. This course will deal with four of her novels – Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion. Two or three of our workshops will look at filmic versions of these novels, and perhaps compare and contrast. The others, to do with the novels themselves, will consider topics such as characterizations of the heroines and heroes, the problems of class and money, the vulnerability of women, poor parenting, sisterhood, sexual jealousy, and social criticism. The question as to Jane Austen's feminism will be considered throughout.
Frances Beer (416-922-0110 / fran@yorku.ca) has a PhD from the University of Toronto and has been teaching at York University since 1971. She has lectured extensively on Jane Austen and edited a Penguin edition of her Juvenilia, and recently gave a paper (subsequently published) at a Jane Austen Society conference. Frances joined the Academy in the fall of 2010.
JAZZ APPRECIATION
Biweekly Thursdays 2-4 Week 2
Room 1
The workshop will focus on the personalities who have had an influence on the evolution of this quintessentially American music form. A performer's recorded performances and dialogue will be used to provide enlightenment on the recording's era and his/her style, ideas and objectives.
Each participant will select a personality and prepare a presentation (maximum 15 minutes) to precede a selection of recorded music (30 minutes), leaving time for discussion to follow.
Walter (Wally) Posner (416-484-9049 / wdposner@rogers.com) immigrated to Canada from South Africa in 1974. A lawyer by training, his interests include current affairs, art and golf; but jazz is a continuing lifelong enthusiasm.
LIFE'S LIKE THAT
Biweekly Wednesdays 10-12 Week 1
Room 5
What is the biological reason for gossip? - for laughter? - for the creation of art? Why do people (and other animals) have different personalities? What can microbes tell us about morality?
This workshop will use the book Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's theory can change the way we think about our lives by David Sloan Wilson (2007). The book addresses itself to 'everyone' – freshman and graduate, scientist and humanist – attempting to use the rudiments of the evolutionary viewpoint to provide bridges between the islands of academic specialties. It seeks insights into all biologic life but also into the study of human behaviour and society: altruism, beauty, decision making, gossip, personality and religion.
All participants will make a presentation, choosing a favourite idea and doing further research to stimulate an open discussion.
David Brodie (519-780-2855 / d.brodie@rogers.com) was educated in physics and business administration. Since 2003 he has enjoyed a variety of workshops at the Academy in a search for a 'big picture' viewpoint.
LITERARY BIOGRAPHIES OF 20TH CENTURY WRITERS
Biweekly Fridays 10-12 Week 1
Room 1
Biographies of writers tell the stories of their subjects, and the best of them look at the writing style, subject matter and their importance to the writing canon. Participants will choose from a list of biographers, and presentations will focus in the first hour on the biography. In the second hour, a presentation will be made on the work of the writer discussed in the biography. Included will be Charles Foran's bio of Mordecai Richler, Antonia Fraser's book on husband Harold Pinter, Isaiah Berlin by Michael Ignatieff and bios on Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Jean Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie.
Sheilagh Hickie (416-423-8038 / shickie@sympatico.ca) is a graduate of Concordia University and a native of Montreal. She retired from The Financial Post and has been an Academy member for many years. She is deeply interested in literature, history, drama, music and travelling to European countries.
LONDON: PEOPLE AND PLACES
Biweekly Tuesdays 2-4 Week 2
Room 5
No great city on earth has more history and variety than London. From the city's vast and fascinating reserves, this course will distill an eclectic array of topics designed to illuminate some unique places of historical and visual interest (e.g. Spitalfields, Whitehall) and recognize specific people who have contributed in various ways to the London we know today (e.g. William Hogarth, John Nash, Sir Hans Sloane). The emphasis will be on the 17th to 19th centuries. All participants will select and research a topic for presentation; most topics will have a visual perspective.
Betty Ann Crosbie (416-962-3032 / crosbie803@rogers.com) is a retired college instructor/journalist who has recently facilitated Provence and Riviera workshops. London is her most loved and visited city.
MEMOIR: READING AND WRITING
Biweekly Tuesdays 10-12 Week 1
Room 1
Memoir has become a major literary form in our culture. This group will explore the qualities of good memoir writing. Each participant will: give a talk on a published memoir of his/her choice emphasizing the 'voice' of the author, the techniques and applicability to our memoir writing; participate in short directed in-class writing exercises; and choose, if s/he wishes, to read a section of his/her personal memoir writing to the class for discussion.
Liz Feltes (416-489-7983) / liz.feltes@gmail.com) is British by birth and a Torontonian by choice who has been working for many years on a memoir of her young childhood in India.
Eileen Schwartz (416-226-3529 / eileenschwartz@rogers.com) spent many years as a teacher, special educator and consultant in inclusive practices for students with disabilities in the TDSB. After retiring, she completed her Doctorate in Education in 2009. She enjoys learning with the Academy and travelling.
MUSIC APPRECIATION: MUSIC IN CANADA
Biweekly Wednesdays 2-4 Week 1
Room 5
This year we will explore Canada's contribution to the world of music, past & present.
We will examine all aspects of Canada's rich store of music makers from shore to shore to shore, including composers, vocal and instrumental artists, orchestras, chamber groups and choirs.
At each session we will listen to and discuss the music chosen by a member, who will select a topic for presentation.
Désirée Ashworth (416-481-3635 / dashworth@sympatico.ca) joined the Academy in 1996; she co-facilitated the Play Reading workshop for several years and serves on the Membership Committee. Her interest in music started with piano lessons at age six; she also sang in a choir prior to immigrating to Canada. She is a retired paediatric nurse.
Charlotte Broome (416-921-9706 / charlotte1.broome@gmail.com) has been interested in classical music most of her life. For the past three years she has participated in Academy music workshops, first on singers and then on composers. She is looking forward to investigating the scope of music in Canada, where there is a surprisingly varied music history.
THE NEW YORKER READERS
Biweekly Thursdays 10-12 Week 1
Room 5
At each session, workshop members will decide which articles, stories, reviews, poems, cartoons and covers to discuss in the two recent issues of the magazine they have received and read. Those proposing the articles will lead the discussion. Subscription copies are available by mail (at an academic discount) and by e-mail.
Lisa Avedon (647-438-9357 / lisa@avedon.org) is a retired adult educator whose career was spent first as an academic and then with the Ontario government. She began subscribing to 'The New Yorker' early in her graduate studies and has never stopped because of the diversity of the material, the art work and, of course, the cartoons and the covers.
Audrey Swail (416-962-3358 / swail@istar.ca) has had extensive experience in government and community policy research and analysis. This generated her lifelong interest in exploring the current issues of the day. She is an avid reader of current events and is enthusiastic about working with a group of readers of 'The New Yorker'.
THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
Biweekly Wednesdays 10-12 Week 1
Room 1
In his will Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel requested that his fortune be used to create prizes for those who confer the "greatest benefit on mankind." Peace was the fifth and final prize area mentioned. Since 1901, the Peace Prize has been awarded 98 times to individuals aged 32 to 87 years, and 23 times to organizations. It was not awarded on 19 occasions. Recipients have been from 40 different countries; 29 awards have been shared, a few have been controversial, and 12 laureates have been women.
Participants in this workshop will base their presentations on the lives and contributions of individuals and organizations honoured by the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rhona Wolpert (416-961-2449 / rhona_wolpert@rogers.com) grew up in apartheid South Africa in an immigrant Lithuanian Jewish family where she developed strong anti-discrimination, anti-war, social activism beliefs, and admiration for the Peace Prize.
NON-FICTION: NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
Biweekly Tuesdays 12-2 Week 1
Room 5
This lively workshop examines non-fiction books written in this century, in whole or part, that draw attention to issues we wish to talk about. Some of the books likely to be read, presented and discussed include: The Future of Canada's Arctic and Its People by Sheila Watt-Cloutier; and Arrival City: The Final Migration and Our Next World by Doug Saunders. Participants' suggestions will also be considered, and all members will be expected to make a presentation.
Mandy Thomson (416-487-0420 / mandythomson@sympatico.ca) is a former education administrator and consultant who thrives on the joys of retirement, including the delights of a good discussion and learning at the Academy.
NOVELS: FACT & FICTION
Biweekly Tuesdays 2-4 Week 1
Room 5
We draw on historical or theme-based novels to analyze contemporary or classical literature, and all participants are expected to make a presentation. This fall we will discuss: The Man in the Wooden Hat, J. Gardam; Parrot & Olivier in America, P. Carey; Out Stealing Horses, P. Petterson; Mr. Shakespeare's Bastard, R. Wright; The Secret Scripture, S. Barry; The Reluctant Fundamentalist, M. Hamid. In the winter term: Brooklyn, C. Toibin; Land of Marvels, B. Unsworth; Secret Daughter, S. Gowda; Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, H. Simonson; Dancer, C. McCann; Artemesia, A. LaPierre.
Eveleen Armour (416-922-7006 / eveleen@sympatico.ca) graduated from the Ontario College of Art and, more recently, earned a Master's Degree in Environmental Studies.
Karin Foss (416-926-9297 / fosskarin@rogers.com) was educated in Montreal at Trafalgar and Concordia. Although she worked in finance, she has always had a love of reading.
OPINIONS
Biweekly Wednesdays 10-12 Week 2
Room 1
Members of this workshop will discuss articles taken from a wide range of journals of opinion, newspapers, and other sources. Topics should be substantive enough to be worthy of discussion. The group will consider the case made by the author in the light of experience, alternative points of view, and other material that may be offered by the presenter. Participants are expected to read articles chosen for review in advance, to take their turn introducing an article and starting the discussion. They are also encouraged to suggest suitable articles from their own reading.
Bill Davis (416-963-4373 / velmagdavis@sympatico.ca) is a chartered accountant. Most of his working life was spent as an officer of the United Church of Canada, latterly as the senior financial officer. Interests and achievements are in ecumenical social justice work and local community work with Residents' Associations and youth groups.
PHILOSOPHICAL WORKS: SHORT BOOKS WITH TALL IDEAS
Biweekly Thursdays 12-2 Week 1
Room 1
This workshop is for non-specialists in philosophy who have an interest in the ideas that have had an impact on Western civilization. We will study short, non-technical works written for a broad audience. These will range from early Greek works to the present time and may include: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Pascal's Pensées, Buber's I and Thou. Although participants may suggest a title, a list of books will be provided.
Each participant will select one work on which to present their reflections to the class. There is no obligation for participants to read all of the books.
Rob Pozdrowski (905-841-0746 / rpozdrowski@gmail.com) is a retired English teacher with an interest in philosophy.
PLAYS PUZZLING AND PROVOCATIVE: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PINTER
Biweekly Thursdays 2-4 Week 1
Room 1
Auden said of Pinter, "You never know what the hell's coming next." Pinter himself said, "There are no distinctions between what is real and what is unreal, nor between what is true and what is false. A thing is not necessarily true or false; it can be both".
Playwright, poet, actor; theatre, film and TV director; left-wing political activist and Nobel Laureate: his plays raise complex issues of individual identity oppressed by social forces. Participants will make their presentations based on a sampling of his plays, exploring his themes of power, communication and the unreliability of memory and knowledge. Recommended reading: the memoir Must You Go? My Life with Harold Pinter, by his wife Antonia Fraser.
Corinne Wilks (416-656-1493 / corinne.wilks@sympatico.ca) worked as a research clinician at the Clarke Institute for 22 years and now has a small private practice. Her real life, however, happens in literature, music and theatre.
Elaine Vayda (416-967-6461 / eevayda@rogers.com) taught social work practice at McMaster Univ. and York Univ. for over 20 years with a special interest in social work and law. Her lifetime interest in theatre has become a major focus since retirement.
POETRY
Biweekly Thursdays 12-2 Week 2
Room 5
Whether you are familiar with poetry or new to it, enjoy the pleasure of poetry by reading aloud selections from familiar or modern and contemporary poets from many countries. Then, through discussion of the content, sound and rhythms, discover how the poet's emotions and experiences become meaningful for you.
Each participant will make a ten minute presentation of a poet from the circulated list or one of their own choosing and will provide copies of the poems for each member.
Nancy Hall (416-766-7173) is a retired English secondary school teacher. Her interests are reading, music and travel.
Ellen Edmonds (416-928-2795 / edmonds@interlog.com) is a retired English teacher who taught in her native Denmark and here. Her interests are reading, writing, music and theatre.
SPAIN'S HISTORY: FROM PRE-ROMAN TO POST-FRANCO
Biweekly Thursdays 12-2 Week 1
Room 5
Spain differs from other countries in Western Europe. Presentations by participants will explore how Spain managed to conquer, then lose, its colonies, and why the riches of the Americas flitted through Spain doing nothing to better the population.
Why, after the Romans left, were no decent roads built until the twentieth century? Why could railroads never cross the border with France? Why do the Basques near Bilbao and the Catalans near Barcelona continue to fight Madrid? Why did Spain's Catholic Church escape the impact of Lutheran doubt? Why is it 'the ambition of every Spanish General to be his country's ruler'? How did Spain win soccer's prestigious World Cup?
Chris Clemence (416-489-7614 / chrisclemence@sympatico.ca) was an Investment Advisor prior to retirement, and has always been an "amateur historian" with a particular interest in the factors contributing to the rise and fall of the great empires.
Brian O'Leary (416-860-0747 / brianoleary@rogers.com) has lived in Spain and traveled great parts of this fascinating country. Last year he facilitated a course on the Spanish Civil War. Nevertheless his background is in TV, mainly with the CBC.
VILLAINS OF HISTORY
Biweekly Tuesdays 12-2 Week 1
Room 1
History is driven as much by its villains as by its heroes. There are those like Fidel Castro who are seen as a villain to some and a hero to others. From Hitler and Mussolini to Mao Zedong and Pol Pot, the list is endless. What we are looking for is how and why these people gained such power and were able to bring such destruction and chaos. How were they finally defeated - or were they?
An attempt at a list will be made but only to stimulate more ideas. Presentations can be made by one or more people, especially if there are differing opinions. But please leave lots of time for discussion.
Sally Ferguson (416-362-2534 / sallyferguson1@bell.net) has a love of history, particularly social history, and life at the Academy allows her to pursue that passion. Her first degree was in history and she has kept this interest alive ever since.
WORLD TRAVELLERS IN HISTORY
Biweekly Tuesdays 2-4 Week 1
Room 1
Members of this workshop will enjoy sharing stories of travellers who journeyed for financial, cultural, military or spiritual reasons. Participants are invited to choose and present the background story of a traveller, either a famous traveller of personal interest, someone from a list of suggested names, or perhaps a relative or friend of their own acquaintance. Examples of travellers may be individual (Sir Francis Drake) or group (Crusaders or conquistadores); male (Che Guevara) or female (Gertrude Bell); adult (Leif Ericson) or children (with the Kindertransport or Raj Orphans).
Carol Stoddart (416-923-7252, jarvis_stoddart@sympatico.ca) is still easing into retirement after a later life career as a hospital chaplain. She has a great love of travel, having visited some 70 countries and lived in four (Canada, Greece, Japan and England).
WORLD WAR II, YEAR 2
Biweekly Fridays 12-2 Week 2
Room 5
Many of us in the Academy have some personal connection to the Second World War. In the second year of this workshop, we will continue our examination of the war's major battles and campaigns, its politics and fateful decisions, to the war's conclusion on V-J Day and its immediate aftermath in Europe and the Pacific. We will also reflect on how this war changed the world, as perhaps no other war has done.
All participants will make a presentation, selecting a favourite topic and doing further research to stimulate discussion.
Patricia Macdonald (416-481-1691 / patricia.macdonald2@sympatico.ca) is a retired history teacher, with an MA from the University of Toronto and a continuing interest in history, past and current.
Judith Schurek (416-920-5990 / allies@bellnet.ca) was born in Budapest, Hungary. She came to Canada in 1957 after the Hungarian uprising. She completed her studies in Toronto and received her diploma in Mechanical Engineering from U of T. | 