(January 20 - February 13)
What are comets? Where do they come from? How are they found? How have human ideas about comets in the night sky changed over time? Did you know that there are at least two, possibly three types of comets? A PowerPoint presentation will include many examples of famous comets that were visible to observers.
Presenter: Bruce Oldfield, Professor Emeritus, SUNY-Broome.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Why do some neurological diseases only appear in certain cultures? How can Parkinson’s patients who barely walk, suddenly dance? This interdisciplinary course explores enigmatic neurological conditions worldwide through medical anthropology and neuroscience--from Italian "spider bite" dance cures to unexplained disease clusters in remote villages–discovering how the brain, culture, and environment create medicine's most puzzling conditions. Unravel medical mysteries across diverse societies. Non-specialists welcome.
Presenter: Sara Stowell, MS, Lyceum Grant Recipient.
This class meets 4 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Slides of our personalized, six person (three couples) tour around some of the many beautiful, interesting and exciting locations and the many activities we experienced will be presented.
Presenter: Dr. Leslie Bank.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Long ago, on a spring morning in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate passed judgement on a mysterious preacher. Jesus of Nazareth was disfigured by scourges and nailed to a cross shortly after. He died in agony. The effects of this verdict have reverberated throughout the world. Why did Pontius Pilate condemn Jesus? What was Jesus’ crime? This course explores such questions.
Presenter: Nathaniel Andrade, Professor of History, BU.
This class meets 4 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
AI is now everywhere, and it has come to a computer and phone near you! In this new four-session series, we’ll explore the most important new developments, and try them out together in a relaxed, step-by-step way. Each session includes demonstrations and guided practice, showing how AI can simplify tasks, spark creativity, and keep you connected. Whether you joined us before or are new to AI, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding and the confidence to explore it on your own.
Presenter: Ary Aranguiz, Learning & Development Operations Manager for Google Fiber.
This class meets 4 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
This two-session course tells the story of Mollie and George Bakeman, who fell in love in Russia in 1917: Mollie, an Anglo-Russian working in Moscow, and George, an American at the US Embassy. Diaries, letters, and photos capture daily life during tumultuous times, including Mollie’s departure on the Trans-Siberian Railway, George’s escape from Archangel dressed as a British sailor, and life in Europe during the interwar years. Mollie and George raised their daughters in Europe until WWII. George’s study of sanitary engineering (public health) opened the door to his career with the American Red Cross, US Department of State, Rockefeller Foundation (Paris), and Medical College of Virginia. He returned to Europe as Director of American Relief for France, 1945-1946. Scheduling note: the second session occurs two weeks after the first.
Presenter: Heather Struck, retired educator and lawyer, and keeper of the archive from her maternal grandparents.
This class meets 2 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
The hellishness of war manifests itself in individualistic ways. But imagine returning home from war with a form of amnesia that allows you to remember a former relationship, while you cannot remember your spouse. Let us also imagine that stimulating complications ensue. This is Rebecca West’s premise in her debut novel The Return of the Soldier, published in 1918. We will dig deep into the psychological ramification for each of the lead characters. The novel is short (82 pages), so reading it before classes begin is encouraged.
Presenter: George Lohmann.
This class meets 4 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Non-scientists welcome! Bring your curiosity and set politics aside for a couple hours. We offer short presentations and videos on a wide variety of science and technology topics. Questions, comments, and discussion are encouraged. Each class covers different subjects, depending on the interests of the discussion leader and class members. In the recent past, we covered scores of topics: a Mars helicopter, moth delights, human longevity, AI in medicine, electric vehicles, earthquake monitoring, clinical oncology, and much more, often presented by class members or outside guests.
Presenter: Art Law, Alan Jones, Peter Stiles.
This class meets 2 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
The Music Department faculty duo of Margaret Reitz, piano, and Timothy Perry, clarinet, present a lecture-recital “What’s This Supposed to Sound Like?” Eight selections, each performed with commentary on a rare historical clarinet from Professor Perry’s personal collection. This class will take place in the Casadesus Recital Hall located on the Binghamton University campus and will not be recorded.
Presenter: Tim Perry and Pej Reitz, BU Department of Music.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: In Person
Location: Casadesus Recital Hall, Binghamton University Campus
Notes: Offsite at Casadesus Recital Hall, Binghamton University Campus
Memory is important for far more than just recollecting the events of our lives. It is necessary for many daily cognitive challenges, from decision-making to creative thinking. This class will explore how the brain’s memory systems support other forms of cognition and how that applies to daily life.
Presenter: Michael Dulas, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology, BU.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Discover what it’s like to move to a country where you don’t speak the language but slowly make that country your home. This talk explores ten years of living and traveling in China, filled with cultural lessons, funny mishaps, meaningful moments, and reflections on how life abroad reshapes our understanding of connection and belonging. Sarah offers a first-hand view of how China has changed--including a glimpse of life during the pandemic.
Presenter: Sarah Alexander.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
What are asteroids and meteorites? Where do they come from? Why should we study asteroids and meteorites? This lecture will answer these questions using the latest science information. Several samples of meteorites will be used to illustrate some of the types of meteorites. Being present in the classroom at WSKG will mean you can see and handle the specimens.
Presenter: Bruce Oldfield, Professor Emeritus, SUNY-Broome.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Learn about infrequently visited museums and historical sites in England that are often easy to get to, but seldom thought of when traveling. We will look at common tourist hot spots like Stonehenge and the Imperial War Museum but also include the D-Day landing beaches, the Bovington Tank Museum, and the National Army Museum (in London.) You will gain a greater appreciation of British military history and be able to locate historical sites to visit on your next journey to the UK. This program will not be recorded.
Presenter: Russell Wendling, tourist.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Is the UN performing the duties assigned to it under its initial charter? Has it expanded its activities effectively in areas where its influence usurps the sovereign authority of nations? Are its activities too costly for measured outcomes? Should its physical presence be changed to Europe? Be prepared to engage with some facts on each question.
Presenter: Michael Bogdasarian.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
This two-session class is designed for both beginning and experienced meditators. There are no impossible-to-do techniques, no uncomfortable postures, no dogma or dependence on a guide. Rather you will sample and practice a variety of some of the simplest and most widely practiced meditation practices in the Western world so that you can discover which technique suits you and your lifestyle best. We will also explore when, where and how long to meditate as well as ways to prepare for meditation, overcome obstacles, and develop a personal practice. In this time of overstimulation, uncertainty, and anxiety, meditation is a great gift to give yourself.
Presenter: Karen Catalano, M. Ed., certified yoga and meditation instructor.
This class meets 2 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
The League of Women Voters of Broome and Tioga Counties strongly supports voting rights. How are proposed laws/rules (SAVE Act) threatening your voting rights, limiting LWV's access to naturalization ceremonies, pushing redistricting efforts, and reducing ballot access for all eligible voters? We will also explain how ranked choice voting works. Join us!
Presenter: Susan Ruff, LWVBTC President, and Carla Michalak, LWVBTC Vice President.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
This talk will chronicle the rise of ICE and the tactics used by the Trump administration and the rise of resistance against them. It will describe the actions of collaborators both locally and nationally and the growing threat of autocratic rule. It will detail resistance on the local, state and national levels and conclude with a call to action with very specific ways anyone can be involved. Unless we act, Marin Niemoller’s words will be our epitaph.
Presenter: Adam Flint, Coordinator of Concerned Residents of Greater Binghamton.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Experience Jonathan and Rhonda's 10-day safari touring Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Central Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park: a journey among the wilds of Kenya and Tanzania.
Presenter: Jonathon Cohen, University Photographer, BU, Div. of Communications and Marketing, and Rhonda Branca, Binghamton Lyceum Director.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Doug Weeks has presented living history programs for many years. He will take us back to 1867, introducing us to Reverend James C. Beecher from Owego. As Mr. Beecher, he will share stories of his time serving in the US Navy and US Army during the recent Civil War. Beecher was one of the unsung soldiers who fought hard during the war and then helped to re-build the South.
Presenter: Douglas Weeks.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Online using ZOOM
Location: Zoom
Notes: Zoom only
John Green, acclaimed author and passionate advocate for global healthcare reform, tells a deeply human story illuminating the fight against the world’s deadliest infectious disease. According to the Associated Press: “The real magic of Green’s writing is the deeply considerate, human touch that goes into every word.”
Presenter: Sandy Stiles.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
How do you define a genetically modified organism (GMO)? How are GMOs made? What are they used for and are GMOs safe? In the first session, we will discuss what makes an organism a GMO, learn how GMOs are made, and talk about why and how they are regulated. We will also survey several different types of GMOs and their applications in healthcare, agriculture and scientific research. For the second session, be ready to get into the details of specific GMOs. Are you interested in mosquito killers, human-pig kidneys, or glowing fish in your aquarium? We will choose two or three examples and talk about these GMOs in detail.
Presenter: Anthony Fiumera, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, BU.
This class meets 2 times:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Biking through Belgium and the Netherlands is a great way to see these inviting countries. Vibrant cities, pastoral countryside, and quaint towns--historical splendor abounds. Getting back to the barge (turned into a river boat) each night was a convenient way to avoid a change in lodging. Biking is a way of life for many Belgians and Dutch, and we were part of it during our journey.
Presenter: Scott Lauffer.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
Evolution of life on Earth over more than 3 billion years has given rise to over 15 million species of organisms with a stunning and beautiful diversity of adaptations. Dr. Shephard will outline what we measure and know about this diversity of life. He will then give a view of threats to this diversity and how we can help save as much of it as we can.
Presenter: Julian Shephard.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location:
An Ithaca-area and Binghamton alum (Ph.D. Sociology 1980), Dr. Laurentz brings his Sociology, Clinical Psychology, and broadly-defined Spiritual orientation to his approach in helping seniors. He has been displaying a brief article via PowerPoint for discussion, which can take off in various directions because the needs of each class are different. You may feel free to participate or not. Prior classes have led to interesting discussions on a wide range of aging issues.
Presenter: Robert Laurentz, PsyD, PhD.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Online using ZOOM
Location: Zoom
Notes: Zoom only
General George Washington was on the verge of his army going home on December 31, 1776, as their enlistments were up and he had no option to hold them in camp. Instead, he devises the bold plan to cross the Delaware River on Christmas Eve and attack the Hessian units wintering in the town of Trenton on the New Jersey side of the river. Join George Cummings as we explore this turning point in the 250th celebration of the War for Independence.
Presenter: George Cummings.
This class meets 1 time:
Delivery: Hybrid (In Person or Online)
Location: