Alan Almquist, professor emeritus of anthropology, CSUEB

Wednesday, January 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

An ever emerging fossil record has written the story of human evolution and of the plants and animals that accompanied humanity on its long journey. Join Professor Almquist for an exploration of the differing hypotheses concerning human evolution and how the fossil record has supported or dismissed them. It's a chance to hear an up-to-the-minute review of the best evidence we yet have on that crucial evolutionary divergence between our closest relatives, the African apes, and Homo sapiens. Don't miss it!

Debra Barrett-Graves, assistant professor of English, CSUEB

Wednesday, February 10, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Professor Barrett-Graves will introduce us to the iconography of England's Elizabeth I through a close analysis of the Hampden Portrait of the queen. It was a world of royal progresses, tournaments, literary works dedicated to royalty, and court portraiture rich in symbolism. The Hampden Portrait reveals a Queen Regnant open to Continental influences but insistent on the unique religious identity that she shared with Anglican England. It was, as we know, a dangerous balancing act. Don't miss this look at a revealing "snapshot" from the past!

Jessica Weiss, professor of history, CSUEB

Wednesday, March 10, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Phyllis McGinley is known today for witty aphorisms like "Kindness is a virtue neither modern nor urban." At mid Century she was one of the nation's leading poets, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1961, and a champion of America's housewives, taking on even the formidable Betty Friedan of Feminine Mystique fame. Professor Weiss will analyze McGinley's public pronouncements, poems, and private journals for us.  Don't miss this chance to learn more about a talented writer who, to the surprise of many, found peace in suburban rituals.

Robert Phelps, associate professor of history, CSUEB

Wednesday, April 14, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Professor Phelps will examine the historical underpinnings of California's dysfunctional political culture, starting with application for statehood, proceeding through the creation and endless amending of our chaotic constitution, and culminating with present-day deadlocks. What's to be done about a state that can't pass timely budgets, properly fund vital public institutions, or maintain an infrastructure? Let Professor Phelps deepen your appreciation of the crisis, fellow citizens, and start you thinking about possible solutions.

Dave Eshelman, professor emeritus of music, CSUEB & Johannes Wallman, professor of music, CSUEB

Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Professor Emeritus Dave Eshelman, former director of jazz studies at CSUEB and a trombonist, is joined by pianist Johannes Wallman, the current director, in a demonstration of jazz composition. Enjoy original pieces and watch these talented musicians compose a piece on the spot with the help of audience suggestions. Local professionals John Shifflett on bass, Alan Hall on drums, and Dan Zinn on saxophone will back them up. Drop in and discover what brings the jazz to jazz!

Gerald Henig, professor emeritus of history, CSUEB

Wednesdays, January 20 & 27; February 3 & 10, 10:30 – 12:30 p.m.

In the dozen years following the Civil War, commonly called the Reconstruction Era, America had a chance to right racial wrongs. It did not. Explore with Professor Henig what lay behind the post-Civil War generation's inability to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence and heal the wounds of chattel bondage. Indeed, it was the generation whose practices and policies allowed the defeated South to institute a system of de facto slavery that lasted deep into the 20th century. Don't miss a close look at this important story!

Ken Blady, lecturer in history, American Jewish University

Thursdays, January 21 & 28; February 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Explore with Mr. Blady the culture, history, and demise of Spain's Jewish community in the 15th Century. During its "Golden Age," legendary figures like Maimonides and Ibn Ezra commanded attention and respect throughout the western world. The Expulsion Decree of 1492 forced the community into exile and a search for safety and new homes. Mr. Blady will also trace the Sephardim's complex, post-banishment journeys. It's one of history's great migration stories.

Elaine Starkman, M.A. in English and creative writing

Tuesdays, January 26; February 2, 9, 16 & 23; March 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Must poetry be difficult or arcane? Not at all. Join Ms. Starkman as she uses contemporary poets, prose-poem writers, and authors who cast short fiction in free verse to make the point. Whatever else it is, poetry is music in words, and that's what these varied forms prove. Under Ms. Starkman's direction, you will also seek your own poetic voice, writing both prose and poetry, in class and out. No pre-knowledge or writing experience is required. Learn to develop and express your own ideas in the welcoming setting this course provides.

William Garrett, professor of philosophy & religion, JFKU

Thursdays, January 28; February 4, 11, 18 & 25; March 4, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Close, often anxious attention to Islam in Western media shows its importance to us in the 21st century. Professor Garrett will explore the origins of Islam, analyze its sacred text, describe the roots of the Shi'ite/Sunni split, and link these key topics to present-day concerns. He will also probe the roots of modern Muslim extremism in light of corporate global expansion and conflicting ideas about human rights. Join Professor Garrett as he attempts to put a major 21st century predicament in historical perspective. There is, needless to say, much at stake.

Kevin Dincher, M.A. philosophy and psychology, Master of Divinity

Fridays, January 29; February 5, 12 & 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The young French aristocrat Alexis de Toqueville spent nine months traveling in the United States in 1831. He discovered a dynamic society where hard work and money-making dominated, a sharp contrast to the aristocratic values of his own country. He also noted that the common man enjoyed an unprecedented level of dignity and deferred to no one. Mr. Dincher will introduce us to Democracy in America, the brilliant work in which de Toqueville tried to make sense of the blend of crass individualism and market capitalism he found in America. It's a masterpiece still worth attention!

James Keller, writer, director

Mondays, February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.

Long before TV's desperate housewives there were many memorable movie tales of women in extremis. Join Mr. Keller for analysis of three remarkable films about women on the verge of nervous breakdowns. The locations for these stories vary wildly, from a convent in the Himalayas to a claustrophobic American summer house and finally to modern Madrid. But despite differing settings, eras, and styles of story telling, a central theme ties these films together. It's women spiraling out of control, and their stories are compelling!

Debra Barrett-Graves, assistant professor of English, CSUEB

Wednesdays, February 17 & 24; March 3 & 10, 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.

Professor Barrett-Graves will explore the challenges Elizabeth I faced in her lengthy reign. It's a list including struggles to preserve the Tudor royal line, endless efforts to convince barons, dukes, bishops, and Parliament of Elizabeth's abilities to be an effective Queen Regnant, dangerous rebellions, and grave threats from abroad. All this makes for vivid, important history, and a compelling human story. Meet the woman who faced her challenges with, as one contemporary put it, "the heart and stomach of a king."

Dan Wick, professor emeritus of history, UCD

Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16 & 23, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

How is presidential greatness determined? William Buckley once said the President's job was so difficult that nobody could be good at it. Yet there's near universal agreement among historians that Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR deserve the greatness accolade. But why them and not Andrew Jackson, or Teddy Roosevelt, or Harry Truman, or Ronald Reagan? Join Professor Wick for an illuminating look at this complex question and a careful weighing of the elements that contribute to presidential greatness. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of one of the world's hardest jobs!

Irwin Tallarico, Ed.D., music educator

Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

OLLI offers you a close encounter with three great composers. First, discover Beethoven's music anew and learn how this revolutionary genius used, broke, and transcended the conventions of his day. Next it's Tchaikovsky, the master of melody and the first formally trained composer in Russian history. Rachmaninoff rounds out the slate, with his massive chords, dramatic effects, and melodic lines. It's a musical feast of great variety, and Dr. Tallarico's astute analysis will, as always, add to the pleasure of hearing it!

Mohammad "Mo" H. Qayoumi, Ph.D., electrical engineering, President CSUEB Karina Garbesi, professor and chair of geography and environmental studies, CSUEB Jill Johnsen, Ph.D. lecturer in physics, CSUEB

Mondays, March 8, 15, 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.; May 17, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Just what is green architecture? How do ordinary consumers and institutions like universities connect to it? Join CSUEB President Qayoumi, Professor Garbesi, and Professor Johnsen to learn how rising energy costs and newfound environmental awareness are driving architects and builders to change the way we construct our homes and institutions. They will also explore the array of complex issues, challenges, and opportunities associated with building green. The capstone for the course will be a Bay Area-wide OLLI symposium sharing green architectural ideas, held in May at the new Crissy Field presentation theatre of the San Francisco Exploratorium. (Bus transportation to the presentation is included in course price.)

James Felton, Ph.D., associate director, UC Davis Cancer Center

Thursdays, April 1, 8 & 15, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Felton will introduce you to the role of individual genetic backgrounds in determining susceptibility to diseases and in charting treatments. Explore with him how information from the human genome project is being used to treat disease and to design drugs for specific individuals. Does cancer have a genetic component, and can genetic information be used to prevent it? Let Dr. Felton help you get answers to this and other key questions about the genetic substructure that underlies our physical natures.

Debra Barrett-Graves, assistant professor of English, CSUEB

Thursdays, April 8, 15, 22 & 29, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Edmund Spenser's epic masterpiece, The Faerie Queene, displays the values of the Elizabethan age. In it he challenges Renaissance norms of gender behavior, especially in his portrayals of "loose women," and gives us insights into why Elizabeth I chose to remain a virgin queen. Professor Barrett-Graves will guide you through this great work, and show you how it provides clues to the reshaping of English values in an age of turmoil and uncertainty. Don't miss this inspired use of a poem as an illuminating historical document.