Fall 2007 Schedule

Fall study groups will meet in Fox Hall, in a location to be announced.  Registration will take place at our Convocation on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 in the King Room, first floor of Fox Hall.   

In case of inclement weather or other emergency circumstances, cancellations will be announced over radio station WCAP (980 AM).  LIRA programs are held independently from the university schedule.  If UMass Lowell is not in session due to adverse weather conditions, however, LIRA classes will also be canceled.          

LIRA  823        JULIUS CAESAR

            Frank Carroll*

6 sessions, Monday, 10 AM – Noon                                  Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5

                                                                                       No class Oct. 8 (Columbus Day)

The Shakespeare group has decided that we will read "Julius Caesar" this fall.  It is, of course, one of the best known of Shakespeare's works, and one that many are familiar with.  Nevertheless, we intend to give it a thorough examination and perhaps discover a few new insights in the play, and, of course, we will, as usual, stress the poetic value of the work as well.

LIRA   324d               DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES

7 sessions, Monday, 12:30–3 PM                      Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 19

            No meetings on Oct. 8 (Columbus Day) or Nov. 12 (Veterans Day)

The documentary film series will continue this fall, with some excellent films on our schedule.  The list of titles will be available at the Convocation on Wednesday, Sept. 19th.    Please make special note of the time: 12:30 to 3 PM. 

            Coordinator: Barbara Page*

LIRA 782h        OPERA VIII                      DON PASQUALE BY DONIZETTI

3 sessions, Tuesday, 10 AM to Noon                                                      Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9

This is the opera course originally scheduled for last spring but which was unavoidably postponed.  For the fall, we are now presenting Gaetano Donizetti's DON PASQUALE, a delightful opera buffa (comic opera) about a foolish old bachelor who unsuccessfully courts a feisty young woman who, of course, loves another. This is a classic plot used many times ‑‑ remember The Barber of Seville!

            Coordinators: Bob* and Betty* Jack

LIRA   170                 ETHICS IN AMERICA

3 sessions, Tuesday, 10 AM to Noon                                                           Oct. 16, 23, 30

We will focus on three topics: 1) Three Farewells.  Medicine and the End of Life; 2) War Stories: National Security and the News,  3) My Brother’s Keeper (a mystery).   If there is sufficient interest, the series may be extended.

            Coordinator: Alan Kent*

 LIRA  700k    ART AND MUSIC        

8 sessions, Wednesday, 10 AM ‑ Noon, or as indicated.  

             Sept. 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, Nov. 1, 7, 14

                                                                                    Nov, 1, Thursday, (BSO rehearsal)

As happens each semester, the greater focus will be on art.  We'll begin with an illustrated talk by a member, Gerry Gilmore, who toured the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo, Norway.   Dr. Liana Cheney, the following Wednesday, explores mythology as artists have interpreted it.  Bill Patton Jr. will share slides and facts about Norman Rockwell.   Nancy Tuttle, a writer for The Sun, and Tim Parrish of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre discuss the world of entertainment.  Many members have traveled with Elderhostel, yet the nonprofit organization always seeks to improve services to participants, and this is what that program will zero in on.  The visit to the Fogg and Sackler Museums of Harvard University will be a first for LIRA.  A  Boston trip, once again, will be to enjoy the Boston Symphony Open Rehearsal.  A morning with Mozart and Schumann is one of two musical programs scheduled.  In time for Veteran's Day, another member presentation by Dorothy Bromage will be an exploration of the history of patriotic music.

            Coordinator:  Connie Lanseigne‑Case*

LIRA    327k             GREAT DECISIONS

8 sessions, Thursday, 10 AM ‑ Noon               Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, 31, Nov. 8, 15

                                                                            (Please note: Oct. 31 is a Wednesday.)

The Great Decisions group will be studying the remaining topics in the 2007 Briefing Book issued by the Foreign Policy Association. The topics to be covered are Helping the world's endangered children, Mexico: neighbor in turmoil, International migration in a globalizing economy, and Central Asia: three power resource rivalry.  Join us for some stimulating and timely discussions!  (Books are available, if you do not have one $15.).

                Coordinator: Shirley Mitchell

LIRA 802k    BOOK DISCUSSION

4 sessions (once a month, usually on Friday, 10 AM to Noon)           

                  Sept.28, Oct. 12,  Nov. 16,  Dec. 14

If you love to read, enjoy reading an eclectic mix of books, and look forward to having like‑minded people with whom to discuss these tomes, the book discussion group has it all.  Every month, from September through June, we read and discuss a variety of books, including sociological studies, memoirs and biographies, political histories, and, yes, fiction, including the classics.  Our selections for the fall include a history of the building of the Panama Canal by David McCullough, Snow by Orhan Pahmuk, and several other works of fiction and non‑fiction.

            Coordinator:  Toby Hodes*

                * Denotes LIRA member