~ Distinctive Lectures: Week 1 ~
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Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
Arab/Islamic Culture
An overview, through interactive discussion, of the many aspects of the Arab culture and how it relates to Islamic culture. Social behaviors, religions, customs, and politics will be discussed, with special emphasis on how they relate to the U.S.A. In addition, the worship will allow participants to examine and better understand the diversity of Arab/Islamic culture and focus on some misconceptions and stereotypes relating to Arabs and Muslims. Period 1 ~ Carol Zaru
An overview, through interactive discussion, of the many aspects of the Arab culture and how it relates to Islamic culture. Social behaviors, religions, customs, and politics will be discussed, with special emphasis on how they relate to the U.S.A. In addition, the worship will allow participants to examine and better understand the diversity of Arab/Islamic culture and focus on some misconceptions and stereotypes relating to Arabs and Muslims. Period 1 ~ Carol Zaru
The Common Ground of Music
This class reveals the Common Ground between traditional music and what most consider to be “classical” music. Through a guided listening experience and discussion, the class will explore how millennia of folk music have shaped centuries of music that the developed world considers to be the greatest, most profound ever composed. The story-telling, bardic traditions of several regions including Ireland, southern France, Turkey, and the Middle East will be shown to be the basis of opera. Folk dances will be shown as a key element of the Baroque suite and Classical symphony. Folk melodies and folk scales will be shown to be building blocks of the music of the Impressionists. The lives and works of renowned composers such as Corelli, Handel, Debussy, Ravel, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and others will form the content of the class. The music presented in the class spans the human experience from the Mesolithic age to the early 20th century. Come to listen, discuss, and discover the Common Ground of music. This is a listening class intended to appeal to both non-musicians and musicians. No musical skill required. Period 1 ~ Bill Troxler
This class reveals the Common Ground between traditional music and what most consider to be “classical” music. Through a guided listening experience and discussion, the class will explore how millennia of folk music have shaped centuries of music that the developed world considers to be the greatest, most profound ever composed. The story-telling, bardic traditions of several regions including Ireland, southern France, Turkey, and the Middle East will be shown to be the basis of opera. Folk dances will be shown as a key element of the Baroque suite and Classical symphony. Folk melodies and folk scales will be shown to be building blocks of the music of the Impressionists. The lives and works of renowned composers such as Corelli, Handel, Debussy, Ravel, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and others will form the content of the class. The music presented in the class spans the human experience from the Mesolithic age to the early 20th century. Come to listen, discuss, and discover the Common Ground of music. This is a listening class intended to appeal to both non-musicians and musicians. No musical skill required. Period 1 ~ Bill Troxler
Everyday Nonviolence in a Crazy World
It is difficult to work with others when we think they are crazy or no good. It is also difficult to see how personalizing problems actually makes them harder to solve. Nonviolence offers practical skills for dealing with difficult people over a wide range of situations. We will explore these skills using real examples. Period 2 ~ Pamela Zappardino and Charles Collyer
It is difficult to work with others when we think they are crazy or no good. It is also difficult to see how personalizing problems actually makes them harder to solve. Nonviolence offers practical skills for dealing with difficult people over a wide range of situations. We will explore these skills using real examples. Period 2 ~ Pamela Zappardino and Charles Collyer
Hidden Voices
The many musical traditions present at Common Ground on the Hill contain a series of "hidden voices" rarely heard, but vital. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer folks make important impacts on traditional music, but we rarely hear all the meanings in their stories. Why? In this course, we will uncover some of these previously hidden people and the music they have made especially in blues, Appalachian mountain music, gospel, folk counterculture, and Celtic music. We will also explore themes of defiance, fear, secrets, desire, liberation, and acceptance. The music and ideas of Bessie Smith, Brían Ó hAirt, the Down Home Divas, Holly Near, and many others will make appearances as we break down stereotypes and learn from them and from each other. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, regardless of age, gender, or orientation. Period 2 ~ Ryan Koons
The many musical traditions present at Common Ground on the Hill contain a series of "hidden voices" rarely heard, but vital. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer folks make important impacts on traditional music, but we rarely hear all the meanings in their stories. Why? In this course, we will uncover some of these previously hidden people and the music they have made especially in blues, Appalachian mountain music, gospel, folk counterculture, and Celtic music. We will also explore themes of defiance, fear, secrets, desire, liberation, and acceptance. The music and ideas of Bessie Smith, Brían Ó hAirt, the Down Home Divas, Holly Near, and many others will make appearances as we break down stereotypes and learn from them and from each other. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, regardless of age, gender, or orientation. Period 2 ~ Ryan Koons
Learning Arabic
Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world, yet few Americans know it. This daily course will introduce the participants to the language and culture of the Arab world. Develop beginner-level skills in conversational Arabic. Learn basic vocabulary and structures such as greetings, how to introduce yourself, how to ask and answer questions, how to count, and how to conduct a basic dialogue in Arabic. Period 2 ~ Carol Zaru
Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world, yet few Americans know it. This daily course will introduce the participants to the language and culture of the Arab world. Develop beginner-level skills in conversational Arabic. Learn basic vocabulary and structures such as greetings, how to introduce yourself, how to ask and answer questions, how to count, and how to conduct a basic dialogue in Arabic. Period 2 ~ Carol Zaru
Medieval Perspectives on Modern Crises
Climate change, exploitative wars, corrupt politicians governing by whim – sound familiar? The division and struggle we are now experiencing has happened before, 700 years ago. What can we learn from those who survived to tell their tales? Join medievalist Niccolo Seligmann in this lecture/discussion course in examining the art, music, and writings of people who endured those difficult times. If they could survive the fourteenth century, we can survive the twenty-first. Period 3 ~ Niccolo Seligmann
Climate change, exploitative wars, corrupt politicians governing by whim – sound familiar? The division and struggle we are now experiencing has happened before, 700 years ago. What can we learn from those who survived to tell their tales? Join medievalist Niccolo Seligmann in this lecture/discussion course in examining the art, music, and writings of people who endured those difficult times. If they could survive the fourteenth century, we can survive the twenty-first. Period 3 ~ Niccolo Seligmann
Migration Sketches: Music of the Diasporas
Migrations have characterized much of human history and continue to do so. This timely program focuses on immigrants, migrations and associated music including the exodus of Roma people ("Gypsies") more than a thousand years ago from Northern India to Europe, the socially driven “Great Migration” from the US South to Urban centers like Harlem and Chicago's South Side, the climate induced movement of people in the U.S. during the Dust Bowl years, the economy-driven movement of people from the Caribbean to the U.S., the persecution-driven migration of people from Europe to the U.S., the famine induced movement of people from Ireland, and the commerce-driven “Middle Passage” of enslaved people from Africa. Tim Porter on mandolin and Joe Selly on guitar lead the discussion and demonstrate. Period 4 ~ Tim Porter, Joe Selly
Migrations have characterized much of human history and continue to do so. This timely program focuses on immigrants, migrations and associated music including the exodus of Roma people ("Gypsies") more than a thousand years ago from Northern India to Europe, the socially driven “Great Migration” from the US South to Urban centers like Harlem and Chicago's South Side, the climate induced movement of people in the U.S. during the Dust Bowl years, the economy-driven movement of people from the Caribbean to the U.S., the persecution-driven migration of people from Europe to the U.S., the famine induced movement of people from Ireland, and the commerce-driven “Middle Passage” of enslaved people from Africa. Tim Porter on mandolin and Joe Selly on guitar lead the discussion and demonstrate. Period 4 ~ Tim Porter, Joe Selly
Native American History, Art and Culture
In this class we will explore the myths, history, art, and culture of native peoples. Through open dialogue we will look at examples, make comparisons, and discover new insights to appreciate both similarities and uniqueness of a diverse group of people known as Native Americans. littlebearfink@wildblue.net Period 5 ~ Bobby Little Bear
In this class we will explore the myths, history, art, and culture of native peoples. Through open dialogue we will look at examples, make comparisons, and discover new insights to appreciate both similarities and uniqueness of a diverse group of people known as Native Americans. littlebearfink@wildblue.net Period 5 ~ Bobby Little Bear
Social Responsibility in Science
Science and society intersect in many complex ways and across a multitude of issues. In such cases, we need to ask, what role do scientists have in ensuring the socially responsible use of technology and scientific knowledge? What role does the general public have? This course will use case studies, current events, and discussion to explore the issues, and then together we will identify small steps, for scientists and non-scientists alike, that can enable scientific advancements to benefit the broader needs of society. Teachers are strongly encouraged to join this discussion, but teenagers and adults of all backgrounds are welcome. In addition, we will be exploring all new topics and strategies, so if you have taken the course before, please feel free to take the class again so we can continue to learn from each other! Period 4 ~ Melanie Nilsson
Science and society intersect in many complex ways and across a multitude of issues. In such cases, we need to ask, what role do scientists have in ensuring the socially responsible use of technology and scientific knowledge? What role does the general public have? This course will use case studies, current events, and discussion to explore the issues, and then together we will identify small steps, for scientists and non-scientists alike, that can enable scientific advancements to benefit the broader needs of society. Teachers are strongly encouraged to join this discussion, but teenagers and adults of all backgrounds are welcome. In addition, we will be exploring all new topics and strategies, so if you have taken the course before, please feel free to take the class again so we can continue to learn from each other! Period 4 ~ Melanie Nilsson
Stories of the Civil Rights Movement
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. Many know these basic facts about the American Civil Rights Movement. Some know a bit about the movement and its campaigns. Few people, however, know the personal stories of the people who were the movement, the people who made it happen, and the places where they stood strong. Pam and Charlie from our Zepp Center (with some help from their friends) will share the stories collected over 20 years of travel across the south studying the movement and meeting the people who lived it. Stories of Amelia Boynton Robinson, John Lewis, Viola Liuzzo, Bernard LaFayette, Dorothy Cotton, J.L. Chestnut, and more will bring the movement alive for you, and give you new insight into the foot soldiers - and leaders - of the movement, and why these stories are relevant today. Period 4 ~ Pamela Zappardino and Charles Collyer
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. Many know these basic facts about the American Civil Rights Movement. Some know a bit about the movement and its campaigns. Few people, however, know the personal stories of the people who were the movement, the people who made it happen, and the places where they stood strong. Pam and Charlie from our Zepp Center (with some help from their friends) will share the stories collected over 20 years of travel across the south studying the movement and meeting the people who lived it. Stories of Amelia Boynton Robinson, John Lewis, Viola Liuzzo, Bernard LaFayette, Dorothy Cotton, J.L. Chestnut, and more will bring the movement alive for you, and give you new insight into the foot soldiers - and leaders - of the movement, and why these stories are relevant today. Period 4 ~ Pamela Zappardino and Charles Collyer
Unfurling Western Notions of Nature and Amerindian Alternatives
Explore Western notions of nature and Amerindian alternatives with a focus on Amazonian views, philosophy and praxis. Learn about the concept of ecogony: a word coined by the instructor meaning “to describe, comprehend, and explain the causes and articulations (ideological, material, spiritual) of interrelationships, functions and dynamics of people with other entities and their environs.” For instance, the accumulation of goods, services, and information is an ecogonic node of mainstream current world culture. The ecogony of peoples explain their environmental ethics. Finally, we will examine the ecogony of the Jotï, an Amazonian group who the instructor has studied for the last two decades. Period 3 ~ Eglee Zent
Explore Western notions of nature and Amerindian alternatives with a focus on Amazonian views, philosophy and praxis. Learn about the concept of ecogony: a word coined by the instructor meaning “to describe, comprehend, and explain the causes and articulations (ideological, material, spiritual) of interrelationships, functions and dynamics of people with other entities and their environs.” For instance, the accumulation of goods, services, and information is an ecogonic node of mainstream current world culture. The ecogony of peoples explain their environmental ethics. Finally, we will examine the ecogony of the Jotï, an Amazonian group who the instructor has studied for the last two decades. Period 3 ~ Eglee Zent
Women and the Blues
From Bessie Smith to Koko Taylor, Memphis Minnie to Bonnie Raitt, join this exciting class as we enjoy the vast contributions women have made to the blues - the foundation for popular American music. This is a class for guys, gals, and music lovers of all ages! This is going to be a fun-filled, educational experience. Be prepared to loosen up, clap your hands, sway to the rhythms, and sing the blues from the depths of your soul. Students are encouraged to compose their own 12-bar blues, with the option to perform in class on Friday. Period 2 ~ Eleanor Ellis, Henry Reiff
From Bessie Smith to Koko Taylor, Memphis Minnie to Bonnie Raitt, join this exciting class as we enjoy the vast contributions women have made to the blues - the foundation for popular American music. This is a class for guys, gals, and music lovers of all ages! This is going to be a fun-filled, educational experience. Be prepared to loosen up, clap your hands, sway to the rhythms, and sing the blues from the depths of your soul. Students are encouraged to compose their own 12-bar blues, with the option to perform in class on Friday. Period 2 ~ Eleanor Ellis, Henry Reiff