平特五不中

Study Group Program

Study groups are courses designed for seniors by seniors, given both online and on campus.


Spring registration opens April 2, 2024 at 9 a.m.

Term duration: April 15 鈥 June 27, 2024

Important

Registering for a study group or lecture requires a 平特五不中 Athena login name and password. To avoid a delay, have them handy when registration opens. If you forgot or don't have them, get them now at the .

View Complete Schedule
How to register for a study group
More about Study Groups

Study Group Topics

Spring 2024

ARCHITECTURE/VISUAL ARTS

YCMS 479 (in person)/YCMS 480 (online)
A Horse of a Different Colour
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Linda Sidel | lindasidel [at] me.com
Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m
Duration: 5 weeks, starting April 17鈥
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online Moderator Location: Online

Over a five-week period, we explore the vivid, diverse, and fun nature of colour as it appears in life, in art, and in music. This includes but is not limited to White & Black, (yin/yang); Food dyes and tattoos, (inside/out); Morrisseau and Carr, (Indigenous/Early Canadian); and War & Peace symbols.听

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


CREATIVE WRITING / LITERATURE

YCMS 546 Anton Chekhov: Two Plays

Moderator: Margaret Benfield | mbenfield6 [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17

Anton Chekhov was writing plays and stories at the turn of the 19th into the 20th century, aware that huge changes were underway in his society. Over a hundred years later, we may find some echoes of these shifts in our own age. The plays resonate still, despite the differences in time and place, because many of his themes are timeless. We will focus on The Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard. Chekhov labelled the former as a "drama" and the latter a "comedy," but these categories may be deceptive. There is very little conventional action, but there is certainly a lot going on. We should have plenty to discuss! Editions: Penguin Classics: Chekhov: Five Plays, Translator Peter Carson.听

Back to Top


YCMS 547 Fairy Tales: Once Upon a Time -- Today听

Moderator: Barbara Karasek | karasekb [at] vaniercollege.qc.ca
Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17

Apart from the Bible, there is probably no body of material that is as familiar to Western society as fairy tales. Transmitted orally for hundreds of years until they were eventually recorded, these tales can be found in many versions worldwide. In this process, the tales have undergone constant transformation as generations of tellers, collectors, writers, and artists across cultures have been drawn to this motherlode of story. Comparison of multiple versions will allow us to examine the features of a particular tale that have brought about its enduring popularity.听Recommended text: Folk and Fairy Tales by Martin Hallett and Barbara Karasek (Broadview Press, 5th ed.).

Back to Top


YCMS 548 Favourite Books听

Moderators: Ana Maria Klein |鈥kleina [at] fredonia.edu
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 Michael Moore |鈥michael [at] writersstudio.online

Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m
Duration: 5 weeks, starting April 18
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 25

This study group will involve participants in sharing their favourite books and book collections. The presenters will share their own perspectives, writing-in-progress, and other forms of bibliotherapy, encouraging participants to join in. The format will be a simple show-and-tell or book-talk style where participants will take turns bringing their books and collections to life.听

Back to Top


YCMS 290 The Prairies and Quebec Through Their Literature鈥

Moderators: Andrew Macdougall (MCLL) |鈥andrewmac [at] videotron.ca鈥
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听Sandra Ens (CALL) |鈥sandraens22 [at] gmail.com

Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, every other week, starting April 16听
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 10 from MCLL, 10 from CALL鈥

As a collaborative effort between the Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners (CALL) and MCLL, this discussion group will provide participants with an opportunity to increase, through novels, their appreciation of two distinct places 鈥 the Canadian Prairies and Quebec. The novels to be read and discussed are: The Trade by Fred Stenson; Fight Night by Miriam Toews; The Street by Mordechai Richler; You Will Love What You Have Killed by Kevin Lambert (Tu aimerais ce que tu as tu茅).听

Back to Top


YCMS 402 Writing: A Creative Challenge I听

Moderator: Michael Moore | mxm [at] michaelmoore.studio
Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group鈥
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 11

This study group is an introductory journey into the art of creative writing, exploring ideas about the nature of creativity; the general disciplines that every writer needs; elements of fiction, including voice, narrative, character, plot and the evoking of emotion; ideas involved in different forms of writing, such as stories, poetry, novels, plays and even memoir, with exercises on how to achieve work that will engage the reader from the start and compel them forward to the end.

Back to Top


YCMS 550 Henry VI, Dr. Faustus, and the Duchess

Moderator: Clifford Parr | clifford.parr [at] sympatico.ca听听
Time: Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 18

In this study group, we will be watching together and discussing the recent RSC production of the three parts of Shakespeare's Henry VI, as well as the Globe productions of Christopher Marlowe's Tragical History of Dr. Faustus and John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi.听

Back to Top


CULTURAL STUDIES / TRAVEL

YCMS 551 (in person)/YCMS 552 (online)
Myths, Legends and Folklore
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Sandra Frisby | sandrafrisby [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: Online

What are the myths surrounding trees? Childbirth? Fairies? What is the evil eye? In how many cultures do these myths affect behaviour? What myth system sustained the West Coast Indian culture? Avoiding the usual Egyptian, Greek and Roman myths, find a less traveled road and follow it. Imagine what you鈥檒l learn!

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 487 (in person)/YCMS 488 (online)
Parlons Fran莽ais
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Jacques Lalanne | m.jacques.lalanne [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

En fran莽ais seulement听

Conversation en fran莽ais sur des sujets d'exp茅riences v茅cues, propos茅s par le mod茅rateur.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 406 For the Love of Travel听

Moderator: Peter Liontos | liontospeter018 [at] gmail.com
Time: Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, April 24, May 1, May 22, May 29, June 5鈥
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 20

We invite all travelers, real or virtual, to join us on Wednesday 9:30 April 24, May 1, 22, 29 & June 5 to share their aspirations and queries on global travel with us. Topics will include group versus independent travel, shopping, flights, accommodations, insurance and solo travel. All participants will have the chance to share their travel experiences or to suggest a research destination. We will be showing videos based on your suggestions. Global travel has made a comeback, so why not be prepared when you are ready to take that special trip.听

Back to Top


HISTORY

YCMS 462 (in person)/YCMS 463 (online)
The Evolution of Eighteenth-Century Celebrity
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Belinda Beaton |鈥belinda.beaton2 [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

The notion of celebrity took off in the eighteenth century. Part of it was due to changes in media that enabled the distribution of information concerning individuals. Suddenly there was a huge audience for personal information concerning not only royalty, but also actors, writers, military commanders, to say nothing of criminals and courtesans. Many of the tropes and criteria modern audiences use to evaluate public personalities were born in this period.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 521 A Look at the History of Brazil听听

Moderator: Peter Berry | dukemorrill2004 [at] yahoo.ca
Time: Monday 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 22

Pedro Alvares Cabral鈥檚 landing in 1500 on the coast of South America set in motion a chain of events that resulted in the creation of the fascinating multicultural and multiracial Brazilian nation.听

Back to Top


YCMS 522 Turning Points in the Modern Middle East听听

Moderator: Peter Berry | dukemorrill2004 [at] yahoo.ca
Time: Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 22

We will investigate the causes and consequences of the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, the end of the Palestine Mandate, and the triumph of the ayatollahs in the Iranian Revolution of 1978-79. The positive and negative legacies of these events are still impacting the region today.

Back to Top


YCMS 553 Mussolini's Italy 1883-1945听

Moderator: John Felvinci | jfelvinci [at] sympatico.ca
Time: Tuesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group鈥
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 40听

In these lectures, we are reviewing the political and cultural history of Italy during Benito Mussolini鈥檚 lifetime. We will follow Mussolini鈥檚 development from a socialist to a fascist, his rise to power, his time as leader of Italy, his fall from power and his death. We will also survey the rich musical, artistic, and literary scene in Italy during this time period.

Back to Top


YCMS 554 Imperial Rome, Part 2

Moderators: Roger Humphrey | rth201002 [at] yahoo.ca
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 Jim Wyant | wyantcoinc [at] gmail.com
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 Wendela Stier | wen.la.stier [at] gmail.com

Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 6 weeks, starting April 18
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 17

Continuing the study of Rome in the Imperial age, we will examine, for example, maritime developments, the 鈥渇ive good emperors鈥, the transition from a pagan society to Christianity, the results of the breakup of the Empire in the west 鈥 the early formation of modern European states.听 Of course, members of the study group can suggest topics of interest to them.听

Back to Top


YCMS 555 Trailblazer Women Throughout the Ages

Moderators: Henry Olders | henry.olders [at] mcgill.ca
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听Suzanne Alleyn | suzannealleyn_1 [at] sympatico.ca

Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, every other week, starting April 23听
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 14

What woman would you choose as the person who left her mark, who may have changed the course of history, who continues to be a role model? Tell us about that woman, and why you believe she was a trailblazer. Here are some suggestions: Cleopatra; Hildegard of Bingen; Artemisia Gentileschi; Hatshepsut; Queen Elizabeth I; Queen Seondeok of Korea; Sofonisba Anguissola; Catherine de 鈥楳edici; Florence Nightingale; Harriet Tubman; Maria Montessori; Eleanor of Aquitaine; Jane Jacobs; Elaine Morgan; Marie Curie; Temple Grandin; Grace Hopper; Ada Lovelace; Helen Keller; Caterina Sforza; Lucrezia Borgia.

Back to Top


YCMS 389 (in person)/YCMS 390 (online)
Ancient Worlds: Uncovering the Past
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Robert Winters |听robertwinters [at] videotron.ca
Time: Monday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

What can we learn from exploring ancient civilizations and discovering how people lived in the past? Recent research into the DNA of ancient people, how they thought and what they believed can challenge our views about the past. Discussion will be stimulated by presentations and videos that explore major events and people that changed history. We will look at civilizations of the Mediterranean, Asia and the Americas, including in Rome, Egypt and Greece. We will also explore the colourful lives of ancient leaders and learn what motivated them. Participants are encouraged to do presentations.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


MEDICINE / HEALTH / WELLNESS

YCMS 556 (in person)/YCMS 557 (online)
Carl Rogers, le psychologue le plus important du 20e si猫cle
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Jacques Lalanne | m.jacques.lalanne [at] gmail.com
Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m
Duration: 5 weeks, starting May 22听
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online

Moderator Location: In classroom

En fran莽ais seulement

Carl Rogers a 茅t茅 le premier 脿 observer la psychoth茅rapie avec des m茅thodes scientifiques. Il a d茅couvert que l'ingr茅dient principal pour favoriser le d茅veloppement d'une autre personne est l'empathie. Il a appliqu茅 son approche 脿 la psychoth茅rapie, 脿 l'茅ducation, aux groupes de rencontres, aux relations interethniques et internationales.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 558 (in person)/YCMS 559 (online)
Carl Rogers, the Most Important Psychologist of the 20th Century
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Jacques Lalanne | m.jacques.lalanne [at] gmail.com
Time: Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting May 22听
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

Carl Rogers was the first to apply scientific methods to observe and measure psychotherapy. He found that the most important element to foster the development of another person is empathy. He applied his discovery to psychotherapy, education, encounter groups, interethnic and international relationships.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


MUSIC / THEATRE / FILM STUDIES

YCMS 560 Bach鈥檚 Transformation of Classical Music, Part Two听

Moderators: Philip Ehrensaft | metro845 [at] philipehrensaft.com
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 Rick Jones |鈥rickjones205 [at] yahoo.com

Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 90

J.S. Bach鈥檚 transformation of classical music melded the rigor and rhythmic punch of German composition, French Baroque styles rooted in dance, Italy鈥檚 invention of opera, the Lutheran Reformation鈥檚 transcendental liturgical music, and Bach鈥檚 once-in-a-century sheer genius plus his supreme keyboard and violin virtuosity. We conclude with two mature masterpieces: 1) the Saint Matthew Passion and 2) the Goldberg Variations, including Glen Gould鈥檚 landmark performances. MCLL members who did not take Bach Part One are welcome to enroll in Part Two.听

Back to Top


YCMS 497 Th茅芒tre: lecture 脿 haute voix de sc猫nes classiques et modernes

Moderator: Jacques Lalanne | m.jacques.lalanne [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 15

En fran莽ais seulement听

Tartuffe, L'Avare, Le malade imaginaire, Le bourgeois gentilhomme, La m茅g猫re apprivois茅e, Douze hommes en col猫re, Qui a peur de Virginia Woolf, Le premier, Six personnages en qu锚te d'auteur, Le vrai monde? etc.

Back to Top


YCMS 498 What's All the Percussion About?听

Moderator: Lanny Levine | lannylevines [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting April 15
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 11

Showcase the sounds of orchestral percussion instruments: timpani, cymbals, snare drum, triangle, tambourine, and mallet instruments. Demonstrate playing techniques, explain percussion notation, and have everyone try out smaller instruments firsthand. Lots of listening using the internet with PowerPoint, CDs, and YouTube. Participants could give a short presentation touching, however tangentially, on any aspect of percussion.听

Back to Top


YCMS 562 Popular Music Tour (Guided by AI)听

Moderator: Bruce Macleod | Bruce.macleod [at] mac.com
Time: Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.听
Duration: 5 weeks, starting April 15
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 16

An informal spontaneous AI-guided group tour of selected popular music artists and genres. Includes: AI generated information points (ChatGPT); editorials, videos and recordings sampled from Spotify and YouTube; Group discussion.听

Back to Top


YCMS 501 (in person)/YCMS 502 (online)
The Life, Times, and Music of Leonard Cohen
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderators: Jeff Sidel | jsidel [at] videotron.ca
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听Linda Sidel | lindasidel [at] me.com

Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting April 18
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

Hallelujah. Are you aware that this iconic classic written and recorded by Leonard Cohen in 1984 achieved little initial success? Have you ever wondered who 鈥淪uzanne鈥 and 鈥淢arianne鈥 were? Did you know that Judy Collins was instrumental in launching Cohen鈥檚 music career in the U.S.? All this and more will be addressed, as we take a deep dive over a five-week period to discover the life, times, and music of Leonard Cohen.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 563(in person)/YCMS 564 (online)
The Life, Times, and Music of Gordon Lightfoot
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderators: Jeff Sidel | jsidel [at] videotron.ca
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听Linda Sidel | lindasidel [at] me.com

Time: Thursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting May 23
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

鈥淭he Minstrel of the Dawn is Here鈥 鈥rom Orillia, Ontario to worldwide fame, Gordon Lightfoot, troubadour and poet became one of Canada鈥檚 most beloved singer/songwriters. Vivid storytelling in song 鈥 Canadian Railroad Trilogy and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, made him one of world鈥檚 greatest icons. Over a five-week session, we will explore in-depth why artists such as Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and many other major recording artists felt compelled to perform Lightfoot鈥檚 songs.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 565 The English Musical Renaissance 1899-1920听

Moderator: Tony Wait |听anthony.wait39 [at] yahoo.com
Time: Thursday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting May 23
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 18

The premi猫re of Elgar's Enigma Variation in June 1899 heralded the arrival of a new master and the beginning of the English musical renaissance of the early 20th century. We will concentrate on the music of not only Elgar, but also discover that of Delius and Vaughan Williams, the other major figures of this period.听

Back to Top


YCMS 566 Exploring Pedro Almodovar through Two Films and His Autobiography听

Moderator: Alicia Zlatar | Zlatar.alicia [at] gmail.com
Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting April 16
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation and Discussion Group听
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 10

A minimum level of Spanish is required to participate in the study group. The first session will center on the life of Almodovar and his accomplishments as a director. We will screen Julieta, made in 2016 and based on the short stories by Alice Munro.听 It will take two sessions to watch the film and understand it through a constructive discussion. Another film will be shown on the fourth and final sessions of the study group using the same format.听

Back to Top


POLITICS / ECONOMICS / CURRENT EVENTS

YCMS 567 Davos Man: How the Billionaires Devoured the World by Peter S. Goodman

Moderator: Nadia Alexan |鈥nadia.alexan [at] videotron.ca
Time: Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 18

The New York Times鈥檚 Global Economics Correspondent masterfully reveals how billionaires鈥 systematic plunder of the world鈥攂razenly accelerated during the pandemic鈥攈as transformed 21st-century life and dangerously destabilized democracy. The book reveals their hidden impact on nearly every aspect of modern society: widening wealth inequality, the rise of anti-democratic nationalism, the shrinking opportunity to earn a livable wage, the vulnerabilities of our health-care systems, access to affordable housing, unequal taxation, and even the quality of the shirt on your back. A must-read book for understanding the causes of inequality.

Back to Top


YCMS 382 Latin America 鈥 Past Present and Future (Intergenerational Group)

Moderator: Paul Doucet |鈥pdoucetlindsay [at] gmail.com
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听Fran莽ois Labont茅 |鈥 flabonteca [at] yahoo.ca

Time: Tuesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 from MCLL, 10 from SLASA

This session is intergenerational and is designed by SLASA (Spanish and Latin America Student Association of 平特五不中) and MCLL. Its purpose is to bring together Latin American students and MCLL members with interest/experience in Latin America in presenting and discussing issues pertinent to this continent. About 8-10 students at the BA/MA levels will make presentations. About the same number of MCLL members will be expected to also make presentations, based on their professional experience, achievements and lessons learned, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Back to Top


YCMS 300 (in person)/YCMS 344 (online)
L鈥楢ctualit茅: perspectives des media Qu茅b茅cois
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderators: Tony Frayne |鈥Tony1frayne [at] bell.net
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 Marisa Consolata Kemper |鈥marisa.consolata [at] gmail.com

Time: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 8 in person, 8 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

En fran莽ais avec participation dans les deux langues officielles

We live in interesting times, in a city which has some world-class media. Join our study group to discuss current events in Qu茅bec, Canada and abroad, as reported in our local print and electronic media. You also get the chance to practice your French. Participants are expected to be able to read and understand French and English but may express themselves in either language. They are responsible for accessing recommended articles.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 349 (in person)/YCMS 350 (online)
World Topics of Interest for Discussion
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Paul Kuai-Yu Leong | paul.leong1234 [at] gmail.com
Time: Thursday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online Moderator Location: In classroom

Each week we discuss a variety of interesting topics after viewing videos from a variety of sources (e.g., Oxford Union, Intelligencesquared.com, france24.com, etc.) The objective is to expand our horizons on world affairs 鈥 even with controversial opinions. So, let's keep calm and carry on with some stimulating discussions.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 569 Wealth, Power, Wars: The Role of Empathy

Moderator: Henry Olders |鈥henry.olders [at] mcgill.ca
Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, every other week, starting April 16
Study Group Style: Discussion Group
Attendance: In person
Maximum Number of Participants: 13

Why do some governments and politicians engage in bullying or make war against other countries, minorities, religious groups, immigrants, refugees, the mentally ill, or the handicapped? Or corporations and executives abusing employees, colluding to fix prices, collecting user data illegally, or deliberately creating addictions? Is this psychopathy? Mental illness? Caused by trauma? Or a lack of empathy? We will explore the biology and psychology of empathy as the underpinning for conscience, guilt, shame, ethics, and morals. How empathy can be used to manipulate, and how to recognize when this happens.

Back to Top


YCMS 570 (in person)/YCMS 571 (online)
2024 Presidential Election: And the Presumptive Nominees Are Biden v. Trump?
Hybrid Study Group - register for in-person or online attendance

Moderator: Jeff Sidel |鈥jsidel [at] videotron.ca
Time: Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 in person, 14 online
Moderator Location: In classroom

Now that the primaries are over, it is a mad race to November. We continue to take a deep dive on all the issues surrounding the upcoming election. Be here. It will be wild.

Please register for one section:

Back to Top


YCMS 572 2024 Presidential Election: And the Presumptive Nominees Are Biden v. Trump, Section 2

Moderator: Jeff Sidel |鈥jsidel [at] videotron.ca
Time: Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 28

Now that the primaries are over, it is a mad race to November. We continue to take a deep dive on all the issues surrounding the upcoming election. Be here. It will be wild.

Back to Top


YCMS 477 Understanding Markets and Investing听

Moderator: Robert Winters |鈥robertwinters [at] videotron.ca
听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 Rick Jones | rickjones205 [at] yahoo.com

Time: Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting May 23
Study Group Style: Moderator/Participant Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 30

Investing can seem intimidating if you don鈥檛 understand concepts related to markets and securities. Whether you are fine-tuning your portfolio or shifting your investment strategy, class members will share their knowledge and experience to help you understand the investment world better. What technical tools can be used to screen possible investments to find winners - and avoid losers? Some class members will be very knowledgeable while others will be eager to learn. Our goal is to learn about financial topics; this is not an investment club. Participants are encouraged to do presentations.

Back to Top


SENIOR SERVICES / WORKSHOPS

YCMS 079 Drama for Fun

Moderator: Freda Segal | fsegal10 [at] gmail.com
Time: Monday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 weeks
Study Group Style: Workshop
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 11

Drama for Fun is a workshop that promotes socialization, improves creativity, and induces laughter 鈥 a perfect remedy for our times. Come and witness the creativity that can be unleashed when thespians get together via Zoom to create online drama.

Back to Top


YCMS 271 Digital Literacy for Lifelong Learners听

Moderator: Tim Skene | tim [at] skene.org
Time: Thursday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Duration: 5 weeks, starting May 23
Study Group Style: Moderator Presentation Group
Attendance: Online
Maximum Number of Participants: 50

Digital literacy is essential in today's online world. Every day we confront fake and biased news, misinformation, paid reviews and pseudoscience. Equally important are online privacy and the widespread harvesting of our personal data. This study group will reveal the many versions of truth online and how to tell good sense from nonsense. We will look at what privacy means these days and how to avoid scams and digital fraud.听

Back to Top


Back to top