Category Archives: Past Courses

The War to End All Wars, Sep. 15, 2014

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World War I: The War to End All Wars

World War I which began 100 years ago was the greatest single event of the 20th Century. By the time it was over, 11 million persons were dead, 22 million were wounded, and countless numbers of men, women and children carried the scars of the war for decades to come. This course will examine why the War occurred when so many felt its outbreak was impossible. Particular attention will be given to the famous battles, trench warfare, the role of women and children, the home front, propaganda, wartime entertainment, war in the air and at sea, and the returning veterans. Because of the ferocity,World War I became known as “the war to end all wars”, but unfortunately it failed to live up to its expectations.

Billy goes to war

Moderator: Don Santor

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 10:00 to noon, starting Sep. 15, 2104 to October 20 (No session on Oct. 13)
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

 

Wonders of the Natural World, Oct. 27, 2014

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 Wonders of the Natural World

There is something very special and awe inspiring about nature’s untouched places. During this course we will share our love and respect for nature. Through a canvas of images and information we will look at our planet with renewed awe. We will explore little known places now known as the seven new wonders of the natural world. From dramatic waterfalls to gaping canyons, from underwater rivers and ancient caves to Aurora Borealis. From great wildlife migrations to soaring rock formations. If you are a nature enthusiast – look no further.

AuroraModerator: tbd

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 10:00 am to noon, starting Oct. 27, 2104 to Nov. 24
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

Who gets what? Oct. 27, 2014

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 Economics: Who gets what?

Economics are structured to create and distribute wealth. The most important question a person might ask about an economy is, “Who gets what?” And of course the sequel, “How much can I expect to get?” This course will examine many of the current economic issues that divide Canadians and challenge governments, such as free trade, income inequality, welfare, government regulations, poverty, pay equity, subsidies, banks and healthcare. Particular attention will be given to some of the complexities that are essential to understanding economics and that will help individuals to better cope with fluctuations in the economic cycle.

Adjustments

Moderator: Arthur Lake

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 2:00 pm to 4 pm, starting Oct. 27, 2104 to Nov. 24
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

Wow! Who wrote that? Sep. 15, 2014

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Composers & Song Writers: Wow! Who wrote that?

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by a piece of music that penetrated deep into your soul? On CBC’s Tempo, Julie Nesralla calls it “music that rocked your world”. This course will ask you to bring a recording of the melody that sings forever in your head, and then tell us the story of the person who composed it. All magicians of music are good candidates, from Brahms to Billy Joel; from Rambeau to Ray Charles; from Rossini to Gershwin to Ellington to Dylan. The composers of the world are a fascinating group and we all should know more about them. If you agree, this course is for you.

Who is this

Moderator: Nancy Winters

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 2:00 pm to 4 pm, starting Sep. 15, 2104 to Oct. 20 (No session on Oct. 13)
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

Socrates Cafe – Fall 2014 Schedule

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Socrates Café is open!

At Socrates Café, we debate topics of the day in a spontaneous and informal but orderly manner.

Sometimes irreverent.

Often surprising.

Always thoughtful.

Please join us with your two cents’ worth. It is worth more than that to us.

Socrates Café meets on the first and third Tuesday afternoons of the month. We gather in the Pine Dale Lounge at two o’clock. . We begin on September 16.

Location:  Pinedale Motel Lounge
Time:  2:00 PM
Dates:  Starting Sep. 16, 2014

Cost: $5 per session at the door

“Ghosts, Goblins and Apparitions”, Feb. 10, 2014

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Ghosts, Goblins and Apparitions

Ghosts, goblins and apparitions have been a part of every society and culture from time immemorial, and Canada is no exception.  They intrigue us and sometimes scare us. but we continue to be fascinated by them.  This course will examine ghost of the past and present and we will find out why they are so popular today.

ghost

Moderator: Molly Russell

Click link for possible topics: Ghosts, Goblins and Apparitions

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 10:00 to noon, starting Feb. 10, 2014
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

“Humanity in Crisis”, Feb. 10, 2014

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Humanity in Crisis

Over the past few decades  a variety of crises have arisen that have challenged humanity’s capacity to peacefully exist on this planet.  Some crises are international, others domestic.  Regardless, all of them have raised the level of tension at home and abroad and raised the risk of international conflict.  This course will examine a wide range of political, economic, environmental, religious and social crises that have  impinged on our lives during the past few years.

crisis

Moderator: Don Santor

Click link for possible topics: Humanity in Crisis

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, starting Feb. 10, 2014
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

“What’s so Funny?”, Jan. 6, 2014

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What’s so Funny?

“Laughter is the best medicine”, so the old saying goes.  From the jesters of the English court to the stand-up comics of to-day, humour and comedians have always been a part of society.  Sometimes humour entertains us, sometimes it informs us, and sometimes it exposes our foibles and follies.  This course will examine the origin and nature of humour and its many manifestations.

funnyModerator: Nancy Winters

Click link for possible topics: What’s so Funny?

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, starting Jan. 6, 2014
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

“Heroes and Villains”, Jan. 6, 2014

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Canadian Heroes and Villains

heroHeroes and villains populate the history of every country, and Canada is no exception.  But Canadians are not inclined to celebrate their heroes, and our villains are often swept under the rug.  Heroes and Villains help define a nation as well as enhance its identity and character.  This course will renew our acquaintance with our greatest heroes and our most notorious villains.
villain

Moderator: Suzanne Davidson

Click link for possible topics: Heroes and Villains

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 10:00 AM to noon, starting Jan. 6, 2014
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn

“Megaliths and Monoliths”, Sept. 16, 2013

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Megaliths and Monoliths

From the dawn of history men and women have been erecting stones to mark the graves of their loved ones, and for a wide variety of reasons we have been erecting monoliths and megaliths ever since.  Sometimes they were a single stone, sometimes they were many.  And some were just mountainous mounds of dirt.  We humans still stand in awe of the remarkable accomplishments of our ancestors.  “Megaliths and Monoliths” will explore another dimension of what it means to be human.

newgrange
Check out possible topics on this link.

Registration Fee: $15
Time: 5 weeks, Monday, 10:00 AM to noon, starting Sep. 16, 2013
Location: Pine Dale Motor Inn