Fall 2025 Catalog
Fall 2025 Catalog
Course Dates
Thursdays on Zoom: September 4, 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9
Fridays in person: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
There are a few exceptions; please check course descriptions for more details. Off-campus courses will be held on various dates; check course details below.
On Wednesday, August 27, preregistration will go live at 9 a.m., and close at 7:00 p.m., when LLI members may register for one course only. On August 28, regular registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and members can register for as many courses as they want. Registration ends on Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 p.m.
Course enrollment: Open to all members (free with your 2025-2026 membership).
Click on any of the titles below to see expanded information. The complete catalog with all course details (such as class size limits, classroom locations, dates, etc.) is in ProClass.
Thursday courses will be held via Zoom; all Friday courses will be held in person on campus. Off-Friday, off-campus courses will be held in person at their respective locations.
Go here to access the complete catalog in ProClass. Once there, choose Fall 2025 from the Semester list on the left side. Registration goes live on August 27th at 9:00 a.m. and ends on September 13th. You must log in to ProClass to register. Enrollment is first come, first served.
You can use the print button at the end of the catalog if you want to create a hard copy of the catalog.
zoom courses
THURSDAY, Period 1
9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, First Period: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
September 18, 25; October 2, 9 (four sessions)
THIS COURSE MEETS IN ZOOM
Description: Have you ever wondered why, as we age, we begin to forget simple things, like where we left the keys or put our glasses? Scientific research on brain function reveals that mindfulness practice reenergizes brain cells, thereby enhancing cognitive capacities and reducing stress. Students will examine the effects of mindfulness practice on health, particularly the challenges associated with aging. They will also study the application of mindfulness education in developing a sustainable lifestyle. The course will provide students with experiential tools that enable them to use mindfulness to enhance physical and mental health, deepen relationships, and gain insight into paths of spiritual development.
Class Limit: 100
Presenter: Lila Yastion received a PhD in anthropology from the University at Albany and has taught courses in anthropology and religious studies at the college level for 18 years. She now teaches courses at various lifelong learning centers. Lyla has written three books: Pause Now: Handbook for a Spiritual Revolution, Homesick: Finding Our Way Back to a Healthy Planet, and, most recently, My Years as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver: Transcending Loss by Nurturing Spirit. Lyla studied with Jon Kabat-Zinn and is certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Producer: Margaret Shuhala
Thursday, First Period: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
September 4, 11, 18, 25: October 2, 9
THIS COURSE MEETS IN ZOOM
Description: Your body often sends subtle signals — from joint stiffness and muscle strain to shifts in balance, energy, or digestive health. Learn how to recognize early warning signs, make informed health decisions, and take proactive steps toward lasting independence and well-being.
Week 1: More Than Just Heartburn: Understanding and Managing Reflux
That burning feeling in your chest isn’t always just heartburn—it could be a sign of chronic reflux, also known as GERD. Learn what causes reflux, how to manage symptoms, and when it might be time to explore advanced treatments.
Presenter: Shawn Liechty, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, as well as compassionate care. He has won awards for teaching and research, including the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Week 2: Not Just a Bulge: What You Should Know About Hernias
Hernias are more common than you think, and they don’t always come with obvious symptoms. Learn what to watch for, when to seek care, and how treatment can help you get back to feeling like yourself.
Presenter: Adam Petchers, MD,is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in robotic, bariatric, and hernia surgery. He stays updated on medical advances and collaborates with patients to achieve health goals.
Week 3: Precision in Practice: The Future of Robotics in Surgery
Discover how robotic technology enhances surgeries with greater precision, personalized planning, and faster recovery to help you stay active and independent.
Presenter: Brian R. Binetti, MD, is a board-certified minimally invasive surgeon specializing in bariatric, metabolic, and robotic surgery, emphasizing patient care. Dr. Binetti received the Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery.
Week 4: Redefining Health Goals As We Age
Shifting the focus from “fixing” to “thriving.” Discover how to reframe wellness around what brings purpose, mobility, independence, and fulfillment.
Presenter: Precious Ofodile, MD, is a family medicine physician and Geriatric Fellow for Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Week 5: Move Well, Live Well: Strategies for Strength, Balance and Everyday Independence
Learn how physical and occupational therapy work together to help you stay strong, steady and self-reliant. This session covers ways to improve balance, prevent falls, and adapt daily tasks to stay independent.
Presenters: Hannah Landon, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Catherine Panadero, DPT, MS, is a physical therapist at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Week 6: Staying Safe Behind the Wheel
Do you feel confident driving today as you did years ago? Learn helpful guidance and practical tips to support your comfort and awareness behind the wheel.
Presenter: Kim Wranovics, MS, OTR/L, DRP, is an occupational therapist and driver rehabilitation specialist at Northern Dutchess Hospital. In 2007, she graduated from Sage Graduate Schools in Troy, NY, with a Master’s degree in occupational therapy.
Class limit: 100
Presenter: Robyn Scarchilli
Producer: Anne Brueckner
zoom courses
THURSDAY, Period 2
11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Second Period: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
September 4, 11, 18, 25: October 2, 9
THIS COURSE MEETS IN ZOOM
Description: At present, the future state of our economy is very unpredictable. In this course, students will examine the basic laws of economics and how they apply to current situations, as they always do. These laws will be applied to understand the implications of the policy decisions that are being made. Prosperity? Recession? Inflation? More national debt? More tariffs?
Class limit: 100
Presenter: Andrew Weintraub, PhD, has taught economics at the university level for 40 years and at LLI for 15 years after that.
Producer: Marge Moran
Thursday, Second Period: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
September 4, 11, 18, 25: October 2, 9
THIS COURSE MEETS IN ZOOM
Description: Today we’re witnessing the systematic dismantling of US universities as independent “ivory towers.” Under the guise of combating antisemitism, the Trump administration is cutting funds; controlling course content; and firing, arresting, deporting, and barring perceived academic opponents from entry. Through conversations with experts, we will examine the historic antecedents in the US and how other authoritarian regimes have targeted academic institutions. We will analyze Project Esther, the Heritage Foundation’s playbill for crushing universities, and hear about the devastating impacts of Trump’s actions and how academics are responding and resisting. Finally, we will assess what the future portends for US universities.
At our final class, on October 9 at 3 p.m., Bard President Leon Botstein will speak on “Authoritarianism and the Future of US Universities.” This special talk will be open to all members of Bard LLI on Zoom and in person in Olin Hall.
LINK to additional data on the weekly Presenters
Class limit: 100
Presenters: Martha Honey, PhD, (LLI) worked as a journalist for 20 years in Africa and Central America, reporting for BBC Radio, NPR, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The New York Times. She is active in LLI’s Civic Engagement Team and has helped produce courses on African Americans and Native Americans in the Hudson Valley, Racism and the Rise of the Right, and US Immigration Policy.
Martha Gershun, LLB, (LLI) received her LLB from New York University. Recently, and locally, she was an editor at the much-mourned Hudson Valley Pilot. She lives in Rhinebeck.
Felice Gelman, MA, MBA, (LLI) is a retired investment manager. She has traveled extensively in Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel. She spent the last 18 years working to support a theatre and cultural center in the city of Jenin in the West Bank of Palestine—The Freedom Theatre. She also helped produce three of The Freedom Theatre’s plays in the United States. Most recently, she enjoyed working on the Bard LLI multipresenter class Immigration—Too Hot to Handle?
Pat Keeton, PhD, (LLI) earned her degree in cinema studies from NYU. She is emerita professor of communication arts at Ramapo College of NJ. She and Peter Scheckner co-authored American War Cinema and Media Since Vietnam, Ideology and Class (2013). Her areas of research and publication include Latin American media and cinema, global media, film genre, and social class representation.
Producer: Fern Fleckman
zoom courses
thursDAY, Period 3
1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Third Period: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
September 4, 11, 18, 25: October 2, 9
THIS COURSE MEETS IN ZOOM
Description: This 6-week course covers political change in democratic states—especially their collapse. We focus on the collapse-prone foundations of democracy itself rather than on the exogenous threats like war or depression. Each class intersperses analysis with different feature-length films that exemplify the collapse, which will be viewed outside class. A preliminary film list includes Animal Farm (1954, 72 min.), Cabaret (1972, 124 min.), An Enemy of the People (1978, 103 min.), High Noon (1952, 85 min.), Seven Days in May (1964, 118 min.), and Lord of the Flies (1963, 92 min.). Suggestions for other films are welcome.
Class Limit: 100
Presenter: Craig McCaughrin holds a PhD in political science from the University of Minnesota. Now retired, he was previously a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and at Washington and Lee University, where he taught classes on international politics, ran a film festival, and hosted a radio show on game theory and opera. He also taught for two years at the American University in Bulgaria.
Producer: Mary McClellan
Thursday, Third Period: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
September 4, 11, 18, 25: October 2, 9
THIS COURSE MEETS IN ZOOM
Description: Gender politics are tearing our country apart. Project 2025 wants to restore the patriarchal family; the burgeoning manosphere pulls in young men and rages against women; trans people are scapegoats; women are targeted in the DEI backlash. Research tells us things aren’t so simple. Boys are falling behind; XX and XY chromosomes don’t tell the whole story; young girls are sexualized on social media; the dream of gender equity is fading. Using experts’ readings and videos, this class will study the complex forces shaping the gender wars today and wrestle with new perspectives. Required readings will be available weekly on the internet.
Class Limit: 40
Presenters: Laura Brown, MFA, (LLI) has worked in publishing for more than 40 years and is a former president of Oxford University Press.
Barbara Danish, PhD, (LLI) was director of the Writing Center at New York University, taught at Pratt Institute, and currently works at Family of Woodstock.
Producer: Barbara Danish
on-campus courses
FRIDAY, Period 1
8:30 a.m. until 9:50 a.m.
Friday, First Period: 8:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 10 (not Oct 3)
Description: In 1973, historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. warned of The Imperial Presidency. Yet even he could scarcely imagine the recent claims to unbridled executive authority indulged by a compliant Supreme Court and Congress. How was this point reached where the executive has overwhelmed the founders’ notion of checks and balances through three co-equal branches? This class will look at six presidents whose expansive use of their authority most enlarged the powers of the office: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, and Ronald Reagan. How did they navigate the line between forceful executive action and constitutional constraints?
Class Limit: 40
Presenter: Mark Lytle, PhD, is the Lyford Paterson Edwards and Mary Gray Edwards Professor Emeritus of Historical Studies at Bard. In addition to his biography of Rachel Carson and America’s Uncivil Wars, a history of the 60s era, he is the author of the recently published The All-Consuming Nation: Pursuing the American Dream Since World War II (Oxford).
Producer: Marge Moran
Friday, First Period: 8:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26 (four sessions)
Description: Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction—it’s shaping how we work, live, learn, and create. In this thought-provoking course, we’ll explore the rapid evolution of AI, from its early promises to today’s generative breakthroughs. We’ll examine how AI is transforming industries, impacting daily life, and raising important ethical questions. How does AI compare to human intelligence, and where is it headed next? Whether you’re curious or concerned, this course offers a clear-eyed look at our AI-powered future. Are you ready?
Class Limit: 25
Presenter: Jean-Claude Fouéré holds advanced degrees in engineering physics and optical systems design. His diverse career spans engineering, semiconductors, and education, with teaching roles at Marist University and several local lifelong learning institutes. He has also served on the boards of nonprofit organizations such as the Adirondack Mountain Club. As a resident of the Hudson Valley, Jean-Claude enjoys the outdoors year-round, including hiking, cross-country skiing, and kayaking.
Producer: L Walker
on-campus courses
FRIDAY, Period 2
10:10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Second Period: 10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: Did you ever consider telling your story but didn’t know where to begin? Everyone has a story and a unique voice. This writing workshop will get you started on uncovering yours. In a safe, confidential space, you’ll explore your memories using in-class and at-home writing prompts. You’ll focus on specific incidents—what happened and how it changed you. You’ll learn to listen deeply to others’ work and respond with positive feedback to the writing itself. You’ll create powerful material, and you may even come away with a deeper understanding of your own story. All levels of writing experience are welcome!
Class Limit: 12
Presenter: Ann Hutton is a Certified Workshop Leader in the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) method, recognized as a prestigious distinction in the field of creative writing workshops. She has brought her expertise to writing groups at the Omega Institute, HealthAlliance Hospital, and elsewhere to help people tell their truth through personal narrative and memoir writing. She lives in the Hudson Valley, where she writes, leads workshops, and hangs out with her grandchildren and her many writerly friends.
Producer: L Walker
Friday, Second Period: 10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: “Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do” (Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century). It did happen here after all. Our focus is on how cinema around the world portrays fascism and the resistance to it. We will attempt to see two films each week. Only one will be assigned, and the other will be optional.
Class Limit: 28
Presenter: Peter Scheckner, PhD, (LLI) retired professor of literature, Ramapo College of NJ, did his undergraduate work at Bard College. His publications include American War Cinema and Media Since Vietnam: Politics, Ideology, and Class (2013), co-author Patricia Keeton; The Way We Work: Contemporary Writings from the American Workplace (2008) co-editor, M.C. Boyes; An Anthology of Chartist Poetry: Poetry of the British Working Class, 1830s-1850s (1989); and Class, Politics, and the Individual: A Study of the Major Works of D. H. Lawrence (1985).
Producer: Fern Fleckman
Friday, Second Period: 10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: This course will explore various body systems and how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis throughout our lifetime. This class will review how aging creates system failures and what can be done to delay or repair their effects. We will discuss, in detail, the aging process and some new research focused on extending life.
Class Limit: 40
Presenter: Michael Weinstock, MD, (LLI) is Chair Emeritus of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network and professor of Clinical Medicine, Penn State University School of Medicine (retired).
Producer: Leslie Weinstock
Friday, Second Period: 10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: This six-week course about the southern perspective of the Civil War focuses on various aspects of southern life just prior to and during the Civil War. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, political, and military landscapes in the South during this tumultuous period, when the South fought for its independence from the North.
Class Limit: 40
Presenter: Robert Beaury, MS, (LLI) is a retired high school social studies teacher and college adjunct. He earned a BA in history and political science from Hunter College and an MS in education from Sage Graduate School. He has presented courses at LLI in history and government since 2019.
Producer: Robert Beaury
Friday, Second Period: 10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: Experience a taste of three different dance styles: ballet, modern dance, and musical theater dance. Adapting the BrainDance to each style, we will warm up and center the mind and body. The BrainDance strengthens neural pathways and the brain-body connection, among other benefits. We will delve into the technique of each style, learn relevant choreography, and experience how fundamental movement concepts of space, time, and energy apply to each style. Attention will be given to strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. We will have fun while creating community in a comfortable, judgment-free zone. No experience necessary. All levels are welcome.
Class Limit: 15
Presenter: Judith Nelson, MFA, (LLI) was a professor of dance and theater at Auburn University, Missouri State University, and Carleton College. She danced with the Limón Dance Company and the David Gordon Pick-Up Company, among others, and toured the United States and Europe as a solo artist and in musical theater. An expert in BrainDance, she leads professional development workshops for dance educators through the NYC Department of Education, the 92nd Street Y, and the Mark Morris Dance Center. She holds an MFA from the University of Arizona, and a BFA from the University of Utah. Judith has lived in Rhinebeck since 2020.
Producer: Leslie Weinstock
on-campus courses
FRIDAY, Period 3
11:50 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Friday, Third Period: 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: In this course we’ll read and explore Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, a work we may have read when young but will now examine through mature eyes. We will investigate its themes of revenge, justice, and moral struggle. We’ll analyze both textual elements and our personal responses to scenes that resonate today. While acknowledging historical context, we’ll also consider the play’s universal implications. Participants will be encouraged to share diverse interpretations and volunteer to prepare and read selected monologues and scenes aloud, recognizing that this masterpiece invites multiple understandings rather than a single truth.
Class Limit: 15
Presenter: Victoria Sullivan, PhD, (LLI) was a professor of English literature for three decades. She has taught literature and writing at Bard LLI for the past 16 years. Victoria is the poet laureate of the Woodstock Roundtable on radio station WDST. She is a member of the American Renaissance Theater Company in Manhattan and the Woodstock Fringe Playwrights Unit. Her plays have been presented in Equity Showcase productions in Manhattan and nationally on Zoom during the pandemic.
Producer: Margaret Shuhala
Friday, Third Period: 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: Each week, a member of the Bard College faculty will present an aspect of math or science.
Week 1. The Chemistry of Photography
Presenter: Simeen Sattar, PhD, professor of chemical physics
Week 2. Exquisite Rainbows and Their Subtle Lessons for Observing and Practicing Physics
Presenter: Harold Haggard, PhD, associate professor of physics
Week 3. Math and Art
Presenters: Lauren Lynn Rose, PhD, associate professor of mathematics
Beth Goldberg, retired middle school math teacher and head of Red Hook Math Dept.
Week 4. Global Warning: Linking Climate Change, Food Security, and Antifungal Drug Resistance
Presenter: Robert Todd, PhD, assistant professor of biology
Week 5. AI and Misinformation
Presenter: Sven Anderson, PhD, associate professor of computer science
Week 6. Nanotechnology
Presenter: Christopher LaFratta, PhD, professor of chemistry
Class Limit: 40
Presenters: Multiple, see above
Producer: Cathy Reinis
Friday, Third Period: 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
September 12, 19, 26; October 3 (four sessions)
Description: Have you ever thought of writing a song but didn’t know how to begin? This course will help you discover your creative potential and start the journey of writing a song. We’ll examine well-known songs and discuss what works and what makes them so memorable. Then through a series of exercises and prompts, participants will be guided through the process of getting their thoughts on paper. Melodies can be hummed or put to music by the presenter on acoustic guitar. NO MUSICAL EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY, though a piano and guitar will be available for those who play (optional).
Class Limit: 15
Presenter: Sharon Klein is a veteran of the Greenwich Village music scene of the ’80s and ’90s and a regular performer on the contemporary folk and Americana music scene in the Hudson Valley. She wrote her first song at 17 and landed a publishing deal with Burt Bacharach’s company in her early 20s. Her music has been performed in such varied places as the US Open, Saturday Night Live, and the Super Bowl. She has written over 100 songs.
Producer: L Walker
Friday, Third Period: 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: This course will explore the 1950s, an era filled with contrasts and cultural change. As the world emerged from the shadows of World War II, it stepped into a time of remarkable economic growth, but with new threats to the international order. The decade was characterized by a fascinating tug-of-war between conformity and rebellion, as well as tradition and innovation. This tension inspired a wealth of artistic expression and cultural richness, profoundly influencing literature, music, visual arts, film, television, fashion, and architecture.
Class Limit: 40
Presenter & Producer: Chuck Mishaan, MA, (LLI) has been presenting courses at Bard LLI for many years, including his popular Opera as Politics series, the Leonard Bernstein Centenary Lectures, and recently The Roaring 20s. His commentary on the intersection of politics and the arts continues with this course.
Friday, Third Period: 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10 (5 sessions)
Description: Most of us think of ethics as something formal, abstract, or reserved for life’s big decisions. But in fact, we make ethical choices all day long, usually on the fly. Should I take the dog for a walk, finish my work, or play with my child? Should I speak up when someone tells a gay joke, a Muslim joke, an elder joke, or let it pass? These everyday moments call on us to balance our values, obligations, and relationships in real time. In this five-session course, we will examine the ways we can become more aware and intentional about the decisions we make—by the seat of our pants and otherwise.
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Reverend Edward Ingebretsen, PhD, holds degrees in Theology and Ethics and a Doctorate in American Studies /Theology. His publications (books, journals) consider the intersection of gender, race, theology, and popular cultures. He concentrates on nonhuman animal ethics and American race and social history.
Producer: Mary McClellan
Friday, Third Period: 11:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: Some common approaches to exercise can unintentionally exacerbate the body’s stress response, diminishing the quality of our experience of moving and living over time. Instead of focusing on building muscular strength and stretching, this course will offer a gentle, guided series of experiments in movement and awareness. We will explore practical ways to enhance coordination, build body awareness, release habits of tension, diminish the effects of stress, and make space for the body’s natural intelligence to emerge. No prior experience necessary.
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Kelly Garone, RSMTE, is a performing artist and somatic movement therapist/educator. Her approach to movement is informed by her experience training and performing as a professional dancer, as well as her long-term process of questioning, unraveling, and re-integrating that training through the support of many different embodiment modalities. She is a registered professional member of ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association), and has a parallel career as an assistant and advocate for elder artists.
Producer: Leslie Weinstock
on-campus courses
FRIDAY, Period 4
1:40 p.m. until 2:50 p.m.
Friday, Fourth Period: 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: This course will examine the meaning of culture as “a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (Edward Burnett Tylor). Some societies have viewed culture as separate from nature. Understanding this connection has depended on the shifting makeup of natural forces, human interactions, and the processes responding to these dynamics. These talks aim to help everyone understand our environment better, improve our ability to make informed decisions regarding environmental control, and enhance our adaptation to changing climatic conditions.
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Achva Benzinberg Stein (LLI) is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Distinguished Alumna of UC Berkeley. She has taught and practiced in the United States, Israel, Europe, India, and China. She directed the graduate program in landscape architecture at CCNY and teaches in the College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley. Her work with various organizations addresses social needs and urban development challenges. For a complete description of her outstanding achievements, please see http://achvastein.com/bio.htm.
Producer: Dorothy Baran
Friday, Fourth Period: 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: In 1919, a group of liberal politicians assembled in sleepy Weimar to ratify a constitution. The new German Reich faced crushing war reparation payments abroad, internal war bond repayments, and no history of representative democracy. Hope slowly turned to chaos and economic collapse. Yet, despite hyperinflation and political upheaval, Weimar is best remembered for its artistic exuberance in art, literature, film, and music. What were the Weimar years really like for the average German? Who were the most influential artists, authors, composers, directors, and personalities? Why did this democratic failure succeed as a cultural touchstone?
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Shelley Weiner grew up in Brooklyn, graduated from Colby College (BA), and attended the MDiv program at Earlham School of Religion. She worked in print production for graphic designers and book publishers, represented commercial printing firms in the Northeast US, taught technical MacOS/iOS classes to educators and corporate clients for Apple, and owned an Apple-authorized training center in the Hudson Valley for 15+ years. She geeks out over history, languages, art, travel, and music.
Producer: Mary McClellan
Friday, Fourth Period: 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: The smartphone is arguably the most significant camera invention in photographic history. Every year about three trillion digital photos are taken around the world. The methods for taking photographs with your smartphone are the same as a camera built in 1880—or your own. We will take a look at creative factors in good photography and how you can apply them to your own smartphone efforts. Students are expected to submit their own photos and learn from others’ work during discussions. This course is open only to members who have not taken it before.
Class Limit: 15
Presenter & Producer: Gary Miller (LLI) is a veteran photojournalist, writer, filmmaker, and live television director with more than 40 years of experience working for clients such as Time, Newsweek, Children’s Television Workshop, Fortune 500 companies, museums, and galleries. He has taught freelance photography at The New School for Social Research and is the author of a book on the subject.
Friday, Fourth Period: 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: This class will study the historical background of Jesus and early Christianity. It will not be a Christian theology class. We will look at primary source material as well as research done by historians of religion, including Elaine Pagels (author of Miracles and Wonder and The Gnostic Gospels) and James Carroll (author of Constantine’s Sword).
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Steve Bassin (LLI) is currently writing a mystery novel in addition to teaching. He is a retired trial attorney and a retired member of the Director’s Guild of America. He has taught courses in literature and history at Bard LLI and Vassar LLI. He has also taught at The New School and The School of Visual Arts. His specialty is mystery fiction, and he has taught previous courses on Sherlock Holmes, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and others.
Producer: Robert Beaury
Friday, Fourth Period: 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: Good literature is all about the story. Writers often craft unstable, deceptive, or psychologically complex narrative voices to challenge our perceptions of truth and reality. Examining a variety of short fiction and poetry, we will consider how this narrative lens forces the reader to carefully assess the narrative’s ability. Readings will include Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground, Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” John Cheever’s “The Swimmer,” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues,” among others. Some of the poets to be considered include Robert Browning, Sylvia Plath, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: David Offill taught literature and writing for over 30 years at several independent schools. He also developed a curriculum and served in various administrative roles. A highlight of his professional life was participating in an Endowment for the Humanities seminar on Moby Dick in Santa Barbara, California. He currently spends his time reading, writing, and sharpening his harpoons.
Producer: Fern Fleckman
Friday, Fourth Period: 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3 (5 sessions)
Description: Imagination is the gateway to the soul. Stimulating the imagination is life-affirming. Creativity opens us up to our endless possibilities no matter our age. Through the creative process and personal experience, an individual can experience how every moment lived is a creative moment, how every moment lived is an inspiration. When an individual explores their inner landscape, the exploration creates a deeper understanding of life. Through sound, movement, process-oriented writing exercises, discussion, and active imagining, one taps into their creative impulse. The creative process taps into the infinite. Bring writing materials and wear comfortable clothing.
Class Limit: 16
Presenter: Lois Walden. Author, librettist, singer, songwriter, record producer, performer, teaching artist, creative spirit, and now a death doula, Lois Walden embraces life and inspires others through her writing, music, and teaching. Her life and music have been profiled on CBS Sunday Morning and Good Morning America. Her debut novel, One More Stop, was a Lambda Literary Awards finalist and a Waterstone’s New Voices finalist. She is also the author of the novel Afterworld. Read More about Lois at https://www.loiswalden.com.
Producer: Janet Pincus
on-campus courses
FRIDAY, Period 5
3:10 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Friday: Fifth Period: 3:10 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: F. Scott Fitzgerald is mostly known for his magnum opus The Great Gatsby, but what about his other novels? One launched his career; the others tormented him through nine years of false starts, unpublished drafts, and dissipation. Join us as we read This Side of Paradise (recommended: ISBN # 978-0-307-47451-3 Vintage Books/Random House. Read Part I prior to class beginning) and Tender is the Night (recommended: SBN#978-0-684-80154-4 Scribners) to get a deeper understanding of Fitzgerald the man, the artist, and the self-destructive, tragic figure he ultimately became.
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Daniel Lanzetta, MA, (LLI) has been teaching literature most of his life at Mt. Vernon High School, The College of New Rochelle, Thornton School, and Western Connecticut State University. He hopes to continue teaching it in the afterlife, but that remains to be seen.
Producer: Fern Fleckman
Friday: Fifth Period: 3:10 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10
Description: A Century of Peace: Europe from 1815 to 1914 explores how the Congress of Vienna forged a stable diplomatic order that minimized great-power war while accelerating industrial, social, and economic transformation. Though marked by revolutions, imperial rivalries, and shifting alliances, this period saw dramatic urbanization, the rise of middle-class liberalism, labor activism, and expanding global trade. We examine how peace was maintained not through stagnation but through adaptation—balancing conservative governance with emerging nationalist and democratic pressures across a rapidly modernizing continent.
Class Limit: 40
Presenter: Tom Walker, MS, (LLI) is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served in three Navy squadrons as a pilot and legal officer. He has taught at Bard LLI, Vassar LLI, and Dutchess County Community College. He recently retired as a senior counselor in the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services.
Producer: Robert Beaury
Friday: Fifth Period: 3:10 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 5, 19, 26; October 3, 10 (five sessions)
Description: Explore the world of wine in a relaxed, fun setting with weekly blind tastings of 3–4 wines, each themed by grape varietal or region. Share opinions, learn about the wines, wine storage, buying tips, and accessories. This is a course for those who enjoy wine and want to broaden their palates in a fun, relaxed setting. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a curious enthusiast, come raise a glass and join the conversation. Fee: $40 cash per person (covers wine and snacks).
Class Limit: 20
Presenter: Marc Wieder (LLI) is a CPA by profession and a passionate wine enthusiast in his free time. He enjoys exploring wines from around the world and has turned his personal interest into a lifelong hobby. Marc loves sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm in a relaxed, approachable way.
Producer: Eleanor Wieder
Friday: Fifth Period: 3:10 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 19, 26; October 3, 10 (four sessions)
Description: This four-session class is for people looking to make a few new, good friends. We will explore genuine, easy ways to start a conversation and keep it going, ask questions, share anecdotes, and use graceful goodbyes. Together in a safe, fun space we will focus on social situations, e.g., a classmate, a new neighbor, a fellow volunteer, or a person in line at the store. Skills will be taught and practiced through improvisation, role-play, and group discussion. Real-world practice tips will be offered. Laughter and playfulness is always encouraged.
Class Limit: 16
Presenter: Jan Malthaner Nolte (BFA, CPC ) has more than 35 years of professional theater and coaching experience. She taught acting and voice at NYU Tisch, SUNY Purchase, and Manhattanville College. She is also an accredited executive coach, specializing in communication, voice, and performance. Jan’s clients include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick, Christie’s, Anchin Accountants and Consultants, Morgan Stanley, Hospital for Special Surgery, Univision, and not-for-profit boards, where she teaches the skills to connect with confidence in every interaction.
Producer: Suzanne Holzberg
Friday: Fifth Period: 3:10 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 12 (one session)
Description: In one lecture (9/12), students will learn what it was like to live during World War II in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where the world’s first atomic bomb was built. What were the considerations that went into bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki? How did the use of the bomb influence nuclear policy after the war? August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of that historic event. Inspired by the research for her historical novel, Hill of Secrets, set during World War II, in Los Alamos, author Galina Vromen will bring alive that momentous period and discuss its impact on nuclear proliferation today. Galina’s book will be available for purchase at the end of the lecture.
Class Limit: 30
Presenter: Galina Vromen spent more than a decade as a foreign correspondent, mostly for Reuters News Agency—in the Netherlands, UK, France, Mexico, and Israel. After retiring, she harnessed her research and writing skills to recently release her debut historical novel, Hill of Secrets. As a result of her interest in the topic, she has become well-versed in nuclear proliferation today. For more about Vromen and her book, see www.galinavromen.com.
Producer: Suzanne Holzberg
off friday, in person
dates & times
as noted in course descriptions
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to noon
September 8, 15, 22, 29; October 6 (five sessions)
Description: Presenters will lead five different walks on various footpaths in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Sites will be primarily on the west side of the Hudson River, and will include: Black Creek Preserve, Onteora Lake Trail, Sojourner Truth Park, Ashokan Rail Trail (Boiceville), and Poet’s Walk. Participants should be able to walk on uneven, rocky terrain, and sturdy footwear is encouraged. There will be no rain dates.
Class Limit: 15
Presenters: Vicki Hoener and Robin Berger taught for many years at Chancellor Livingston Elementary School in Rhinebeck. Now that they are retired, they are spending their time hiking across the Hudson Valley.
Producer: Marge Moran
Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
September 30; October 7, 14, 21 (four sessions)
Description: The foods of Southeast Asia represent diverse cultures and environments. Years of strife have resulted in the cross-pollination of food ingredients and the way they are prepared and served. Invaders and migrants had a strong influence on the cuisines and cooking styles of indigenous cultures. This course will examine the uses of ingredients and cooking styles by preparing various dishes from four countries in the region: Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and South China/Singapore. Students will have the opportunity to sample these prepared dishes. The cost is $60 cash for 4 weeks, payable at the first class. The class will be held in the kitchen of The Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck.
Class limit: 12
Presenter: Harvey Monder has been fascinated by the foods of Southeast Asia for over 65 years. His interest developed when he accidentally came across a book on Indonesian cooking. Through the years, his interests spread to include other countries of Southeast Asia. Harvey is self-educated on regional cooking techniques and ingredients. He has prepared representative meals for parties and picnics. In addition to his interest in Southeast Asia, Harvey has taught classes in Caribbean, Japanese, and Mediterranean cooking.
Producer: Dorothy Baran
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8 (five sessions)
Description: Go beyond the classroom and explore the inner workings of Bard College. This unique course offers an insider’s look at the arts, culture, and operations that power a liberal arts institution. Highlights include conversations with the leaders of the Hessel Museum, the Music Conservatory, the Fisher Center, the Office of Development and Alumni/ae Affairs, the Dean of the College, and the President’s Chief of Staff. This class offers a rare opportunity to see what keeps Bard vibrant, creative, and resilient in light of today’s political and financial challenges.
September 10th: The Center for Curatorial Studies (CCS) at Bard and the Hessel Museum of Art ( CCS Bard) with Tom Eccles, Executive Director of CCS, Lauren Cornell, Artistic Director at CCS, and Casey Robertson, Public Engagement Manager
September 17th: The Fisher Center at Bard with Gideon Lester, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Fisher Center and Senior Curator at the Open Society University Network’s Center for Arts and Human Rights and Professor of Theater and Performance; and Christopher H. Gibbs, James H. Ottaway Jr. Professor of Music; Faculty, Bard College Conservatory of Music; Artistic Co-director, Bard Music Festival.
September 24th: Music Conservatory with Frank Corliss, Director of the Bard College Conservatory of Music and Faculty.
October 1st: Debra Pemstein, Vice President, Development and Alumni/ae Affairs.
October 8th: Malia Du Mont, Vice President for Strategy and Policy and the President’s Chief of Staff and Deirdre d’Albertis, the Dean of the College and Professor of English.
Class Limit: 20
Presenter: Kornelia Tamm (LLI) was born in Germany and has lived across Europe and the U.S., working in the arts and cultural institutions. A Bard literature graduate and Hudson Valley resident since 1997, she serves on the board of the Bard Conservatory and is active with the CCS Hessel Museum and the Fisher Center. With a lifelong passion for the arts and deep ties to Bard, she offers a unique, insider’s perspective on the college’s creative and institutional life.
Producer: Eleanor Wieder
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
September 10, 17; October 8 (three sessions)
Description: Join Laura Conner, environmental educator at Minnewaska State Park, for three naturalist-led outings. Each moderately paced walk will take place on level, gravel-surfaced carriage roads and two footpaths and will feature education served with a side of scenic views, cultural history, and signs of wildlife. All walks will begin at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. State residents who are 62 years of age or older pay no parking fee during the week, except on holidays. Please note that participants need to be able to walk the distance of each outing in the allotted time frame.
Class Limit: 25
Presenter: Laura Conner began her career with New York State Parks in 2000 as a seasonal environmental educator at Grafton Lakes. Next, she was the assistant park manager at Moreau Lake, while still offering environmental education. In 2007, she became the environmental educator at Minnewaska. Laura originally pursued fine art with a BFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts, but changed careers in 1995, when she received an MS in environmental studies from Antioch New England Graduate School.
Producer: Eleanor Wieder
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. – noon
October 1 (one session)
Description: In this hands-on class, students will learn a series of exercises to strengthen the upper body, lower body, and core. They will also learn how to organize an exercise program and how to exercise with proper form. This program will focus on strengthening the muscle groups and movement patterns used in everyday activities. Participants need to bring a yoga mat and something to use for resistance, either light dumbbells or resistance bands, and be ready to work out. Following the class, access will be given to online video examples of all the exercises reviewed. This is a single-session class at Starr Library.
Class Limit: 25
Presenter: Dr. Russell Charno, a chiropractor in Rhinebeck, NY, graduated from Northeast College of Health Sciences in 1987. He has completed extensive continuing education in biomechanics, strength training, corrective exercise, movement assessment, and functional rehabilitation. Dr.Charno teaches strength-training classes to older adults and has a particular interest in helping his patients enhance and maintain their strength, balance, and mobility into later years.
Producer: Marge Moran
Credits
Curriculum Committee
Mary McClellan, Chair
Kathryn Clark, Secretary
Dorothy Baran
Anne Brueckner
Barbara Danish
Fern Fleckman
Felice Gelman
Carmela Gersbeck
Susan Hinkle
Suzanne Holzberg
Joyce Kanner
Emily Michael
Gary Miller
Chuck Mishaan
Margaret Moran
Janet Pincus
Cathy Reinis
Margaret Shuhala
L Walker
Leslie Weinstock
Eleanor Wieder
Catalog Team
Deborah Lanser, Chair
Anne Brueckner
Susan Christoffersen
Mark Houghtaling
Cristina Ochagavia
Margaret Shuhala
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