2016 Spring Catalog

DISCUSSION & LECTURES

Vision and Talent Unleashed: The Italian Renaissance NEW!

The Street Art Movement NEW! The world’s current engagement with Street Art had its begin- nings in New York City neighborhoods in the 1970’s. The growth of graffiti had humble origins in a sprawling diversity that thrived on personal style, the need to belong, and a youthful compulsion for competition and risk. Young bombers from all over the United States and Europe took their inspiration from the bold personal statements and larger-than-life exploits of subway graffiti gangs and personalities during the 1970’s and 80’s. Outside the US, all of the major metropolitan areas of the world now boast a thriving, expressive community of artists who take their thoughts, observations and opinions to the street. Nurtured and supported internationally, but often still vilified in the United States, this vital, contemporary art form is embraced by some of the most talented and original artists in the world today. We’ll explore the origins and history of urban art, examine a broad variety of media and technique, and survey major artists and sites both in the United States and internationally. Martin Merchant had his first career in professional photography and a second as a high school teacher. For the last 10 years, he has presented workshops in all aspects of photography, digital media and urban art making — from the cultural significance of tattoos to hip-hop art, music, and literature. Driven by the expressive power of graffiti and street art and the richness of its history and meaning, he has made the study and appreciation of local street artists and their work a personal mission. Kabbalah: Truth vs. Myth NEW! Kabbalah is an ancient Jewish interpretation of the Bible and not, as many claim, mysticism. We’ll examine its history, traditions, major texts and personalities, and its relevance to us today. What is practical Kabbalah? Is Madonna a Kabbalist? These questions and more will be answered using source documents. Ze’ev Aviezer earned a BA degree in economics from Hunter College, an MS degree in counseling from Lehman College CUNY and his MA in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College’s Institute of Religion. 4 Fridays: Apr 8 – May 13: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (No class Apr 22, April 29) Larchmont Temple Rm 4 / $120 / Code 160 Thursday: Apr 28: 9:30 – 11:30 am Larchmont Temple Rm 2 / $35 / Code 159

A renaissance took place at different times in different places in Western Europe, both prior to and during the 14th through 16th centuries. In some regions, the emphasis was on literature. In others, it was on science, exploration, and philosophy. But the most well known renaissance — realizing its greatest achievements in art — happened in Italy. The Italian Renaissance was definitely one of the most exciting eras ever. In this course, we will explore its developments from c. 1300 to 1520, to examine the glittering excitement and deadly intrigues of a culture that produced many of the world’s greatest masterpieces in art. Such artists as Giotto, Masaccio, Donatello, and Brunelleschi will be discussed — and we’ll see how they made it possible for the likes of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian to reach such extraordinary heights. We’ll encounter such fascinating personalities as the Medici, Pico della Mirandola, Savonarola, Pope Julius II, and Machiavelli on our journey, along with the literature, mysteries, myths, and scandals that characterized the period. See Trips section for optional trip led by the Instructor to The Met to view the paintings being discussed. American Dilemmas In the Middle East NEW! The US has vital interests but inconsistent policies in the Middle East. We’ll debate whether and how the US should get entangled in Mideast conflicts. Open-ended lectures will explore historical legacies and current options. The first two classes focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the second two on the Iran-Iraq conflict zone. Naomi Weinberger, PhD, is Adjunct Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) of Columbia University. Her primary academic interests are in international security studies, with expertise in the Middle East. 4 Wednesdays: Mar 9 – Apr 6: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (No class Mar 23) Larchmont Temple Rm 1 / $120 / Code 157 The Tragedy of Syria NEW! How has a prominent Arab country with a vibrant society been reduced to a tormented, failed state? We will consider three dimensions of Syria’s experience: historical legacies (from Ottoman times through the rule of the Assads); regional rivals and partners (Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran); and ongoing turbulence (insurrection, ISIS, humanitarian calamity, future prospects). Naomi Weinberger, Ph.D., is Adjunct Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) of Columbia University. Her primary academic interests are in international security studies, with expertise in the Middle East. 3 Wednesdays: April 13 – 27: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (No class Mar 23) Larchmont Temple Rm 1 / $90 / Code 158 Jill Keifer: see Museum Exhibit Previews 3 Thursdays: May 5 – 19: 9:30 – 11:30 am Larchmont Temple Rm 3 / $90 / Code 156

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