Spring 2021 Schedule / Literature
These courses are offered by the Quest Lifelong Learning Community. For more information on Quest, see more details at the bottom of this page.
CONTEMPORARY POETRY
Coordinators: Betty Farber, Martha Drezin, Sheryl Harawitz, Frieda Lipp
Contemporary poetry enriches the lives of its readers. Participants are invited to choose a poem that they will share with the class. In the class, participants will introduce the poems, read the poems aloud and engage the class in rich discussion about content and poetic elements. Previous experience with poetry is unnecessary.
A WEEK / WEDNESDAY / 2:00pm to 3:30pm
CONTEMPORARY SHORT STORIES
Coordinators: Nancy Richardson, Mary Buchwald, Frieda Lipp
At each session, one or two class members present background and other information on a story they have selected, followed by a lively class discussion.
A WEEK / THURSDAY / 2:00pm to 3:30pm
CONVERSATIONS EN FRANÇAIS
Coordinators: Ruth Ward, Donna Basile
If you speak some French, join us for conversations on subjects of interest to our participants. The class is conducted in French. Members have the opportunity to present mini-lessons and to lead group discussions on topics of their choice.
A WEEK / TUESDAY / 2:00pm to 3:30pm
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
Coordinators: Hilda Feinstein, Donna Ramer, Helen Saffran
“The room was dark except for the flow of the computer on the marble table in the center of the foyer. She didn’t turn on the lights, just walked to the blinking cursor and before following its directive to click ‘enter’, saw the dozen vases of all sizes, each filled with a dozen roses. The custom yellow and white striped ceramic with a combination of yellow and white miniatures and the hand-carved mahogany with the lavender Blue Moons brought tears to her eyes. She took a deep breath, the fragrance overwhelming her, and turned back to the computer screen. She knew what she would hear when she hit “enter” and was not disappointed when the room filled with the etude he composed for her. She knew he was there, hoping to return to a life that was long over for her…”
Beginnings/Endings
By Donna Ramer
Workshop your writing in a warm and supportive setting. We welcome all genres, from prose and poetry to script writing, fiction, even op-eds. Participate in class writing exercises and discuss writing approaches and styles.
A WEEK / TUESDAY / 2:00pm to 4:00pm
DANIEL DERONDA
Coordinators: Lynnel Garabedian, Sanford Kessler
Daniel Deronda was George Eliot’s last book and her most controversial because of her sympathetic view of the plight of the Jews and the beginning Zionist movement. Set in Eliot’s own time, the 1860’s, the author presents an aristocratic decaying English society marked by religious prejudice. The story centers on two main characters – a compassionate adopted son of a wealthy man who searches for his true identity and a haughty, beautiful young woman who makes a drastic mistake. Both characters must change their perceptions of the world and of themselves and seek personal and moral growth. The spring term will continue discussion of the novel with Book IV, Chapters 28-34.
A WEEK / MONDAY / 10:30am to 12:00pm
FASCINATING NON-FICTION
Coordinators: Harriet Finkelstein, Bob Reiss
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. Selections range from transit maps to Mt. Everest expeditions, American politics, Western women’s diaries, young Ernest Hemingway, black migration, the sinking of the Lusitania, Frank Sinatra, American restaurants, the evolution of mankind. Every semester an eclectic array of fascinating non-fiction awaits its audience.
B WEEK / WEDNESDAY / 10:30am to 12:00pm
GREAT CONVERSATIONS
Coordinators: Jane Lubin, Larry Shapiro
This class offers works by both contemporary and classic authors across many genres and disciplines, ideal for promoting discussion among readers. Some of those to be featured are Immanuel Kant, Matthew Arnold, Shirley Jackson, Liesel Mueller and Clarice Lispector.
B WEEK / MONDAY/ 2:00pm to 3:30pm
ISRAELI LITERATURE
Coordinators: Martha Drezin, Mary Ann Donnelly, Art Spar
We are excited to continue our discussion of Israeli literature. We will read short stories, poems, plays and essays by writers that represent different aspects of Israeli life during different eras. Presentations may include readings, dramatizations and other modalities designed to inspire class participation. Our goal is both an immersion in fine literature and a deeper understanding of the complexity of this vibrant country.
B WEEK / THURSDAY / 10:30am to 12:00pm
ORAL INTERPRETATION OF POETRY
Coordinators: Art Spar, Roy Clary, Mary Ann Donnelly, Sheryl Harawitz
In a fun, creative, and supportive environment, poetry will come alive as participants read it aloud and interpret it. Class leaders will introduce an engaging list of poets. Study topics will include meter, rhyme, alliteration, and other prosodic elements that influence a poem’s “sound meaning” as we explore how to enrich a poem by reading it aloud.
A WEEK / TUESDAY / 10:30am to 12:00pm
POET’S WORKSHOP
Coordinators: Judy Winn, Helen Neilson, Helen Saffran
The focus of the Poet’s Workshop is on reading aloud and sharing your own poems in a supportive environment, where you’ll get detailed feedback.
You are encouraged to experiment, to explore language, and to address all aspects of the craft in order to develop your own distinctive style and voice.
B WEEK / THURSDAY / 2:00pm to 4:00pm