Railpower

 

Winter 2012 Schedule

Winter 2012 Schedule runs January 23 through March 1. All classes are held weekly at times scheduled at the Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street. For more information or to register, call 459-8000 or visit www.JESerie.org. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted.

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

 

*Denotes a Visiting Lecturer From Outside the Erie Community

**Registration is REQUIRED for all Jefferson Luncheons

 

   Breakdown of Program Costs (unless otherwise noted):

   Courses: $50/person; $75 with a guest

   Seminars: $25/person; $40 with a guest

   Lectures: $10/person; $15 with a guest

   Jefferson Luncheons: $15/person (advanced registration required)

 

   Act 48 hours for the Erie Catholic Diocese, Erie Day School, Erie School District, Corry, Fort LeBoeuf, Harborcreek, 

  and Wattsburg teachers apply to ALL programs at no additional cost.

  

Robert Frost and the Mystery of the Purple-Fringed—This lecture will discuss the meaning and mystery of one of Robert Frost’s most famous poems, “The Quest for the Purple-Fringed.” Robert Hass, Ph.D.

 

Shakespeare’s Sonnets (Free Program)—This course will concern itself with an introduction to Shakespeare’s sonnets as a continuation of a tradition dating back to Italy in the Middle Ages.  It will begin with a historical overview of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance then will delve into the technical aspects of poetry necessary for a fuller understanding of the sonnets.  P. Barry McAndrew, D.L.

 

Remarkable American Women: Betty Ford—First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 during the presidency of her husband, Gerald Ford, Betty Ford maintained high approval ratings despite personal challenges and opposition from some conservative Republicans who objected to her more liberal positions on social issues.  Corrine Egan, B.A.

 

Road to the White House 2012—In January the Republicans will have center stage with their nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida.  This seminar will meet to analyze the early-bird nominating contests and offer timely remarks from commentator Barry Casselman, former Republican Congressman Phil English, and former Republican County Chairman Attorney John Mizner.  David Kozak, Ph.D.

 

The Great Books Discussion Group: Happiness and Discontent—Utilizing the Great Books Foundation “Happiness and Discontent,” this discussion group will consider and analyze an international collection of literature and poetry works, including such authors as Aristotle, Shakespeare, Emily Dickenson, and George Eliot. Corrine Egan, B.A.

 

Japan’s Longest Day: The Drama behind Japan’s WWII Surrender—It is not widely known that the Emperor’s decision to surrender during WWII was almost overturned by a last minute Japanese army coup. Significant portions of the Japanese movie, Japan’s Longest Day, describing the drama behind the decision will be shown, precluded by an introduction and followed by discussion. William P. Garvey, Ph.D.

 

General Custer: American Hero or Tavern Legend?—General Custer’s defeat at Little Big Horn by the Indians is one of the best known and most controversial stories in American history. The lecture will focus on whether Custer is a hero, a goat who blundered badly because of his ego, or someone who was poorly served by his fellow officers.  Gene Dreyfus, M.A.

 

The 1939 World Fair and Its Impact on FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt—New York’s ground-breaking World’s Fair created a mutually beneficial relationship between the exposition’s developers and the White House. “The World of Tomorrow” allowed FDR to covertly initiate his third term bid. Likewise, the First Lady promoted her social, cultural, and technological interests through numerous trips to Flushing Meadows.  David Cope, M.Ed.

 

Exploring the History of the Erie Indian Moundbuilders (Free Program)—This lecture will offer a glimpse into the history of the Erie Indian Moundbuilders, answering questions about who they were, where they lived in the Erie area, and why they are known as “moundbuilders.” Tecumseh Brown-Eagle, B.S.

 

Living Dangerously as a Political Cartoonist in Africa —Godfrey Mwampembwa, known to the world by his pen name, "Gado," is the most famous political cartoonist on the African continent.  He is also the creator and producer of the "XYZ Show,” which is the highest rated television show in Kenya.  He will discuss his life as an artist and the many dangers he has faced from political and religious leaders without a sense of humor. Gado (Godfrey Mwampembwa)

 

The “Spy among Us”—Horace Greeley’s Feud with Erie’s Circus Showman Dan Rice—Horace Greeley, once an Erie resident and the editor of the New York Tribune, ran for president in 1872. He was very serious about politics, had strong opinions, and expressed a personal dislike for Erie County’s famous circus showman, Dan Rice, whom he attacked as “A Spy among Us.” Sabina Freeman, B.A.

 

FEATURED PROGRAM: Jefferson Debate: John Vanco and Barry Grossman Discuss What Should Be the Future of Erie’s Valuable Hassam Painting—One of Erie’s most widely discussed issues is whether or not the Hassam painting, valued at several million dollars, should be sold to create a long-term endowment for the public library or should be kept for the viewing pleasure of Erie’s citizens. John Vanco of the Erie Art Museum will offer his views why the painting should be kept and Barry Grossman, Erie County Executive, will offer a different view. John Vanco, Director, Erie Art Museum; Barry Grossman, Erie County Exectuive

 

Saving The Rose: The Excavation of England’s Most Historic Theater—In 1999, the Shakespearean theater, The Rose, was re-opened to the public and undergoing excavation. Work continues to excavate this historic site and to secure its future. The past and future of the Rose will be explored in this lecture. Ginny Rogers, M.A.

 

Nanotechnology’s Impending Impact on Society—Nanotechnology is expected to have such a great impact on society that developed countries around the world are working to see that their populations are educated about and prepared for the nanotechnology revolution.  This talk will focus on the societal subjects including risks, benefits, law, ethics, health, business, environment, and governance. Carl Hultman, Ph.D.

 

Ethnic Music Series: The German Musical Expression—The second in our series of Ethnic Music programs, learn about the history of German music in the United States and its influence on our culture.  Program includes musical interludes and is partially sponsored by ArtsErie and the Clarence Byers Music Fund. Don Haener, B.A.

 

The U.S.-Mexican Border: Illicit Immigration and Military Force—This presentation deals with the paradox of open borders for goods and services and closed borders for drugs and undocumented migrants. To what extent is U.S. demand driving these illicit flows? In terms of immigration, what are the forces in the U.S. that are pulling undocumented migrants and what forces are pushing them away? In terms of drugs, why is the U.S. so focused on supply-side "solutions?" Shannan Mattiace, Ph.D.

 

George Patton Revisited: America’s Controversial WWII General—An in depth discussion of General George S. Patton, the man, the myth, and the legend with a focus on Patton’s contributions in the defeat of Nazi Germany. Was he America’s best General? Mark Squeglia, B.A.

 

Chronicling the Irish (Part I): Understanding Irish-American Behavior—The Irish-Americans of today are one of the best known and most successful ethnic groups in America. The sources of their behavior and influence will be discussed with the focus on the Catholic Irish-American. William P. Garvey, Ph.D.

 

Chronicling the Irish (Part II): The Importance of St. Patrick’s Church for Erie’s Irish-Americans—The vital role played by St. Patrick’s Church, with its imposing and majestic architecture, has been impressively documented in a recent, well-written book by Father Henry Kriegel. This lecture will discuss the book’s significant findings focusing especially on the critical role of the Cauley brothers.  Monsignor Henry Kriegel

The Impact of Congressional Redistricting on Erie’s Political Influence—Much attention has been given on the recent decision to change the geography of Erie’s Congressional District and its impact on Erie’s political future. Former Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper will discuss how and why such decisions are made, the dynamics of the region she represented, and her assessment of its long term influence on the Erie area’s political pattern. Kathy Dahlkemper, Retired House Representative

After the Glory: Chronicles of Perry’s Fleet following the Battle of Lake Erie (Free Program)—Following the infamous Battle of Lake Erie, the rich, post-battle history of the Niagara and her sister ships continued through the lives of Perry and Dobbins and the resurrections and restorations of the Lawrence and Niagara. David Frew, Ph.D.

 

The Role of Slaves in Emancipating Slaves (Free Program)—African Americans had a central, if largely silent, role in the political, economic, and religious development of the United States in the antebellum period.  African Americans freed themselves as they occupied the moral high ground both before and during the Civil War. Sumner Nichols, J.D.

 

Health Care Costs and Efficacy in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Germany—Why is health care in the U.S. the most expensive of all industrial nations while U.S. health status indices lag behind? This lecture will compare health care and health care costs in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Germany. Robert Rhodes, Ph.D.

The Muslim Brotherhood: Friend or Enemy? -The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is an Islamist religious, political, and social movement. Following the 2011 Revolution the group was legalized, and with an estimated 600,000 members or supporters, it's considered the largest, best-organized political force in Egypt.  What are the long-term implications of the Muslim Brotherhood’s victory in the 2011 Egyptian elections?  Baher Ghosheh, Ph.D.