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In an era where the media's influence is unparalleled, it's crucial to understand who shapes today's media landscape. We’ll uncover the intricacies of news consumption, the nuances between fake and real news, while examining its origins and influence on our society and global landscape. Join us for an enlightening journey where we examine the multifaceted nature of news sources, each with its own unique agendas. Discover how you, as an engaged citizen, can navigate the media landscape, whether you prefer CNN or Fox, The New York Times or Wall Street Journal, or tune in to NPR or Tucker Carlson. This candid and honest course invites you to join a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving role of media in our lives. Gain the tools to critically analyze news, decode biases, and make informed decisions.
October 24 - October 31
A national holiday commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King. Movies portray the lives of Jackie Robinson and Malcolm X. Even so, the civil rights leader that brought about the most significant, lasting change in the 20th century is Thurgood Marshall. Beginning his legal work with the NAACP in 1934, Thurgood Marshall often at great personal risk won case after case bringing justice to black Americans. Culminating with his victory in the historic Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954, Marshall more than anyone else brought an end to legal segregation in the United States. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1967, Marshall joined the fraternity of liberal justices that guaranteed the Constitutional rights of all Americans.
October 31 - October 31
September 26 - October 17
What do the Nazis, Superman and Marilyn Monroe have in common? Find out from authors Helene Stapinski and Bonnie Siegler. Their journey began in 2016 when Siegler approached Stapinski, a New York Times journalist, to write about her grandfather, Jules, his escape from Nazi Germany and the footage he shot of Marilyn Monroe during the filming of The Seven Year Itch. After the Times story went viral, Siegler discovered that her grandfather's financial sponsor to come to America was the publisher of Superman comics. Stapinski and Siegler spent two years researching, traveling to Berlin and interviewing family members to create this incredible tale, published by Simon & Schuster this past February.
November 7 - November 7
Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland before her death in 1974. Her powerful stories shed light on her experiences and indomitable spirit, telling a story that Rabbi Dennis J. Eisner described as "deeper than a number—6,000,000—giving us a human touch in the midst of inhumanity.” Her son, Irving, will share excerpts from her book, “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust.” You will learn about the Holocaust through his mother's eyes, as well as how he, the child of two survivors of Auschwitz, was impacted by his parents' experiences.
October 24 - October 24
Did you know the French New Wave filmmakers used to watch American films for hours? Explore the history and influence of the French New Wave, a revolutionary movement in cinema that changed the way films were made and seen. In this 3-hour course, we will watch and discuss films by some of the movement's most important directors, including Agnès Varda. The course will also cover the social and political context of the movement, and open the discussion to how the French New Wave influenced later filmmakers. The course is 3 hours long and will include a film, discussion, and handout.
October 12 - November 16
In this course, we will explore the representation of the US-Mexico border in film. We will look at both American and Mexican films, and we will consider how these films reflect the myths, issues, and culture of the border region. We will start by examining some of the most well-known films about the border, such as Hecho en Mexico and Like Water for Chocolate, and explore some lesser-known films, such as A Day Without a Mexican and Conjunto Blues. Throughout the course, we will discuss the historical and cultural context of the border region. We will consider events such as Proposition 187 and the Lemon Grove incident, and how these events have shaped the way the border is represented in film. We will also discuss the messages that are being delivered in these films. Do we recognize the border region we see on the screen? How does the mediated image shape the reality we live in? This course is for anyone interested in film, the border region, or the intersection of these two topics. We will discuss a variety of films from different perspectives, and also have the opportunity to share our own experiences and insights.
September 25 - October 30
In this course, we will explore the history of the Beatles in three lectures. In the first lecture, we will look at the early days of the band, from their formation in Liverpool in 1956 to their first major break in 1963. In the second lecture, we will focus on the 1964 North American tour, which introduced the Beatles to American audiences and made them international stars. In the third lecture, we will look at the 1966 North American tour, which was the band's last major tour before they retired from live performance. This course is for anyone who is interested in the Beatles, their music, or their cultural impact.
October 11 - December 6
This unique and enjoyable course offering is designed to build self-assurance with freehand drawing skills in a variety of mediums. This course will help you build your freehand drawing skills, regardless of your experience level. With individual attention and guidance from the instructor, you will learn the fundamental skills of line, value, perspective, and composition. You will also have the opportunity to practice your skills with other enthusiastic participants!
October 23 - November 27
Explore the transformative power of art! We’ll uncover inspiring masterpieces and the social and cultural contexts that birthed great art movements. This course will also cover the evolving roles of women in art and discover the profound contributions of artists throughout history. By the end of this course, you will have enhanced your visual vocabulary and be able to articulate the principles of design. We will also explore the rich architectural environment and art scene of San Diego.
October 20 - December 8