Spring 2025 Course Descriptions
Click here for a downloadable pdf!
Tues. April 15, 10:30-11:45
Welcome and Preview, with Judy Langer
Welcome to the start of our spring 2025 program! We have a great program this spring: 8 weeks of daytime classes Tues, Weds and Thurs, with many returning and also new teachers. We are inviting all our spring teachers to join us to briefly tell us about their upcoming classes. New attendees are welcome to join us to find out about our program too – we ask that they write to let us know they would like to come at info@clandl.org.
Tues. April 22, 10:30-11:45 pm
Inside TV News, with Sara Lee Kessler in Conversation with Magee Hickey
Sara Lee currently reports for iHeartRadio and NBC News Radio. She was the former anchor for New York City's Channel 9 nightly local broadcast news program in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Previously a health reporter for New Jersey Network's nightly half-hour NJN News broadcast. She was hired by WWOR-TV in 1976 as a reporter and became co-anchor of News at Noon with Tom Dunn later that year. She also co-anchored the station's News 9 PrimeTime newscast 1983-1987. When WWOR-TV switched to a 10 PM newscast in late 1987, she became the solo anchor of News at Noon. Co-hosted 9 Broadcast Plaza 1989–1991 with future Today Show’s Matt Lauer; weekend news anchor and reporter for News at Ten. Among the first journalists to interview John Lennon when he received a green card after years of fighting U.S. government efforts to deport him. Sara won an Emmy Award for anchoring WWOR-TV's coverage of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. In 1994,she was fired by WWOR. She subsequently sued the television station for religious discrimination, among other charges. An Orthodox Jew, she claimed that she was forced to work on Saturdays, which is forbidden by her religion. She was later able to successfully sue the station for $7.3 million. Magee, a great friend of CL&L, has worked at every local TV station in NYC.
Tues. April 29, May 6, 13 10:30-11:45 am
Makers of History XXV, with Manfred Weidhorn (3 sessions)
The three figures Manny will discuss this semester are Adolph Hitler, FDR, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Was Hitler an evil genius? How fair is the comparison with Trump? A comparison first advanced, not by liberals, but by J.D. Vance. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a giant, whose stature keeps on rising as democracy in the U.S. seems to be waning. And Elanor Roosevelt, who ranks among the greatest First Ladies. In his classes, Manny looks at the broader context of what these famous figures meant in their time and ours, recounting their history and impact with analysis and humor. Professor Emeritus of English, Yeshiva Univ, he has published a dozen books and 100+ essays on historical figures, cultural history, and the relationship between religion and science.
Tues. May 20 10:30–11:45 pm, April 23 10:30-11:45, Tues. May 13 1-2:15 pm, Wed. June 4 2:45-4pm
CL&L Focus Group, with Judy Langer
A timely topic will be announced for the focus group discussion closer to the date of the session. It’s an opportunity for attendees to express their views on the subject.
Tues. May 27, 10:30-11:45 am
From Revolution to World Power: A Brief History of People’s Republic of China, with Ellen Houston
This course is a wide-ranging survey of Chinese history after 1949. It includes land reform the Cultural Revolution, the post-Mao era, the consequences of the new economic policies of the 1980s and their social and cultural impacts, the democratic movement since the Tiananmen Square demonstrations, and China’s emerging political and economic role in global society. Ellen is adjunct professor of International Studies and Economics at Marymount Manhattan College; served 12 years at the United Nations as Acting Advisor on Economic Security & Rights at UN Women and Sustainable Development Goals Specialist for UN Development Programme.
Tues. June 3, 10:30-11:45
Pleasure for Sale, with Richard Klein
Here’s a class that examines how prostitution is handled in the movies. There have been several great films which deal with prostitutes (or as they are referred to today -- Sex Workers) in different ways. Some are comedies -- such as The Owl and the Pussycat, while others are heartbreaking, like Hardcore, starring George C. Scott, who loses his daughter in the seamy underworld of NYC. Others have happy -- if implausible-endings – like Pretty Woman. Still others present an indomitable hopeful spirit like Sweet Charity. From Jane Fonda in Klute to Barbra Streisand in both The Owl and the Pussycat and Nuts, Richard takes a look at the world’s oldest profession and those who attempt to navigate it. It will tug at your heart and tickle your funny bone!
Tues. Mar 25, Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6 1:00-2:15 pm
Poetry for Pleasure in the Spring, with Barry Wallenstein (7 sessions)
These lectures with discussion will involve close readings of poems – classic, modern, and contemporary. Our aim is to listen to the sound poems make. What makes a successful language performance? We will discuss these works’ emotional truth, unity of expression, and attention-holding, pleasure-providing use of language. Barry is the author of 12 collections of poetry, most recently It’s About Time, as well as Time on the Move and Tony’s Blues (bilingual French and English). Click here for the poetry book for the semester.
Tues. April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6, 2:45-4:00 pm
Film discussions of the “Greatest Films Ever Made,” with Beth Pessen, Gerald Bray, Fred Weinberg and Judy Langer
April 15, 22, 29, May 6. Each week we will focus on one film.
Every ten years, the British Film Institute magazine Sight And Sound conducts its celebrated worldwide poll, asking more than 1,600 film people (critics, academics, writers, etc.) their choices for the “greatest films ever made.” The NY Times reported on the results of the latest poll (2022) recently and showed the top 100 winners. We thought, wouldn’t it be great to watch or rewatch a few of these and explore why so many people think each is a “great” film? Each session will be led by a different teacher. We are not experts, we are not critics, and we don’t teach film. We are film lovers, interested in learning more. Here are our choices of films to talk about:
Vertigo – Sight and Sound pronounced it the #2 greatest film ever made! A former detective with a fear of heights is hired to tail a beautiful, mysterious woman apparently possessed by the past, in this thriller about obsession. Director Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak 1958. April 15 session led by Beth Pessen.
Citizen Kane (S&S #3). Newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane is taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. As a result, every well-meaning, tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event. Director Orson Welles, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, 1941. April 22 session led by Gerald Bray.
The Red Shoes (S&S #70). In this classic drama, an aspiring ballerina is torn between her dedication to dance and her desire for love. Her imperious instructor wants her to focus single-mindedly on ballet, but she begins to fall for a charming composer. Director Michael Powell, starring Moira Shearer, 1948. April 29 session, led by Fred Weinberg.
The Godfather (S&S #12). A chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. based on Mario Puzo's best seller. When organized crime family patriarch Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael, launches a campaign of bloody revenge. Director Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, 1972. May 6 session led by Judy Langer.
Each teacher will present the movie’s trailer, the plot summary, reviews then and now, and background information about the movie (the director, the actors, how/why the film was made, etc.). The sessions will use film clips throughout the presentations to bring the film to life and to illustrate different aspects of the film.
The movies are all available on Amazon to rent. We ask that you watch the film – again or for the first time – so we can discuss it together. We are looking forward to very lively Q & A, and a variety of opinions about these films.
Tues. May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 2:45-4pm
What Do You Think? Discussion, with Bill Goldman (4 sessions)
This course is a group discussion of current events, focusing on significant economic, social, and political issues in the news. A few short articles from major newspapers and journals are sent to students in advance to read so we can come to talk about our views on the subjects. We want to hear what you think! Bill has led similar discussions for a number of years for other organizations. He is a retired foreign service officer of the US Agency for International Development.
Wed. April 16, 10:30-11:45 pm
Dealing with Aging, with Judy Langer What does aging mean to us and the people we know? How do and can we deal with inevitable changes physically, mentally, socially? And are there some positive aspects too: a sense of knowing who we are, what our priorities are, what we plan to do at this point. Aging is a key issue politically too, as generational issues are debated by Democrats and, of course, we have a president who will be the oldest ever when this term ends. Come share your views with us in this focus group. Judy, CL&L executive director, moderated focus groups for clients (and sometimes for herself as client) for 40+ years and wrote a book on the subject.
Wed. April 23 10:30-11:45 pm
Decluttering the Advice We Give and We Get, with Judy Langer
From the time we were very young to the present day, we’ve been given advice on how to behave and how to think. And, in turn, we’ve offered what we are convinced is wise suggestions to others. As we think back to the ‘50s, a lot of what our parents, our teachers, society’s wise people told us seems quite ridiculous now. And some, thankfully, actually made sense. Let’s talk together in our focus group discussion about the good, the bad and the silly. Judy is CL&L Executive Director; she was a professional focus group moderator for over 40 years and wrote a book about it.
Wed. April 30, May 7, 14 10:30-11:45 pm
Writing Creatively, with Bonnie Max (3 sessions) This course provides us with an opportunity to explore our thoughts and feelings. Bonnie gives us some open-ended prompts that offer room for interpretation. They may be questions, incomplete sentences, quotations, lists or images. We jot down whatever comes to mind for us. Then we share our work by reading aloud and listening to each other. There is no judgment or criticism. Everyone is welcome. No previous writing experience is needed. Currently Bonnie is teaching at the Asian University for Women (AUW).
Wed. May 21 10:30-11:45 pm, Wed. May 14 1-2:15pm
Laugh Loudly and Carry a Big Shtick, with Meish Goldish (2 sessions) Since the dawn of television, there have been many popular comedy variety shows on the air, including The Milton Berle Show, The Sid Caesar Comedy Hour, The Carol Burnett Show, Second City Television, and Saturday Night Live (now in its 50th year!). Each show featured either a cast of regulars or guest celebrities who performed in humorous skits. Meish is back with more hilarious short episodes to show us in 2 different sessions. Discussion questions will follow: What makes each skit funny? Is it the writing, the acting, or both? If a skit is decades old, would it still be considered politically correct to televise today? Meish is the author of Oy Vey! A Yiddish Coloring Book?
Wed. May 28, 10:30-11:45 pm
Yoga Nidra for Staying Calm, with Erica Mather The modern world seems to be filled with more and more things to worry about – many of them completely out of our control. Yoga is widely known to offer relief from distress of the body and the mind. A meditative technique called Yoga Nidra helps to train the mind to calm down and relax in tranquil settings, establishing a healthier baseline. As a result, our real challenges can be met with greater clarity. Erica will show us how to use this form of yoga for calming the mind, and she’ll talk about its history, some modern studies, applications, and updates. She is a 1,000-hour certified yoga therapist working in private practice; author of Your Body, Your Best Friend: End the Confidence-Crushing Pursuit of Unrealistic Beauty Standards & Embrace Your True Power (New Harbinger, 2020)
Wed. June 4, 10:30-11:45 PM
The Rise of Alternative Media and Communications, with David Katzmire When American Express became one of the 30 Dow Jones Industrial stocks, it was the first company that did not produce a product to do so. We knew the world was changing. Since then, we have shifted from: traditional magazines, like Time, Look and Life, to special interest niche publications; from terrestrial radio to podcasts; and from legacy media, like ABC, CBS and NBC broadcasts to YouTube, TikTok and social media. The change in the last 30 years has been profound and it is defining our future. David reflects on alternative trends and invites you to share your thoughts. He is a technology consultant for CL&L.
Wed. April 16 1-2:15 pm
TV’s Pioneering Women, with Marilyn Altman and Karen Curry in Conversation with Inara de Leon
Back in the dark ages, Marilyn was told when she applied for a technical job at NBC, “Nice résumé, kid, but no man will work with you. Sorry.” Laws changed that approach and 50 years later she can look back on a vibrant, rewarding career as the first woman Technical Director at any network in the US. She became responsible for working her control room board so that the shots and audio cues the director called for actually made it on the air. Fast reflexes, calm under pressure, deep technical knowledge are minimum requirements. She broke ground as a woman Technical Manager, planning complex remote shoots at political conventions and the Olympics. Behind on-air stars, women have increasingly taken on important roles. What was it like to be a pioneering woman? Did her male counterparts accept and mentor her? Or did they resent this intrusion and competition? What was it like being on the road with an all-male crew? Did she have to be even better than her male colleagues to prove she could do the job? This session looks at how and when things changed for women in TV News. Karen is a former NBC London Bureau Chief. Inara was a long-time producer of politics for WNBC in NY.
Wed. April 23, 1:00-2:15, May 21, 1-2:15 pm, May 28, 2:45-4pm
Interview with Centenarian, Rita Satz, with David Katzmire
[1] Rita Satz: Profiles in Journalism April 23 1:00-2:15
Rita is an Emmy Award winner who worked as an NBC News producer and writer 1974-1998, a Freedom Forum & Consumer Report producer, and a producer of investigative reports that appeared on The Today Show and various other programs.
[2] Rita Satz: Behind the Scenes of Politics May 21 1:00-2:15
Rita worked on the congressional staff of New York Representative Richard Lawrence Ottinger, who served eight terms, 1965-1971 and 1975-1985. She also worked on his Senate campaign in 1970. Hear how she happened into this role and the adventures she shares from being inside the political process. This is a rare perspective, full and great anecdotes.
[3] And Now a Poet May 28 2:45-4:00
Rita published two books on poetry. Her book, There Your Are, drew reviews of praise from Harry Belafonte, Al Roker and others. In some of her works, she shows us how there is romanticism to be experienced in everyday things. She is also the only poet David knows who wrote a poem using AI! Rita was inspired to write poetry while taking a course on the subject at CL&L by Naomi Feigelson Chase. Join us for a discussion on poetry and writing.
Wed. April 30, 1-2:15pm Exploring Quirky American Festivals, with Karen Gershowitz Karen, a self-described “travel addict,” returns to CL&L with stories and photos of unusual festivals all across the country – some on food, some history based, others just fun and silly. All attract thousands of people annually. Do you have a favorite festival you’d like to introduce us to? Karen is the author of the travel memoir Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust and of Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places and Curious Cuisine.
Wed. May 7 1:00-2:15 pm
What Honest People Can Learn from Grifters and Con Artists, with Tom Rich
There are many psychics out there. Some are phonies, often just after client money. But some have a range of practical skills, actually seeing into their clients’ lives and desires. Tom will dive into the research on this intriguing topic. He has been a qualitative researcher for nearly three decades.
Wed. May 28 1:00-2:15 pm Educating Students and Adults on the Holocaust, with Lynn Greenberg Growing up on Long Island, Lynn became aware of the Holocaust in the early 1960s from the televised Eichmann trial, books she read, and awareness of local survivors. Her first direct encounter with survivors was her brother-in-law’s parents in the mid-70s. Lynn’s family was given a very short version of his parents’ Holocaust journey and told NEVER to ask his parents about the Holocaust. After making a life-changing move to Houston, Texas in 2018, Lynn discovered an exciting opportunity at Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH). They were looking for new docents to teach the universal lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. She began leading tours for students and adults after her training in 2019. These tours include human rights and temporary exhibits in addition to the main Holocaust Bearing Witness sections. The goal is to build a more humane society through individual behavior, cultivating civility and pursuing social justice. Lynn will share highlights of the Holocaust Museum Houston exhibits and her visits to other Holocaust museums. Lynn is a former president of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association.
Wed. April 16, 2:45, Thurs. April 24, 2:45, Thurs. May 1, 2:45
Another Op’nin’, Another Show: Broadway’s Opening Numbers and Finales, with Karen Valen (3 sessions)
It has been said that it's always important that a Broadway musical’s opening number should set the tone for the show and convince the audience that they want to stick around and see what happens. An opening number can be preceded by an overture, or it can literally open the show. When the audience enters, will they see a closed curtain or are the actors already on stage and ready to perform the opening number? And what about great closing numbers? The 11 o’clock number, based on the time when Broadway shows opened at 8:30 and ended close to 11, occurs late in the second act of a two-act musical. It is often the final number of the show. We’ll feature videos of some great openings and finales, sometimes from the same show. Hairspray had “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” From A Chorus Line, we have “I Hope I Get It” and “One.” Hair gave us “Aquarius” and “Let the Sun Shine In.” Maybe you will get to relive some of your favorite Broadway moments, from beginning to end. Karen has given many classes at CL&L about Broadway musicals and ushers both on and off-Broadway.
Wed. April 23, 2:45-4 pm
Everything You Wanted to Know about the FBI (But Were too Afraid to Ask), with Frank Hickey
You are a new lawyer, 23 years old in 1932. The Depression is ripping America apart. You cannot find work anywhere. The Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard are all reducing their ranks. On a freezing morning, you pull on your best Interview suit and trudge to the Post Office building in your farm town. By chance, you hear about the infant and political Bureau of
Investigation in the Department of Justice. The job of Special Agent has no gun and little power. But it pays $3200.00 per year. Without a weapon, the Bureau sends you out to arrest machine gun killers. If you need help, call the police. What do you decide to do? This book tells that story, the story of "Real Cops."
Wed. April 30, 2:45-4pm
Gender Bending in the Movies, with Richard Klein
The movies have been full of what might be referred to as gender bending. Lots of stories of people dressing in attire usually worn by the opposite sex. Sometimes it’s because they are legitimate drag performers. Sometimes it’s a fetish. These are both good reasons for cross-dressing. This class will examine stories of people who do it for neither reason but simply to solve a problem. Either they are looking for work, as in Tootsie; trying to stay close to their children, as in Mrs. Doubtfire; running away from gangsters as in Some Like It Hot; or even trying to be allowed to study as in Yentl. We all do what we have to do to survive. A lot of great examples of this over the years. Richard’s session is loaded with entertaining and moving clips to accompany his talk. (And, remember, you can dress as you wish.)
Wed. May 7, 2:45-4pm
The Art of the Vintage Jewish Postcard, with Hy Mariampolski
Picture Postcards illustrated by Jewish topics and themes are quite thorough in representing all of the features and details of the Jewish experience from the late 19th century through the 20th century. They add depth and context to our understanding of the rise of Zionism, the settlement of Israel, the growth of the Jewish community in 19th and early 20th century Palestine until its evolution as the State of Israel in 1948. Picture postcards illustrate customs with precise ethnographic detail, showing the status of worldwide Jewish communities, and how they changed as a result of immigration, growing antisemitism and the Nazi campaign of genocide. They often served as instruments, not only as documentary evidence, of insults and hatred. These postcards can be aspirational and idealistic, featuring the most innovative forms of artistic expression in their eras. Simultaneously, they can be mundane and prosaic, unselfconsciously showing the pain and ambivalence of Jewish life, promoting synagogues, markets, schools, bungalow colonies, Kosher delicatessens, Yiddish theaters and summer camps. Postcards were the medium through which Jews spoke. Hy will show a number of postcards, telling their stories. Author, Qualitative Research, now a retired researcher, Hy is a dealer of vintage postcards.
Wed. May 14, 2:45-4 pm
The Dramatic Changes in Journalism, with Neilmdur
Editorial and business shifts now dominate journalism and have a tremendous influence on our culture. Neil Amdur, a career journalist who worked in all phases of the field (newspapers, magazines, television, books, film) will discuss these changes. Neil was sports editor of The New York Times for twelve years and co-authored the autobiographies of Chris Evert and Arthur Ashe
Wed. May 21, 2:45-4 pm
Rock & Roll Superstars, with Alan Steinfeld What makes a superstar? What are the distinctions of talent that make certain singers achieve supreme levels of fame and popularity? Drawing on examples from the “Classic Age of Rock” from the late 1950’s to the early 1980’s - we will watch and listen to some of the cultural heroes that have helped give us more feeling and meaning in our lives.
Wed. June 4 1:00-2:15 pm
Wildlife Photography: What I’ve Seen and What I’ve Learned, with George McKenzie Jr.
George shares powerful stories and lessons from his time photographing elusive species and threatened ecosystems across the US. From capturing rare glimpses of Florida panthers with camera traps to documenting the human stories that shape our landscapes, he discusses how photography can serve as both a scientific tool and a storytelling force. He reflects on the ethical challenges of working with wildlife, the patience required to earn a single frame, and the importance of building trust with communities who live closest to the land. Whether crouched in a cypress swamp or collaborating with researchers in the field, his lens is guided by respect – for the subject, for the story, and for the legacy we leave behind. This talk invites listeners to see photography not just as art but as a bridge between people and the wild. George is an award-winning wildlife conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer whose work spotlights the deep connections between nature, culture, and community.
Thurs. 10:30-11:45 am
Law in the Headlines: Exploring Current Legal Controversies, with Leora Harpaz (8 classes)
It often seems that high-profile legal controversies are almost a daily occurrence now, making them lead stories in the news. Leora will discuss important cases before the Supreme Court this Term, including three cases involving the First Amendment Religion Clauses and one seeking to limit adult access to protected speech. She will also talk about cases that quickly reach the Court by the filing of an emergency application, as well as any significant cases the Court agrees to review during the 2025-26 Term. In addition, she will discuss cases likely to reach the Supreme Court, such as constitutional challenges to President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship that have been filed in a number of lower courts. Students will have an opportunity to make suggestions for topics that they would like to have discussed in upcoming classes.
Thurs. 1:00-2:15 pm
Politics 2025, with Larry Geneen (8 weeks)
Donald J. Trump has returned to the White House, taking quick action on a number of promises about massive deportations, new tariffs on foreign goods, changes in civil service, and more. At the same time, he has sometimes withdrawn or postponed executive actions. He has the cabinet members he wanted, a number with very controversial policies, especially Robert Kennedy Jr. on vaccines. Ukraine remains a key issue. Elon Musk is a key player, called a co-president by some, in charge of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has had several problems. Questions arise about the Trump/Musk relationship. Republicans hold a slight advantage in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, so support for the Trump agenda is expected but there may be some battles on the budget resolution. What is happening on the Democratic side as the party deals with Trump and looks ahead to new leadership? Larry discusses these developments as well as on the local level with New York State’s Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC’s embattled Mayor Eric Adams. As always, Larry encourages interactive discussions and welcomes student suggestions of topics to cover; write to judy@langerqual.com.
Thurs. April 17, 2:45-4pm
Canine Cutups, with Richard Klein
Richard has always been a lover of dogs and has almost always had one. There are many movies which have featured – and in some cases – starred dogs. Guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings, often funnier than their two-legged costars, these canine performers often as not carry the entire movie. From Disney films such as the animated 101 Dalmatians, to a confused Great Dane who thinks he’s a dachshund in The Ugly Dachshund, the little dog who starts showing signs of OCD in As Good As It Gets, to several Lassie flicks, doggies have brought many laughs and not a few tears to countless audiences over the years. Richard will have some adorable clips and cover several movies which celebrate the canines. (Perhaps even a disagreeable one as featured in Cujo). Be prepared to laugh and maybe shed a tear with this class.
Thurs. May 8, 2:45-4pm
J.D. Salinger: Two of His Nine Stories, A Discussion, with Karen Valen
The stories in this collection introduced J.D. Salinger to American readers in 1953. These stories from one of the great literary voices of the twentieth century have been called “witty, urbane, and frequently affecting.” In this class we will discuss two of the stories, both of which will be made available to students in advance. Karen is a former high school English teacher who was not permitted to teach Salinger’s works to the impressionable teenagers in her classes back in the 1960s. BA, MA English, Carnegie Mellon University.
Thurs. May 15, 2:45-4pm
Organizational Bliss, with Richard Klein
Can’t find your keys? Spend too much time wondering where you left your backpack or purse? How about those bulging closets stuffed with things you’ll never wear again? And don’t forget boxes and boxes filled with papers long since useless and obsolete? There’s a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing where things are and having more space. Most of us live amid some kind of clutter for fear that the day will come when we really need that essential piece of paper. A day that never comes. Cherished collections of things we treasure are not the same as useless clutter. Learn how to figure out the difference. Discover how to create more space so your important collections can flourish. Richard, who has given CL&L classes on history and entertainment considers this quest for order one of his true passions. Let him guide you on how to create order in your home.
Thurs. May 22 2:45-4pm
Ellis Island After the Classic Period, with Mary Brown
Ellis Island opened in 1892 as the place where many immigrants entered the US. Most contemporary images suggest it operated from then on for all the years it served the U.S. government. In reality, federal officials and social workers adapted to changes in immigration law, to World War II and to the refugees the war produced, and finally to the island's government closing in 1954. These changes are documented in the archives of the National Catholic Welfare Conference Bureau of Immigration New York Port Office, which Mary takes care of at the Center for Migration Studies. Her session includes a slideshow on the more hidden, but equally interesting, years on Ellis Island, what they tell us about American history, and also how they laid some of the groundwork for our present immigration issues. Mary is a retired instructor at Marymount Manhattan College.
Thurs. May 29, 2:45-4pm
Royal Gossip, with Richard Klein
There are those who consider the British royal family superfluous – just parasites who serve no real purpose and just eat away at the country’s budget. There are others (Richard included) who consider themselves royalists; they believe in the monarchy and consider them salespeople for the empire. (Does it matter that he lives in NYC?) That being said, whichever group you belong to, you have to admit that through the years (through the centuries, really) the royals’ lives have been rife with gossip: infidelity, murder (maybe), insanity, mental illness, overindulgence – all the good stuff! Richard has all kinds of gossip tidbits and some great pics. He’s an amateur historian and for this class, he guarantees a royal good time!
Thurs. June 5, 2:45-4pm
End of Semester Celebration