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In one way or another, polls have misfired in the three most recent U.S. presidential elections, a record that may signal what lies ahead in 2024. Will the polls fail yet again? What accounts for their uneven at best performance record? And why are polls still such dominant, narrative-setting forces in American politics? Those questions and more will be...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisTue, February 27 to February 27 | 09:30 AM-10:45 AM Central TimeW. Joseph Campbell, Ph.D., Professor, School of Communication, American UniversityIn one way or another, polls have misfired in the three most recent U.S. presidential elections, a record that may signal what lies ahead in 2024. Will the polls fail yet again? What accounts for their uneven at best performance record? And why are polls still such dominant, narrative-setting forces in American politics? Those questions and more will be addressed in what promises to be a lively yet none-too-technical discussion of polling in modern presidential elections. -
The loyalists were the losers of the American Revolution. The Americans who rejected independence and who fought to keep the colonies safely within the bosom of the British Empire lost almost everything when the patriots declared victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. History quickly lost sight of them in the years afterwards and looking back now,...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisTue, March 5 to March 5 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeRichard Bell, Professor of History, University of MarylandThe loyalists were the losers of the American Revolution. The Americans who rejected independence and who fought to keep the colonies safely within the bosom of the British Empire lost almost everything when the patriots declared victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. History quickly lost sight of them in the years afterwards and looking back now, it’s hard to understand why so many ordinary Americans were actually bitterly opposed to the break with Britain and the birth of a new nation. Join University of Maryland historian Richard Bell as he takes us back in time to examine the American Revolution from their perspective. Focusing on individuals with compelling personal stories, Bell challenges deep-rooted stereotypes of loyalists as sycophantic, cowardly, and selfish persons of means and demonstrates that to understand who the loyalists were, and what they experienced, is to better understand the stakes of the entire American Revolution. -
After nearly 20 years of lecturing on classic musical theater and American popular song, Julie Kurzava will finally join the 21st century, sharing thoughts and observations on contemporary musical theater, including themes such as identity, mental health, and coming of age. She’ll also discuss musical and vocal styles, and compare current artistic trends...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, March 7 to March 7 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeJulie Kurzava, Faculty, Loyola UniversityAfter nearly 20 years of lecturing on classic musical theater and American popular song, Julie Kurzava will finally join the 21st century, sharing thoughts and observations on contemporary musical theater, including themes such as identity, mental health, and coming of age. She’ll also discuss musical and vocal styles, and compare current artistic trends to golden age musicals.
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Buy some lingonberry hard candy at a 19thc candy shop, visit the homes and museums of playwright and novelist Arthur Strindberg and sculptor Carl Milles whose thoughtful, whimsical pieces dot the city; check out the Nobel Museum (Bob Dylan won for literature in 2016); reminisce at a toy museum in a WWII bunker; appreciate the beautiful textiles at a silk...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, March 7 to March 7 | 12:00 PM-02:30 PM Central TimeBarbara Paulson, Travel SpecialistBuy some lingonberry hard candy at a 19thc candy shop, visit the homes and museums of playwright and novelist Arthur Strindberg and sculptor Carl Milles whose thoughtful, whimsical pieces dot the city; check out the Nobel Museum (Bob Dylan won for literature in 2016); reminisce at a toy museum in a WWII bunker; appreciate the beautiful textiles at a silk factory supplying royalty and still apprenticing weavers. European Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson offers alternatives to the more popular Stockholm sites.
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The House Republican Caucus' difficulties in electing a Speaker in the fall of 2023 pointed out how the Grand Old Party has broken down into two factions uneasily coexisting under the same party label: one faction representing the traditional, business-oriented conservatism of Ronald Reagan, the other the anti-government populism of Donald Trump. Can these...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, March 14 to March 14 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeGeoffrey Kabaservice, Director of Policy Studies, Niskanen Center, D.C.The House Republican Caucus' difficulties in electing a Speaker in the fall of 2023 pointed out how the Grand Old Party has broken down into two factions uneasily coexisting under the same party label: one faction representing the traditional, business-oriented conservatism of Ronald Reagan, the other the anti-government populism of Donald Trump. Can these factions make peace in advance of the 2024 elections? How likely is Trump to be the Republican presidential nominee? And what might happen if he returns to the White House?
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The chronicle of World War II is filled with many amazing stories. Probably none of these tales of heroism had such historic and strategic significance as the abrupt and surprising crossing of the Rhine River at the German town of Remagen on March 7, 1945, by a small party of GIs. The class will look at both the strategic setting for the Rhine crossing as...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisTue, March 19 to March 19 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeDavid B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsThe chronicle of World War II is filled with many amazing stories. Probably none of these tales of heroism had such historic and strategic significance as the abrupt and surprising crossing of the Rhine River at the German town of Remagen on March 7, 1945, by a small party of GIs. The class will look at both the strategic setting for the Rhine crossing as well as individual actions – both American and German – taken during the fierce battle for the bridge.
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For more than 125 years, filmmakers have been drawn to the dynamic vitality of New York City. Its dramatic architecture, its diverse neighborhoods and populations, its universally recognized landmarks, its 24/7 lifestyle, and its 8 million stories have helped make the city a featured player in more than 17,000 movies—including such memorable films as King...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisWed, March 20 to March 20 | 12:00 PM-01:15 PM Central TimeBrian Rose, Professor (ret.), Department of Communication and Media Studies, Fordham UniversityFor more than 125 years, filmmakers have been drawn to the dynamic vitality of New York City. Its dramatic architecture, its diverse neighborhoods and populations, its universally recognized landmarks, its 24/7 lifestyle, and its 8 million stories have helped make the city a featured player in more than 17,000 movies—including such memorable films as King Kong, Naked City, On the Town, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Taxi Driver, Wall Street, and Do the Right Thing. Illustrated with more than 50 clips, this presentation demonstrates the changing ways New York has been captured on film, and why it still remains a star attraction today.
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Hundreds of French churches and cathedrals were destroyed or converted to warehouses or horse barns during the French Revolution. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that the French government committed to recover and restore that church heritage, inspired in part by the public success of Victor Hugo’s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, March 21 to March 21 | 12:00 PM-01:30 PM Central TimeJudy Scott Feldman, Ph.D., Art Historian/National Mall CoalitionHundreds of French churches and cathedrals were destroyed or converted to warehouses or horse barns during the French Revolution. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that the French government committed to recover and restore that church heritage, inspired in part by the public success of Victor Hugo’s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame). Viollet-le-Duc examined the historical remains of famous churches, reconstructed the churches, and wrote treatises explaining his sometimes-controversial work.
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Hamas’ slaughter of Oct. 7 not only shook Israel to its core, creating doubts among Israelis about the nation’s ability to protect them, but it also set off a regional chain reaction that put U.S. forces in direct battle with Iran-backed militias and other radical groups. Meanwhile, Israel’s response triggered a wave of deep anti-Israeli sentiment...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisWed, March 27 to March 27 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeLawrence Haas, Senior Fellow, American Foreign Policy CouncilHamas’ slaughter of Oct. 7 not only shook Israel to its core, creating doubts among Israelis about the nation’s ability to protect them, but it also set off a regional chain reaction that put U.S. forces in direct battle with Iran-backed militias and other radical groups. Meanwhile, Israel’s response triggered a wave of deep anti-Israeli sentiment and raw anti-Semitic activity in the region, Europe, and, most disturbingly, the United States. All of this will have huge implications for Washington and Jerusalem for years to come.
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By now, it seems everyone has an opinion about The 1619 Project. Published in 2019, The 1619 Project was a special edition of The New York Times Magazine that tried to focus readers’ attention upon the centrality of race slavery in American history. We’ll push past the headlines and the posturing and test four of The 1619 Project’s central claims...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisTue, April 2 to April 2 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeRichard Bell, Professor of History, University of MarylandBy now, it seems everyone has an opinion about The 1619 Project. Published in 2019, The 1619 Project was a special edition of The New York Times Magazine that tried to focus readers’ attention upon the centrality of race slavery in American history. We’ll push past the headlines and the posturing and test four of The 1619 Project’s central claims against the evidence in the historical record. After class, in-person participants will have a chance to chat with Dr. Bell and enjoy light refreshments.
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Explore spring’s bounty on over 1000 acres of gardens once owned by the Dupont family; visit an art museum, home, and studios of three generations of America’s finest painters (the Wyeths); watch potato chips being made at a major snack food factory (samples and an outlet store, too); and ride in a 1916 electric car (take that Elon Musk!). Travel expert...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisWed, April 3 to April 3 | 12:00 PM-02:30 PM Central TimeBarbara Paulson, Travel SpecialistExplore spring’s bounty on over 1000 acres of gardens once owned by the Dupont family; visit an art museum, home, and studios of three generations of America’s finest painters (the Wyeths); watch potato chips being made at a major snack food factory (samples and an outlet store, too); and ride in a 1916 electric car (take that Elon Musk!). Travel expert Barbara Paulson guides you to some of the sites of this charming and picturesque suburban Philadelphia area.
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Baron’s new book, Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos and the Washington Post, chronicles politics and journalism during the tumultuous era of candidate and President Donald Trump. Some reviews of the book suggest that readers begin with the book’s epilogue, which lays out Baron’s view of “objectivity" in journalism and why news organizations need...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, April 4 to April 4 | 12:00 PM-01:00 PM Central TimeMartin Baron, Former Executive Editor, Washington PostBaron’s new book, Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos and the Washington Post, chronicles politics and journalism during the tumultuous era of candidate and President Donald Trump. Some reviews of the book suggest that readers begin with the book’s epilogue, which lays out Baron’s view of “objectivity" in journalism and why news organizations need that standard in today’s media environment. Baron will share his views and answer your questions on this timely topic.
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The tension between science and religion may be a significant fact concerning contemporary politics, but the rift goes back centuries. Galileo tried to argue that the two ought to be seen as distinct magisteria. The Dalai Lama, on the other hand, argued that science and religion can clash, and if they do then religion must change. What is the relation...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, April 11 to April 11 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeSteven Gimbel, Professor of Philosophy, Gettysburg CollegeThe tension between science and religion may be a significant fact concerning contemporary politics, but the rift goes back centuries. Galileo tried to argue that the two ought to be seen as distinct magisteria. The Dalai Lama, on the other hand, argued that science and religion can clash, and if they do then religion must change. What is the relation between science and religion?
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Although best known as classic musical film "The Wizard of Oz," the world of Oz began with the 1900 book by Frank L. Baum that quickly became a stage musical. This class will tell the tale of Baum's book and detail how it was made (with great difficulty) into the beloved movie musical of 1939, and later further adapted into "The Wiz" and "Wicked." Come and...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisThu, April 11 to April 11 | 12:00 PM-1:30 PM Central TimeDan Sherman, PhDAlthough best known as classic musical film "The Wizard of Oz," the world of Oz began with the 1900 book by Frank L. Baum that quickly became a stage musical. This class will tell the tale of Baum's book and detail how it was made (with great difficulty) into the beloved movie musical of 1939, and later further adapted into "The Wiz" and "Wicked." Come and be enchanted as you learn about America's greatest homegrown fairytale!
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In this presentation, we will discuss an event which history somehow overlooked: the attempt by a brave band of soldiers and civilians to overthrow Nazi rule in Munich, Germany, with the intention of handing the city over to the approaching Allied armies. This account is based largely on first-hand information provided by German Captain Rupprecht Gerngross,...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisTue, April 16 to April 16 | 09:30 AM-11:00 AM Central TimeDavid B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsIn this presentation, we will discuss an event which history somehow overlooked: the attempt by a brave band of soldiers and civilians to overthrow Nazi rule in Munich, Germany, with the intention of handing the city over to the approaching Allied armies. This account is based largely on first-hand information provided by German Captain Rupprecht Gerngross, leader of the rebellion, as well as recent international research. The class details not only the planning and execution of the 1945 revolt, but also looks at its predecessor – the Munich-based anti-Nazi student underground, the White Rose.
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Moving from place to place and job to job until he found his true calling as a painter, Vincent van Gogh had a short artistic career. Dying at 37, he was a painter for only ten years. He reached his “high, yellow note” as a painter during months he spent at Arles, in the South of France. Vincent spent only 444 days in Arles—the most prolific period in...Zoom - Washington Metro OasisTue, April 16 to April 16 | 12:00 PM-01:30 PM Central TimeBonita Billman, Art History LecturerMoving from place to place and job to job until he found his true calling as a painter, Vincent van Gogh had a short artistic career. Dying at 37, he was a painter for only ten years. He reached his “high, yellow note” as a painter during months he spent at Arles, in the South of France. Vincent spent only 444 days in Arles—the most prolific period in his brief career. He painted the changing seasons in the strong light of the Midi and dreamed of a studio in the South for himself and his fellow artists including Paul Gauguin. After the onset of his mental illness, he voluntarily committed himself to the asylum at nearby St.Remy but continued to paint when he was able. Many of van Gogh’s most cherished pictures were created during that period.