Rancho Santa Fe residents 50 and older are invited to take part in the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club’s upcoming lifelong learning courses starting in June.
This annual series features intellectually challenging, non-credit courses taught by local professors and experts in their respective fields. This year’s offerings include two six-week options, open to both members and non-members.
Professor Jack Williams, in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, will lead his class through a course titled “The Movie Camera and the Ballot Box: Hollywood and Politics”. This course description reads:
From an early date, filmmakers used the media to advance various ideas that involved political motives. American cinema has been used to spread unethical propaganda and to promote genuine enlightenment. At times, individual movies have gone beyond the overt political intentions of filmmakers to create their own unintended ideological consequences. What are the major political themes seen in the movies over time? How has Hollywood responded to the politics offered by rival centers of film making in Asia and Europe? In what ways have recent films reflected, or rejected, contemporary American values?
A second course titled “The Art of the Renaissance” will be taught by professional art historian, educator and metaphysical researcher, Douglas R Barker M.A:
Are you planning a trip to Italy, the Low Countries or Germany? Fascinated by art? Wishing to enrich yourself culturally? Art history can fulfill a number of purposes but the sheer enjoyment of beautiful works of art and architecture and a desire to know more about their origins and purpose is reason enough! In addition, the study of the careers of some of the greatest artists in the history of Western art can provide life-enhancing inspiration and change. Douglas R. Barker will take you on a slide-illustrated journey through European art and architecture from 1350 to 1600.
Both courses take place on Thursdays beginning June 21. Visit the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club website to reserve your spot or call (858) 756-1554.