PEER LEARNING COURSES
Fall 2018
Click on "Calendar" for class dates.
MONDAY
11:00-12:30 Friends Around the Kitchen Table
Although there is no kitchen table, this class has had enthusiastic participants for several years. It is a counterpoint to more academic classes; here we talk about personal topics, sometimes lighthearted, sometimes serious, in which everyone takes part. We have covered such things such as narrow escapes, living in the South and mentors.
Facilitators: Leslie Stewart
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 The Life and Operas of Giuseppe Verdi, The Middle Period
This semester’s operas include Verdi's best-known works, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Il Trovatore, The Sicilian Vespers, Simon Boccanegra, Stiffelio, and Luisa Miller. There will be a short lecture on the background of each opera and the events in 19th century Italy as well as Verdi's private life. (14 Class dates: Sep. 17 - Dec. 17 with no break)
Instructor: Ingrid Baird
Room 17
1:30-3:00 The Short Story
You are invited to become a short story lover and get ready for a new adventure. Each week, a class member chooses and leads the discussion of a selection from “The Oxford Book of American Short Stories”.
Facilitator: Abbie Tom
Pocket Room
TUESDAY
11:00-12:30 The Story of Medieval England: From King Arthur to the Tudor Conquest
Our DVD based English history course will cover the origin of Roman Britain to its conquest in 1066 by William of Normandy. Our subjects include the legendary King Arthur, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, the Vikings, Alfred the Great, and William himself. English history is a delight, come join us.
Instructor: George Baroff
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 Current Events
This is a lively discussion on current events of interest whether they be local, regional, national or international. Come join us, and share your views on the news!
Facilitator: Class members rotate facilitating the discussion based on guidelines developed by the group. Pocket Room
WEDNESDAY
11:00-12:30 Medical School for Everyone: Grand Rounds Cases
This class offers a miniature medical school curriculum for non-doctors, structured into a “Grand Rounds” format similar to how medical students are taught. Each lecture will concentrates on a single case (patient), from the initial complaint through the diagnostic process to treatment decisions, discussing the details of each step. The case histories cover a wide range of patient ages and concerns. Every lecture is, in a way, a medical mystery; and by the end of each lecture you will not only understand more about the diagnosis, but you also will get an insider’s view of the art of medical decision making that’s rarely visible to patients.
Instructor: Michael Joseph, M.D.
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 Astronomy 101: A Journey Through the Cosmos
Join us as we travel from our own planetary neighborhood to the edge of the universe: This course will explore the foundations of different fields of astronomy and major discoveries that shaped today’s knowledge, and will showcase current astronomical research being done right here in Chapel Hill.
Instructor: Joshua Reding UNC Physics & Astronomy Dept.
Room 17
THURSDAY
11:00-12:30 North Carolina: From Prehistory into History
We will discuss the unique history of our state as a series of new perspectives, significant events, and stories of special people — not a slog through dates and wars. You might end up with a renewed sense of place and some amazement at the awful and wonderful things that have happened here. (Class Dates: Sept 20, Sept 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, and Oct 18)
Instructor: Beth Timson
Pocket Room
11:00-12:30 The Changing World We Live In
We will discuss a wide range of timely topics such as tariffs, demographics, transportation, Icelandic soccer, Canadian East Asian restaurants, and Saudi women. (Class Dates: Oct. 25- Dec 13)
Instructor: Lew Snow
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 “Life” Figure Drawing
For those who like to draw, join us and polish up your technique. For those who think you cannot draw, but have an inner Michelangelo, Surprise yourself. Learn and have fun, too. Please bring a 12x16 or 12x18 drawing pad for pencil (can be used for charcoal) and several #2 pencils . Clothed models needed. (Class Dates: Sep 20-Nov 1)
Instructor: Freya Mechanic
Pocket Room
SECOND FRIDAY
12:00-1:00 Book Club
The Chapel Hill Library Book Kit Program includes both fiction and nonfiction from which we will choose a book each month. Books are distributed at the meeting. Everyone is invited to take part in the book discussion. (Class dates: Sep.14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14)
Facilitator: Elaine VanValkenburg
Pocket Room
MONDAY
11:00-12:30 Friends Around the Kitchen Table
Although there is no kitchen table, this class has had enthusiastic participants for several years. It is a counterpoint to more academic classes; here we talk about personal topics, sometimes lighthearted, sometimes serious, in which everyone takes part. We have covered such things such as narrow escapes, living in the South and mentors.
Facilitators: Leslie Stewart
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 The Life and Operas of Giuseppe Verdi, The Middle Period
This semester’s operas include Verdi's best-known works, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Il Trovatore, The Sicilian Vespers, Simon Boccanegra, Stiffelio, and Luisa Miller. There will be a short lecture on the background of each opera and the events in 19th century Italy as well as Verdi's private life. (14 Class dates: Sep. 17 - Dec. 17 with no break)
Instructor: Ingrid Baird
Room 17
1:30-3:00 The Short Story
You are invited to become a short story lover and get ready for a new adventure. Each week, a class member chooses and leads the discussion of a selection from “The Oxford Book of American Short Stories”.
Facilitator: Abbie Tom
Pocket Room
TUESDAY
11:00-12:30 The Story of Medieval England: From King Arthur to the Tudor Conquest
Our DVD based English history course will cover the origin of Roman Britain to its conquest in 1066 by William of Normandy. Our subjects include the legendary King Arthur, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, the Vikings, Alfred the Great, and William himself. English history is a delight, come join us.
Instructor: George Baroff
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 Current Events
This is a lively discussion on current events of interest whether they be local, regional, national or international. Come join us, and share your views on the news!
Facilitator: Class members rotate facilitating the discussion based on guidelines developed by the group. Pocket Room
WEDNESDAY
11:00-12:30 Medical School for Everyone: Grand Rounds Cases
This class offers a miniature medical school curriculum for non-doctors, structured into a “Grand Rounds” format similar to how medical students are taught. Each lecture will concentrates on a single case (patient), from the initial complaint through the diagnostic process to treatment decisions, discussing the details of each step. The case histories cover a wide range of patient ages and concerns. Every lecture is, in a way, a medical mystery; and by the end of each lecture you will not only understand more about the diagnosis, but you also will get an insider’s view of the art of medical decision making that’s rarely visible to patients.
Instructor: Michael Joseph, M.D.
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 Astronomy 101: A Journey Through the Cosmos
Join us as we travel from our own planetary neighborhood to the edge of the universe: This course will explore the foundations of different fields of astronomy and major discoveries that shaped today’s knowledge, and will showcase current astronomical research being done right here in Chapel Hill.
Instructor: Joshua Reding UNC Physics & Astronomy Dept.
Room 17
THURSDAY
11:00-12:30 North Carolina: From Prehistory into History
We will discuss the unique history of our state as a series of new perspectives, significant events, and stories of special people — not a slog through dates and wars. You might end up with a renewed sense of place and some amazement at the awful and wonderful things that have happened here. (Class Dates: Sept 20, Sept 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, and Oct 18)
Instructor: Beth Timson
Pocket Room
11:00-12:30 The Changing World We Live In
We will discuss a wide range of timely topics such as tariffs, demographics, transportation, Icelandic soccer, Canadian East Asian restaurants, and Saudi women. (Class Dates: Oct. 25- Dec 13)
Instructor: Lew Snow
Pocket Room
1:30-3:00 “Life” Figure Drawing
For those who like to draw, join us and polish up your technique. For those who think you cannot draw, but have an inner Michelangelo, Surprise yourself. Learn and have fun, too. Please bring a 12x16 or 12x18 drawing pad for pencil (can be used for charcoal) and several #2 pencils . Clothed models needed. (Class Dates: Sep 20-Nov 1)
Instructor: Freya Mechanic
Pocket Room
SECOND FRIDAY
12:00-1:00 Book Club
The Chapel Hill Library Book Kit Program includes both fiction and nonfiction from which we will choose a book each month. Books are distributed at the meeting. Everyone is invited to take part in the book discussion. (Class dates: Sep.14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14)
Facilitator: Elaine VanValkenburg
Pocket Room