LifeLong Learning

The increasing frequency of climate catastrophes is bringing home the reality that climate change is real, and can be deadly—and can make us wonder, “Is it too late?” This workshop will take this question head on: ‘ Yes’, it is an emergency, ‘No’, it’s not too late— because the emergency is not over—the outcome is not decided! It is a moment of both great peril—and great promise. We will look at how we can find our footing in this time of great uncertainty. We will learn how we can keep our eyes on what is possible and not be overwhelmed by what may seem almost inevitable.

Verne returns again to offer more songs that celebrate life and lift our spirits—and are fun to sing! Through both performance and sing-along, Verne will explore songs from the past and present--and from different parts of the world, some well-known, some hidden gems; some serious, some funny but all inspirational. Come celebrate the coming of Spring! And nurture your hope and be inspired!

Catherine Banks returns to lead a group of avid readers to discuss books that they have read and recommend and to discuss the book assigned to that session. Participants will be sharing their opinions, their likes and dislikes.

Are you ready for it? Please join us for a 4-class sequence that will explore the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift. Using their disciplines as a lens, four Springfield College professors will dive into Swift's lyrics as literature, her genius public relations strategies, her media representation, and her impact on the economy.

In this latest installment Jim Bates will once again discuss the JFK Assassination. The title of this is “The Beneficiaries” and in the lecture Jim will discuss in depth the various people and organizations that benefited from the removal of the President.

In this session Jim will take an in depth look at the various connections between the city of New Orleans and the Kennedy assassination. We’ll look at Clay Shaw, David Ferrie, Guy Bannister among others who were supposedly involved in the assassination. Specific emphasis will be on Mobster Carlos Marcello, who some researchers indicate ordered the assassination.

Antisemitism, while intertwined with other forms of identity-based hatred, is particularly confusing in that one can find it in multiple ideological positions and orientations that we would consider otherwise to be at odds with each other. Often called "the oldest hatred," antisemitism seems particularly resurgent and powerful in this cultural moment. In this series of lectures and discussions, we will distinguish various forms and articulations of antisemitism as we excavate them from their origins, from antiquity through today.