2024 Showcase Lecture Information

Overview: The plays of William Shakespeare have been filmed more than any other author in the English language. From literal adaptations, to unconventional re-imaginings, contemporary updates, parodies and cross-cultural translations, each new iteration provides a fresh interpretation of the text while also being a unique reflection of the values and interests of the specific time and place in which it was made. This course will compare and contrast key scenes from a variety of film and television versions of some of Shakespeare’s most renowned and beloved works, and will give participants the opportunity to analyze and discuss the differences between them in an engaging and accessible format.

Overview: An introduction to a popular Lifelong Learning 6 week Lecture Series. Women in Islam provides an introduction to contemporary issues related to Women in Islam. It exposes the participants to a broad range of fiction, non-fiction books, articles, and videos treating of the question of women in Islam written by mainly Muslim authors. It will focus on historical, social, media and political representations of Muslim women. This lecture will avoid the trap of easy media representation or sensationalism centered on the orientalist discourse of passive Muslim women in need to be saved. Instead, we will examine a more nuanced and multidimensional approach to tackle the issues of women in Islam. We will look at Women and Islam not as a homogenous entity, but it would emphasize on the heterogeneity of “Women” and of “Islam”. Participants will be introduced to several fiction works and non-fictions work by some of the most known contemporary Muslim women writers. Issues such as women’s role in Islam, veiling, polygamy, Islamic traditions, as well as Islamic feminism will be discussed.

Overview: From time immemorial, the fear of death has been an inescapable part of the human experience. In the polytheistic society of ancient Greece, mystery cults offered initiates a way to confront this fear and experience the renewal of life they observed in the cycles of nature. The ‘Eleusinian Mysteries’ was one of the most famous of these cults, attracting devotees from across the known world and lasting for over a millennium.  According to some, those who were initiated into the Mysteries ceased fearing death.  But because they were sworn to secrecy about their experience, we have scant evidence to illuminate these closely-guarded rites. That said, this lecture will examine what we do know about this influential, secret cult and its impact in the ancient world.  We will look at the foundational myth of the abduction of Persephone, and explore visions of the underworld that have inspired art and literature for centuries.

Overview: The first part of this lecture is apart of the Fall Showcase. Seed saving has multiple benefits, including food sovereignty, cost saving, and climate adaptation. In the first part of this workshop (online), we will explore why it is important to save seeds, the basics of seed biology and how different types of seeds are produced, as well as best practices for saving seeds of plants with different life cycles at our latitude. The second part (in-person) of the workshop will be a hands-on seed saving exercise, from harvest to storage, of some of the most common vegetables and flowers, including tips and troubleshooting advice, at Nature’s Apprentice Farm in Pakenham. Stay tuned for information about how to register for Part 2.

Overview: Mexico City is one of the cities with one of the largest number of museums in the world. It is in second place after the city of London, UK. This series will take you on a little tour to talk about some of these museums. You will get to know some emblematic museums as well as those that are not so popular. It is a small taste of activities that you can take into account when planning your next visit to this beautiful city. This lecture will be taught in both English and Spanish.

Overview: AI: Ethics, Bias & Safety” offers an insightful exploration into how artificial intelligence impacts our daily lives, with a focus on ethical considerations, addressing biases, and ensuring safety. In this session, we will discuss the risks and challenges AI presents in decision-making processes delving into ethical concerns, inherent biases, and the safety measures essential for navigating this technology in our interconnected world.

Overview: Over the past century, there has been a plethora of technological advancement in music – including new instruments  – resulting in the creation of new sounds. This course will explore some of these musical inventions, including the Theremin, synthesizer, drum machine, sampler, and looper. Additional topics include recording and playback technologies, such as streaming; the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation; and production techniques. There will be a variety of musical examples and live demonstrations, with the ultimate goal of increasing your enjoyment of music through a better understanding of music and technology.

Overview: The reputation of Alice Munro, an iconic Canadian author and Nobel laureate, has recently been questioned. This workshop examines the relationship between talent and moral character. Our key tool will be Virtue Ethics. Our case study will be Alice Munro. We will explore the controversy that emerged this year surrounding Munro, i.e. that she remained with a partner she knew sexually abused her daughter as a child. We will ask what makes a good person and what makes a good life. The workshop will question whether talent ever excuses moral failure.

Participants will come away from the workshop with a strong understanding of Virtue Ethics, question whether genius ever excuses actions that are morally wrong and will deepen their understanding of the relationship between moral character and talent.

Overview: In this lecture, we will look at the emergence of graph theory since Leonhard Euler’s solution to the Königsberg Bridge. We will see that what started out as recreational mathematics turned out to have interesting mathematical questions and important applications. We will end with a look at the celebrated/notorious Four Colour Theorem which pushes the boundary of what is regarded as a mathematical proof.

Overview: This lecture offers a close reading of fiction and creative nonfiction that deepens our understanding of, and relationship to, the natural world. We’ll sample ecopoetics (Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Michael Ondaatje); psychogeographic narratives (Teju Cole, W.G. Sebald); and essays on place (Joan Didion, John McPhee, Annie Dillard). Toward the end of our two hours together, we’ll take a look at writers who not only studied our Earth but also advocated for its protection (Stephan Jay Gould, Rachel Carson). Participants will leave this lecture with a strong understanding of what environmental writing entails, and a handful of authors to add to their bookshelves.

Overview: In this session, using official statements from Israel, the UN, Hamas and the International Court of Justice, the lecturer will review the history of Israel/Gaza/Hamas to explain how things got to this point. He will address the objectives of both Israel and Hamas and discuss the obstacles to a permanent ceasefire and return of hostages. The first half of the 2-hour session will be a presentation followed by a one-hour discussion in which questions can be raised.

Overview: Originally published in 1862, Christina Rossetti’s narrative poem “Goblin Market” follows the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, as they interact with and fall victim to the goblins that come out at night. While Rossetti intended the poem to be a spooky fairy tale, through analyzing the content and the context it arose from, this session will uncover its feminist readings. Through analyzing the text, this session will dissect  the plight of women during this time, the “fallen woman” motif that plagued Victorian art during this time, and the importance of female companionship against adversity.

Overview: The “Elgin Marbles” (now referred to as the ”Parthenon Marbles”) are a collection of Classical Greek marble sculptures and architectural features that were part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis Hill in Athens.

From 1801 to 1812, Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, and his agents removed about half of the sculptures of the Parthenon and transported them to Britain amid controversy over Elgin’s actions. Following a Parliamentary inquiry and the subsequent exoneration of Elgin, the marbles were purchased by the British government in 1816 and placed in the British Museum where they are now on display in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery. Greece has consistently maintained that the marbles were illegally removed from the Acropolis and is actively campaigning for their return.

This lecture presents the story of the marbles from 1801 to the present, exploring the circumstances of their removal, their “life” at the British Museum, and the ongoing efforts of the Government of Greece to have them returned. The question of the return of the marbles is still contemporary, controversial, and very political as it remains a source of friction in bilateral relations between the two countries. 

Overview: It is not just about challenges with paying attention and being over-energetic. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is difficult to recognize and characterized by many obstacles in addition to attention problems. The name of the disorder changes every few years as do the criteria for its diagnosis. In this preview to the lecture series, Understanding ADHD, we will briefly trace the history of the concept of ADHD and theories about what causes it.

Overview: The planet Saturn has long been an object of fascination for humanity. Galileo suspected there was something remarkable about this planet, but the optics of his telescope were not quite good enough to reveal Saturn’s true nature. In 1655, the Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens realized that Saturn was surrounded by an astonishing system of rings. Through even a medium sized telescope, the rings present an unforgettable sight of exquisite beauty. The rings are made up of uncountable billions of orbiting chunks of water ice, mixed with traces of rocky material. The physics of the ring system continue to be a source of ongoing research by modern astronomers.

Saturn is a “gas giant” composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, and is accompanied by a retinue of more than 100 known moons. One of them, Enceladus, possesses an underground ocean of liquid water, which could even harbour life. Powerful geysers erupting near the south pole of Enceladus send water and dissolved chemicals careening outwards into space. Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is the only place besides Earth known to have liquids on its surface.

Since the 1970s, several robotic spacecraft have flown by Saturn for close-up reconnaissance of this stunning world and its moons. In 2005, a European probe the size of a large refrigerator parachuted down to a soft landing on the surface of Titan. For 13 years, from 2004-17, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft orbited Saturn, taking thousands of photographs and scientific measurements.

We continue to learn more about this fascinating, beautiful planet, which is truly the “jewel of the solar system”.

Overview: Join us for an engaging two-hour interactive workshop led by Lacey Thompson, a seasoned health and wellness professional with a passion for strength training and mobility tailored for seniors. In this dynamic session, Lacey will dive into the unique challenges that older adults encounter in maintaining their mobility and independence.

With a blend of practical advice, expert insights, and effective strategies, participants will discover ways to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility, empowering them to stay active as they age. Whether you’re seeking to boost your own mobility or support a loved one, this workshop is packed with valuable tools to promote long-term physical wellness. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive!

Overview: While the field of wrongful convictions has benefited from an increased interest in examining the factors that contribute to wrongful convictions, the voices of wrongfully convicted individuals are significantly missing from these studies. More notably, the voice of wrongfully convicted mothers is especially absent. These are harrowing experiences where the legal system shaped their identities as mothers to produce a wrongful conviction. By looking their cases, we can appreciate the manifold consequences of a wrongful conviction.

Overview: This two-hour lecture is designed for anyone with antiques who needs guidance on how to identify and care for them. We’ll explore key resources for identifying antiques, including reference books, online databases, and expert consultations. Additionally, you’ll learn best practices for handling antiques to preserve their condition, and we’ll provide practical advice on how to properly care for various types of materials. Whether you’re a collector or someone with heirlooms, this session will give you the knowledge to maintain and protect your treasures.

Overview: In this lecture, Dr. Farhad Rezaei examines Iran’s strategy to extend its influence in the Middle East using proxy wars, a mission intensified since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.The discussion includes the foundational role of the revolution, the ascent of Khomeini, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, detailing Iran’s ideological pursuits and its tactical methods to disseminate its revolutionary ideals.The lecture further explores the formation of proxy groups, including Hezbollah, the transformation of Iraq, Iran’s pivotal role in the Syrian Civil War, and its sponsorship of Palestinian militant groups, analyzing the broader regional security implications.

Overview: This lecture will introduce some key topics of environmental toxicology, such as bioaccumulation, biomagnification, partitioning and distribution. This will be done using (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) PFAS as an example. PFAS is a class of over 10,000 man-made chemicals and are currently a hot topic as the Canadian Government considers designating the class as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Overview: Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or memoir, most writers struggle at some point to carve out the time, space and energy to write. Sometimes, the blank page can be more intimidating than liberating. This lecture from an experienced novelist and journalist will explore concepts and techniques to help writers get acquainted, or reacquainted, with what works best for them. Suitable for writers of all levels of experience.

Overview: The perceived value of a work of art, be it financial, artistic, or cultural, is frequently the motive for its theft. Because of the portability of works such as paintings, as well as their concentration in museums, they have been the persistent victims of major thefts Many thieves are motivated by the fact that valuable art pieces are worth millions of dollars and weigh only a few kilograms. Yet, one of the great puzzles of art theft is that it is a crime with no easy reward for the perpetrator.  This lecture will explore four famous art thefts and the novelties that make them unique and some cases unsolved.

Overview: Overview: In this lecture, we will look at what logic is and why it’s important, review a short history of the theory of fallacies, Aristotelian logic and other logic’s along with the three Golden periods.

Overview: Overview: Unleash your creativity and learn methods to revive your beloved torn or discoloured clothing and textiles to give them new life. Fibre Artist Anne Warburton will help you give them a fresh new look, using fabric and stitch. As with the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, we will highlight the mend instead of trying to hide it, while keeping these old and damaged items out of landfill. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to refresh your items into something beautiful and unique.

Overview: Overview: Mercury: The Elusive Innermost World. To the ancient Greeks and Romans, Mercury was the fleet-footed messenger of the gods. We know it today as the smallest planet in our solar system that orbits closest to the Sun.It’s a hot place! On the sunlit side, temperatures rise to over 420 C., hot enough to melt lead and tin. To future astronauts who might venture there, the Sun would appear as a giant, blazing disc in the Mercurian sky. Yet at night the temperature plummets to a bone-chilling -170 C.Have you ever seen Mercury? Probably not, unless you knew exactly when and where to look for it. Mercury is notoriously difficult to spot – low down in the sky, hiding in the twilight after sunset or before sunrise. The story has been passed down to us that in his entire life Nicolaus Copernicus never saw Mercury a single time.Until the 20th Century, we knew very little about this small planet. Even in large telescopes, astronomers could barely discern any recognizable features on its sun-baked surface. It was only in the mid-1960s that we learned something as basic as the length of a day on Mercury.Mercury whizzes through space at speeds up to 210,000 kilometers per hour. Its high velocity and proximity to the Sun make it a very difficult target for spacecraft. Only three spacecraft from Earth have ever travelled to Mercury. These brilliantly designed machines provided thousands of close-up photographs and other information that reveal Mercury to be a complex, fascinating world, with a stark beauty all its own.

Overview: Ever wonder about the striking features of Ottawa’s portals? This lecture will explore architectural entrances from Classical Greek & Roman revival periods to Gothic and Romanesque. Through the study of Ottawa’s portals, we will investigate the architectural and stylistic features that characterize some of Ottawa’s notable entrances.

Overview: This lecture delves into the core principles of Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD), examining how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted, and how they interact with their targets to produce effects. We’ll simplify complex concepts, making them accessible through real-world examples and case studies. Key topics include drug-receptor interactions, dose-response relationships, and signal transduction. We will also discuss the regulatory framework governing drug development, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance. This session is designed to enhance understanding and ultimately contributing to safer and more effective pharmaceutical practices

Overview: In this interactive lecture, Ottawa composer Jack Hui Litster will take you behind the scenes in his music composition process, detailing how a piece of music written for choir and orchestra can emerge from individual ideas and concepts. As a case study, this lecture will refer to sections of Jack’s 2024 composition Gates of Heaven: Requiem for a Life of Peace. Through class participation, we will explore ways in which an emotional idea can be expressed musically in a variety of different ways.

Overview: A brief history: origins diffusion. Socio-Cultural aspects: ceremony, religion, and health. Prominent varietals: warm climate, cool climate, and blends.Your taste and the taste of wine:  wine and food, white and red, sweet and dry. Wine without guilt.

Overview: Power in America is diffuse, complex, and enormously consequential. ‘Democracy is on the Ballot’ in 2024 say both major political parties. While every election is presented as the most important in modern history, democracy and America’s future may indeed hinge on the outcome of the election in November. This two-hour presentation will present the fundamentals of the American electoral system, explore what is at stake, speculate on possible scenarios, and present ‘Guidelines for Election Watching in America’.

Overview: In Greek mythology, Dionysus was known as the god of wine and revelry. But at the heart of his myths and cult lay the profound motif of the suffering god/man, whose violent death becomes the sacrificial offering that brings new life and hope to the world – a theme that would be repeated in Orphism and later, Christianity.

This lecture will explore the archetypal meaning of sacrifice in the stories, symbols, myths and practices that link these three belief systems, and that point the way to our own rebirth as individuals.

Overview: In this single series class, we will work on the fundamentals of good storytelling. We will look at the fundamentals of writing, technique, and work on writing prompts together to mine our lives for the truest, most genuine narrative possible.

Overview: In this session, using official statements from Israel, the UN, Hamas and the International Court of Justice, the lecturer will review the history of Israel/Gaza/Hamas to explain how things got to this point.  He will address the objectives of both Israel and Hamas and discuss the obstacles to a permanent ceasefire and return of hostages.  The first half of the 2-hour session will be a presentation followed by a one-hour discussion in which questions can be raised.

Overview: This course delves into the impact of advertising on the development and sustainment of iconic brands. Through a combination of theoretical insights, case studies, and practical applications, students will explore how advertising shapes consumer perceptions, creates brand loyalty, and influences purchasing behavior. The course will cover historical and contemporary advertising strategies, the psychology behind effective advertisements, and the role of digital media in brand building.

Overview: Join us for an engaging two-hour journey through the fascinating history of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This class will demystify AI by relating its concepts to everyday activities and interests. We’ll explore the basics of AI, walk through its historical milestones, and learn essential terminology in a friendly, interactive setting. With relatable analogies, interactive discussions, and captivating historical anecdotes, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI has evolved and its impact on our lives today.

Overview: This lecture takes the form of a walking tour. The tour will begin at the National War Memorial. From here, I will introduce participants to the history of Confederation Square, and the history of the National War Memorial from its birth in 1939 to the present. I then will bring us to the Valiants Memorial and discuss some of the fourteen figures on display there, before moving to the Women are Persons! Monument.We will then proceed south on Elgin Street and visit the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, the monuments in Confederation Park and on the grounds of City Hall. We will conclude at Enclave: the Women’s Monument in Minto Park.The walk will last 2 to 2.5 hours, and involves walking on sidewalks and in parks.

Overview: Overview: The distinct culture of New Orleans is a result of an intermingling of diverse musical styles, including African, European, Caribbean, and others. By the early 1900s, this potent mix of cultures led to the birth of jazz. New Orleans Dixieland jazz, as it later became known, was further transformed in Chicago in the 1920s and 1930s. The most significant single musician from this period, and a focus of this course, is the great Louis Armstrong.