LYCEUM - WHAT IS IT?
Affiliated with Binghamton University and national Elderhostel, this "institute for learning in retirement" has 500+ local members. They are men and women aged 50 and over who want to join a community of lifetime learners. Some daytime courses, which typically run four weeks, are designed primarily for listeners, while the majority allow for and encourage discussion and participation. Our course leaders are usually retired specialists, members who have pursued interests in some depth, or knowledgeable community members.
Lyceum sponsors day trips. In addition, theme or ethnic dinners provide opportunities to socialize and sample foods. We encourage members to help keep Lyceum a participatory organization by sharing in policy making, proposing courses, assisting, and making coffee for class meetings.
We hope you find our program intriguing and that we may welcome you to membership in Lyceum. Please refer to the registration form for membership fees.
Classes, unless otherwise specified, are held at Saint Vincent DePaul Church, 465 Clubhouse Road, Vestal, New York. Call the Lyceum office at 607-777-2587 or e-mail lyceum@binghamton.edu if you have questions.
In case of inclement weather, please call the Lyceum Office at 607-777-2587 after 8:00 a.m. to hear a message regarding cancellation of Lyceum classes.
To register for these courses please download and complete the registration form. All checks must be made out to Lyceum. You will also be able to view/download a complete listing of spring course offerings.
Codes: [$] = fee; [NC] = no charge
Feb., Mar., Apr., May, 2012
Retirement Income [$10]
Mon., Feb. 27; Mar. 5; 10 a.m.-noon
This class helps the participant understand the new retirement realities and risks, issues of spending down money, understanding financial homework and wisely managing the right portfolio for income needs.
Leader: Grace A. Roossien, financial educator
Tom Stoppard: Early and Late [$20]
Tues., Feb. 28; Mar. 6, 13, 20; 10 a.m. - noon
This lecture/discussion course focuses on two plays, one from 1967, the other from 2006. The first established his reputation, the second – mostly set in Czechoslovakia – further solidified his position on the heights of modern drama. Read Rosencrantz before the first class. Texts: Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, ISBN 0802132758; Stoppard, Rock 'n' Roll, ISBN 0802143075
Leader: Al Carpenter, professor emeritus, English, BU
BACK TO TOP
Spotlight on the Anderson Center [$5]
Tues., Feb. 28; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Held at Anderson Center Chamber Hall, BU
Dr. Herzog will speak about the mission of the Performing Arts Center, its relationship with the academic campus, and its diverse national and international programming during the first hour, followed by performers from the PaulTaylor Dance Company, who will discuss and demonstrate their work. Questions will be welcomed.
Leader: Floyd Herzog, artistic consultant, Anderson Center for the Performing Arts
Great Decisions [$20]
Wed., Feb. 29; Mar 7, 14, 21; 10 a.m. – noon
This course covers new and timely topics. The US Foreign Policy Association's Great Decision Manual-highly recommended but optional-will be mailed in advanced if ordered on the registration form.
Feb. 29 – State of the Oceans The world's oceans, essential to life on earth, are tremendously sensitive to global climate change and will face what consequences of this change on factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems?
Leader: Richard Rehberg, professor emeritus, BU
Mar. 7 – Middle East Realignment The popular revolts and upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East. What lies ahead for its transition to democracy?
Leader: Patrick Regan, prof., political science, BU
Mar. 14 – Exit from Afghanistan and Iraq Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations?
Leader: Roger Billig
Mar. 21 – Mexico Mexico's borders have been a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these trans-border challenges?
Leader: Randall McGuire, prof., anthropology, BU
Esoterica Romana [$20]
Wed., Feb. 29; Mar. 7, 14, 21; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Phil Cali's IVth course devoted to the classical world will comprise IV distinctly esoteric inter-active mini-programs.
Feb. 29 - From Ianuarius to December - Uncover the mysteries
of the Roman Calendar and, unlike poor Caesar, survive the Ides of March!
Mar. 7 – From Unus to Mille – Add, subtract, multiply and divide Roman numbers without an abacus! Impress your friends!
Mar. 14 – From Anaphora to Preteritio and Beyond Compose a short oration (in English) which incorporates select rhetorical terms. Show your Ciceronian talents!
Mar. 21 – From Petteia to Latrunculi – Mirabile dictu! The Romans played board games! Try your luck and hail to the victors! Class limited to 30 separate check
Leader: Phil Cali,Latin Lover
Using the Internet for Genealogy [$10]
Thurs., Mar. 1, 8; 10 a.m. – noon
Find valuable resources on the Internet to "Browse, Search and Query" your way to find that elusive ancestor. Go to http://jaysweb.us/ and check out Basic and Internet Genealogy under Lyceum.
Leader: Jay Kimmel, retired engineer
Armchair Travel [$20]
Thurs., Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 1 – Israel, Jordan and Palestine – In April, 2011, Karen and Bob Pompi traveled to Israel, Jordan and Palestine. They will share their photographs and impressions of this unique region.
Leaders: Bob and Karen Pompi
Mar. 8 – Cruising the Land of the Incas – Describing a fabulous cruise to Mexico and Central America (Mayas), to Peru and Ecuador (Incas), over 32 days.
Leader: Helene Combopiano
Mar. 15 – Walking the Public Footpaths of England -There are over 100,000 miles of "public footpaths" in England and Wales. The network opens up the beautiful English countryside to anyone with a pair of sturdy shoes. We will hear how this remarkable national treasure came to be, and look at a few examples of the rich walking opportunities the paths offer.
Leader: Frank Newman, professor emeritus, English, BU
Mar. 22 – Bulgaria and Macedonia A journey through the cities and small towns of Bulgaria and Macedonia to see mountainous scenery, ancient Roman and Macedonian ruins, churches, monasteries and mosques covered with paintings and frescoes.
Leader: Gladys Walling
George's Books: A Good Man is Hard to Find [$20]
Fri., Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23; 10 a.m. – noon
Flannery O'Connor, novelist and short story writer, wrote ironic, subtly allegorical fiction about deceptively backward Southern characters. Of her emphasis of the grotesque, she said, "Anything that comes out of the south is going to be called grotesque by the northern reader, unless it is grotesque, in which case it is going to be called realistic." Join us to read her stories and see if you agree. ISBN 0156364654, $13.95
Class limited to 20, separate check
Leader: Judy Kamishlian
Current Events [$10]
Fri., Mar. 2, 16; Apr. 13, 27; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
We discuss items in the news, local, state and international. Express your opinion and hear other points of view.
Leader: Gene Burns
The Art of Slavery [$5]
Tues., Mar. 6; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
An exploration of the economics and cultural aspects of the slave economy of the U.S., Cuba and Brazil as reflected in the art and architecture of the 19th century.
Leader: Dale Tomich, professor, sociology, BU
Science Discussion [$10]
Fri., Mar. 9, 23; Apr., 20; May 4; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This group welcomes old and new members. Join us for a lively discussion on a variety of scientific topics. Politics and religion will not be discussed.
Leader: Roger Gregor, retired engineer
The Financial Mortgage Crisis: its Causes and Current Effects [$10]
Mon., Mar. 12, 19; 10 a.m. – noon
The first session will explain the causes of the financial mortgage crash and how the government and financial institutions have responded to it. In plain talk, the roles of banks, regulators and government agencies and the reason why the crash was underestimated will be discussed. The second class will explore why government has limited tools in effecting a private market economy.
Leader: Stephen A. Sutter, attorney, economist
Art Museum Tours [$10]
Binghamton University Art Museum
Tues., Mar. 13, 20; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 13 – Tour the permanent collection of BU Art Museum with curator Silvia Ivanova.
Mar. 20 – Tour photographic exhibit, "Landmarks of New York" with asst director, Jackie Hogan.
Leaders: Silvia Ivanova, curator, Jackie Hogan, asst. director, BU Art Museum
Beijing Opera [$10]
Thurs., Mar. 15, 22; 10 a.m. – noon
Mar. 15 – Performing Beijing Opera with Props Introduction and demonstration of folding fans, horse whips, and water sleeves.
Mar. 22 – The relationship between Chinese opera costumes and Chinese culture. Presenters include visiting faculty members from The National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts.
Leader: Valerie Chou, asst. director, Confucius Institute, BU
Frances Perkins and the 75th Anniversary of Social Security [NC]
Mon., Mar. 19; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Frances Perkins was the first female U.S. cabinet member, FDR's Secretary of Labor and a framer of the New Deal and Social Security. She worked tirelessly for social justice and workplace safety.This will be a discussion of her life, music from the era and a discussion of current Social Security disability issues.
Leaders: Gloria Pelter and friends
Fairy Tales on Film, Part 2 [$20]
Mon., Apr. 2, 16, 23, 30; 10 a.m. - noon
Join us to see four more fairy tales on film: Breilliat, Bluebeard(French), Rou, Father Frost (Russian), Jordan, The Company of Wolves (UK), Miyazaki, Kiki's Delivery Service (Japanese). Each showing will be followed by discussion.
Leader: Zoja Pavlovskis Petit, professor, comparative literature, BU
Two Glories of China: The Tang and Song Dynasties [$10]
Mon., Apr. 2, 16; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
An overview of the political, social and cultural histories of two of the most brilliant and interesting dynasties in Chinese history. The first lecture will focus on the Tang dynasty (618-907) and the second on the Song dynasty (960-1279).
Leader: John Chaffee, distinguished service professor, history and Asian/Asian American Studies, BU
Spanish Made Easy, Part III [$20]
Tues., Apr. 3, 17, 24; May 1; 10 a.m. – noon
This is a continuation of Parts I and II with some additional
grammar information plus some reading and writing.
Leader: Helene Combopiano, retired Spanish teacher
Solo Flight [$5]
Tues., Apr. 3; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Explore the life and ministry of the Reverend Jeannette Piccard (1895-1981), the first woman to pilot a stratosphere balloon and one of the first women ordained in the Episcopal Church.
Leader: Patricia Donohue, actor
Music of the Civil War Period [$10]
Wed., Apr. 4, 18; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The music of the Civil War will be played and sung by Charlene and other musicians. The music is rich and reflects the history of this period. Parlor music, marching music and ballads will be played and discussed.
Leader: Charlene Thomson, and other musicians
Words as Symbols [$20]
Thurs., Apr. 5, 19, 26; May 3; 10 a.m. – noon
Words are symbols that stand for things and ideas, but how do they do this? What mechanisms and background conditions are needed for words to be symbols? Does the social nature of language underlie the symbolic functioning of words? Why are dogs better than wolves or chimps at using symbols? We will try to answer these questions.
Leader: Larry Roberts, professor emeritus, philosophy, BU
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire [$15]
Thurs., Apr. 5, 19, 26; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Fires in New York in 1911 and Binghamton in 1913 killed nearly 180 garment workers. The New York fire triggered safety and labor reforms and New Deal legislation. Come and hear about tragedy, heroism and their aftermath.
Leader: Ken Hooper
Binghamton Philharmonic Backstage Pass [$5]
Thurs., Apr. 12; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Anderson Center Reception Room, BU Get the inside scoop on how the Binghamton Philharmonic prepares for a concert from music director José-Luis Novo, guest artist Mayuko Kamio, and members of the orchestra. Participants will attend a rehearsal for the Binghamton Philharmonic's April 14 concert.
Leaders: José-Luis Novo, conductor; Mayuko Kamio, guest artist
George's Books: Cutting for Stone [$20]
Fri., Apr. 13, 20, 27; May 4; 10 a.m. – noon
This many-layered novel unfolds in Africa and America, telling the story of the lives of twin sons born to an Indian mother and a British father. In the manner of a bildungsroman, it tells of their devotion to medicine and passion for the same woman which drives them apart. Text: Cutting for Stone, Verghese, ISBN: 0375714368, $15.95, limited to 20, separate check
Leader: Renata Bernal
Southern Comfort
Tuesday, April 17, 6 p.m.
[$36.50]
Old Union Hall
Binghamton University Student Union
Plan to dine and line dance the night away at our down home Southern Comfort Dinner featuring a variety of Southern food. To start, Puff Pastry Cheese Straws, Ambrosia Salad, and Cornbread, followed by Southern Fried Chicken, Ribs, Catfish, Warm Black-Eyed Peas and Greens, Roasted Sweet and White Potatoes, and Casserole of Green Beans. Dessert will be Mississippi Mud Cake. Sweet Tea will be on the table. After dinner, Gena Howard will lead us in line dancing. Be ready to: "Cross Over Left, Step Left Back, Turn 1/3 Right, Step Right, Step Left Together, and Bump Hips Right, Left, Right, Left!!
Reservation Deadline, April 10 Separate Check
Ahh... Spring – BU Nature Preserve Bird Walks [$10]
Tues., Apr. 17 and May 1; 9:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Join Victor Lamoureux as we reacquaint ourselves with local resident birds and newly arriving spring migrants. The two trips are spaced to catch a diversity of migrants and hopefully the start of some warblers by May. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one. Limited to 15, Rain or Shine, separate check
Leader: Victor Lamoureux, naturalist, biologist
The Myth of "The Lost Cause of the Confederacy" [$10]
Tues., Apr. 10, 17; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
General Jubal Early, writing just after the war, put his spin on the defeat of the Confederacy – "The Lost Cause". He created a story of noble Confederate resistance to oppression, a myth that endures to this day, and not just in the South. Using the stories of Early and two lesser known but highly effective Confederate generals, Patrick Cleburne and John Brown Gordon, we will examine the myth in an illustrated presentation.
Leader: David Clutz, author
What's Happening To Our Planet? [$5]
Mon., Apr. 23; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Class will be held at the United Way (corner of Jensen and Vestal Parkway East)
Scientists tell us that not only are we in for global climate change, but it may be the result of human activity. We will examine the scientific evidence for climate change, and also the controversial issue of human involvement. The intriguing question about current weather anomalies being related to global climate change will be explored.
Leader: Nick Guydosh, science educator, Kopernick Observatory and Science Center
The American Theater, 17th to the 20th Century [$10]
Wed., Apr. 25; May 2; 10 a.m. – noon
So you thought Gillette was just a razor blade? Did you know men died rioting for their favorite Shakespearean actor? Delve into one of the most colorful aspects of life in these United States.
Leader: Judy McMahon, actor, director, co-founder S.T.A.R.
A Nation in Debt: 14 Trillion Dollars [$5]
Wed., Apr. 25; 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
This course will be a deliberative dialogue about the national debt. Under the influence of a moderator, we will strive to understand various approaches to the debt issues, know the strategic facts and work through the conflicting emotions which pull and tug on various strongly held values. The class will last 2 ½ hours.
Class limited to 20, separate check
Leader: Doug Garner, professor, sociology, BCC
A Brief Introduction to Human Visual Perception [$5]
Mon., Apr. 30; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Normal visual perception seems simple and efficient. In reality, it is extremely complex. Learning about visual system structures and experiencing demonstrations of visual phenomena, we can begin to understand and appreciate the complexity of visual perception, as well as what can go wrong.
Leader: Richard Pastore, distinguished service professor emeritus, psychology, BU
A Place Where Things May Grow:An Introduction to Cornell Plantations [$5]
Tues., May 1; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cornell Plantations includes the botanical garden, arboretum and natural areas of Cornell University. The Plantations presently comprise over 4,000 acres of stunning gardens, enchanting landscapes, precipitous gorges, and protected habitats. This virtual tour will depict the geological formation, historical development and diverse botanical collections of this local treasure, as well as provide an overview of the organization's mission, educational program and future vision.
Leader: Kevin Moss, community outreach coordinator
Nature Walk [$5]
Mon., May. 7 or Fri., May. 11; choose one 9 – 11 a.m.
BU Nature Preserve
Early May is the peak time for spring bird migrations and for woodland flowers. We are also likely to see amphibians, reptile and beaver activity. Footwear for damp terrain is essential. Rain or shine.
Class limited to 20, separate check
Leader: Dylan Horvath, BU
Cornell Plantations, Statler Hotel and the Herbert F. Johnson Art Museum [$68]
Tuesday, May 8
Board at 9:00 a.m. and return 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a guided tour of Cornell Plantations Botanical Gardens, located on the Cornell University Campus. Our visit will focus on this 25-acre site, which features twelve theme, or specialty gardens. These include herbs, flowers, vegetables, rock garden plants, rhododendrons, perennials, ornamental grasses, groundcovers, vines, container gardens, plants with winter interest ...even weeds!
We will visit the Nevin Welcome Center, an award-winning "green" building which includes exhibits, a gift shop, café, and restrooms.
A buffet lunch will be enjoyed at the Statler Hotel. Service will be provided by students from Cornell's world-renowned School of Hotel Administration, working under the guidance of seasoned hospitality professionals.
It will then be a short walk or bus ride to the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, which has one of the finest collections of art in upstate New York. After a one-hour guided tour, we will have time to explore the exhibits before our return trip.
To register, send a separate check to Lyceum. Reservations taken in order of post-mark date.
Members accepted first and guests after March 1
No Refunds after March 30
Editor's Note: Entering the catalog data and graphics is the fun part. The hard work is done by the program committee in creating the courses and recruiting the leaders. Contact the chair Ailsa Donnelly (722-4939), if you would like to help.
Did you know?
You have free access to the materials at Binghamton University libraries. Just show your Lyceum card at the Main Desk to take out materials.
You also can access the online catalog for Binghamton University libraries at http://library.lib.binghamton.edu/. You can do your own library search at home by using your computer.
Lyceum earned overwhelmingly high marks in the survey undertaken by the Long Range Planning Committee last fall. Some 195 members completed the survey, equating to a remarkable 48.5% of last spring's membership.
The response to the final question, "Please rate your overall satisfaction with Lyceum," best summarizes the results. On a scale of 1 (very satisfied or very important) to 5 (very dissatisfied) Lyceum was rated (1) very satisfied by 65% and (2) satisfied by 30% of all respondents. Please contact Lyceum for additional information.
