College at 60 Courses
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FALL 2024 COURSES
Registration for the fall 2024 College at 60 session will open in early May.
The Fall 2024 College at 60 term will start on September 16, 2024
Monday classes: September 16 - December 9
Tuesday classes: September 17 - December 10
Wednesday classes: September 18 - December 11*
Thursday classes: September 19 - December 12
Friday classes: September 20 - December 13
MONDAYS
Christopher Toulouse
Current Topics - The 2024 Presidential Election
Mondays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50640
This course will examine the 2024 Presidential Election. We will cover what's happening each week and where the race stands. As a class, we will discuss issues raised by the campaign, including campaign finance, voting rights, the role of social media, the question of political violence, and the future of liberal democracy. Newspaper and magazine articles will be used as the background for exploration and analysis. We will make extensive use of structured discussion exercises.
TUESDAYS
Byron Shafer
Portraits of Jesus: The Four Gospels
Tuesdays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 52119
Each of the four gospels of the New Testament offered, and continues to offer, a distinctive portrait of Jesus. These reflected and in turn shaped the multiple images of the historical Jesus that developed throughout the Roman Empire in the various first-century Christian communities. Each of these gospels will be read and studied with a view toward not only their similarities but also their differences. We will begin with the first gospel to have been written—Mark. Then we will study two other gospels— Matthew and Luke—that used Mark as a source, introduced material from a second source shared in common, and then interspersed their own distinctive traditions. Finally, we will turn to the fourth gospel—John—which seems to have developed independently of the other three in stages stretching over much of the second half of the first century C.E.
Nicholas Birns
The Founding Voyage: Art and Empire in Vergil’s Rome
Tuesdays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50646
Listen to Nicholas Birns' insights on his course
Vergil’s Aeneid is a fascinating and often contradictory work. Written by a single person, it seeks to possess the dimensions of epic poems that typically are composed collectively and over generations. Composed at the behest of the mighty Roman Emperor Augustus, it cannot have been entirely pleasing to him. Chronicling a founding voyage that sows the seeds of a future major society, it also is frank about the processes of imperialism and usurpation that have come in the wake of such journeys. Guided by fate its hero is often vexed by fortune, And, even though its hero, Aeneas, is dutiful above and beyond expectation, he also has moments of doubt, as when he is tempted by the love of a great queen. The Aeneid is a narrative with nearly everything: adventure, romance, flashbacks and flash-forwards, and even fun and games. We will read Shadi Bartsch's translation of the Aeneid, the first major translation by a woman, as well as Vergil’s earlier lyric poems and a contemporary response by an American woman author, Ursula K. Le Guin's Lavinia
Ali Noori
The Devil: History, Poetics, and Politics of the Archenemy
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50643
This course explores the oldest and the most powerful antagonist of human history. The Devil has a rich history from ancient dualist cosmologies, through the monotheistic traditions, up to the modern day. In this course, we will survey the many expressions of human creativity that underlie the emergence and development of this character. We will study mythology, scripture, philosophy, medicine, material culture, ritual practice, and iconographic representations to discover the many dimensions of the arch enemy over the course of two millennia. Through an extensive study of Satan, we will see the ways in which people answered some perennial questions, such as: What is a human? How do we relate to the cosmos and nature? How do we make meaning of suffering? What is morality?
Barbara Parker
Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, King Lear
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 52116
Explore three iconic Shakespearean plays and the cultural forces that helped shape them: The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s brilliantly witty, intensely controversial commentary on the duties of wives to their husbands; Macbeth, a study of the psychological effects of evil on a man who, abetted by dark forces waiting to ensnare him, sells his soul to the devil for political power; and King Lear, the account of a ruler whose blindness to his own evil causes him to lose everything—his throne, his children, even the roof over his head—until he rages, naked and mad, on the heath. A searing portrayal of redemption through suffering, King Lear is widely considered Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.
Marybeth Richroath
Human Trafficking and the Law
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 52120
Human trafficking is a multifaceted crime, a human rights violation that turns human beings into commodities to be purchased and sold for the purpose of labor or commercial sexual exploitation. The study of human trafficking cuts across disciplines, and this course will explore it from legal, sociological, and mental health perspectives. We will define human trafficking based upon international treaties, as well as federal and New York state laws. We will examine how these laws are enforced, the challenges that law enforcement encounters, and its successes and failures. We will look at underlying sociological causes of human trafficking, the psychological vulnerabilities of the victims, and the services and approaches that can help lawyers, social workers, doctors, and mental health professionals in assisting the victims. We will also explore the various contexts in which the victims of human trafficking touch the legal system—criminal court, civil court, family court, and immigration court—and see the intersection between the legal and social services systems.
WEDNESDAYS
John Bach
Power on Film
Wednesdays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50647
What role do politics and political leaders play in society? What role do citizens play in supporting, controlling, and/or fighting against institutional powers? These important questions have been asked by filmmakers since film began. Sometimes the answers have come in the form of a warning, sometimes the answers have been uplifting, sometimes, the questions have gone unanswered, leaving us to decide for ourselves. But the questions have been posed in every genre of film possible: drama, comedy, satire, musical, and documentary. Throughout the semester, we’ll explore these questions and these genres, and we’ll examine the ways in which film has influenced and been influenced by society. And in some cases, we’ll explore the ways in which time has changed our understanding and perception of these films. Films to be discussed might include The Great Dictator; The Manchurian Candidate; Born Yesterday; Norma Rae; Reds; 1776; Election; Julia; In the Heat of the Night; All the King’s Men; Joan of Arc; The Grapes of Wrath; The Post; The Queen; The Drew Kennedy documentaries; The Fog of War; and The War Room. Filmmakers explored might include Frank Capra; Elia Kazan; John Sayles; Spike Lee; Mike Nichols; and Ava DuVernay.
June Ballinger
The Regard for Theatre as a Catalyst for Change
Wednesdays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50648
Throughout history, theatre has been declared a powerful catalyst for societal transformation. This course will examine the ways groundbreaking plays have instigated and represented key moments of social and cultural change in America and Europe. Theatre has long been heralded for its ability to shape public opinion, challenge norms, and drive cultural shifts. By amplifying marginalized voices, exposing injustice, and cultivating empathy, the stage has proven to be an unparalleled agent of progress. But has this intended impact truly changed behaviors and society’s conscience? We will investigate this question through the study of landmark plays that triggered sweeping movements. From Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”; upending traditional gender roles to “Angels in America”, spotlighting the AIDS crisis, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton”sparking important conversations about race, history, and representation, we will analyze how these transcendent works raised consciousness and galvanized communities into action. Other iconic playwrights whose legacies will be explored include Anouilh, Brecht, Miller, Hansberry, Odets, Kushner, and others whose daring works boldly confronted issues like racism, capitalist oppression, sexuality, and human rights violations. Writers like David Hare, Lynne Nottage, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Matthew Lopez continue this tradition, sparking urgent dialogues around war, economic injustice, immigration, and more. Through profound dramatic texts, insightful criticism, and vibrant discussion, you'll develop a deeper understanding of theatre's fundamental role as an instigator of change. Investigate landmark productions and theatrical movements specifically formed to shatter systemic inequities. Together we will gain a deep appreciation for how the stage has elevated the human experience and inspired empathy across borders. Unlock theatre's transformative power as a force for enacting positive change in society.
Nina Goss
Powers of Expression: Writing for play, discovery, and commitment
Wednesday 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50649
This course is for writers who are eager to develop flexibility and discipline in your work. By playing with different genres, voices, and forms and applying the care and craft necessary to bring a range of pieces to completion, you will find that you are more than one writer. And you’ll be working in good company. Sessions will be collaborative and comradely; I insist on close and generous attention to each other’s work. Whether you are beginning your writing life or you want to refine as well as expand your current writing interests, you’ll produce serious work here that can show you where your writing commitments and desires lie. With a supportive community, you’ll see which of your writing selves may surprise and inspire you.
Robert Parmach
Distinctions That Make a Difference: Cartesian Skepticism, Aristotle and Jesuit Philosophical Insights
Wednesdays 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50655
6 week course - November 6 - December 18* (this Wednesday course ends on December 18)
This six-session course introduces students to the philosophical value of Cartesian skepticism and the virtue ethics of Aristotle in helping us to construct our daily belief systems. First, we explore salient philosophical themes within the context of Jesuit inspired intellectual history. Second, we grapple with what it means to be a contemplative-in-action today by drawing links between our interior beliefs and demonstrated exterior actions in the world with others as ethical human beings.
George Shea
Dante’s Paradiso
Wednesdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 52118
The class will read and discuss Dante's Paradiso using the Mandelbaum edition with the Italian text and English translation on facing pages. We will treat Dante's life and the poetic traditions in which he wrote, considering as well the importance of ancient history and literature for his work. We will analyze the structure of the canticle along with the cosmic vision in which the work unfolds. We will concern ourselves with Dante's use of scripture and the arts as well as how he draws the characters we will meet on the various levels of Paradise. Finally, we will ask ourselves what kind of epic poem the Commedia is and what its significance is for our own age. In short, an opportunity to view the spectacular presentation of what Italy's greatest poet imagined the destiny of humanity would be.
THURSDAYS
Juliana Gilheany
Great Trials in American History
Thursdays, 10:15 am-12:15 pm | Onsite | CRN: 52117
This course examines influential and controversial trials and decisions that have affected American history. We begin in the colonial period with the trials of Anne Hutchinson and the Salem Witches. We continue into the 19th century, discussing trials involving Lincoln’s Assassination, Andrew Johnson’s Impeachment, and Susan B. Anthony’s voting. In the 20th Century, we analyze the cases of Sacco and Vanzetti, the Scopes “Monkey Trial,” the Scottsboro Boys, the Rosenbergs, OJ Simpson, and the Clinton Impeachment. We conclude with 21st-century trials involving Enron, Black Lives Matter, and former President Donald Trump as we study American economic, political, religious, and social history through the prism of trials.
Richard Hresko
Revolution!
Thursdays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Onsite | CRN:52121
When Kissinger and Nixon changed the world dynamic by playing the so-called ‘China card’ in the 1970s, Zhou Enlai, the premier of China from 1954 until his death in 1976, was asked by French journalists what he thought of the French Revolution. He thought for several moments, then smiled and replied, “too soon to tell.” This remark reveals two important realizations about a revolutionary change: it is both profound, and it takes a long time for all its implications to be fully revealed. This course explores how we can begin to understand all that goes into and comes out of a revolution and why many, but not all, revolutions go through tragic, violent faces. Among the revolutions we will consider in our journey will be The American and French Revolutions of the 18th Century, the multiple European revolutions of 1830 and 1848 (including why Britain did not have a revolution in 1848), the Russian revolutions and Chinese revolutions of the 20th Century, and fascist movements following World War I. The 21st Century has already shown that unexpected and sometimes violent change is not a relic of history and studying revolutionary movements can be one way we can help develop a deeper understanding of our times.
Kathryn John
The Opera
Thursdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50654
Opera’s early roots in the 16th century Italian balletto, intermodo, and dramatic pastorale flowered in the 17th century when these art forms were combined and gave rise to what became known as “opera.” In this course, we’ll begin by studying the first preserved major work in the new genre, Monteverdi’s Orfeo, from 1607, using the glorious, filmed production directed by Jordi Savall. We will continue through the semester following the development of this increasingly popular musical entertainment, focusing on its important composers and their works, some of which are scheduled to be performed at the Metropolitan Opera during the 2024-25 season. These include Mozart’s Magic Flute, Beethoven’s Fidelio, Verdi’s Aida, Puccini’s Tosca, and several others.
Donn Mitchell
The “Supremes”: Where Did Our Love Go? (6 weeks)
Thursdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50651
6 week course (September 19 - October 24)
The Supreme Court, once celebrated by civil rights leaders and anti-war activists, has fallen in public estimation in recent years. But is this a new development or a return to an older pattern? The Supreme Court did not always have the authority to declare laws unconstitutional. It did not always have nine justices. It didn’t even have its own building until 1935. This course will address a number of questions about the court. What accounts for the ebb and flow of public sentiment toward the court? Is it the rulings they hand down or the tools of interpretation they use, such as originalism, textualism, strict constructionism, etc.? Or is it the justices themselves? Is respect for the rulings dependent on the “likability” of the judges? And how does all this compare to the judiciaries of other democracies? We will draw on selected readings from constitutional scholars such as Kim Lane Scheppele, Mary Ann Glendon, and Cass Sunstein.
Donn Mitchell
Eleanor Roosevelt’s Nightly Prayer: Exploring the Religious Life of the First Lady of the World
Thursdays, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm | Onsite | CRN: 50655
6 week course (October 31 - December 12)
Eleanor Roosevelt, often styled “First Lady of the World”, was undoubtedly a great humanitarian. But historians often portray her as indifferent to religion or someone who grew beyond the “narrow confines” of her religious upbringing. Neither of these characterizations is adequate, but what would be a more accurate assessment?
This class will search for answers to this question in three ways. 1) We will read a number of selections from Eleanor Roosevelt’s own extensive writings to see what she herself said about faith and religion; 2) we will investigate her specific religious tradition to gain an understanding of its view of public service and the principles she advocated; and 3) we will examine the pluralistic and community-minded religious culture of early twentieth century New York to assess its influence on both Eleanor Roosevelt and her religious heritage.
Finally, we will tackle the question of whether biographers of public figures routinely minimize, neglect, or misunderstand religion. Students will be encouraged to find their own examples and to share them in class.
FRIDAYS
Jess Velona
America and Race: The Ongoing Struggle
Fridays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Onsite CRN: 50650 | Zoom CRN: 50657
The abolition of slavery left unresolved whether America would make good on its ideals of equality. This course addresses how conflicts over race have dominated America since the Civil War. Among the topics: why was the progress of Reconstruction frustrated, and how did debt peonage and convict leasing emerge as slavery by another name? Was Jim Crow characterized most by segregation, political disenfranchisement, or racial violence? What were the very different paths to black advancement charted by Booker T. Washington, W.E.B DuBois, and Marcus Garvey? Why did the New Deal and GI Bill fail to lift more African Americans into the emerging middle class? What were the competing visions, achievements, and limitations of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements? Finally, what do current debates about police brutality, the New Jim Crow, and reparations say about where we stand, 150 years after emancipation, on the path to racial justice?
Kathleen Collins
Watching What We Eat: The Evolution of Television Cooking Shows
Fridays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm | CRN: 50641
Listen to Kathleen Collins' insights on her course here
Since the first black-and-white TV sets began to appear in American living rooms in the late 1940s, we have been watching people chop, sauté, fillet, whisk, flip, pour, arrange, and serve food on the small screen. More than just a how-to or an amusement, cooking shows are also a unique social barometer. Their legacy corresponds to the transition from women at home to women at work, from eight-hour to 24/7 workdays, from cooking as domestic labor to enjoyable leisure, and from clearly defined to more fluid gender roles. As the role of food changed from mere necessity to a means of self-expression and a conspicuous lifestyle accessory, the aim of cooking shows shifted from education to entertainment, showing viewers not simply how to cook but how to live. While variety shows and westerns have gone the way of rabbit ear antennae, cooking shows are still being watched by an enormous audience. In the viewing and discussion-centric course, students will listen and watch excerpts from radio and television cooking programs from the 1940s through the 21st century, from James Beard, Julia Child, and the Galloping and Frugal Gourmets to Jacques Pépin, Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray and the world of reality competition programs. Readings will be taken from the book Watching What We Eat and from popular media reviews and analyses of cooking shows at the time of their airing.