Course Schedule – Spring 2024 / Old Courses
Old Courses
The courses listed below have been offered at Quest in previous semesters listed in alphabetical order.
Click on any title to view the related course page.
HOWARDS END
Coordinators: Lynnel Garabedian, Sandy Kessler
E. M. Forster was a distinguished writer of novels, short stories, and essays whose career spanned several decades. During the fall semester the class will read one of his acclaimed novels, Howards End. Forster’s book sensitively explores conflicts of class and culture, politics, human relationships, and personal responsibility in a pre-World War I society that questions traditional English values as three families struggle to understand each other.
HUCKLEBERRY FINN
Coordinators: Lynnel Garabedian, Sandy Kessler
All American Literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. Ernest Hemingway famously declared in 1935. “It’s the best book we’ve had.”
INDIE FILMS
Coordinators: Howard Salik, Marian Friedmann, Bobbie Gold, Brenda Zusman
For Questers who love movies, “Indie Films” is a perfect fit. If you’ve seen a movie that is worthy of class discussion, email us with details.
INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Coordinators: Pete Weis, Jim Brook
This course continues with that which has become familiar in our everyday lives, for better or worse. The history of these inventions, as well as the impacts on our lives and on our planet, will be presented. And new this semester: inventions by women.
INVISIBLE MAN BY RALPH ELLISON
Coordinators: Lynnel Garabedian, Sandy Kessler,
This semester we will consider Ralph Ellison’s novel “The Invisible Man” (1952), which deals with the problems of race relations and Black identity in the United States.
JAZZ AT NOON
Coordinators: Richard Byrd, Stuart Parker
Jazz is a never-ending source of enjoyment. We will combine our lunch with inspiring music.
LAW & ORDER
Coordinators: Michael Wellner, Bob Gottfried, David Judlowitz
It is not just a TV crime series; it’s a topic that has galvanized virtually every segment of our society. Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, white supremacy, reparations for over 200 years of slavery, statues of Confederate leaders, crime in all its forms.
LITERARY HEROINES
Coordinators: Bryn Meehan, Sheryl Harawitz, Lois Klein
Why have some female characters stayed with us long after the last page? Do we still admire them? We’ll revisit favorite literary characters from our early reading years, for example, Nancy Drew and Scout Finch.
MEXICO: SOUTH OF OUR BORDER
Coordinators: Tamara Weinberg, Harriet Dubroff, Joyce Sabella
To visit Mexico is to be surrounded by color and music. A fascinating blend of butterflies and beaches, murals and museums, pyramids and ancient temples, Mexico is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
MODERN OPERA
Coordinators: Steve Koenig, Frieda Lipp, Victor Brener
At each session, we view a different opera and engage in a lively discussion of the text, staging, medium and score.