Lifelong Learning Institute

An Expanding Universe, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy -- What Does It All Mean?

Instructor: Dr. Ata Sarajedini
Mon, Feb 3 | Tue, Feb 18 & Feb 25 @ 6PM
COST: $80 Series | $30/Session

February 3: A review of basic concepts of astronomy exploring methods used to measure distance, light, and how we analyze light. These explorations help our understanding of the Universe. Basics of gravity and its utilization are investigated to help us understand dark matter and dark energy.

 

February 18: We explore properties of the Milky Way, how stars are formed, and what happens when they die. This ensuing conversation will lead to a more scientific description and explain the existence of dark matter.

 

February 25: We will discuss the properties which led to the formation and evolution of the Universe. Topics of discussion: The Big Bang, Cosmic Microwave Background, and the acceleration of the Universe. Also discussed: how these phenomena help us understand the existence of dark matter.

 

About the Instructor:

Dr. Ata Sarajedini is currently the Björn Lamborn Endowed Chair in Astrophysics at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). He received his Ph.D. in Astronomy from Yale University and spent five years as a postdoctoral researcher and a Hubble Fellow at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona and San Francisco State University. 

Brain Function, Cognition, Memory and Everyday Functions

Instructor: Dr. Melissa Lehman
Thu, Mar 13 & 20 @ 2PM
COST: $60 Series | $30/Session

March 13: Question: How does the brain support cognitive functions? Understanding the cognitive processes is the first step to deeper understanding. Also, topics such as memory, language, and decision-making will help reveal how the brain handles daily tasks.

 

March 20: Question: How are memories formed and recalled? Unraveling long-term and short-term memory allows us to examine errors in memory information. What are some common memory errors? Misremembered details, and certain psychological reasons help explain these errors.

 

About the Instructor: 

Dr. Melissa Lehman is a professor of psychology at Lynn University, where she teaches courses in cognitive psychology, cross-cultural psychology, and research methods. She received her Ph.D. in psychology from USF, and conducted a postdoctoral research fellowship at Purdue University.

Perception, Illusion and How the Brain Misleads Us; Using Science to Improve Human Values

Instructor: Dr. Russell Hamer
Wed, Mar 26 & Apr 2 @ 6:30PM
COST: $60 Series | $30/Session

March 26: Understanding perception and illusion requires an understanding of the complex workings of the brain. How do we process light and color, which can lead to the perception of a sunset? The astonishing feats of the brain can lead our brains to be tricked by illusions. We see something that is distorted, not there, or completely miss what is there!

 

April 2:  Examine the pivotal role psychology and neuroscience plays in the development of human values, morals, and ethical structures.

 

About the Instructor:

Dr. Russell Hamer received his Ph.D. in Sensory Neuroscience at Syracuse University. Dr. Hamer is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in visual perception, including visual development. His current research focuses on what art can tell us about the brain. He is an Affiliate Scientist at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Early Modern Music: Its Roots and the Influences of Political Events on Artistic Philosophy and Expression

Instructor: Dr. Thomas McKinley  
Mon, Feb 24 | Tue, Mar 4 | Mon, Mar 10 @ 6PM
COST: $80 Series | $30/Session

February 24: The experimental nature of early modern music can be viewed as a direct outgrowth of Romantic tendencies and philosophies. Explore the split between the Impressionist style, as represented by Debussy, and Expressionism; as represented by Schoenberg.

 

March 4: The fusion of African American folk music and Western classical music, created a uniquely American sound: jass. Classical composers like Stravinsky, Ravel, Gershwin, Milhaud, and Weill began incorporating elements of jazz into their compositions as early as the 1920s and 1930s.

 

March 10: Music and politics were closely intertwined in the early twentieth century, with the two World Wars significantly impacting musical styles and movements. This lecture will discuss key artistic philosophies such as Neoclassicism, Gebrauchsmusik, Serialism, Entartete Musik, Soviet Formalism, and the Avant-garde.

 

About the Instructor:

Dr. Thomas McKinley is a Professor of Music Theory and Composition at the Conservatory of Music at Lynn University. He received his Ph.D. and A.M. degrees in composition from Harvard University and his M.M. and B.M. from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He is an active composer with his works being performed internationally.

Reading Behind the Words: Understanding the Short Story

Instructor: Winston Aarons
Tue, Mar 11, 18, 25 & Apr 1 @ 2PM
COST: $80 Series | $30/Session

Utilizing all new material, Winston will teach you the basic elements of the short story including setting, character, plot, and more. Different stories each week. Through close reading and analysis of selected short stories, you will learn to recognize what these elements add to the story and will understand structure and meaning.

 

About the Instructor:

Winston Aarons received his MFA degree from Sarah Lawrence College, New York and is the assistant professor of English at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where he also directed the university’s Honors Program. At present he teaches contemporary literature, and writing workshops at Palm Beach State College.

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Mon–Wed: 9AM - 8PM
Thu–Sat: 9AM - 5PM
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