Lifelong Learning Archaeology and World Cultures Courses
Lifelong Learning courses are designed primarily for students age 50 and over. Not all listed courses are offered each semester. See schedule of Lifelong Learning classes to find current schedules, location, dates, and costs.World Cultures: Food For Thought
Archaeology: Great Cities of the Past, LLI-666 - Hours: 12
Learn how to use archaeological data to examine the wonderful diversity of ancient cities. Drawing from examples across the world, you will take a comparative and cross-cultural approach to understand how and why cities develop, expand, and decline. Your journey will take you across the world from the earliest examples of the urban form in ancient Mesopotamia, through the still-occupied great cities of Europe such as Rome, to the once great capital cities of Africa and the Americas (Benin, Cahokia, Xi’an, and Macchu Picchu), and the less well-known cities of Asia. This course will incorporate short films and video clips to indulge in virtual ‘travel’ and follow in the footsteps of the archaeologists who worked at these sites. Tuition waiver applies; seniors pay fee only. You must purchase textbook(s)/materials and bring them to the first class.
Hands-on Archaeology, LLI-576 - Hours: 12
Ever wonder how archaeologists do what they do in the field? This could be your chance to really dig in and get your hands dirty. Working with the Montgomery County Parks and Planning office and Montgomery College professors, an un-explored pre-historic site has been identified and is waiting for your help in the excavation phase. All you have to do is sign up and you will receive hands-on training in the field and perhaps be the first person to find an artifact that has been lost for 4,000 years. Classes will be held outside and will require a moderate amount of walking and physical activity digging and screening. Those who want to observe and learn with less physical activity are also welcome. Excavation site will be specified in class. Questions may be ad- dressed to email@example.com. or eugenia. firstname.lastname@example.org.
Introduction to Archaeology, LLI-802 - 37.5 Hours
This course is an introduction to the discipline of archaeology. The course provides background to the field of archaeology. The discipline evolved slowly from explorations of ancient cultures to the science that it is today with accurate dating, archaeological data excavated with precision, theories that guide interpretation, and ethical concerns. The course also includes a survey of global prehistoric archaeological cultures and hands-on experiences. Tuition waiver applies; seniors pay fee only.
Archaeology: Hellenistic World LLI-895 6 Hours
This course introduces students to the work of modern archaeologists working on the monuments and materials of Hellenistic cities. Students will learn about most recent discoveries in such countries as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq Egypt, and mainland Greece and her islands, methodologies that have been used to approach the world of Hellenism an the most important excavations in recent years. This course offers an introduction to the architectural history and visual culture of the Hellenistic world from 330 to 31 BCE.
Cuba: The New Revolution? LLI-856 8 Hours
The announcement on December 17, 2014, that the United States would normalize relations with Cuba represented a historical breakthrough. This course will provide an in-depth look at the politics, sociology, and culture of Cuba—leading up to, during, and on what might be the end of the long lasting regime established by its Revolution. We will draw on a range of historical documents and cultural forms as a window into what Revolutionary Cuba was and the new Cuba that is possible.
Former Yugoslavia: Birth of New Nations LLI-898 8 Hours
During Tito’s rule, Yugoslavia was known as the land of “Brotherhood and Unity,” and was pivotal to the “nonaligned movement”. Less than a decade after Tito’s death in 1980, Yugoslavia experienced a rupture which led to its dissolution and the remarking of national boundary lines. Explore the unique history, geography, and culture of the countries created by the remarking, as well as the present pressing political and economic interests. The instructor was posted to the Organization for Security and Cooperation Mission in Kosovo for two terms. Guest speakers will present a diversity of perspectives.
Global Issues through History, Literature, and Philosophy LLI-890 37.5 Hours
In this course you will explore a number of topics related to global issues through historical, literary, linguistic, and philosophical lenses. This class will encourage you to recognize your responsibilities to society—locally, nationally, and globally. You will also examine current issues of global importance.
Latin American Cultures: Argentina Beyond Gauchos, Tango, and Peron LLI-902 10 Hours
Learn about the conquest and push towards the frontier in Argentina and explore how Argentina rendered its national character in war and embraced the Gaucho and Caudillista spirit. In addition, students will examine the arrival and integration of European immigrants, the rise of worker movements and the parties that represent them. These challenges defined the country culminating in military dictatorships and later transitions to democracy. The course will draw on a range of cultural forms (novels, short stories, essays, film, music, and art).
Latin American Cultures: Peru Beyond Machu Pichu & Shining Path LLI-921 12 Hours
This course provides an overview of Peruvian history, politics, and culture. Students will learn about the Conquista, the fight for independence, and the rebellion of Tupac Amaru II. In addition, students will analyze how the War of the Pacific and the rise of the APRA changed the political, cultural, and economic order of this society. This course will also examine how the promise of the progressive military revolution of Velasco Alvarado turned into the terror of narco-guerillas and the rise of the Shining Path.
Middle East in Film and Literature LLI-903 18 Hours NEW
Palestinian Territories and Israel
This class will focus on finding common ground and addressing cultural differences between Palestine and Israel. Students will explore this topic through two short books and 5 films reflecting tolerance and understanding among families and cultures and dealing with “the other.” The main book will be Martyrs’ Crossing by Amy Wilentz which will be examined in conjunction with films as Dancing in Jaffe, Under the Same Sun, and The Other Son.
Persepolis in Iran: Ancient Architecture and Modern Archaeology LLI-913 8 Hours New
Persepolis, an impressive large scale UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the best visited ancient sites in modern Iran. Learn about the imposing remains and the modern preservation of the great palaces of Xerxes, Darius, and other structures. Explore the contemporary workings of museums in Washington DC which feature materials from Persepolis, and use frameworks provided to examine how innovative documentation, high-resolution photographs, and three-dimensional laser scans are used to reconstruct the appearance and meaning of the palaces today.
World Cultures, Course, LLI-803 - 37.5 Hours
This course is an examination of one culture area in a particular geographic region from an anthropological perspective. Drawing from the theories and methods of anthropology, this course will explore the prehistory, colonialism, cultural systems, modernization, and globalization of the region. Interesting case studies are used to examine current conditions. Focus of this course is on Latin America and The Caribbean Tuition waiver applies; seniors pay fee only.