The War That Nearly Destroyed America (FP

Conversational Spanish with a Modern Twist II

March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 2022 (Tuesdays) 10:00 a.m.–Noon Richardson Center, Auditorium Member: $55 | Non-Member: $80 Peer Leader: Donna Green Participants in this course should have studied the Spanish language at one time or resided in a Spanish-speaking area. It offers a logical approach combining active and participatory class activities along with textbook exercises and app practice that helps participants become more comfortable with understanding, speaking, reading and writing Spanish. In just a few weeks, participants will be able to quite easily use their skills.

The following grammar areas should be familiar to participants: basic nouns, articles and adjectives; forms and uses of estar, ser and hay; interrogatives; days of the week; months of the year; intonation in statements, questions and exclamations; numbers up to 1,000,000 and telling time.

The Spanish app, available for both Apple and Android devices, offers portability for practice and travel. Participants must bring their device to class. The app will be downloaded during the initial class meeting. Take it wherever you go. The goal is to have fun and enjoy using Spanish everywhere it is needed! The textbook is provided. Maximum of 20 participants.

Law and Literature: Justice and Injustice—The Law as a Willing Accomplice of Intolerance

March 22, 29, April 5, 2022 (Tuesdays) 1:30–3:30 p.m. Richardson Center, Auditorium Member: $50 | Non-Member: $75 Peer Leaders: Herb Hinkle, Esq. and Dr. Benjamin Taggie

Mystery in Our Midst—Understanding the Legacy of Laura (Riding) Jackson in Indian River County

March 30, 2022 (Wednesday) 10:00–11:30 a.m. Richardson Center, Auditorium Complimentary for members. (Registration required.) Peer Leader: Louise Kennedy The course explores the historical context of some of the most infamous and violent acts of intolerance known to Western Civilization. We look at the prosecution of the Cathars in Medieval France, origins of the Inquisition, expulsion of the Jews, Muslims and Moriscos from 15–17th century Spain, and persecutions of the Conversos. These medieval examples of intolerance culminate with the atrocities of Nazi Germany. All are examples of the law being used as an instrument of intolerance. We examine the operation of the Inquisition along with Nuremberg Trials, and the conceptual diffi culties of trying evil on such a colossal scale. We also discuss the work of two authors, Cervantes and Shakespeare, who humanized contemporary victims of intolerance in Don Quixote, The Merchant of Venice (in the great trial scene) and Othello.

Though Laura (Riding) Jackson was a highly recognized writer and a major infl uence on the Modernist Movement, she remains largely unknown. There has been a fl urry of interest in the academic world of late, and more and more people are studying her writing all around the world. Laura spent the last 50 years of her life in Indian River County, and yet few local people know about her life and work. The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation is committed to honoring her legacy by sharing her work, allowing people access to her historic home, and nurturing writers of all ages. This presentation gives insight into Laura, her work and her life in Vero Beach, and culminates in a visit to her historic home now located on the Mueller Campus of IRSC.

A Look at Effective Communication

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2022 (Fridays) 10:00–11:30 a.m. Richardson Center, Strategic Planning Center, Room C-103 Member: $50 | Non-Member: $75 Peer Leader: Michal Andries “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”—George Bernard Shaw Human beings are distinct with our highly developed communication system. Unfortunately, every medal has two sides and comes with diffi culties as well as advantages. Our communication technology is very progressive. Nevertheless, it doesn’t always make it easier to understand each other. Lack of communication to and between employees became the number one reason that people quit their job. It leads to suspicion and resentment, breeds uncertainty and doubt, and makes it also the number one reason for couples to divorce (65 percent), followed by people’s inability to resolve confl ict. This course explores (1) communication styles, (2) negative self-talk, (3) love languages, (4) confl ict resolution and (5) apology languages.