~ Distinctive Lectures: Week 1 ~
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Schedules-at-a-Glance | Evening Events | Faculty | General Info | FAQ | Registration
QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Movement | 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 | Movement | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
Art of the Islamic World and its Influence on the West
This course will begin with a brief introduction of the history of Islam and move to the religious and secular arts. We will explore floral motifs, geometric forms and calligraphy, which are the basic elements of art and architecture. Power Point presentations will be augmented by lecture, class participation and hands on activities. Period 4 ~ Susan Williamson
Contemporary Native American Philosophy & Religion in the Southeast
This course creates a foundation for understanding the vibrant Southeastern Native American Cultures of today and their philosophy. It includes an introduction to Native languages, ceremonies and their public and private roles, the Great Duality of life and its many expressions, and the spiritual nature of foods, herbs and healing. We will touch on art, music, death & dying, family life and child-rearing. Time and interest permitting, we’ll try our hand at dance, crafts, gain a taste of ceremony and food. This class is often very interactive and hands-on with related text materials provided to all students. If taken for credit, please contact the instructor in advance for selected reading materials. There is no course fee, but contributions are welcome to offset the cost of materials and foods to be sampled. Period 2 ~ Sakim
Healing the Racial Divide
We are not living in a post racial society. Racial divides still exist within the US and throughout the world. It also impacts our local spaces, and maybe even our families. Is there anything that we can do about this? During our time together, students will learn various ways to be catalysts for racial healing in their school, workplace, and other spaces. Just imagine what our world would look like if each of us actually worked toward healing racial divides. Period 2 ~ Richard Smith
Hidden Bias in Curricular Resources
Calling all teachers! Curricular resources (books, digital media, worksheets, etc.) can contain hidden messaging that impedes inclusivity and negatively impacts student success. We will begin by discussing some historic and current research on the impact of hidden bias in education. You will then learn and apply established methods to look for bias in the curricular resources you intend to use in your own classes. (I will provide materials if you do not have your own). This hands-on class is suitable for anyone interested in examining educational resources for any age group. Come join the effort! Period 1 ~ Melanie Nilsson
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 4 ~ Ryan Koons
How to Talk About Politics at the Dinner Table and Stay in the Will
We used to be able to navigate the rocky waters of political disagreement. We need to revive that lost art. Some timely tips for a presidential election year and beyond from a writer who had to play it down the middle for 40 years in journalism. Period 1 ~ David Morris
Indian Art and Culture
This is a short history of Indian art and culture, and its influences. We will explore books, slides, and/or short videos of Indian art of temples, palaces, step wells, and everyday items, with an emphasis on fabrics, jewelry, and wood and stone carvings. We will also examine the influence of different religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam on the Indian sub-continent’s art & architecture. Period 2 ~ Sannyasin Sheelmurti
Migration in Contemporary Hispanic Cinema
This course will explore the portrayal of migration in films from the Hispanic world. Day one will be an introduction to issues in migration studies, as well as an overview of Hispanic films on the subject. On each of the other days, we will view a portion of a film and discuss it. Films will be made available for students to view in their entirety outside of class. Day two will be on emigration from Guatemala with Gregory Nava’s El Norte (The North). Day three will focus on migration from and to Mexico with María Novaros’s El Jardín de Eden (The Garden of Eden). Day four will be on emigration from Africa to Spain with Gerardo Olivares’s 14 Kilómetros (14 kilometers). Day five will focus on immigration to Argentina with Paula Hernández’s Herencia (Inheritance). Films are subtitled; no knowledge of Spanish is necessary. Period 4 ~ Thomas Deveny
Music and Healing: Body, Mind and Soul
"The power of music to integrate and cure is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest non-chemical medication." Oliver Sacks, M.D., Awakenings. Most of us have experienced the healing power of music either as listeners, dancers, or players; yet there are ways in which music is much more powerful than we can even imagine. Recent neuroscientific studies demonstrate how music touches our memories, emotions, senses, motor system, and language in ways that the concept of “right brain/left brain” does not even begin to capture. Music is one of the most complex activities that human beings partake of - both as makers of music and as listeners. This is why people with dementia who do not know their own names or are not otherwise able to communicate are able to sing songs. We will share stories and music, hear some of the latest remarkable findings in the emerging field of music and healing, draw upon the work of Oliver Sacks, Daniel Levitin, and others and engage in experiential exercises that will empower us to think outside of the box and encourage us to share our live music for healing in the world. Period 3 ~ Karen Ashbrook, Jesse Palidofsky
Native American Tribal Arts: Motifs, Techniques and Meaning
Pre-Contact North America had over 355 native language families and hundreds more tribal communities—more diversity than most places on earth. Yet despite such wide differences in almost every area of human life, there are identifiable common elements in their artistic traditions. This course begins with the archaic and paleo foundations of native expressions. Discover and explore six major cultural areas and their traditions, tools and techniques, motifs and meaning, the materials utilized, and, finally, the what, why, how and purposes of native arts. This year's class will begin with the west coast native peoples and work our way eastward to the Atlantic and Southeast. You may bring a native item for discussion. If you plan to take the class for credit, please bring a good book on American Indian Art and Architecture for your class text and reference. Period 3 ~ Sakim
Samaritans at the Border, Immigrants Among Us
The United States has always been known as a country of immigrants. You need only to turn to the revered Statue of Liberty and read the chiseled words, “Give me your tired, your weak, your huddled masses...” to understand that immigration is central to us as a nation. In the last ten years, there has been unprecedented immigration along our southern border as “people made poor” from the effects of globalization have been pushed from their countries and pulled into the United States to work in our gardens, hotels, and kitchens. This workshop will focus on globalization and how it affects communities which in turn stimulate immigration into our First World country. It will lift up the plight of the migrant and illuminate the deep instinct for survival and love of family. It will describe and lay out the rich culture and climate of the borderlands, and it will tell the story of a humanitarian group called the Green Valley Samaritans, who give food, water, and medical care to those whose lives are on the line. Many from the Common Ground on the Hill community have visited the Samaritans in Arizona to further understand their mission and work, often while attending our sister event, Common Ground on the Border. Period 2 ~ Randy Mayer
The Science of Narrative: Why Storytelling Is Important to Public Health
The course will highlight the current intersectionality of storytelling and public health, and the use of storytelling in challenging Western perspectives on health and healing. As a practice, it is being applied to address mental and emotional health outcomes, and within research it encourages better understanding and appreciation of scientific findings by exhibiting a genuine, equitable methodology for capturing information from communities, particularly historically divested communities. Additionally, this course will introduce the basic components of storytelling and examine the science within the narrative arts, exploring how storytelling is a powerful modality for conveying uncommon knowledge and insight in a manner that appreciates common experiences. Period 4 ~ David Fakunle
The Voices of Baltimore Rising
In this course, we’ll hear - first-hand - the voices and stories of those who have been pulling the Baltimore community together in the five-year wake of the Freddie Gray uprising. We will also explore the problems in Baltimore, which have been described as “deep, profound, and decades in the making,” that led to the death of Freddie Gray and the subsequent Baltimore uprising. The course is facilitated by Genard “Shadow” Barr, whose community work is highlighted in the HBO documentary, Baltimore Rising. Along with Shadow, our teachers will be the community leaders, activists, and everyday plain folk, whose voices are rarely heard but who are making a difference for those who live in Baltimore. They will tell us their stories and the work they’ve been doing to improve the lives of their neighbors, and together we will explore how we can find Common Ground and assist them in the important work they are doing just 40 miles from “the Hill.” Period 3 ~ Genard “Shadow” Barr
This course will begin with a brief introduction of the history of Islam and move to the religious and secular arts. We will explore floral motifs, geometric forms and calligraphy, which are the basic elements of art and architecture. Power Point presentations will be augmented by lecture, class participation and hands on activities. Period 4 ~ Susan Williamson
Contemporary Native American Philosophy & Religion in the Southeast
This course creates a foundation for understanding the vibrant Southeastern Native American Cultures of today and their philosophy. It includes an introduction to Native languages, ceremonies and their public and private roles, the Great Duality of life and its many expressions, and the spiritual nature of foods, herbs and healing. We will touch on art, music, death & dying, family life and child-rearing. Time and interest permitting, we’ll try our hand at dance, crafts, gain a taste of ceremony and food. This class is often very interactive and hands-on with related text materials provided to all students. If taken for credit, please contact the instructor in advance for selected reading materials. There is no course fee, but contributions are welcome to offset the cost of materials and foods to be sampled. Period 2 ~ Sakim
Healing the Racial Divide
We are not living in a post racial society. Racial divides still exist within the US and throughout the world. It also impacts our local spaces, and maybe even our families. Is there anything that we can do about this? During our time together, students will learn various ways to be catalysts for racial healing in their school, workplace, and other spaces. Just imagine what our world would look like if each of us actually worked toward healing racial divides. Period 2 ~ Richard Smith
Hidden Bias in Curricular Resources
Calling all teachers! Curricular resources (books, digital media, worksheets, etc.) can contain hidden messaging that impedes inclusivity and negatively impacts student success. We will begin by discussing some historic and current research on the impact of hidden bias in education. You will then learn and apply established methods to look for bias in the curricular resources you intend to use in your own classes. (I will provide materials if you do not have your own). This hands-on class is suitable for anyone interested in examining educational resources for any age group. Come join the effort! Period 1 ~ Melanie Nilsson
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 4 ~ Ryan Koons
How to Talk About Politics at the Dinner Table and Stay in the Will
We used to be able to navigate the rocky waters of political disagreement. We need to revive that lost art. Some timely tips for a presidential election year and beyond from a writer who had to play it down the middle for 40 years in journalism. Period 1 ~ David Morris
Indian Art and Culture
This is a short history of Indian art and culture, and its influences. We will explore books, slides, and/or short videos of Indian art of temples, palaces, step wells, and everyday items, with an emphasis on fabrics, jewelry, and wood and stone carvings. We will also examine the influence of different religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam on the Indian sub-continent’s art & architecture. Period 2 ~ Sannyasin Sheelmurti
Migration in Contemporary Hispanic Cinema
This course will explore the portrayal of migration in films from the Hispanic world. Day one will be an introduction to issues in migration studies, as well as an overview of Hispanic films on the subject. On each of the other days, we will view a portion of a film and discuss it. Films will be made available for students to view in their entirety outside of class. Day two will be on emigration from Guatemala with Gregory Nava’s El Norte (The North). Day three will focus on migration from and to Mexico with María Novaros’s El Jardín de Eden (The Garden of Eden). Day four will be on emigration from Africa to Spain with Gerardo Olivares’s 14 Kilómetros (14 kilometers). Day five will focus on immigration to Argentina with Paula Hernández’s Herencia (Inheritance). Films are subtitled; no knowledge of Spanish is necessary. Period 4 ~ Thomas Deveny
Music and Healing: Body, Mind and Soul
"The power of music to integrate and cure is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest non-chemical medication." Oliver Sacks, M.D., Awakenings. Most of us have experienced the healing power of music either as listeners, dancers, or players; yet there are ways in which music is much more powerful than we can even imagine. Recent neuroscientific studies demonstrate how music touches our memories, emotions, senses, motor system, and language in ways that the concept of “right brain/left brain” does not even begin to capture. Music is one of the most complex activities that human beings partake of - both as makers of music and as listeners. This is why people with dementia who do not know their own names or are not otherwise able to communicate are able to sing songs. We will share stories and music, hear some of the latest remarkable findings in the emerging field of music and healing, draw upon the work of Oliver Sacks, Daniel Levitin, and others and engage in experiential exercises that will empower us to think outside of the box and encourage us to share our live music for healing in the world. Period 3 ~ Karen Ashbrook, Jesse Palidofsky
Native American Tribal Arts: Motifs, Techniques and Meaning
Pre-Contact North America had over 355 native language families and hundreds more tribal communities—more diversity than most places on earth. Yet despite such wide differences in almost every area of human life, there are identifiable common elements in their artistic traditions. This course begins with the archaic and paleo foundations of native expressions. Discover and explore six major cultural areas and their traditions, tools and techniques, motifs and meaning, the materials utilized, and, finally, the what, why, how and purposes of native arts. This year's class will begin with the west coast native peoples and work our way eastward to the Atlantic and Southeast. You may bring a native item for discussion. If you plan to take the class for credit, please bring a good book on American Indian Art and Architecture for your class text and reference. Period 3 ~ Sakim
Samaritans at the Border, Immigrants Among Us
The United States has always been known as a country of immigrants. You need only to turn to the revered Statue of Liberty and read the chiseled words, “Give me your tired, your weak, your huddled masses...” to understand that immigration is central to us as a nation. In the last ten years, there has been unprecedented immigration along our southern border as “people made poor” from the effects of globalization have been pushed from their countries and pulled into the United States to work in our gardens, hotels, and kitchens. This workshop will focus on globalization and how it affects communities which in turn stimulate immigration into our First World country. It will lift up the plight of the migrant and illuminate the deep instinct for survival and love of family. It will describe and lay out the rich culture and climate of the borderlands, and it will tell the story of a humanitarian group called the Green Valley Samaritans, who give food, water, and medical care to those whose lives are on the line. Many from the Common Ground on the Hill community have visited the Samaritans in Arizona to further understand their mission and work, often while attending our sister event, Common Ground on the Border. Period 2 ~ Randy Mayer
The Science of Narrative: Why Storytelling Is Important to Public Health
The course will highlight the current intersectionality of storytelling and public health, and the use of storytelling in challenging Western perspectives on health and healing. As a practice, it is being applied to address mental and emotional health outcomes, and within research it encourages better understanding and appreciation of scientific findings by exhibiting a genuine, equitable methodology for capturing information from communities, particularly historically divested communities. Additionally, this course will introduce the basic components of storytelling and examine the science within the narrative arts, exploring how storytelling is a powerful modality for conveying uncommon knowledge and insight in a manner that appreciates common experiences. Period 4 ~ David Fakunle
The Voices of Baltimore Rising
In this course, we’ll hear - first-hand - the voices and stories of those who have been pulling the Baltimore community together in the five-year wake of the Freddie Gray uprising. We will also explore the problems in Baltimore, which have been described as “deep, profound, and decades in the making,” that led to the death of Freddie Gray and the subsequent Baltimore uprising. The course is facilitated by Genard “Shadow” Barr, whose community work is highlighted in the HBO documentary, Baltimore Rising. Along with Shadow, our teachers will be the community leaders, activists, and everyday plain folk, whose voices are rarely heard but who are making a difference for those who live in Baltimore. They will tell us their stories and the work they’ve been doing to improve the lives of their neighbors, and together we will explore how we can find Common Ground and assist them in the important work they are doing just 40 miles from “the Hill.” Period 3 ~ Genard “Shadow” Barr