Tuesday Afternoon
25. Weather, Climate, and Global Climate Change
What is the difference between weather and climate? What causes them both? And what about global climate change? To get some answers, we will explore the atmosphere of the Earth—its structure, composition, processes, and the resulting weather patterns and events. We will examine what drives it all, such as variations in Earth’s orbit and axial tilt, solar activity, volcanic action, greenhouse gases, land use, and natural feedback mechanisms. We will also learn about the data sources used by climate scientists: instrumental records, historical records, Paleo-proxy records, tree rings, sediments, ice cores, pollen and corals, carbon 14, and carbon dioxide. Finally, we will look at global climate models, severe weather events, global climate change and how we can respond to it. Please bring $5 to the first meeting to cover course handouts. Limit 25.
Peter Boone, PhD
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Bethany Lutheran Church, Chapel
3701 West Slaughter Lane (78749)
26. History of Ancient Israel (Beginnings to 135 CE)
The ancient Hebrews found themselves at the crossroads of cultures, trade, and power rivalries. It is, therefore, impossible to understand Ancient Israel without considering also the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Hellenistic states, Romans, and others. Though some of the traditions in the Old Testament (Tanakh) go back to the tenth and ninth centuries BCE, the actual writing took place only after 600 BCE. The Biblical accounts record the compilers’ theological view of history and are not “history” in our sense of the word. This class will consider the creation stories in Genesis; move through the patriarchal period and the exodus; consider the monarchy of Saul, David, and Solomon and the fall of both northern and southern kingdoms; examine the Maccabees, Herod the Great, the First Jewish War (66-74), and the revolt led by Bar Kochba (132-135 CE), and yes, Noah, Jonah, and other interesting people. The class will make clear that with this material definitive answers are often not possible. Class outlines will be sent before each class to the e-mail address you provide at the time of registration. Limit 30.
John Dahmus
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rm. 205
3525 Bee Cave Road (78746)
27. Spanish Conversations About the Arts
In this course, taught in Spanish, you'll be introduced to some artistic stars of the Spanish-speaking world who may be new to you. You can improve your Spanish by reading, writing and talking about the things you like. If you like painting, music, books, and films, then this is the class for you! We will see videos, read, and talk about Paraguayan composer Agustín Barrios Mangore and Argentinian pianist Martha Argerich, and listen to their music. We will also look at paintings while reading about the life of Oswaldo Guayasamil from Ecuador. Would you like to know more about Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Juan Diego Florez, Pedro Almodovar and other Spanish speaking artists? While learning about these artists, you will not only grow your vocabulary and verbal skills but also get your grammar questions answered. Our inspiring instructor is a native of Chile and a retired university professor who worked in several South American countries. Please bring $5 to the first class for handouts for the course. NOTE: Intermediate-level Spanish proficiency or higher is recommended. Limit 20.
Adriana Bustos
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)
28. Intermediate Knitting and Crocheting
Students with some experience knitting or crocheting can continue at their own pace. Bring practice yarn and needles or hook to the first class. The instructor, an accomplished artist, has taught knitting and crocheting for more than 30 years. Call the instructor at 512-364-3147 or email pat@tittizer.us with questions. Note: No class November 4; course extends one week. Limit 18.
Pat Tittizer
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
United Christian Church
3500 West Parmer Lane (78727)
29. Comedies from Hollywood’s Golden Age
Slapstick, screwball, and romantic are among the stories in this lineup of films made in the 1930s and 1940s. This was during an era when film studios reigned supreme, the star system brought in fans, and the focus was on storytelling, clear narrative, and character development. Among those featured are Myrna Loy, James Stewart, Katharine Hepburn and brilliant directors such as Howard Hawks. All films are from the instructor’s personal collection; none previously shown in a class. Correct email address is important as students will receive email at least once a week with film background and other film-related news. Limit 35.
Betsy Tyson
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rm. 10
3208 Exposition Boulevard (78703)
31. Conversational French
Join us to practice speaking in French about current events, culture, short stories, grammar, and/or movie excerpts shared in class. The course is designed for those with some proficiency in the language, but enthusiastic intermediate students are welcome, too. Limit 15.
Mireille Seewann
1:30—3:30 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Rm 203/204
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)
30. Ancient India’s World Trade—Commerce and Culture
Ancient and medieval trade networks were astonishingly sophisticated and organized. Imagine exporting goods to Rome from India in antiquity—organizing networks and mechanisms to ensure payments, collect taxes and tariffs, protect against brigands, and facilitate movement across hostile kingdoms! Yet all was done on a grand scale without the aid of any of the modern tools that we use today to facilitate world trade. New scholarship reveals how civilizations were transformed through trading relationships, as exchange of goods brought an intense exchange of ideas—scientific, cultural and religious. These exchanges shaped the world, from the time of Mesopotamian empires into the time of Augustus in Rome. This seminar examines exchanges that India had with the rest of the world, both East and West, over a period of roughly 1500 years, starting from the time of Alexander. Over six sessions, we will cover:
The chronology, geography and the players
Indo-Greek and Indo-Roman trade
Silk routes, China trade and spread of Buddhism
India and Persian and Arabian exchanges
India and Southeast Asia—trade and religion
Exchange of major scientific and cultural ideas
Our instructor is a retired international business executive, native of India, and popular adult education presenter. 6 Classes. Limit 25.
Anand Kruttiventi
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)