JCC University at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is now taking enrollment for its three-session fall term, where people can connect, find new interests and stay involved in current developments that shape our world. Top professors and experts will present on topics that include science, literature, film, politics, psychology, art and more, creating platforms that allow people to learn while making new friends.
October 3
An Innocent Bystander: The Killing of Leon Klinghoffer
In 1985, four Palestinian terrorists hijacked the Achille Lauro. Wheelchair-bound passenger Leon Klinghoffer was shot and thrown overboard. Author and journalist Julie Salamon will present a full understanding of Klinghoffer’s murder in the larger geopolitical context.
Martin Scorsese & Robert De Niro: An Intense Collaboration
Martin Scorsese defined a genre in filmmaking with his dark, gritty, violent portrayals of urban life. His searing collaborations with method actor Robert De Niro on numerous films retain their artistic impact decades later. Film historian Max Alvarez will offer a compelling overview.
October 17
Genetic Engineering: A Look at How Technology Is Changing the Way We Create Babies
Dr. Robert Klitzman, professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and director of the master’s of bioethics program, will discuss his book “Designing Babies” and examine the complex concerns surrounding new assistive reproductive technologies.
From Mickey Mouse to Star Wars And Beyond: How the Walt Disney Company Conquered Entertainment
Over the last nine decades, Disney has transformed every facet of the entertainment business—from cartoons to television, theme parks to Broadway musicals. Fordham professor Brian Rose will examine how Disney became the most powerful force in worldwide entertainment.
October 31
The Accusation: Blood Libel in an American Town
In an upstate New York town in 1928, a child strayed into the woods and went missing. A rumor caught on that Jews had killed her and suddenly the allegation of blood libel took hold. NYU history professor Edward Berenson will discuss the history and response to this all-too-common accusation.
Contemporary Chinese Art
The Cultural Revolution’s effects on contemporary Chinese art created a common national experience that binds Chinese artists from diverse backgrounds. Professor Thomas Germano will discuss the work of well-known Chinese artists, as well as infamous dissidents.
JCC U will take place on Thursdays, with coffee and conversation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Morning presentation runs from 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m., lunch (buy or bring your own) from 12-12:45 p.m. and afternoon presentation from 12:45-2:00 p.m. Cost for three Thursdays is $95 for JCC members/$115 public; cost for single Thursday is $36 JCC members/$44 public. First 10 participants to register for the full JCC U series will receive Julie Salamon’s book “An Innocent Bystander: The Killing of Leon Klinghoffer.” For more information, visit www.jccotp.org/jccu or call Kathy Graff at 201-408-1454.
