2026 Spring Semester

WALL2290-01    Exploring Ethics
	Instructor(s):
		David Swigart
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: January 6, 13, 20, 27
	Course Time:
		1:30-2:30pm
	Description:
		Students will be introduced to ethics through four distinct lenses. We begin with the etymology of ethics, character, and investigate the inner nature and construction of the human being through Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Confucius’ Analects. Next, we will explore humans as political, forming a social body that may complete or challenge their individuality based on teachings of Plato and Chinese philosophy. In our 3rd session we turn to ethics seen through the Scientific Revolution. We end with a challenge to the primacy of rational thought in ethics, a turn to the passions.

WALL2290-2    Positive Psychology
	Instructor(s):
		Carole Seegert, Ph.D
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: January 7, 14, 21, 28
	Course Time:
		1:30-2:30pm
	Description:
		Positive Psychology is a research-based field of study on the qualities and behaviors that promote human flourishing. This course will discuss what we have learned about becoming more resilient and increasing life satisfaction.

WALL2290-3    Won’t You Be My Neighbor, AI? Friendly Lessons for Non-Techies
	Instructor(s):
		Bethany Buck
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: January 7, 14, 21
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00pm
	Description:
		Curious about the buzz around artificial intelligence, but not sure where to start? Join us for a friendly, three-part series designed especially for lifelong learners who want to understand how AI is shaping our world—no technical background required! Class 1: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor, AI? The Story of a Helpful New Friend” Theme: The History and Impact of AI in Daily Life. We welcome a new neighbor—AI—to the neighborhood. Together, we take a gentle stroll down memory lane, exploring how inventions have always helped people. AI shares its own story: how it started as an idea in books and movies, and now quietly helps people every day. It’s okay to feel curious or cautious about new things, and that learning together is what neighbors do best. Class 2: “How AI Lends a Helping Hand: Everyday Support in the Neighborhood” Theme: AI in Medical Appointments, Budgeting, Safety, and Planning We invite AI to show how it helps neighbors with everyday tasks. AI gently demonstrates how it can help during a doctor’s appointment, protect your banking account, keep the neighborhood safe with smart locks, and even help plan a family trip. We ask thoughtful questions, making sure AI explains things simply and kindly, so everyone feels included and empowered—not overwhelmed. Class 3: “Creating, Connecting, and Caring: AI’s Creative Side.D” Theme: AI for Art, Connection, and Lifelong Learning. We partner with AI to explore the creative and connective possibilities of technology. AI helps a neighbor make a personalized birthday card, shows how it can translate a letter from a friend who speaks another language, and helps neighbors of all ages share stories and memories. We highlight how AI can help keep our minds active, encourage creativity, and bring people together—reminding everyone that learning and connecting never go out of style.

WALL2290-5    Forensic Anthropology Solves Human Mysteries
	Instructor(s):
		JoAnna Watson
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: February 3, 10, 17, 24
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00pm
	Description:
		Ever wonder what really happened to historical persons, cultures, and events? Join JoAnna as we look at topics that will include: how did King Tut really die, the collapse of the mighty Mississippian culture, the Tikal (Mayan) population explosion, why was the “Iceman (Utzy)” traveling in winter, did humans arrive in the New World earlier than thought, and the disappearance of Neanderthals among others.

WALL2290-6    The Arts as Hammer and Mirror: Reflection and Transformation in Culture
	Instructor(s):
		Sydney & John Chalfa
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: February 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 3
	Course Time:
		1:30-2:30pm
	Description:
		The Arts can be seen as both a hammer and a mirror; they reflect society while also shaping it by conveying ideas and influencing perceptions. This duality allows the arts to serve as a tool for both reflection and transformation in the cultural landscape. This course is designed to be interactive, blending lectures, discussions, and hands-on analysis. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the metaphor of the arts as a mirror and a hammer, analyze how different art forms reflect and shape societal values, critically evaluate examples of art as tools for social change, and explore their own creative expression or consumption as reflective or transformative.

WALL2290-7    Color ABC
	Instructor(s):
		Yvonne Gabriel
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00pm
	Description:
		Color can be confusing. Often, when we start using color, the options are too many and we get discouraged. In this course, we will systematically take the steps needed to develop a basic understanding of color. We’ll begin with a dark and light, exploring the fundamental importance of value. Stepwise, we’ll add color one at a time! Week One invites us into the foundational world of values, where we’ll work in black and white to explore light, shadow, and composition through small-scale exercises. Week Two introduces the color wheel—its structure, purpose, and expressive potential. We’ll apply this knowledge through simple shapes rendered in traditional primary and secondary colors. Week Three expands our palette to include tertiary colors, with a focus on common missteps and how to avoid them. Through small works that combine primary, secondary, and tertiary hues, we will increase our understanding of unity in color. Week Four culminates in a final project: a larger-format piece that synthesizes everything we’ve learned, allowing each student to express their unique voice through color. A list of supplies needed for class will be distributed to enrolled members.

WALL2290-9    Tristan and Isolde Opera
	Instructor(s):
		Mary Keating, Ed.D.
	Course Days:
		Fridays: February 27, March 6, 13, 20
	Course Time:
		1:30-3:00pm
	Description:
		Before there was Romeo and Juliet, before Guinevere and Lancelot, and long before Camelot, there was Tristan and Isolde, a story of overwhelming passion and eroticism at war with duty and loyalty. Come experience why Wagner’s immortal opera, Tristan und Isolde, is considered the singular masterpiece of music drama that propelled music into the modern age. During four class sessions, you will learn the history of Tristan und Isolde and will listen to recordings of excerpts from the opera by great singers past and present. On March 21, having been thoroughly immersed and introduced, we will hear the opera together at the Douglass Theatre in downtown Macon. Operas at the Douglass are broadcast “Live in HD” from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. (Admission to the opera broadcast is $20 for seniors.) This is the perfect first Wagner opera.

WALL2290-10    Great Decisions (Wesleyan College)
	Instructor(s):
		Vince Coughlin, J.D., LL.M
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22
	Course Time:
		1:30-3:00pm
	Description:
		Great Decisions is a product of the Foreign Policy Association. Topics are: America & The World, Trump 2.0, Foreign Policy & Tariffs, The Future of the World Economy U.S.-China relations, Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation, Ukraine & the Future of European Security Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order, U.S. Engagement of Africa, The Future of Democracy & Human Rights in a Divided World.

WALL2290-11    Great Decisions (Carlyle Place)
	Instructor(s):
		Vince Coughlin, J.D., LL.M
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:30pm
	Description:
		Great Decisions is a product of the Foreign Policy Association. Topics are: America & The World, Trump 2.0, Foreign Policy & Tariffs, The Future of the World Economy U.S.-China relations, Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation, Ukraine & the Future of European Security Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order, U.S. Engagement of Africa, The Future of Democracy & Human Rights in a Divided World.

WALL2290-12    Just Stop Talking: What to say to People in Emotional Distress
	Instructor(s):
		Donna Green
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18, 25
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		When you encounter someone who is hurting, what should you say to express your concern? What should you not say--or when is it time to “just stop talking”? From a layman’s point of view, this class will cover Donna’s Twenty Dos and Don’ts to use in situations of everyday hurt like job loss, illness, loss of a pet, empty nest, divorce, and even the loss of a loved one. Come to learn, discuss and explore what we can glean from personal experiences.

WALL2290-13    A Survey of Protest in Popular Music
	Instructor(s):
		Rose Thornburg
	Course Days:
		Wednesdays: April 1, 8, 15 & 22
	Course Time:
		11:00-12:00
	Description:
		Since ancient times, people have voiced unhappiness with their situations in music. Before the American colonies became the United States, the revolutionaries put taunts to music in order to goad their British counterparts. And across the ages since, people have used songs to make their feelings known on subjects such as race, war, gender, violence and aggression. Not all songs we consider “protest music” are heard strictly at marches. In fact, most are heard on mainstream media, and some appear in our local church hymnals. This course will look at a selection of those songs from the 20th and 21st Centuries which carry a strong social message and the artists who wrote and/or performed them.

WALL2290-14    Mysteries of the Night Sky at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
	Instructor(s):
		Mallory Stone	Xandrya Edwards	Raegan Drick
	Course Days:
		Tuesdays: March 3, 10, 17, 24
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00pm
	Description:
		This course will take place at the Museum of Arts and Sciences and explore the mysteries of the night sky from the earth, moon, and sun system to constellations to art depicting celestial bodies throughout history. The first session will be taught by Mallory Stone and occur in the Science on a Sphere exhibit where we will discover how the earth, moon, and sun system works and discuss topics such as moon phases and seasonal changes. The second and third sessions will be led by Raegan Drick and held in the Mark Smith Planetarium where we will take a journey through the legends of the night sky. The final session will be facilitated by Xandrya Edwards who will utilize our recently explored science content to investigate Baroque techniques and create your own piece of astronomy art.

WALL2290-15    Refounding Macon
	Instructor(s):
		Rev. Sarah Pugh-Montgomery
	Course Days:
		Thursdays: April 9, 16
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00pm
	Description:
		Last year, Reverend Montgomery presented “Refounding Macon,” a docuseries that tells the story of Macon’s racial history — from slavery to desegregation. Since then, the final episode has been released. She will review previous videos and show the new episode which will be sure to spark meaningful discussion.

WALL2290-16    Tour of Historic Macon
	Instructor(s):
		Jim Barfield
	Course Days:
		Friday, April 10
	Course Time:
		1:30-4:30pm
	Description:
		Join us for a rolling tour of Historic Macon leaving Wesleyan by bus to sites significant in history with stops at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, the Cannonball House, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Please bring $5 for the entry fee into the Cannonball House. Please note that the Wesleyan Bus is not handicap accessible and requires members to step up 1/2 a foot to get on to the bus.

WALL2290-17    Hamlet in Performance
	Instructor(s):
		Stephen Wisker
	Course Days:
		Mondays: January 5, 12, 26, Feb 2
	Course Time:
		1:30-2:30pm
	Description:
		Hamlet in Performance will take the participant on a journey through Shakespeare’s funniest tragedy! The class will consider the play on stage in the London theatre of 1600, in productions around the world and most recently here at Wesleyan College last spring. The course will build on a chapter in Dr. Wisker’s book Embracing Disruption: Clowning, Improvisation, and the Unscripted in Early Shakespearean Performance that examines the unlikely, but pervasive, influence of clowning on Shakespeare, his play, and the performance in the leading role of Richard Burbage—the first actor to play the Danish prince. The course will also consider the play’s plot, its themes and its astonishing language. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of verse speaking and perform—if they so desire—in the low stress and supportive environment of the class.

WALL2290-18    Theatre Macon's "Cloud 9"
	Instructor(s):
		Jim Crisp, M.F.A.
	Course Days:
		Mondays: March 30, Apr 6, 13, 20
	Course Time:
		3:00-4:00
	Description:
		This time-shifting comedy by Caryl Churchill, author of Top Girls, created a sensation in its off-Broadway premiere and continues to thrill and delight audiences worldwide. A hilarious and scathing parody of colonialism and the Victorian Empire, particularly in its rigid attitude toward sex, Cloud 9 explores conventions and celebrates acceptance with wit and biting humor. Jim Crisp is directing Cloud 9 at Theatre Macon.