Village University

Basic Music Theory for Seniors (and other friends…) with Keith Daniel
Are you one of those many people who wish they knew more about the language and idiom of music, thinking that would enhance their listening – and perhaps even performing – experience? Well, here’s your chance! This basic music theory course, taught in person, will take you from “What is a staff?” to “Now I know what it means to be in the key of F major!” You may want to bring staff paper to “take notes” (pun intended), and there might even be a bit of homework… You will leave with a thorough understanding of the complicated, but brilliant, language of music. And then you can impress your friends and family! No class 9/26 or 10/10.
10 Mo  |  Sep 12-Nov 28  |  10-11:15 am  |  West Concord Union Church  |  Suggested donation: $60

 

High Impact Issues in the Supreme Court – 2022 cases with Bill Cotter
The Supreme Court now has a solid 6-3 Conservative supermajority. Bill will first explore what this may mean for the rule of law and the roles that Justices Amy Coney Barrett, appointed by President Trump, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, appointed by President Biden, will likely play in future decisions. We will then discuss leading cases decided last term. These concern: abortion, gun rights, voting rights, freedom of religion, free speech, malicious prosecution of police officers, death penalty for the Boston Marathon Bomber, tribal rights, school prayer and the Miranda warning. There are required readings and vigorous and respectful discussion is encouraged. All the cases are new and prior participants are most welcome.

4 Tu  |  Sep 20-Oct 11  |  10 am-12 pm  |  at Newbury Court  |  Suggested donation: $60

 

What is Confucianism? with Tony Fairbank
In this course we will examine the central philosophy of traditional China and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam). The teachings began with the person of Confucius (551-479 BCE) and his students, centered in the pre-imperial Chinese state of Lu (today’s Shandong province). The main written record of Confucius and his teachings may be found in a text called the Analects which consists of conversations “the Master” had with his many students. The tradition begun by this small group from Eastern China grew to become state orthodoxy not only for imperial China itself, but for the other states of East Asia as well. We will use a book by Daniel K. Gardiner called The Four Books: the Basic Teachings of the

Later Confucian Tradition (2007), which offers an introduction and excerpts from the Analects as well as three other texts which served as the core curriculum for those seeking government employment through the imperial examination system. We will look at Confucius and his times, and survey the two thousand years of texts and tradition which have served as the unifying political, social, and philosophical ideal for all of East Asia. We will also look at excerpts from biographies of Confucian scholars from third and fourth century China which have been translated for the first time by the instructor.
6 Tu  |  Sep 20-Oct 25  |  1-2:30 pm  |  Online  |  Suggested donation: $60

 

The Psalms and Religious Singing with Dale Landis
The magnificent poetry of the 150 Psalms of the Hebrew Bible ranges from public Israelite liturgy to personal prayers expressing individual life and spirit. They communicate central religious and ethical themes, and human emotions from anger and dread to ecstatic joy. We will consider the relation of Psalms to other scriptural books such as Torah, wisdom, prophets, and gospels. We will read a limited representative selection and discuss their poetic structure, themes, and original context. The Psalms have a great legacy in congregational songs of synagogues, churches and other worshipping groups, as well as in folk songs and spirituals. We will listen to a sample of such songs, discuss their social background, and see how they reflect the Psalms in theme, emotion, communal spirit, and (at their best) literary distinction. No class 10/5.
6 We  |  Sep 21-Nov 2  |  10-11:30 am  |  Online  |  Suggested donation: $60

 

Current Controversies in American Medicine with Richard Cornell
Improving human health outcomes and health care delivery does not happen without controversy involving science and economics. We will explore existing controversies across that breadth of population sizes. Healthcare involves global issues like vaccines and small groups such as those with rare genetic diseases. The scientific aspects will be presented in a way to avoid jargon and a need to have any medical background. There will be an emphasis on the crucial roles of the decision processes of the Food and Drug Administration, health insurers, and Medicare and Medicaid. Active class participation will be encouraged to better illuminate the issues presented and their relevance to our individual and collective health. No class 10/5.
5 We  |  Sep 21-Oct 26  |  1-2:30 pm  |  Online  |  Suggested donation: $60

 

Genre Painting in the History of Art with Nancy Baker
Genre painting offers us a glimpse at the way ordinary people have lived their lives over the centuries. We’ll look at paintings of human activities and behavior from antiquity to contemporary society. Artists convey back to us our relationships and our lifestyles, acting as social reformers and critics. Enjoy learning how to look at paintings and trace the history of periods and styles in western art.

Each week you will see about 30 works of art and follow along with a handout of terms and/or charts which includes a list of art shown. These will be emailed to you. Nancy has a light approach with humor and a casual conversational style. She likes engaging with you, hearing your ideas, and getting to know you! Please feel that you can email her if you have a question or want to chat electronically about a particular work of art or idea. She promises that she will get back to you.
5 Th  |  Sep 29-Oct 27  |  10-11:30 am  |  Online  |  Suggested donation: $60