ART

BRIDGE

Learning Bridge

This is an INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE. Beginners welcome.
      Instructor: Charles LaCerra

Social Bridge

Come together to play bridge. Helpful instructions will be given as needed.
      Instructor: Ira Barnett

COMPUTER

* Elementary Computing

What a computer is or is not. Introduction to the basic concepts, terminology, accessing the Internet and basic Word processing. Class limited to 20.
      Instructor: David Gerstein
*Limited Enrollment/Pre-Registration Required

* Introduction To Microsoft Word

Students must have basic skills. We will learn to set up letters, insert pictures, tables and how to customize your computer skills. Class limited to 15.
      Instructor: Shirley Young
*Limited Enrollment/Pre-Registration Required

CURRENT EVENTS

Culture, Myths & Politics of Central & South Asia Region

Our discussion will include Afghanistan, India and Pakistan (also called Asia Minor)
      Instructor: Reza Naqvi

Current Events

Discussion of events in New York, U.S.A. and the World.
      Instructor: Howard Seigel

Israel Update For 2010

Israel faces new challenges from the Obama administration and an energized Iran. Discussion encouraged.
     Instructor: Milton Pincus

Israel-Palestine: What Kind of Peace and When?   Intellectual Life Lectures

      Lecturer: Gil Kulick, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, The Jewish Alliance for Peace & Justice

Darfur:  Life After Genocide   Special Lecture

The lecture will include an update of the status of the genocide in Darfur. Participants will learn about opportunities for individuals and groups to take action and make a positive difference. There will be a question and answer discussion regarding what life may be like for the people of Darfur once the genocide is over.
         Lecturer: Phyllis Shapiro

Jews In Politics

Rham Emanuel and David Axelrod in the White House, members of the House and the Senate; Jews are disproportionately represented in Washington. We will look at the role of Jews in American and world politics.
     Instructor: Gene Reiser

Mohammed Ravzi, Council of Peoples Organization   Intellectual Life Lectures

"Update on the State of South Asian-Americans Since 9/11"

Let's Get Involved In The Political Scene In New York City & Beyond - Part II

Is We will discuss the System, elected officials and how the System works including legislators from the City Council to State Senators, Assemblymen, and the Congress. When necessary we will discuss the President of the U.S. and his effect on politics.
     Instructor: Ken Haber

Now What's Your Opinion Of Obama?

Many people had high hopes when Obama became President. How is he doing now? Was electing him the way to take power?
     Instructor: Moshe Rothenberg

DRAMA

Acting Workshop

"Once the curtain goes up, it's acting and audience. The actor's a storyteller. The actor's job is just to tell a story." - Patti Lupone, Gypsy.       Bring us the things you love to read and tell us your story.
      Instructor: Marvin Grumet

"The Plays The Thing" - Part I

We will read, discuss and view two plays. Sophocles: "Oedipus the King" ("Oedipus Rex") and "The Glass Menagerie" by T. Williams. Please come to the first session with the Sophocles text and be prepared to begin discussion. The curtain is going up! See you then!
     Instructor: Dr. Rosalie Reich

FILM

Aspects Of The Golden Land

Using American made entertainment film (movies) we will try to show Life in America during the period 1920 through 1960 as it affected new immigrants and first and second generation immigrants (with emphasis on the immigrant Jewish family).
     Instructor: Theodore Friedman

The Golden Age Of Television

It's Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town;" "The Colgate Comedy Hour" with Jimmy Durante; Uncle Miltie, and, of course, "It's Howdy Doody Time." Get out your 10 inch black and white TV set and enjoy.
     Instructor: Howard Seigel

The World Of Film

Movies to please and entertain you. My aim is to find films a little off the beaten path, or such great films they can't be passed over.
      Instructors: Gene Reiser

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

HEBREW, Upper Intermediate

Emphasis will be on everyday conversation, magazine articles and Hebrew newspapers.
      Instructor: Miriam Goldhaber

SPANISH Beginners' Plus

This course is a continuation of Beginners I & II. Any student with a small quantity of exposure to Spanish will be welcome. We shall focus on the study of adjectives including cardinal numbers.
      Instructor: Edward Drayton

SPANISH, Intermediate and Advanced

Open to students who have studied beyond the Beginners' level. Those students who have intermediate training and beyond are welcome. We will concentrate on reading, speaking and listening to the language.
      Instructor: Edward Drayton

HEALTH  [Disclaimer]

Blood Pressure Screening

Knowing what affects you will make you try to take better care of yourself. Overweight plays a very important part in blood pressure screening, it affects the heart and sometimes causes blood pressure to rise.
      Instructor: Pearl Jobson

Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue And Arthritis Without Drugs

Do you know why people with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) must avoid sugar and why it leads to anxiety? We will deal with the most common causes of biochemical imbalances.
      Instructor: Joel Levitt

"EPIC" and the N.Y. State Prescription Saver

The NYS EPIC helps seniors pay for their medications. It is a 20 year old program for eligible seniors and works nicely with all part D plans.
      Instructor: Carmen Nieves

Holistic Approaches To Healing

This course will empower the student to take charge of his/her health-related decision- making by providing information regarding holistic approaches to healing that can improve the quality of life.
      Instructor: Dr. Jerome Charyn

Humor Therapy

We will read and tell good clean jokes collected from famous comedians. We will also listen to recordings of noted comedians.
      Instructor: Vincent Blazewicz

A Joyful Journey to MILES OF SMILES

Join me on a joyful journey that introduces you to the "write way"  to effectively relieve feelings of anger, fear, anxiety and sadness and PEP (Positive Energy Power) Aerobics - handwritten exercises that can increase your smile mileage and empower you to experience a positive state of well-being. Discover the color energy connection to your mood, food, clothes and environment!
     Instructor: Edith Namm

No Time To Lose

Mindfulness is bringing purposeful attention to the present moment without judgment or criticism. We will deal with mindfulness, meditation, creative imagination and fostering a positive attitude.
     Instructor: Peggy Horwitz

Nutritional Enlightenment

We will explore interactions of common herbs and drugs, herbs and herbs, herbs/food supplements, e.g. chamomile and sedatives, or peppermint and caffeine.
      Instructor: Helen Reiss

SPECIAL FRIDAY WALKS : Enjoying Our City

We will visit and explore places of interest in NYC. (Look for a list, description, dates and times on the bulletin board and in the IRPE office.)
      Coordinator: Judith Mahler

HISTORY

The Freedom Trail In Ny State

New York State was considered a safe haven for Africans searching for freedom. Was it only a gateway to Canada? Or was New York State truly committed to this earliest civil rights movement?
      Instructor: Joyce Provenzale

Slavery And Abolition

This course will develop the background of human bondage, antislavery, slave revolts, the southern world, slavery, the Civil War and emancipation. It will also consider the after effects of the system
      Instructor: Hans Trefousse

Early American History

The colonization and development of America. The American Revolution, War of 1812, westward expansion and war with Mexico. Copies of historical documents, popular songs and re-enactments of events dramatize topics.
      Instructor: Leo Gerber

Significant Presidential Elections in U.S. History (Term 2)

We will continue examining the history of important elections for the Presidency, including political and economic background, the candidates, the campaigns and the election results and their consequences. We will start with Lincoln's election in 1860 and proceed through the end of the 19th Century.
      Instructor: Stephen Appell, Esq.

Abraham Lincoln: Beyond the Myths   Intellectual Life Lectures

      Lecturer: Charles LaCerra, IRPE

Escape From The Holocaust

An explanation of strategies by European Jews to survive the Nazi genocide. We will look into the role of neutral nations, churches and Jewish resistance in the struggle to survive.
     Instructor: Howard Seigel

Toby Sanchez, IRPE   Intellectual Life Lectures

"Stories of the British Use of German Spies in World War II"

History Of Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College has played a central role in the development of Brooklyn, but not without controversy. Find out about the institution from its earliest days to the present and the events that have shaped its character. You will also learn about the many prominent Brooklyn College alumni who have left their mark on the world.
      Instructor: Joe Fodor

The 1950's - America's Golden Age

We will be mining for participant's memories of their childhoods in the 1950's. We will talk and write about life in this golden age as it relates to the world around us.
      Instructor: Jay Becker

Jews In Politics

Rham Emanuel and David Axelrod in the White House, members of the House and the Senate; Jews are disproportionately represented in Washington. We will look at the role of Jews in American and world politics.
     Instructor: Gene Reiser

On the Silk Road in China   Lecture & slide-show

Enjoy Photojournalistic images taken during a one-month trip to China in the summer of 2009
         Lecturer: Kenneth Axen

Culture, Myths & Politics of Central & South Asia Region

Our discussion will include Afghanistan, India and Pakistan (also called Asia Minor)
      Instructor: Reza Naqvi

Pre-Columbian Civilizations Of Mexico

An overview of the rise and fall of the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Aztec and Mayan civilizations from 1800 B.C. to 1521 A.D. with the arrival of Hernan Cortes. Their achievements in astronomy, sculpture and art will be discussed.
      Instructor: Yvonne Mahoney

The Pleasure Principle

How Jews Came To Shape The Popular Culture
      Instructor: Dr. Robert Cherry

HUMANITIES

* Tarot Workshop (continued)

Tarot serves as a vehicle for a personality assessment, a guide to the understanding of motivation and behavior. It is not fortune telling, prediction is discouraged. Bring pen and notebook and the Waite Rider deck (no other). Barnes and Noble has if for about $18.00.
      Instructor: Ruth Ovryn
*Limited Enrollment/Pre-Registration Required

Thinkers' Choice

If you don't ask the right questions, you can't get the right answers. You get short films, small stories, good poems. You bring the right questions.
      Instructor: Marvin Grumet

Futurism   Special Lecture

One hundred years ago this year, the Italian Poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti published the first Futuristic Manifesto in the Paris newspaper Le Figaro. This Manifesto was the opening salvo in an avant-garde campaign that would profoundly influence all the arts - painting, poetry, drama film, dance - throughout the 20th century. This talk will be a reflection on the nature of futurism and a discussion of its wide influence.
         Lecturer: Prof. Robert Viscusi

Myths & Fact About Feminism and The Women's Movement   Special Lecture

Discussions of stereotypes of feminism, as well as stereotypes of masculinity and femininity. Participants will have a clearer understanding of Feminism as a political movement.
         Lecturer: Kathy Miriam

INTELLECTUAL LIFE SERIES

Lectures by interesting people (Brooklyn College faculty and others) who bring new ideas and interpretations to IRPE members. Food for thought and opportunities for stimulating conversation.
      Coordinator: Toby Sanchez

• The Legal Aid Society: Robert Newman

"Death Is Different:  How Lawyers Try to Save the Lives of of Condemned Prisoners

• Jewish Alliance for Peace & Justice: Gil Kulick, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom

"Israel-Palestine:  What Kind of Peace and When?"

• I.R.P.E.: Toby Sanchez

"Stories of the British Use of German Spies in World War II"

• Council of Peoples Organization: Mohammed Ravzi,

"Update on the State of South Asian-Americans Since 9/11"

• I.R.P.E.: Charles LaCerra

"Abraham Lincoln: Beyond the Myths"

LITERATURE

A Walk Through Life Via The Short Story

Our walk continues to find that short stories reflect the problems of all people. We will read, discuss, reflect and enjoy..
      Instructor: Fran Levy

Contemporary Israeli Fiction

We'll begin the semester reading short stories by David Grossman, Amos Oz and A.B. Yehoshua. The class will choose a novel for the second half of the semester.
      Instructor: Cecile Kops

*Prize-Winning Novels, XVII

We will read and discuss four more prize-winning novels:
"The Secret River" by Kate Grenville,   "Gertrude & Claudius" by John Updike;  "Netherland"  by Joseph O'Neill, and "One Man's Bible" by Gao Xingjian,  plus the memoir "A Tale of Love and Darkness" by Amos Oz
      Instructor: Harriet Sirof
*Limited Enrollment/Pre-Registration Required

Shakespeare's Tragic Heroes

We will discuss the following plays: "Hamlet," "Othello," "King Lear" and "Macbeth." No prior knowledge is necessary. All important information will be distributed.
      Instructor: Sandra Zuckerman

MONEY MANAGEMENT / LAW  [Disclaimer]

A Guided Tour Through Financial Markets

The course will focus on how a working knowledge of the history of financial markets can help us make better decisions with our personal finances.
      Instructor: David Cohen

Estate Planning For The Lay Person

Probate, estate and gift taxation; gift-giving, marital tax planning and use of trusts and Medicaid will be discussed.
      Instructor: Howard B. Solomon, Esq.

Safe Savings

We will discuss safe income investments and answer any student questions
      Instructor: Richard Lieberfarb

Savings And Investing 101   Special Lecture

This seminar is designed for anyone who needs a primer on the fundamentals of investing. It will cover the ABC's of fixed income securities and annuities.
      Lecturer: Carol Richards (Smith Barney)

Total Life Choices : Advanced Directives Information   Special Lecture

Legal documents that will help you plan your life
         Lecturer: Tina Janssen-Spinosa, Esq.

Robert Newman, The Legal Aid Society   Intellectual Life Lectures

Death Is Different - How Lawyers Try to Save the Lives of of Condemned Prisoners

MUSIC

Chamber Music Performances

Solos to sextets with background talks on the music performed which may be Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th and 21st Centuries.
     Performers: Alice Levinson, Piano;  David Newman, Violin;  and Guest Artists

The Great American Song Book

George and Ira, Irving, Oscar, Larry, Cole:  Great composers, great lyrics, great songs
     Instructor: Gene Reiser

IRPE Chorus

Another name for our IRPE Chorus could be the "Love Fest" as so much of that joyful emotion wafts over our hard-working members. We welcome everyone.
      Instructor: Alice Levinson

A Rich Musical Tapestry

We will continue to enjoy music of many different composers.
      Instructor: Richard Cahn

Yiddish Folk Music

Sit back and enjoy the old favorites and some you have never heard.
      Instructor: Gene Reiser

PHYSICAL FITNESS

International Folk Dance

We will learn many beautiful dances set to exquisite music. Our teacher has an extensive background in Israeli and International Dance. It is fun! It is healthy!
      Instructor: Kira Tal-Tilis

Tai Chi Ch'uan

Tai Chi Ch'uan for relaxation, balance and strength. Cheng Man Ch'ing's form. Eleven sessions. Beginners, intermediate and advanced all welcome.
      Instructor: E. Frederic Mirer

Yoga and Body Movement Awareness

It will consist of a series of postures and breathing exercises combined with relaxation techniques and exercises. Dress comfortably.
      Instructor: Cynthia Arenson

POETRY & WRITING

Edgar Allan Poe

Reading the Tales:  Thrills, Chills, Deeper Meanings
      Instructor: Prof. Maurice Kramer

Memoir Writing

We write our recollection of what has happened in our lives. We share what we write, thus helping us to remember what we thought we had forgotten. As we write, we find a pattern to our lives and create a legacy for our relatives.   Please bring a pen or pencil and notebook.
      Instructor: Sheila Newman

The 1950's - America's Golden Age

We will be mining for participant's memories of their childhoods in the 1950's. We will talk and write about life in this golden age as it relates to the world around us.
      Instructor: Jay Becker

Poetic Vision

A brief discussion and analysis of individual poets will ensue. Each student will read an original poem, sometimes as an assignment, after an introduction at each session, to an original work by a well known published author.
      Instructor: Roslyn Rabin

Poetry Unplugged

Welcome to my world of beautiful poetry. Be inspired to write your own poetry. We'll have a great time and lots of fun too.
      Instructor: Irene Brodsky

SCIENCE

History Of Electromagnetism And Light

A brief history of Physics from Socrates to Newton incorporating basic concepts of mass, time and change. Experiments using student participation will help demonstrate the laws of electricity and magnetism.
      Instructor: Jack Lowenthal

Reading the N.Y. Science Times

Great things are happening in Science everyday. Read and bring the Tuesday New York Times Science section to class for an informative discussion of the latest breakthroughs.
      Instructor: Leslie Jacobson

Unexpected Mathematical Facts   Special Lecture

How can a number be bigger than the Universe?
         Lecturer: Fred Friedland

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURE SERIES

DARFUR:  Life After Genocide

The lecture will include an update of the status of the genocide in Darfur. Participants will learn about opportunities for individuals and groups to take action and make a positive difference. There will be a question and answer discussion regarding what life may be like for the people of Darfur once the genocide is over.
         Lecturer: Phyllis Shapiro

FUTURISM

One hundred years ago this year, the Italian Poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti published the first Futuristic Manifesto in the Paris newspaper Le Figaro. This Manifesto was the opening salvo in an avant-garde campaign that would profoundly influence all the arts - painting, poetry, drama film, dance - throughout the 20th century. This talk will be a reflection on the nature of futurism and a discussion of its wide influence.
         Lecturer: Prof. Robert Viscusi

JAMES TISSOT, The Painter: "The Life of Christ"

Discussion of upcoming exhibit of Tissot's paintings at the Brooklyn Museum.
         Lecturer: Maribeth Flynn

Myths & Fact About Feminism and The Women's Movement

Discussions of stereotypes of feminism, as well as stereotypes of masculinity and femininity. Participants will have a clearer understanding of Feminism as a political movement.
         Lecturer: Kathy Miriam

SATIRISTS OF THE 1960'S

Sahl, Bruce and Gregory
         Lecturer: Joseph Dorinson

TOTAL LIFE CHOICES : Advanced Directives Information

Legal documents that will help you plan your life
         Lecturer: Tina Janssen-Spinosa, Esq.

UNEXPECTED MATHEMATICAL FACTS

How can a number be bigger than the Universe?
         Lecturer: Fred Friedland

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
& EXPLORING NYC:

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES:

Chamber Music Performances

Solos to sextets with background talks on the music performer which may be Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th and 21st centuries.
    Instructors: Alice Levinson, Piano;   David Newman, Violin

Choral Performance

We'll have (give) a great show! Oldies and Goodies.
     Coordinator: Alice Levinson

Special Drama Events :

THEATRE ART PERFORMANCE

Instructor: Marvin Grumet

Special Slide Show & Lecture :

ON THE SILK ROAD IN CHINA

Enjoy Photojournalistic images taken during a one-month trip to China in the summer of 2009
         Lecturer: Kenneth Axen

SPECIAL FRIDAY WALKS : Enjoying Our City

We will visit and explore places of interest in NYC. (Look for a list, description, dates and times on the bulletin board and in the IRPE office.)
      Coordinator: Judith Mahler

DISCLAIMER : Instructors express their own opinions. They do not represent the I.R.P.E. Members may wish to discuss the professional or business information in areas such as health or financial planning with their personal advisors.

IRPE Institute for Retirees in Pursuit of Education at Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Ave, Room 3160 Boylan Hall, Brooklyn NY 11210   (718) 951-5647