OLLI West   

This course will cover topics in Economics rarely discussed in the media, college campuses, or the political arena. This is unfortunate as these areas of discourse have very practical applications. Where implemented, they have been successful in producing conditions and results that have contributed mightily to human, animal, and nature's well-being. There will be eight topics to review over eight weeks. The first hour of the class will be dedicated to presenting the idea, with the second hour dedicated to discussion, questions, counter-arguments, and implementations. Topics may include Universal Basic Income, Economic Democracy, Job Guarantees, Maximum Wage, Degrowth, and Universal Property. The underlining perspective of the class will be practical application and not dreamy utopianism.

Musicals can seem like colorful fluff, important only as vehicles for songs and suited primarily for children. In actuality, however, musicals tell us a great deal about key issues in American culture: the relationship between men and women, Europe and America, city and countryside, story and spectacle, theater and film. Using Rick Altman’s distinctions between “fairy tale musicals,” “backstage musicals,” and “folk musicals,” we will engage in a whirlwind survey from Astaire-Rogers to La La Land.

Required: Ability and funds to stream principal movies before class sessions. Recommended: Gerald Kaufman, Meet Me in St. Louis, BFI Film Classics, 1994. Available through Amazon.

New and engaging topics are continually emerging as our world is constantly in flux; economics, politics, environment, gender, and racial divides, wars and aggressions, health care issues, etc.

The class time is divided into two sections each week.

During the first section, we will discuss current events suggested by class members. In addition, participants will receive two or three emailed articles per week in advance of class, drawing from sources like the New York Times, Washington Post, The Economist, National Public Radio, Wall Street Journal, etc. We will discuss one or more of these articles in the second section of the class.

The objective of the course is an informative, engaging sharing of ideas, life experiences, and viewpoints in a civil and safe dialogue. Please bring an open mind, tolerance of differences, your best manners of discourse, and a sense of humor.

Unpack the Truth About Global Migration. Migration is a hot topic, yet it’s often misunderstood. From myths like “Immigrants are poisoning our country” to “They increase crime rates,” misconceptions abound. Join Steve Swenerton as he cuts through the noise with clear, factual insights on global and U.S. migration. Explore migration trends in the Eastern Hemisphere and dive deep into American immigration issues, with a thorough look at both historical and current perspectives. Engage in enlightening discussions and leave with a solid grasp of the real story behind the headlines. Informative handouts will be provided.

Recommended: “HOW MIGRATION REALLY WORKS”

Exclusive Broomfield Offer: Enjoy $10 off your registration for this class!

This section is for Members

Unpack the Truth About Global Migration. Migration is a hot topic, yet it’s often misunderstood. From myths like “Immigrants are poisoning our country” to “They increase crime rates,” misconceptions abound. Join Steve Swenerton as he cuts through the noise with clear, factual insights on global and U.S. migration. Explore migration trends in the Eastern Hemisphere and dive deep into American immigration issues, with a thorough look at both historical and current perspectives. Engage in enlightening discussions and leave with a solid grasp of the real story behind the headlines. Informative handouts will be provided.

Recommended: “HOW MIGRATION REALLY WORKS”

Exclusive Broomfield Offer: Enjoy $10 off your registration for this class!

This section is for Non-members

After the Civil War, America faced the immense challenge of healing and rebuilding. Although formerly enslaved people gained freedom, their quest for justice and equal rights was met with fierce opposition from white supremacists and violent groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Today, leaders like Reverend William Barber and Henry Louis Gates Jr. argue that we are in a new Reconstruction Era. Join facilitator Jim Edelman to explore how these critical historical lessons can inspire us to strengthen democracy and advance true freedom for all. During Reconstruction, approximately 2,000 African Americans served in political offices across the South, including hundreds of state legislators, fourteen Congressmen, and two Senators. White supremacists resolved to defeat Reconstruction by any means necessary including voter suppression, falsely disputing election results, and massacres sanctioned by local law enforcement. As the courts undermined enabling legislation, southerners violently rolled back most of what had been accomplished. The Ku Klux Klan and aligned organizations were the instruments of much of this violence. Sound familiar? Reverand William Barber, Henry Louis Gates Junior, and others argue that we are in a new Reconstruction Era. Perhaps we can find ways from this history of inspiration and tragedy to strengthen our democracy and better pursue freedom for all.

Recommended:  Eric Foner, Forever Free Eric Foner, The Second Founding, WEB Du Bois Black Reconstruction in America

Exclusive Broomfield Offer: Enjoy $10 off your registration for this class!

This section is for Non-members

After the Civil War, America faced the immense challenge of healing and rebuilding. Although formerly enslaved people gained freedom, their quest for justice and equal rights was met with fierce opposition from white supremacists and violent groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Today, leaders like Reverend William Barber and Henry Louis Gates Jr. argue that we are in a new Reconstruction Era. Join facilitator Jim Edelman to explore how these critical historical lessons can inspire us to strengthen democracy and advance true freedom for all. During Reconstruction, approximately 2,000 African Americans served in political offices across the South, including hundreds of state legislators, fourteen Congressmen, and two Senators. White supremacists resolved to defeat Reconstruction by any means necessary including voter suppression, falsely disputing election results, and massacres sanctioned by local law enforcement. As the courts undermined enabling legislation, southerners violently rolled back most of what had been accomplished. The Ku Klux Klan and aligned organizations were the instruments of much of this violence. Sound familiar? Reverand William Barber, Henry Louis Gates Junior, and others argue that we are in a new Reconstruction Era. Perhaps we can find ways from this history of inspiration and tragedy to strengthen our democracy and better pursue freedom for all.

Recommended:  Eric Foner, Forever Free Eric Foner, The Second Founding, WEB Du Bois Black Reconstruction in America

Exclusive Broomfield Offer: Enjoy $10 off your registration for this class!

This section is for Members

Long-time OLLI West Music and Art facilitators Hille Dais and Susan Elliott will first take you to the Middle Ages: Hille introducing Medieval music on week one with Susan following with the art of the period on week two. The two facilitators will take turns with alternating sessions in this eight-week course. The next stop in time travel is the European Baroque Era. Then, leaving the “long ago” behind, they will take you to the “not so long ago” to cover the melodic music and art of the Impressionism period and end with the challenge of the musical composers and visual artists of the 20th Century.