CFCC Senior Institute

Discussion Group

Weekly discussion on topics of current interest selected by the class members with appropriate guest speakers and current events.

Inca: Silence of the Sun

Every day new discoveries of the Pre-Inca and Inca Empire are being made that shed more information about this fascinating civilization. This course will explore the traditions, culture, music, art, history and people of this mystic culture.  Also, it will include Inca philosophy, calendar, the Inti Raymi, conception of nature, animals, religion and popular culture. These PowerPoint presentations are by music, handouts and videos.

Zen, Spirituality And Enlightenment

Want to improve your golf game? Eliminate anger? Find your purpose in life? These and other quality of life issues are discussed and clarified in this class. Using open discussion, Zen’s power to help us focus on the present and reach our potential as human beings is explored. Peace replaces conflict; the need to judge diminishes as ego and fear give way to love and compassion. In addition to open discussion, suggested readings help create an atmosphere that encourages transcendence and enlightenment. Through dialogues, discussions, and our text, writings of other Zen authors are introduced. Emphasis is on Zen’s ability to eliminate suffering and open a path to a direct, individual awakening. Use of this path is covered.

Fundamentals of Philosophy

After the consideration of the classical philosophers of antiquity such as Aristotle, Plato and others, we will concentrate on the here and now. Where do we find those lines of reasoning of those philosophers in what happens daily around us. Integrated, constructive discussions. What is the purpose of everything? What is man’s eternal search? What are his needs?

Great Decisions 2009

Great Decisions, sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, FPA, is designed to engage citizens in learning about the current political, economic and diplomatic policy issues facing the world. Each year the most pressing global issues and regions are selected for discussion. Each class will begin with an overview of the topic by the instructor and the showing of a video of a discussion by experts. The remainder of the class will be a discussion of the foreign policy issues and options. Participants are encouraged to purchase the 2009 “Great Decision Briefing Book” (about $20 online at www.greatdecisions.org or by phone, 1-800-477-5836) and read the designated chapter before class. The 2009 topics include: U.S. and Rising Powers, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Energy and the Global Economy, The Arctic, Egypt in the 21st Century, Global Food Supply, Cuba after Castro, and Universal Human Rights.

Wisdom Teachings

Dr. Olsen will have completed a three week spring tour of the United Kingdom (including both England and Wales), giving presentations on Esoteric Sciences, Religion and Philosophy and promoting his award winning book, “The Golden Section: Nature’s Greatest Secret”, to theosophical lodges and spiritual centers in London, Godalming, Camberley, Bristol, Merseyside, Bolton, Blackburn, Chester, Conway, Bangor, Manchester, Leeds and Bournemouth.  He will provide us with six of these presentations followed by discussion. On Oct. 21 he will do a special presentation on “The Life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha” to coincide with the presence of Tibetan Buddhist monks at CFCC who will be creating a colored Sand Mandala in the Webber Center.  On Oct. 21, a special concert by the monks is being planned for CFCC students in the Fine Arts Auditorium, which will follow Dr. Olsen’s presentation. There will be no class Nov. 11.

World War II Prelude to Prelude

Prelude: Flash back to Sept. 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland with Blitzkrieg precision. Three weeks later, Poland capitulated. A year earlier, Austria was invaded and annexed by Germany. In spite of British Prime Minister Chamberlain’s peace efforts and the presence of the British Expeditionary Resistance at Dunkirk, the daily bombardment of Germany’s Luftwaffe caused France to fall next. Thus began the Battle of Britain. The year 1940 signaled a final turning point for isolationism for the United States. German military successes in Europe and the Battle of Britain prompted nationwide American rethinking about its posture toward the war. America remained neutral until that fateful day, Sunday Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked Pearl Harbor. Three days later, Franklin Delano Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war against Japan. Germany and its Axis partner Italy followed suit against the United States just three days later. Join Dr. Cruz in learning about the events leading up to the day the United States joined World War II.

Great Conversations Through Literature

We will be reading (at home) and discussing (in class) selections from the great literature of the world. We will be reading (at home) and discussing (in class) selections from the great literature of the world. Included will be the following: Plato’s “Meno,” Anton Chekhov’s “The Darling,” Plutarch’s “Life of Nicias,” Yasunari Kawabata’s “First Snows on Mt. Fuji,” Matthew Arnold’s “Culture and Anarchy,” Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”, William James’ “Pragmatism,” John Updike’s “Twin Beds in Rome,” Clarice Lispector’s “The Smallest Woman in the World.” The primary book for the class is Great Conversations 4, which can be ordered from the Great Books Foundation at 1-800-222-5870. Prior to the first class, read at home Plato’s “Meno.” This class will be limited to 30 students and will be closed in the spring for new members.

Fundamentals of Political Science

When Alexander (later the Great) finished his first ride on Bucephalas at 17 years old, his father Phillip told him: “My boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. Macedonia is too small for you.” According to the book: Plutarch, The age of Alexander. Penguin Books Classics. 1973.  What we have inherited from the Hellenistic Empire? What of previous ones? What of the empires of Egypt, Babylon, and Medo Persia is still with us? What about the Roman Empire is with us today?

The (Continuing) Global Financial Crisis and You: What are the Prospects? What to Do?

This course will be organized around three major topics. First, we will review the continuing saga of the global financial crisis and the attempts of global governments and businesses to overcome it. Second, we will explore the characteristics of the new financial system that is likely to evolve and its implications for your personal finances.  Third, we will offer suggestions for repositioning your finances to take advantage of the opportunities that may arise as the crisis begins to be resolved and the new financial system begins to emerge. We will emphasize practical strategies for managing the financial risk that seems to be cascading through the 21st century in a world that is curved.