Winter Registration Opens December 5, 2023 at 9 a.m.
Term Duration: January 8 – March 14, 2024
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Study Group Topics
Music / Theatre / Film Studies Politics / Economics / Current Events
Science / Technology Senior Services / Workshops
Winter 2024
YCMS 510 (in person)/YCMS 511 (online)
Growing Up in Poverty: Yesterday and Today
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderators: Lorne Huston | lhuston137 [at] gmail.com
Claire Booth | clairebooth2016 [at] gmail.com
Time: Thursday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 10 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
Barbara Kingsolver’s most recent Pulitzer-prize-winning novel tells the story of Demon Copperhead and the ways contemporary American society fails to help children growing up in poverty in rural Kentucky. Her novel is in many ways a retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, the heart-wrenching story of a young boy growing up in 19th century London. We propose to read these two novels over the semester and to discuss their similarities and differences.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 510 - In person
YCMS 511 - Online
YCMS 402 Writing: A Creative Challenge I
Moderator: Michael Moore | mxm [at] michaelmoore.studio
Time: Monday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 11
An introductory journey into the art of creative writing, exploring ideas about the nature of creativity; the general disciplines that every writer needs; elements of fiction, including voice, narrative, character, plot and the evoking of emotion; ideas involved in different forms of writing, such as stories, poetry, novels, plays and even memoir, with exercises on how to achieve work that will engage the reader from the start and compel them forward to the end.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 486 Writing: A Creative Challenge II
Moderators: Michael Moore | mxm [at] michaelmoore.studio
Anni Walsh | anniwalsh [at] icloud.com
Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 12
The primary focus of this is on four constituent elements: Character Building / Short Stories / Play Writing / Poetry. Each session will concentrate on 'hands on' instruction so that every student has an opportunity to create their own works in class and read or perform for the group. There will be no homework assignments. Two weeks will be devoted to each topic with the last two weeks being a special presentation by any students who wish to participate.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 512 The Eclectic Shakespeare
Moderator: Clifford Parr | clifford.parr [at] sympatico.ca
Time: Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17
In this session, we will be watching and discussing together a varied selection of Shakespearean plays that have not yet been covered in previous sessions. Productions include: Anthony and Cleopatra, Coriolanus, King John, The Merchant of Venice, and The Tempest.
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 513 Relationality: An Indigenous Worldview
Moderator: Marlene Chan | marlenechan02 [at] gmail.com
Time: Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 12
This is a study group on the recently launched Dewemaagannag My Relations Guide designed to clarify the concept of Relational Accountability.
Together we will explore the key principles and values intrinsic to Indigenous beliefs and worldview based on respect, relevance, reciprocity and responsibility. These principles and values are central to building relationships of all kinds and can be applied to the participants and the collaborative selection of topics for presentations, to be followed by a group discussion. (A list of references and potential topics for discussion will be provided in advance.)
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 514 (in person)/YCMS 515 (online)
The Clans of Scotland
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderators: Sandra Frisby | sandrafrisby [at] gmail.com
Catherine Main-Oster | catherinemainoster [at] gmail.com
Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 11 in person, 11 online
Moderator Location: 1 in classroom; 1 online
Proud and curious about your own Scottish heritage? Even though no Scottish blood, Interested in the clans? Each participant will choose a clan and learn about its history, its tartan and other regalia, its traditions, both historical and present day. Participants may include anecdotes about their own family, if applicable.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 514 - In person
YCMS 515 - Online
YCMS 487 (in person)/YCMS 488 (online)
Parlons Français
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Jacques Lalanne | m.jacques.lalanne [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting February 12
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
En français seulement
Conversation en français sur des sujets d'expériences vécues, proposés par le modérateur.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 487 - In person
YCMS 488 - Online
YCMS 516 (in person)/YCMS 517 (online)
Lost Art - Part II
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderators: Mary Ann Mongeau | ma41mongeau [at] yahoo.ca
Audrey Speck | a.speck [at] videotron.ca
Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 9
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
We had some fascinating presentations last winter, but much is left to discover. We will look at some of the more spectacular dramas surrounding artworks of all kinds, including architecture. Artworks are among the most fundamental expressions of humanity. Yet, their lives are fragile. They are exposed to war, natural disasters, theft, forgery, cultural suppression and appropriation. A list of proposed narratives will be supplied, including stories of art found. Participants are expected to choose the topic that interests them the most, from the list or otherwise, and present this story to the group.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 516 - In person
YCMS 517- Online
YCMS 518 Food: The Politics, the Power, the Pleasure
Moderator: Marjorie Northrup | marjorienorthrup [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 15
There are many fascinating and complex issues surrounding this topic: The politics of food supply and pricing, longevity diets, famine and its many causes, genetically modified crops, food in literature, urban gardening, food waste, food security, and many more. This study group will feature moderator and participant presentations (optional), films and input from invited guests.
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 519 What Is a Masterpiece, in 2024?
Moderator: Peter Roberts | proberts [at] aei.ca
Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 21
A masterpiece “returns your powers of concentration after this clamorous world of news and notifications seemed to have wiped them out.” - Jason Farago, culture critic New York Times. Mandatory participation: Give a 10-15 minute presentation of appreciation about your choice with illustrations, if appropriate - any genre! Sample list and readings provided in advance, but you are free to choose your own. Presentations will be followed by 30 - 40 minutes of group discussion about the presentation, the above statement and the work itself. Two presentations scheduled per class meeting, starting in the second week.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 280 (in person)/YCMS 520 (online)
Prelude to Downton Abbey: A History of the English Stately House
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Belinda Beaton | belinda.beaton2 [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
Downton Abbey’s reflection of glittering stately house life with its social divide actually shows the twilight of a way of life. The evolution of the great house over several centuries, from fortified castles and manors to classically proportioned palaces where women assumed more prominent roles, is a colourful chapter from the history of Western civilization. This study group has been previously offered.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 280 - In person
YCMS 520 - Online
YCMS 521 A Look at the History of Brazil
Moderator: Peter Berry | dukemorrill2004 [at] yahoo.ca
Time: Monday 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 25
Pedro Alvares Cabral's landing in 1500 on the coast of South America set in motion a chain of events that resulted in the creation of the fascinating modern, multicultural and multiracial country of Brazil.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 522 Turning Points in the Modern Middle East
Moderator: Peter Berry | dukemorrill2004 [at] yahoo.ca
Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 25
We will investigate the causes and consequences of the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, the end of the Palestine Mandate, 1947-48, and the triumph of the ayatollahs in the Iranian Revolution of 1978-19. The positive and negative legacies of these events are still with us today,
Register for this online study group
YCMS 523 History and Culture of Spain, 1500 - 1700
Moderator: Colin Hudson | colin.hudson [at] sympatico.ca
Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 25
Following our study of the Muslim era in Spain -“A Golden Age in Spain”- we will explore the history and culture of the next two centuries in Spain.- 1500 to 1700. The history of this period includes The Armada, the Thirty Years War, the conquest of Central and South America, and the politics leading to the decline of Spain in the 18th century. In the arts, Cervantes, Lope de Vega, El Greco, Velasquez, Murillo and many others flourished in this time.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 524 (in person)/YCMS 525 (online)
Rome: From Augustus to Fall of the Western Empire
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderators: Roger Humphrey | rth201002 [at] yahoo.ca
Jim Wyant | wyantcoinc [at] gmail.com
Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
Another stop in our study of Ancient Rome and what made Rome the ultimate Euro-Mediterranean empire. Topics will include the emperors (good and bad), expansion, Christianity and the challenges of a far-flung empire.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 524 - In person
YCMS 525 - Online
YCMS 308 Rogues’ Gallery
Moderator: Howard King | Hrk2thyme [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting February 13
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
You will be given a list of Criminals, White Collar Criminals, Spies and Pirates, etc. You may choose anyone on the list or your own sordid individual for your presentation. We ask if you can find some redeeming feature about your criminal in your presentation. We take a light-hearted approach.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 443 Montreal and Toronto: Compared History
Moderators: Richard Ruel (MCLL) | rruelinca [at] aol.com
Andris Rubenis (ALLTO) | andrisrubenis1 [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 6 weeks, every other week, starting January 9
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 15 from MCLL, 15 from ALLTO
This study group is offered in partnership with the Academy of Lifelong Learning in Toronto (ALLTO). The participants will explore events, changes in the social, cultural, economic and political areas, in the last 100 years, that have shaped the distinctive characters of Montreal and Toronto. Examples of topics of interest would be art and culture, iconic architecture, civic and thought leaders, ethnic communities, urbanization trends, metropolises, social issues, social justice: diversity and women rights.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 526 My Favourite Historical Brit
Moderator: Ian Smith | ian_stewart_smith [at] yahoo.com
Time: Thursday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17
Do a presentation on your favourite historical British individual regardless of their field or timeframe - Royalty, Politics, Arts, Science, Military, Religion or whatever. Your favourite? - why, what did they do, were they famous in their time or did fame/appreciation come later? What have we learnt from them today or are they largely forgotten?
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 527 (in person)/YCMS 528 (online)
Canada’s Wars and Rebellions: For Conquest, for Empire, and Finally, for Sovereignty
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderators: Denis Thompson | denisathome [at] hotmail.ca
Jeff Sidel | jsidel [at] videotron.ca
Mark Peacock | mpeacock866 [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 8
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: 2 in classroom, 1 online
From colonial wars fought by European powers in Canada to Canada fighting herself in Europe to project her independence, Canada has been implicated in a myriad of differing conflicts that occurred in different contexts. This study group will focus on five significant conflicts that shaped our country: the Seven-Years War 1756-63, the War of 1812-14, the North-West Rebellion 1885, The South African War 1899-1902 and World War I 1914-18. This study group will explore, amongst other things, the causes of the conflict, overview the military responses, consider significant contributions by individuals and determine how five specific conflicts influenced our national identity. Participants may wish to consider lessons from Canada’s military past that could or should inform Canadian defence policy in today’s conflicted world.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 527 - In person
YCMS 528 - Online
YCMS 389 (in person)/YCMS 390 (online)
Ancient Worlds: Uncovering the Past
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Robert Winters | robertwinters [at] videotron.ca
Time: Monday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
What can we learn from exploring ancient civilizations and discovering how people lived in the past? Recent research into the DNA of ancient people, how they thought and what they believed can challenge our views about the past. Discussion will be stimulated by presentations and videos that explore major events and people that changed history. We will look at civilizations of the Mediterranean, Asia and the Americas, including in Rome, Egypt and Greece. We will also explore the colourful lives of ancient leaders and learn what motivated them. Participants are encouraged to do presentations.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 389 - In person
YCMS 390 - Online
YCMS 529 What Do Boxing Films Teach Us?
Moderator: Lewis Cattarini | lewis.cattarini [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Time: Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 31
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17
The moderator will screen and then discuss what themes or possible lessons are offered in these boxing films (from 1939 to 1962): Golden Boy, Champion, The Harder They Fall, The Set-Up and Requiem for a Heavyweight.
Register for this in person study group
YCMS 530 Bach’s Transformation of Classical Music, Part One
Moderators: Philip Ehrensaft | metro845 [at] philipehrensaft.com
Rick Jones | rickjones205 [at] yahoo.com
Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 90
Nearly three centuries after he died in 1650, Johann Sebastian Bach’s complex innovations loom large in today’s classical music. Bach, a Protestant church musician, never ventured beyond the German regions fragmented by the Thirty Year’s War. But Bach’s music’s impacts traveled far, via profound influences on Beethoven through Schoenberg, on bebop jazz, and Japan’s passion for Bach. Bach Part 1 focuses on the fundamental organization of Baroque composition plus the invention of concertos by Vivaldi, Handel, and, above all, Bach. Bach Part 2 follows in the Spring 2024 semester.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 531 Time's Echo
Moderator: John Felvinci | jfelvinci [at] sympatico.ca
Time: Tuesday 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 40
These lectures are based on Jeremy Eichler’s recent book, Time’s Echo. The book deals with four composers, who wrote music connected with World War 2. These four are Richard Strauss, Arnold Schoenberg, Benjamin Britten, and Dmitri Shostakovich. We will play their music mentioned in the book. The book also talks about the relationship of music and memory and the connection between Jewish composers and German music.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 497 Théâtre: lecture à haute voix de scènes classiques et modernes
Moderator: Jacques Lalanne | m.jacques.lalanne [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting February 12
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 15
En français seulement
Tartuffe, L'Avare, Le malade imaginaire, Le bourgeois gentilhomme, La mégère apprivoisée, Douze hommes en colère, Qui a peur de Virginia Woolf, Le premier, Six personnages en quête d'auteur, Le vrai monde? etc.
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 498 What's All the Percussion About?
Moderator: Lanny Levine | lannylevines [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 8
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 11
Showcase the sounds of orchestral percussion instruments: timpani, cymbals, snare drum, triangle, tambourine, and mallet instruments. Demonstrate playing techniques, explain percussion notation, and have everyone try out smaller instruments firsthand. Lots of listening using the internet with PowerPoint, CDs, and YouTube. Participants could give a short presentation touching, however tangentially, on any aspect of percussion.
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 532 The Glorious Sounds of Nordic Music
Moderator: Tony Wait | pawait [at] sympatico.ca
Time: Thursday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 18
Join me in exploring the exciting, dramatic and beautiful sound worlds of the great Nordic composers such as Berwald, Grieg, Stenhammer, Sibelius and Nielsen. We will trace the development of an incredibly rich musical heritage while also focusing on the recent histories of four very different countries.
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 533 (in person)/YCMS 534 (online)
Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Nadia Alexan | nadia.alexan [at] videotron.ca
Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
Over the last decade, globalization has shattered the map into different legal spaces: free ports, tax havens, special economic zones. With the new spaces, ultracapitalists have started to believe that it is possible to escape the bonds of democratic government and oversight altogether. Author and historian Quinn Slobodian leads us around the globe in search of the relentless quest of billionaires for market competition that is unfettered by democracy. Full of rich details and provocative analysis, Crack-Up Capitalism offers an alarming view of a possible future.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 533 - In-person
YCMS 534 - Online
YCMS 300 (in person)/YCMS 344 (online) L‘Actualité: perspectives des media Québécois
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Tony Frayne | Tony1frayne [at] bell.net
Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 10
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 10 in person, 10 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
En français avec participation dans les deux langues officielles
We live in interesting times, in a city which has some world-class media. Join our study group to discuss current events in Québec, Canada and abroad, as reported in our local print and electronic media. You also get the chance to practice your French. Participants are expected to be able to read and understand French and English but may express themselves in either language. They are responsible for accessing recommended articles.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 300 - In-person
YCMS 344 - Online
YCMS 535 Modern Monetary Theory
Moderator: George Kouri | Gkouri [at] hotmail.com
Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 10
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17
Based on the book by Stephanie Kelton entitled The Deficit Myth, we will question basic economic theories as practiced by sovereign nations such as Canada and introduce some unconventional ideas. The material is directed towards both those without experience in economic theory and those who are experts in the field.
Register for this in-person study group
YCMS 349 (in person)/YCMS 350 (online)
World Topics of Interest for Discussion
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Paul Kuai-Yu Leong | paul.leong1234 [at] gmail.com
Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
Each week we discuss a variety of interesting topics after viewing videos from a variety of sources (e.g., Oxford Union, Intelligencesquared.com, france24.com, etc.) The objective is to expand our horizons on world affairs - even with controversial opinions. So, let's keep calm and carry on with some stimulating discussions.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 349 - In person
YCMS 350 - Online
YCMS 537 International Organizations in a Changing World
Moderator: Christopher Neal | clneal16 [at] gmail.com
Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 26
This study group will explore the impact of fragmentation in international relations on international organizations such as the UN, IMF, World Bank, G7 and G20. The moderator will present introductory lectures on the history and theories of internationalism. Participants will present on the history and track record of specific international organizations. The overarching hypothesis is that we have moved from an era that had faith in the idea of international institutions to one that has lost it. What happened, what are the consequences, and what is the future of international organizations?
Register for this online study group
YCMS 538 (in person)/YCMS 539 (online)
It's a Mad Mad World
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Sidney Rosen | esrosen [at] bell.net
Time: Monday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 8
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 13 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
The intention is to draw out discussion of areas of society which the moderator suggests contradict social norms.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 538 - In person
YCMS 539 - Online
YCMS 540 (in person)/YCMS 541 (online)
The 2024 Presidential Race: Let the Games Begin
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance
Moderator: Jeff Sidel | jsidel [at] videotron.ca
Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom
The most consequential presidential race in American history is upon us. Trump is facing four indictments and 91 felony charges. Biden, according to recent polls, is "too old" to serve a second term. Yet here we are. We continue to take a deep dive on events knowing that once again, democracy is on the ballot.
Please register for one section:
YCMS 540 - In person
YCMS 541 - Online
YCMS 542 The 2024 Presidential Race: Let the Games Begin, Section 2
Moderator: Jeff Sidel | jsidel [at] videotron.ca
Time: Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 25
The most consequential presidential race in American history is upon us. Trump is facing four indictments and 91 felony charges. Biden, according to recent polls, is "too old" to serve a second term. Yet here we are. We continue to take a deep dive on events knowing that once again, democracy is on the ballot.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 410 Alberta and Quebec: Two Solitudes or a Stronger Canada?
Moderators: Brian Webber | saican [at] icloud.com
Ron Foyer (CALL) | ron-foyer [at] shaw.ca
Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, every other week, starting January 16
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 10 from MCLL, 10 from CALL
On the surface, the differences between Quebec and Alberta are greater than between any other pair of Canadian provinces. Certainly, there is never a dull moment where their politicians are concerned, not to mention relations with the federal government. Dig deeper, however, and the picture is more nuanced. Participants from the Calgary Association for Lifelong Learning (CALL) and from MCLL will compare their societies and discuss the issues. Since all is not politics, fortunately, we will also discuss "hidden gems" in art, travel, food and music. Newcomers are welcome.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 477 Understanding Markets and Investing
Moderators: Robert Winters | robertwinters [at] videotron.ca
Rick Jones | rickjones205 [at] yahoo.com
Time: Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting February 15
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 30
Investing can seem intimidating if you don’t understand concepts related to markets and securities. Whether you are fine-tuning your portfolio or shifting your investment strategy, class members will share their knowledge and experience to help you understand the investment world better. What technical tools can be used to screen possible investments to find winners - and avoid losers? Some class members will be very knowledgeable while others will be eager to learn. Our goal is to learn about financial topics; this is not an investment club. Participants are encouraged to do presentations.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 543 Modern Science Explained
Moderator: John Felvinci | jfelvinci [at] sympatico.ca
Time: Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 40
These lectures are an expanded and updated version of the lectures given 10 years ago.
The topics covered will be:
- The History of Science, the Scientific Method,
- Astronomy and Cosmology
- The Solar System
- The Earth and its Moon
- Exo Planets and UFOs
- Life on Earth
- History of Climate
- The Very Small, Atoms and Nuclei
- Chemistry
- DNA and Genetics
Register for this online study group
YCMS 544 Demystifying DNA 2.0
Moderator: Muriel Herrington | murielh [at] bell.net
Time: Tuesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 24
We will present a guide to DNA: what it is, what it does and how we can study it. Participants are then encouraged to present on topics such as genomes, ancient DNA, genetic diseases, gene editing, forensic DNA, genetic modification of crop and ornamental plants, domestic animals and microorganisms or biographies of important DNA researchers.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 545 Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet
Moderators: Ron Vexler | ronvexler [at] gmail.com
Jean-Denis Gingras | jeandenis.gingras [at] gmail.com
Time: Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting January 11
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 30
The extent and magnitude of climate change impacts are greater, more pervasive, and more immediate than previously anticipated. These include severe and widespread disruptions to nature and society. Ecosystems across the globe are rapidly evolving. It is no longer a question of "What kind of world will we leave future generations?”, but rather “Will civilization continue to exist as we know it?”
Our study group proposes to explore:
i) Science of climate/climate change.
ii) The myths proposed by climate sceptics and opponents of adaptation.
iii) Mitigation strategies.
iv) Social, political, and ethical considerations.
v) Individual versus collective action.
Register for this online study group
YCMS 079 Drama for Fun
Moderator: Freda Segal | fsegal10 [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Workshop
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 11
Drama for Fun is a workshop that promotes socialization, improves creativity, and induces laughter — a perfect remedy for our times. Come and witness the creativity that can be unleashed when thespians get together via Zoom to create online drama.
