From Real Life to the Screen, with Monika Raesch (via Zoom)
Fridays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
This course focuses on true-life stories that have been adapted for the cinema, TV documentaries, vlogs, photojournalism, and the TV crime drama genre.
Emperors Then and Now: Chinese Leadership from Xia to Xi, with Caroline Reeves (via Zoom)
Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 10:30–12:00 p.m.
We will examine Chinese leadership historically, from Confucius and China’s first emperors to today’s Xi Jinping. We will discuss how China’s people view their leaders and how their leaders approach the responsibility of ruling, extending our understanding to “emperors" and leadership around the world. ?
What Makes Sondheim Great? Act II, with Gail Leondar-Wright (via Zoom)
Wednesdays, January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 11:00–12:30 p.m.
Stephen Sondheim was one of the most important musical theater artists of the past fifty years. We’ll dig into a few of Sondheim’s shows to discover what makes Sondheim great and why his musicals endure. Make sure to check the website syllabus for links to performances that we will discuss.
Austen and Eliot: Two Controversial Lives, and Two Problem Novels, with Gillian Gill (via Zoom)
Thursdays, January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 11:00–12:30 p.m.
This course focuses on two of the most celebrated novelists of nineteenth-century Great Britain: Jane Austen and George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans). We will read and discuss Mansfield Park and Daniel Deronda. Students are asked to read Austen’s teenage novel, Lady Susan, before the first class.
What Is “American” Music? with Laura Zoll (via Zoom)
Tuesdays, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
What makes American music distinctive and special? This course will help us understand and appreciate the music of our country. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, it's a good time to consider the music Americans have created and shared with the world. When you think about "American music" what comes to mind? Jazz? Broadway? Marching bands? Barbershop? Folk songs? Taylor Swift? What is it about the music of these genres that is quintessentially "American?" From Colonial days through the 21st century, Americans have produced and enjoyed a diverse range of music. American musical innovation has shaped the soundtrack of our history, and continues to bring us pleasure. This class will include audio clips so we can hear lots of musical styles, and participation is encouraged as we explore these genres and try to discern the special qualities of “American music.”
Registration begins December 17 for residents and December 24 for nonresidents at 781-698-4840 or online at LexRecMa.com. $35 per course for residents, $50 for nonresidents Find detailed information on our website at https://friendsofthecoa.org.