Tenafly–People with a passion for learning can continue to expand their horizons as JCC University presents an exciting new winter program that features one of its most diverse arrays of topics to date. The four-session term, taught by top professors and experts in their fields, will present the perfect mix of current hot topics and new perspectives.
On the slate of presenters is Gail Sheehy, a trailblazer in journalism, and Tobi Kahn, a major voice in contemporary art. Classes meet from 10:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Jan 29, Feb 12, Feb 26, and March 12. Each Thursday begins with coffee and conversation at 10:30 a.m., followed by a morning presentation from 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.; lunch with classmates (bring or buy) from 12–1 p.m.; and an afternoon presentation from 1–2:15 p.m. Registration is available for single Thursdays or for the whole term. The program is designed to encourage participants to rekindle old passions, ignite new ones, and stay involved in developments that shape today’s world. It is also a place to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and make friends. Registration for this term is now taking place:
January 29:
ISIS: Short-Term Threat or Long-Term Challenge: Josh Gleis, Ph.D., international security consultant and political risk analyst joins us for a return engagement; this time he will provide an in-depth analysis of the growing threat of ISIS. We will look at the increase in the number of ISIS terrorists and their growing power abroad. Is American foreign policy with regard to ISIS effective?
Fundamentalism: Well-known and beloved professor of English and comparative literature, Ben Nelson, will discuss fundamentalism. He will focus on the fundamentalist state of mind, which entails religion, ideology, and politics. We will look at many types of extremism, its dangers and the growing impact it has.
February 12
Ebola with Dr. Richard Roberts, Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and Adjunct at Rockefeller University returns to JCC U to explore the many facets of Ebola. He will talk about the measures that are being taken to contain this deadly infectious disease. What really is the threat to us here in the United States?
Looking at Art Now with Tobi Kahn: Renowned painter, sculptor, and art lecturer, Tobi Kahn, will introduce us to contemporary artists that have garnered attention and acclaim with their recent solo exhibitions in New York. In his unique style, Tobi will show us how to look at and understand the artists’ creative intent and appreciate their techniques.
February 26
From Wise Guys to Wise Men: The Image of the Italian-American Gangster
Distinguished Professor of English and Italian Studies at Queens College Fred Gardaphe will talk about how the artistic representation of the gangster has influenced Italian-American culture. The lecture will explore the development of the gangster figure in literature and film from Mario Puzo’s The Godfather to David Chase’s The Sopranos.
The New York Nobody Knows: Walking 6000 Miles in the City
CUNY sociology professor and author William Helmreich will discuss his four-year, 6,000-mile journey traversing all the streets of New York. He spoke with hundreds of New Yorkers from every part of the globe. His interview subjects even included the last four mayors. He will share their stories along with his own insights as a sociologist.
March 12
Divine New York: A Religious History of New York City: Associate professor at Touro College and the Unification Theological Seminary, Ronald Brown will take us through how various religious groups constructed their houses of worship in New York City. The discussion will include the French Huguenots, German Lutherans, Irish Catholics, Eastern European Jews, Middle Eastern Muslims, and Asian Buddhists.
Daring: My Passages. Gail Sheehy, author of Passages, which was named by the Library of Congress as one of the most influential books of our time, will discuss her memoir. She led an unconventional trail-blazing life as a female journalist uncovering some of the biggest stories. In her new book, she offers a bold perspective on all of life’s passages.
Fee for four sessions is $110 JCC members, $140 non-members; individual sessions are $32 for JCC members; $40 non-members. Couples fees are also available. For more information, costs, and to register, call Kathy at 201-408-1454 or email [email protected], or Esther at 201-408-1456 or [email protected].
