Lecture Series
FABulous Winter Lecture Series & Special Course
Registration opens Wednesday, December 3rd at 9:30am (PT)! Scroll down for series details.
Registration will close at 3pm (PT) the business day prior to each lecture.
Lectures are $10 each; virtual tour is free. You can purchase lectures individually or choose one of our flexible bundle options:
- Choose any 5 lectures for $40
- Bundle the entire winter lecture series (all 11 lectures) for $75
Special course is $35 and is not included in the winter bundle.
Lecture Format
All lectures can be attended virtually via Zoom; students use the chat function to submit questions. All lectures are recorded and available for students to watch upon request (instructions on viewing recordings are sent out automatically). If you'd like to sign up and view a recording after the lecture has taken place, reach out to us at fab@CalLutheran.edu.
Over half of the lectures can be attended in-person. They will be offered at the Thousand Oaks Campus. Parking is always free and is accessible (a short 5-10 minute walk). Click the drop-down menu below for more details about attending in person.
Our FAB students’ safety is important to us; therefore, we are taking precautions to make the in-person classes a safe and welcoming environment. In this environment, students will be able to enjoy face-to-face interactions with their faculty and classmates and the option to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before or after class. For those not able to join us in person, we continue to be your virtual home for learning!
Note: Walk-ins are not permitted. You may register via phone by calling 805-493-3290 at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the lecture, space permitting. Persons will not be allowed into the learning space if they are not on the roster in advance.
Regarding in-person attendance:
- FREE, accessible parking at both campus locations (view location and parking details HERE)
- Large lecture room with ample space meeting Cal/OSHA guidelines
- Masks are recommended but are not required
Can’t get to campus for an in-person lecture? No problem! Attend the lecture virtually instead.
In-Person & Virtual Learning
Using a hybrid learning model, in-person and virtual students can attend the same class simultaneously. A special “360-camera” will follow the instructor in the classroom, and students attending virtually will be able to see and hear the instructor and view the PowerPoint over Zoom (similar to our traditional virtual courses).
We look forward to continued learning with those near and far! See below for exciting topics and faculty biographies!
Wednesdays, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Meeting Dates: January 21, 28, February 4, & 11
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom
Course Description:
On September 3, 2025, in a show of unity against the West, China hosted a celebration
commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin,
and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping for this solemn
and symbolic occasion. Two days earlier, the leaders of China, Russia, and India met
in Tianjin China as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The changing global
order reflected by these meetings sent an unequivocal message to Western leaders and
America in particular: China is a global superpower and, along with its allies North
Korea and India, is in lock-step with Russia against the Western effort to isolate
Putin over his invasion of Ukraine. How did the United States and more broadly, its
Western allies arrive at what by all accounts is a decisive and, as some would argue,
dangerous moment in foreign affairs? Do these developments reflect what some scholars
and public policy specialists are calling “a new Cold War?” This course will take
a closer look at these recent events and what they might signify for the future of
American foreign relations. It will offer suggestions about how to make sense of a
new and rapidly evolving world order.
Bio:
Dr. David Livingstone received BA and MA degrees in History from California State University, Northridge
and a PhD in Modern European History from the University of California, San Diego.
He has taught at California Lutheran University, Moorpark College, and the United
States Naval War College. He specializes in European political, diplomatic and military
history with an emphasis on modern Germany. He also served as a law enforcement officer
for 34 years with the Simi Valley Police Department and retired in 2022 at the rank
of Chief of Police. David's first book, Militarization and Democracy in West Germany's
Border Police, 1951-2005 was published by Camden House in 2024. He also serves as
a historian and guide for World War Two battlefield tours.
Monday, January 12, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
The often-told story of the Hebrew language is that it was “brought back from the
dead” in the late 19th century, in conjunction with the rise of Zionism. But with
very few (if any) other examples of successful language revival around the world,
it is worth re-examining whether that is indeed what happened to Hebrew: was it really
dead in the Middle Ages? What did it take to “revive” it? And what makes its history
so unique?
In this lecture, we’ll examine those provocative questions from a scientific perspective, while challenging ideological tenets often held by both Jewish and non-Jewish commentators. We will explore how the knowledge gained from modern speech-and-language sciences can help us understand the controversial history of the Jews and of their holy language.
The lecture presupposes no knowledge of linguistics or Hebrew.
Bio:
Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig received a degree in English and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
and a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University. She taught at Yale, Cornell, and
Stanford universities, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since
2010. Her expertise is in language, culture, and history, and the relationship between
them. Asya has published five scholarly books with Cambridge University Press. Asya
is a popular instructor for several lifelong learning institutes around the country.
Tuesday, January 13, 10-11:30am (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
This virtual visit will explore various artifacts from our collection. This collections-based
guided visual presentation will chronologically explore the Japanese American experience
from the 1860s through the post-war era. with an emphasis on the WWII incarceration
experience. Led by JANM volunteer docents and facilitators, history comes alive and
participants of all ages are encouraged to build personal and human connections, think
critically and engage in lifelong learning.
The mission of the Japanese American National Museum is to promote understanding and
appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American
experience.
Wednesday, January 14, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
The year 2025 marked the 50 year anniversary of the establishment of the Norton Simon
Museum in Pasadena. This lecture will be a "visit" to the museum that looks at the
history of the institution, focusing on the personal collection of Norton Simon, and
discuss the highlights of the collection.
Bio:
Katherine E. Zoraster is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several
local colleges specializing in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
She graduated with a double major in English Literature and Art History from the University
of California, Los Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s
Degree with Distinction in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.
In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time, Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.
Tuesday, January 20, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
Every Using clips from David Merrick productions, such as 42nd Street, Gypsy, Subways are for Sleeping, Oliver, Hello Dolly and many more, we will view and discuss the life of Broadway’s most renowned producer,
David Merrick. HIs childhood was agonizing, and yet he rose to became the “King of
Broadway” only to fall and become a pitiful figure in later years. Viewed as both
a genius and tyrannical villain, his presence is still felt on Broadway today.
Bio:
Film historians Sam and Candy Caponegro are passionate about movie musicals. For over thirty years, they have acted, directed,
and produced professional, community, and school theater. Candy’s most notable professional
acting roles are Adelaine opposite Nathan Lane in Guys and Dolls and Cheri opposite
Divine in the New York production of Women Behind Bars. Sam and Candy have taught
numerous courses and lecture on cruise lines, at libraries, and for many 50+ audiences.
They hope to keep the classic movie musical and the golden age of Broadway alive through
their lectures.
Part 1: Monday, January 26, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Monday, February 2, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
Those who rank the most influential speeches of all time consistently place “I Have
a Dream” as one of the most powerful orations of history. But what else did Martin
Luther King, Jr. say? As an icon of the civil rights movement, he spoke in public
almost constantly. Which of these other speeches really characterize his worldview
and his movement? What kind of impact did these speeches have? In this two-part lecture,
we’ll go beyond “I Have a Dream” to really examine both Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
speaking style and his principles that he discussed in his speeches––ultimately coming
to understand what made him such a powerful orator.
Bio:
Dr. Jason Hensley, PhD (Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Dmin (Biblical Studies), teaches religious
studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade
Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a higher-education ambassador
for the Council on Foreign Relations, and the award-winning author of 12 books. His
work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary.
Connect with him at jasonhensley.net.
Part 1: Tuesday, January 27, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Tuesday, February 3, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
This mini-lecture series provides an overview of some of the great ancient civilizations
of Central Mexico from the earliest cities in the 2nd millennium BCE through first
contact with the Spanish invaders (ca. 1502 CE).
The Olmecs, Teotihuacan, and the Aztecs have fascinated public and scholarly audiences the world over. In this two-part lecture, we will explore the rise of these civilizations and address several false claims attributed to the beliefs of the peoples of Ancient Mexico that are entrenched in the popular perception of these civilizations.
The Ancient Mesoamericans developed intricate calendrical, architectural, and ideological systems. This two-part lecture seeks to present the true nature of these ancient civilizations as they are understood from the archaeological record, ancient texts, and Colonial-era documents.
Bio:
Dr. Ken Seligson is Associate Professor and Chair of Anthropology at California State University Dominguez
Hills. He earned his A.B. in Anthropology and History from Brown University and his
M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Seligson has been conducting
archaeological fieldwork in the Northern Maya Lowlands since 2010, focusing mainly
on human-environment relationships and resource management practices, as well as on
ancient technology. His first book The Maya and Climate Change, which was written for a broader public audience interested in the ancient Maya,
was published by Oxford University Press in January 2023.
Part 1: Tuesday, February 10, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Tuesday, February 17, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
Were Homer’s epic poems myth, or did they describe real historical events? This two-part
lecture series dives into the question of Homer's authenticity, comparing key passages
from the Iliad and the Odyssey with the latest archaeological evidence from Greece.
We'll analyze Homer’s vivid descriptions of palaces, armor, and burial rites against
the backdrop of the Mycenaean Bronze Age (c. 1600-1100 BCE). Emphasis will be placed
on recent, groundbreaking discoveries that bring Homer’s passages to light. By linking
the epic poems' memory of a heroic age with the material reality unearthed by modern
excavations, this course explores how a seemingly mythical tradition may preserve
the "kernel of truth" from a magnificent, lost civilization.
Bio:
Scott Jones is a retired naval officer and businessman with broad experience in national security,
foreign relations, and politics. Scott is also a docent at the J. Paul Getty Museum
(Getty Villa) where he leads tours in the Greek and Roman Galleries, special exhibitions,
Roman architecture, and Roan gardens. He teaches for a few lifelong learning programs
in the area.
Wednesday, February 18, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
As the leading figure of an entire movement, Andy Warhol is synonymous with the development
of Pop Art in America. Beginning his career as a commercial artist, Warhol rose to
fame in multiple media. His vast works are an homage to the everyday world, but also
comment seriously on the transience of celebrity and the power of mass media. This
lecture will be an overview of the career of Andy Warhol.
Bio:
Katherine E. Zoraster is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several local colleges specializing
in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double
major in English Literature and Art History from the University of California, Los
Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s Degree with Distinction
in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.
In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time, Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.
Thursday, February 19, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
TBD
Bio:
Mike Clancy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Oceanography from Florida Institute of Technology
in 1973, graduating first in his class, and a Master of Science Degree in Meteorology
from the University of Miami in 1975. He worked for Science Applications International
Corporation in the late '70s and the Naval Research Lab in the early '80s. He joined
the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) in Monterey
in 1983 and was selected as Technical and Scientific Director of FNMOC, the top civilian
position in the organization, in 2005.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Clancy authored over 100 publications in meteorology, oceanography and information technology, and received over 50 professional awards, including the Navy’s highest civilian award. He retired from Federal Service in 2011 and was inducted into the FNMOC Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mr. Clancy is a frequent lecturer on climate change and a former Chair of the Monterey County Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
FABulous Fall Lecture Series
Registration is open! Click the button below to get started, and scroll down for series details.
Registration will close at 3pm (PT) the business day prior to each lecture.
Lectures are $10 each. You can purchase lectures individually or choose one of our flexible bundle options:
- Choose any five lectures for $40
- Bundle the entire fall lecture series (all 12 lectures) for $85
View Lecture Previews on YouTube
Lecture Format
All lectures can be attended virtually via Zoom; students use the chat function to submit questions. All lectures are recorded and available for students to watch upon request (instructions on viewing recordings are sent out automatically). If you'd like to sign up and view a recording after the lecture has taken place, reach out to us at fab@CalLutheran.edu.
Over half of the lectures can be attended in-person. They will be offered at the Thousand Oaks Campus. Parking is always free and is accessible (a short 5-10 minute walk). Click the drop-down menu below for more details about attending in person.
Our FAB students’ safety is important to us; therefore, we are taking precautions to make the in-person classes a safe and welcoming environment. In this environment, students will be able to enjoy face-to-face interactions with their faculty and classmates and the option to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before or after class. For those not able to join us in person, we continue to be your virtual home for learning!
Note: Walk-ins are not permitted. You may register via phone by calling 805-493-3290 at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the lecture, space permitting. Persons will not be allowed into the learning space if they are not on the roster in advance.
Regarding in-person attendance:
- FREE, accessible parking at both campus locations (view location and parking details HERE)
- Large lecture room with ample space meeting Cal/OSHA guidelines
- Masks are recommended but are not required
Can’t get to campus for an in-person lecture? No problem! Attend the lecture virtually instead.
In-Person & Virtual Learning
Using a hybrid learning model, in-person and virtual students can attend the same class simultaneously. A special “360-camera” will follow the instructor in the classroom, and students attending virtually will be able to see and hear the instructor and view the PowerPoint over Zoom (similar to our traditional virtual courses).
We look forward to continued learning with those near and far! See below for exciting topics and faculty biographies!
Part 1: Monday, November 3, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Monday, November 10, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
Every year, the number of homeless Americans rises: In 2023, 653,000 slept on the
streets or in emergency beds provided by nonprofit/government services. Yet every
year, we increase funding and resources for this population. Why, then, do we have
such an ever-worsening epidemic? What can we, as concerned Americans, and our leaders
do to stem the tide?
This two part series will include: A brief history of the homeless, from the “hobos”
of the Great Depression through the rise of homelessness in the 70s to today’s tipping
point; a look at the two chief but conflicting policy approaches to the problem: Treatment
First under the Bush Administration to Housing First since the Obama years; and a
framework for weighing two very real competing concerns: Civil liberties---do the
homeless have a “right” to remain homeless?---versus the public safety and health
of all citizens.
View a preview of these lectures and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/0Wb3jxQ1AY0
Bio:
Andrea Plate is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker who served fourteen-and-a-half years
at the West Los Angeles branch of the Department of Veterans affairs, where she ran
a residential program for chronically homeless veterans. She is the author of the
internationally published nonfiction book Madness: In the Trenches of America’s Troubled
Department of Veterans Affairs (Marshall Cavendish International).
Today, Ms. Plate is a Senior Lecturer in the Sociology Department of Loyola Marymount University as well as a private practice telehealth counselor. She has been a keynote presenter for the National Association of Social Workers and has published two other nonfiction books, including one about her days as a child actress in the entertainment industry. She holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley and two M.A. Degrees (from UCLA and USC).
Part 1: Wednesday, November 5, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Wednesday, November 12, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend Online via Zoom or In-Person in Thousand Oaks (WAITLISTED)
Lecture Description:
During World War II, the United States incarcerated over one hundred thousand people
of Japanese descent. Many of these were imprisoned within California and many of them
were citizens. Though the United States has acknowledged this history and even apologized
to Japanese Americans for it, it’s still a topic that we rarely examine and discuss.
This two-part lecture will spend time understanding the history of these camps, daily
life there, and their perceived role in the war effort. In doing so, it will dive
deep into an uncomfortable time, and yet a time that holds many lessons for this country
and its future.
View a preview of these lectures and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/TtdT-kLi6FM
Bio:
Jason Hensley, PhD (Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Dmin (Biblical Studies), teaches religious studies
at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust
Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a higher-education ambassador for
the Council on Foreign Relations, and the award-winning author of 12 books. His work
has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary.
Connect with him at jasonhensley.net.
Part 1: Thursday, November 13, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Thursday, November 20, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend Online via Zoom or In-Person in Thousand Oaks
Lecture Description:
Every city has a particular feel about it, defined by its architecture, demographics,
geography, climate, and the people and cultures that have shaped the city from its
founding to its current status. From historical to contemporary structures, this two-part
lecture will explore the iconic structures that identify various American cities and
how they came to be. A variety of architectural styles are discussed, as well as the
sociopolitical context in which these buildings were created.
Our nation’s capital, Washington DC, hosts a plethora of neoclassical architectural
styles in keeping with our visual and philosophical connection to ancient Greece and
Rome. Other architectural styles found in the city include Gothic Revival, Beaux Arts,
and New Formalism. Additionally, we will discuss the monuments and memorials that
grace the environs of Washington DC, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans’
Memorial.
New Orleans, nicknamed “The Big Easy” because of its laid-back, slow-paced lifestyle
and vibrant, easy-going music scene, is a melding of Spanish, French, and Afro-Caribbean
influences. As the city grew, a unique tapestry of architectural styles were shaped
by its climate and multicultural inspirations, including French Colonial, Spanish
Colonial, Neoclassical, and vernacular styles. Also famed for its French Quarter and
Mardi Gras, New Orleans is notable for its distinctive range of building styles, from
elegant mansions to elaborate cemeteries.
View a preview of these lectures and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/qEieD_KB9SQ
Bio:
Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art
and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world.
She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches
history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She is also
Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She has
done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and
New York. She has served as a Design Review Commissioner for the City of Beverly
Hills and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation.
Tuesday, November 18, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend Online via Zoom or In-Person in Thousand Oaks
Lecture Description:
Join retired LAPD homicide detective and university professor Pedro Fernandez for
a fascinating journey into the world of homicide investigations. This engaging lecture
will demystify how detectives solve murders—from the first call at the crime scene
to the final courtroom testimony. Learn about real investigative techniques, the role
of forensic science, and how motive, means, and opportunity guide every case. With
stories drawn from decades of experience, this talk offers a rare behind-the-scenes
look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing justice to victims and their families.
Perfect for curious minds and lovers of true crime!
View a preview of this lecture and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/c52JZsJX41g
Bio:
Dr. Pedro Fernandez is a seasoned veteran in the field of criminal justice, with a career spanning over
three decades. His journey began in military law enforcement, where he served as a
Military Police Officer, Criminal Investigator, and served as the Chief of the Guard
and Tactical Supervisor on deployments as a member of the United States Navy and Reserves.
He has also served as a civilian police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.
During his tenure at the LAPD, Dr. Fernandez worked in a variety of assignment that
included Patrol, Gangs, Vice, Gang Detective and Homicide Investigator. His commitment
to public safety and security continued at the Department of Homeland Security, Federal
Air Marshal Service, where he served on Multi-Agency Task Forces, held Supervisory
Roles, and was the Assistant Federal Security Director of Law Enforcement at a major
international airport. In addition to his work experience within three distinct categories
of the criminal justice system, Dr. Fernandez has continuously sought to improve his
contributions to American policing through his academic pursuits and has earned a
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Public Administration, and a
Doctorate in Criminal Justice.
Beyond his professional and academic accomplishments, Dr. Fernandez is an active member of several criminal justice professional organizations, including the Hispanic American Command Police Officers Association, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the American Society of Public Administrators.
Wednesday, December 3, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
Medicine and race have been linked since time immemorial. Over the past 100-150 years,
records have been maintained recording health disparities between white and non-white
individuals, and the impact of race on access to medical care. Most recently, the
CoVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in access to health care, treatment, and
outcomes. In Part I of this lecture (Dec 24), we reviewed examples of the impact of
race on medical treatment and discussed well-known cases that have impacted medicine
and the medical field in the United States and abroad. Part II will briefly review
information covered in Part I and will expand on this topic to provide additional
examples and include the impact of social determinants of health on communities of
color, including economic stability, access to and qualify of education, healthcare
quality and access, neighborhood and environment, and social and community context.
View a preview of this lecture and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/cbHoUqfyzbU
Bio:
Dr. Paloma Vargas (she/they/ella) is the Dean of Mathematics, Science, Health Education, Kinesiology
and Athletics at Oxnard College, a 2-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
In her capacity as Dean, Dr. Vargas works with administration, faculty, and staff
to determine best practices in serving diverse student populations. She often serves
as a facilitator and trainer for faculty at Hispanic-Serving Institutions in centering
equity with a particular focus on inclusivity in STEM.
Dr. Vargas previously served as a biology faculty member, researcher, HSI Director, Science Coordinator and STEM Advisor at private and public institutions. She earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College (HSIs), and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Medical and Molecular Parasitology from The Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at New York University. Her graduate and post-doctoral work focused on host-pathogen interactions of both parasitic amoeba (E. histolytica) and Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaire’s Disease.
Thursday, December 4, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
Putin's propaganda machine was first put in place already in the first year of Putin's
presidency and has had a significant impact on what many Russians think, believe,
and do. In this talk, we'll explore how the propaganda machine in Russia works, what
its key instruments are, how it impacts people subjected to it, and why it has been
so successful. We’ll also consider the question of whether there's similar propaganda
in the US, and if so, how to avoid becoming its victim.
Bio:
Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig received a degree in English and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
and a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University. She taught at Yale, Cornell, and
Stanford universities, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since
2010. Her expertise is in language, culture, and history, and the relationship between
them. Asya has published five scholarly books with Cambridge University Press. Asya
is a popular instructor for several lifelong learning institutes around the country.
Monday, December 8, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
In the 1960s, the baby boomers came of age, and unlike earlier generations, they rejected
the norms of their parents. In this course, we explore how this generation gap played
out in Los Angeles. Highlights include the Watts Riots in 1965, the Sunset Strip curfew
riots in 1966, and the Century City anti-Vietnam War march in 1967. We also look at
LA’s mod fashion styles, the Hippie movement, and movies, including “The Graduate”
and “Easy Rider,” which broke conventions and ushered in a new Hollywood era.
View a preview of this lecture and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/pADnOD87Hi4
Bio:
Sharon Boorstin has written about lifestyle, food, and travel for the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, and magazines including Smithsonian, Bon Appetit, and Town & Country Travel. Her memoir/cookbook, Let Us Eat Cake: Adventures in Food and Friendship (Harper-Collins 2002), was a selection of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club. With her
husband Paul, Sharon wrote dozens of screenplays for feature films and television
including Angel of Death (ABC) starring Jane Seymour. Raised in Seattle, Washington, Sharon earned a California
Lifetime Teaching credential at U.C. Berkeley, and taught high school history and
English in Los Angeles for 11 years before beginning her writing career.
Tuesday, December 9, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom
Lecture Description:
From mid-November to January 1st, American Radio, TV, and most retail stores are loaded
with Holiday music. It's in our ears 24/7! Songs are old, some are new, and all are
from different decades, genres, and styles.
In this lecture we will discover the background stories of who wrote the ""standards"" and why so many artists have recorded them. We'll visit behind the scenes of their marketing success and sometimes failure. We will relive the music not played often anymore and discuss the reasons for their holiday disappearance. Lots of music and videos will make this a nostalgic winter time romp! Come join us as we jingle and jangle our way down Santa Claus Lane humming a happy holiday tune!
View a preview of this lecture and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/pKTmhiIYG6o
Bio:
Tony Moon has spent 60 successful years in the music business. Beginning in 1960, he joined
the L.A. group Dante and The Evergreens, which was managed and produced by Lou Adler
and Herb Alpert. He later moved to Nashville, becoming the guitarist and conductor
for Brenda Lee. Tony also began playing on recording sessions and was Nashville's
first rock independent music producer, working with five major labels. He scored several
big hits for The Vogues, including "5 O' Clock World." Tony has won several awards
as a songwriter and music publisher. His songs have been released by artists as diverse
as Porter Wagoner, Willie Nelson, Vickie Carr, Pearl Jam, and The Beatles.
He currently administers several Music Publishing Companies and a New York Entertainment Company.
Wednesday, December 10, 1-3pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend Online via Zoom or In-Person in Thousand Oaks
Lecture Description:
For as long as I can recall, one of the first signs of the upcoming Holiday Season
is the arrival of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum Store Holiday Preview catalog,
featuring their gift cards, ornaments, and calendars, most of which come from images
within their vast collection. One of the oldest museums in the United States, it was
also one of the first museums in which to take advantage of their own collection to
market and share their images. In this special holiday lecture, we will look at the
stories behind a few of the cards in the museum collection. Ranging from a variety
of themes including Classic Religious Art, Medieval and Illuminated Manuscripts, Impressionist
and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces, Asian Art and American Art, the works chosen
from the collection for Holiday Cards will give a brief overview of the history of
art and the Met's collection.
View a preview of this lecture and others on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/RSxMH_lZggk
Bio:
Katherine E. Zoraster is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several local colleges specializing
in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double
major in English Literature and Art History from the University of California, Los
Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s Degree with Distinction
in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.
In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time, Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.
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Future Lecture Series Dates
April-May 2026
June-August 2026
November-December 2026