When we wake up the first morning after retiring, we realize that we are no longer defined by the work we do. We ask ourselves, “Who are we now?” We need to find another identity and outlets that give us purpose. It is time to reflect on our skills and interests and search for how that can be expressed in new ways. We can find meaning in deeper friendships, volunteering, service projects, continued learning, hobbies, or even part-time work. Any of these can bring us a purposeful identity. If we missed this opportunity in pre-retirement, the time to start is now.

The year 2020 marks the hundredth anniversary of women’s right to vote in the United States. This course explores the march toward greater gender equality in the political arena by examining trends in women’s political representation and influence over the course of the past century. We will focus on women’s voting behavior—whether women form a bloc in the electorate; on trends in women’s access to various public offices; on whether women’s presence makes a difference in the way decisions are made and in the policies government produces; and on the barriers women face in running for public office. Recent efforts by women candidates to run for the presidency especially highlight gender stereotypes that impact the issue of when we will see the first woman president.

This course will cover the origins of our government and how the framers of our constitution established a government that divided power between three separate branches, created a system by which no single branch had more power than was necessary to carry out its duties, and existed by the consent of those people who would be governed by it. It is the concept of a government made of three branches that fulfills the premise that there is a separation of powers within the government, and it includes a system of checks and balances. Explanations will be provided about how each branch: legislative, executive, and judicial was created and what their specific duties are with regard to a government designed to represent its people. The similarities and differences between the three branches will also be reviewed.

We all know that we live in the Milky Way Galaxy. But what is the galaxy? What are the characteristics of a galaxy? This course will provide an understanding of the types and features of galaxies. We will explore the cause and effects of black holes; look at our understanding of the Universe, and the options for the fate of the Universe.

Join us in watching (or re-watching) a series of classic Hollywood films. The instructor will select one film a week being shown on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). You will be given a schedule listing when the films will be shown (mostly at 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm). During the class session, Roger Godin will do a 45-minute presentation about the film, discussing the filmmakers, the stars, and the significance of the film in American film history. He will also analyze the film utilizing stills from the movies and clips of certain key scenes. A question and answer session will follow during which class participants can offer observations about the movie or ask questions.