No class 3/16 & 3/23

In the 20th century, European and Ottoman empires declined as the United States rose to global influence. While often voicing opposition to colonialism, the U.S. exerted its own power abroad. In competition with Russian and Chinese expansion, ideas of “American Exceptionalism” promoted democratic ideals overseas, even as racism, fascism, and prejudice persisted at home. This course examines forces such as Manifest Destiny, slavery, immigration exclusion, McCarthyism, the Cold War, and the policies of leaders including Kissinger, Cheney, and Trump.

Presenter: Steve Pollack lectures on culture, history, music and art in area schools, libraries, and community & continuing education groups.

CHOOSE A SESSION: MONDAYS OR THURSDAYS (No class 3/12 & 4/2)

Learn, discuss, and ask questions about the history and structure of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitutional Convention, and common arguments, misconceptions, and key details related to specific Articles and Amendments. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply their knowledge of the Constitution to current events.

Presenter: Jules Mermelstein is a retired UDT Commissioner, criminal defense attorney, teacher of history, gov't and constitutional law, and ACLU volunteer attorney. He currently serves on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Law Related Education Committee and the Montgomery Bar Association's Government Relations Committee. He loves class discussions and any questions you have.

This beginner-friendly, six-week course is designed for retirees who are curious about artificial intelligence (AI) and want to learn how to use it safely and effectively to simplify, enhance, and enrich their daily lives. Forget the complicated jargon—we’ll focus on practical, real-world applications of AI that you can use right now. The course will also explore how AI is transforming key fields such as medicine, law, and business.

Presenter: David Peltzman holds a graduate degree in Computer & Information Sciences from Temple University. He has worked over 35 years in the IT industry. He has taught at various universities specifically on Artificial Intelligence.

CHOOSE A SESSION:

Mondays 11:30am-12:45pm -OR- Mondays 1:45-3:00pm

Study the importance of shape, value, and composition, and learn to draw from studio setups and photographs. Open to all skill levels. Required supplies: drawing pencils and 9" × 12" drawing paper.

Presenter: Jackie Drewes is a former art school recruiter who has studied with various oils, pastels and watercolor artists.

American democracy is threatened by technocracy and oligarchy. Who are the American oligarchs and how much power do they have? How do billionaire business and technology leaders influence government policies? Get insight into how the richest individuals and industries have been able to control governments through campaign contributions, lobbying, and corrupt self-dealing. We'll also explore how tech and media oligarchs wield unprecedented powers through AI, data surveillance, and social media in the "information age."

Presenter: Sanford Catz is a retired aerospace engineering manager from Lockheed Martin and an experienced lifelong learning instructor. He is an organizer and discussion group leader with the Greater Philadelphia Thinking Society and teaches multidisciplinary courses in science and the humanities through OLLI. He holds a Master of Engineering in Engineering Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University.

In this interactive class, participants will discuss and analyze viewpoints and positions expressed about current news reported on C-SPAN, weekend television news programs, and in print media. All perspectives are welcome and encouraged.

Presenter: Dan Shoulberg has been a moderator of currents events forums for over 20 years. He is the Program Coordination Volunteer for the Adult Discovery & Learning series at UDPL.

NO CLASS THU 4/2

This course explores the history of jazz, tracing the chronological development of major jazz styles from its early beginnings to the present. In addition to musical evolution, the course examines the cultural, technological, and social influences that shaped jazz over time. Special attention is given to the impact of popular music, particularly the Great American Songbook of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. No prior knowledge of jazz is required.

Presenter: John has taught jazz classes in the Delaware Valley area for 10 years, teaching classes on “Jazz Vocalists”, “Masters of Jazz”, “Understanding and Listening to Jazz”, “Jazz and The Great American Songbook”, “From Bessie to Bebop, Brazil and Beyond - a History of Jazz", and “Jazz Around the World”.

NO CLASS THU 4/2

Discover and learn about recent critical technology developments in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, AI, medical advances, climate change and energy. 

Presenter: James Mattison has a B.A. and M.A. in biology, has worked in research field for 15 years and technical sales for 18, and taught adult ed courses at DelVal''s CLR program. He has conducted research in immunology, hepatitis, HIV, at Wistar Institute and Ortho diagnostics.