2025 Spring Semester

WALL2270-01    Verdi’s “Aida”, the Grandest of Grand Operas
	Instructor(s):
		Mary Keating, Ed.D.
	Course Days:
		Fridays: January 3, 10, 17, 24
	Course Time:
		1:30-3:00PM
	Description:
		Verdi’s Aida has been a beloved staple in opera houses around the world since its debut in 1871. Come along as we journey to Ancient Egypt to explore one of the greatest love triangles of all time: the Ethiopian slave girl, (Aida), the dashing commanding general (Radames), and Amneris (Pharoah’s daughter.) We’ll discuss one act per class and listen to examples of great singers past and present. Following the last Friday class, on Saturday, January 25, Members have the option to attend the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD broadcast of Aida at the Douglass Theatre in downtown Macon.

WALL2270-2    Broken Arrow
	Instructor(s):
		Vince Coughlin, J.D., LL.M
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: January 8, 15, 22, 29
	Course Time:
		1:30-2:30PM
	Description:
		The course describes 10 nuclear weapons accidents from 1950-1980 (Nuclear Near-Misses During the Cold War) called “Broken Arrows.” These accidents came dangerously close to wreaking atomic devastation.

WALL2270-3    Ghosts of the Georgia Coast
	Instructor(s):
		Carolyn Garvin
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: January 7, 14, 21, 28
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00PM
	Description:
		We live in a fast-paced world, in a society that’s rushing headlong into the future without a backward glance, a society focused on computers and internet links. But the preservation of the spirit of a people lies not only in its technology, but also in the legacy of folklore, legends, songs, and ballads that have been passed down orally from generation to generation, usually informally and anonymously. To quote Stephen Vincent Benet, “It always seems to me that legends, yarns, and folk tales are as much a part of real history of a country as proclamations, provisos, and constitutional amendments.”

WALL2270-4    The U.S. and Europe: Perspective after the Election
	Instructor(s):
		Barbara Donovan, Ph.D.
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: January 9, 16, 23, 30
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00PM
	Description:
		This course will examine how U.S. Foreign Policy toward Europe evolves in the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election. Topics for discussion include US policy toward NATO, US-Russia relations, the prospect of a peace agreement for Ukraine, and US-EU relations in an era of populist politics.

WALL2270-5    Goddess Role in the Rise of Patriarchy
	Instructor(s):
		JoAnna Watson
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		As the next step in her previous course (When God was a Woman/Spring 2024), Dr. Watson will progress to the Neolithic period that slips out of prehistory into the historical era and how the dominant sacred focus shifts with the demands of the changing social landscape. The role of the goddess and her decline is explored through archeological evidence and the oral tradition which was finally encapsulated in writing.

WALL2270-6    1967: Four Films that Rocked the Boat
	Instructor(s):
		Robert Fieldsteel
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25
	Course Time:
		1:30-4:30PM
	Description:
		The United States in 1967 was on the precipice of the radical change that was to follow before the decade was completed. This questioning and, in some cases, outright rejection of mainstream values was significantly reflected in several films distributed that year. This course will cover four films that engendered controversy at the time of their release: The Graduate (dir. Mike Nichols), Bonnie and Clyde (dir. Arthur Penn), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (dir. Stanley Kramer) and The Producers (dir. Mel Brooks). In some films, a revolution was stirring not only in content, but also in style. We will study the production history of each film, analyze the artistry of the result, and cover the sociological ramifications of each film.

WALL2270-7    The Bible as Literature: The Book of Acts
	Instructor(s):
		Donna Green
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: February 5, 12, 19, 26
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		As the best-selling book of all time, learning about the Bible is essential to a complete understanding of world history and literature. This course will explore the Book of Acts, one of the 66 distinguishable books that comprise the Bible. It is a detailed historical account, written by a doctor who was an eyewitness to many of the events he describes. This course will explore how a small unauthorized sect of Judaism became a major world religion.

WALL2270-8    Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits
	Instructor(s):
		Jan Lewis, Ph.D.
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		In this course, we will examine four more of Shakespeare’s most provocative and successful plays: the historical drama, Richard III, the romantic comedy, As You Like It, the later romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, and Shakespeare’s last play, The Tempest. These plays will be examined within their historical, performative, and social contexts. We will discuss not only the themes, plots and characters of these plays, but also how each play reflects tensions embedded in English society during the era in which it was written. Participants should prepare by watching suggested film or video versions of the plays and reading the plays or their synopses.

WALL2270-9    History of Recorded Music and Macon’s Connection
	Instructor(s):
		Douglas MacMillan
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: February 6, 13, 20, 27
	Course Time:
		1:30-2:30PM
	Description:
		We will explore the history of recorded music with a concentration on the 78 record era from the 1890s to the early 1950s. Emphasis will be placed on artists who have a connection with Georgia in general and Macon in particular. We’ll explore all musical genres of recorded music (classical, country, jazz, big band, etc.) from the beginnings in the 1890s and every decade through the 1950s. We’ll hear little known iconic artists rarely heard today.

WALL2270-10    Flavorful Journeys: Exploring the Culinary Heritage of West Africa
	Instructor(s):
		Dr. Brandi Simpson-Miller
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: March 4, 11, 18, 25
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		This course provides an in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse culinary traditions of West Africa. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine the historical, cultural, social, and economic factors that have shaped West African foodways over time. From ancient practices to modern influences, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the significance of food in West African societies and its impact on global cuisine. We will sample West African foods in the last class. NOTE: A $15 additional fee covers food costs for the last class that will be held on March 25th in the Burden Parlor.

WALL2270-11    Conservation Biology
	Instructor(s):
		Jim Ferrari, Ph.D.
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: March 18, 25, April 1, 8
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00PM
	Description:
		In this 4-session course, we will cover topics including global patterns of biodiversity, reasons for biodiversity loss, the genetics of small populations, strategies for species conservation, landscape ecology, values of biodiversity, environmental ethics, and the future of Earth’s species.

WALL2270-12    Great Decisions 2025 (Wesleyan College)
	Instructor(s):
		Vince Coughlin, J.D., LL.M
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 (1:30-3pm) & April 2, 9, 16, 23 (1:30-2:45pm)
	Course Time:
		March (1:30-3pm), April (1:30-2:45pm)
	Description:
		Great Decisions 2025 Topics 1. American foreign policy at a crossroads. 2. U.S. changing leadership of the world economy. 3. U.S.-China relations 4. India: Between China, the West and the Global South 5. International cooperation on climate change 6. The future of NATO and European security 7. AI and American National Security 8. After Gaza: American policy in the Middle East NOTE: members are to purchase the Great Decisions 2024 Briefing Book from the Foreign Policy Association website. They are available at www.fpa.org and then click “Bookstore.”

WALL2270-13    Great Decisions 2025 (Carlyle Place)
	Instructor(s):
		Vince Coughlin, J.D., LL.M
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:30PM
	Description:
		Great Decisions 2025 Topics 1. American foreign policy at a crossroads. 2. U.S. changing leadership of the world economy. 3. U.S.-China relations 4. India: Between China, the West and the Global South 5. International cooperation on climate change 6. The future of NATO and European security 7. AI and American National Security 8. After Gaza: American policy in the Middle East NOTE: members are to purchase the Great Decisions 2024 Briefing Book from the Foreign Policy Association website. They are available at www.fpa.org and then click “Bookstore.”

WALL2270-14    Our World is Nothing but Symbols- Right or Wrong
	Instructor(s):
		Richard Davies, Ph.D.
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: April 3, 10, 17, 24
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		A look at symbols and their importance in our lives. (There will be no reference to the Dan Brown/Da Vinci code, the Lost Symbol.) We will begin by looking at ways we use symbols to understand and organize the world we experience. Then, if we have time, we will look at the way we use symbols to communicate. This will be a class to encourage thought and conversation.

WALL2270-15    Technology for Seniors
	Instructor(s):
		Joe Finkelstein
	Course Days:
		Wednesday: April 2, 9, 16, 23
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00PM
	Description:
		This is a hands-on course to explore AI/Artificial Intelligence models that can help participants be more efficient and also explore creative options. NOTE: The class is taught at participants’ pace Session 1: AI for Everyday Tasks Introduction to AI and language models including recipe generation, cooking tips, scheduling and reminders, and voice-to-text for easy communication Session 2: Creating with AI: Images and Music: Hands-on activity creating a simple card or music piece with ChatGPT and Suno Session 3: Essential Apps for Everyday Life: Useful smartphone apps for daily tasks (Macon downtown parking, library services/e-books, communication apps tutorial [WhatsApp/Zoom], and videos) using interactive question/answer and hands-on practice. Session 4: Bringing It All Together: Recap previous sessions, explore useful tech tips, and address any remaining questions/challenges, and future exploration of tech tools. Tips for staying safe online will be provided.

WALL2270-16    Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Israel and Iran
	Instructor(s):
		Betty Taylor
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: April 1, 8, 15, 22
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		The conflict between Israel and Iran has been in the news throughout much of the past year. To best comprehend the complexity of the issue, one must understand the relationship between Israel and Iran in the context of Middle Eastern politics. With that goal in mind, we will attempt to: 1) understand the historical, political, and ideological factors shaping the relationship between Israel and Iran 2) analyze key events and developments in their relationship over the years 3) evaluate the current state of relations.