Quest Courses – Spring 2023 / History and Philosophy


The courses listed below, in the general area of history and philosophy, are currently offered at Quest.

Click on any title to view the related course page.


ARTISTS AND THEIR WORK

Coordinators: Linda Downs, Lynnel Garabedian, Bob Reiss, Ellen Shapiro

“Artists and Their Work” is an art history course that explores the lives and work of artists throughout the world.

EXPLORATIONS IN PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE

Coordinators: Larry Shapiro, Steve Allen, Jane Lubin

Our focus will be on how philosophy approaches particular issues as opposed to an in-depth analysis of specific philosophers.

FASCINATING NONFICTION

Coordinators: Harriet Finkelstein, Bob Reiss, Ruth Ward

At each session the presenter will tell you about a book you always wanted to read or about a book you never heard of but will be glad that you now have.

HISTORY OF GERMANY

Coordinators: Caroline Thompson, Steve Allen, Linda Davis

The German people have a long and complex history that has had a profound impact, both good and bad, on all of Europe and on the world. This three-term course examines this political, religious, and cultural history from the time of The Holy Roman Empire in 800 CE up to the current day.

NYC NEIGHBORHOODS

Coordinators: Paul Golomb, Bob Reiss

New York City is a tapestry. It is a 400-year development entailing subsequent waves of immigration and architectural styles. We will focus in each session on a definitive neighborhood, describing its history, architectural and topographic features, significant landmarks, course of development, and its contribution to the City as a whole.

SIXTIES

Coordinators: Richard Byrd, Paul Golomb, Diane Reynolds

The 1960s were a time of metamorphosis in U.S. history. The citizenry’s perception changed; African-Americans looked beyond the narrow corridor of civil rights. Women and gays refused to allow themselves to be marginalized any longer. The Vietnam War questioned the entire Military Industrial Complex.

SYMPOSIUM

Coordinators: Sheryl Harawitz, Mary Ann Donnelly, Donna Ramer

Each day, we have between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts, many of which drive our daily routines and needs.But there are those moments when a seemingly random thought sparks an idea that fuels the synapses and becomes a link in a chain of ideas that ignites significant change.

WEEK IN PARIS

Coordinators: Laura Lopez, Donna Basile, Ellen Rittberg

The course will offer a sampling of France’s notable contributions to Western culture and civilization.