NextAct: College-Level Courses

The Opera Companion
10:00am - 12:00pm Instructor: Jane Marsh
Join internationally renowned opera singer Jane Marsh for an in-depth Opera Companion Course. The Fall semester will offer a style assortment from Donizetti, Bellini, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, and Strauss, plus a tour of these composers’ lesser-known operas. The course will draw from literary drama and politics, offering diverse and entertaining showcases depicted through DVD clips. You do not have to be a musician - just bring your interest and enthusiasm!

The Cinematic Century
10:00am - 11:30am Instructor: Max Alvarez
Sometimes cinematic miracles occur in the form of movie stars or directors. Sometimes the miracles result from the craftspeople behind the scenes, whose towering achievements are often taken for granted by moviegoers. Astonishing results can also occur when disparate artistic disciplines join forces in front of film cameras or when an artistic movement is in full force. Join film historian Max Alvarez, a filmmaker and frequent Smithsonian Institution visiting scholar, for this electrifying semester honoring the art, craft, and brilliance of our great cinematic 20th century. Max’s 90-minute sessions include rare archival materials and bountiful film selections destined to mesmerize and enthrall cinéphiles. Program subject to change.

 
Art Appreciation 
9:45am - 11:00am Instructor: Pamela Koehler
Join us this semester for a weekly exploration of art exhibitions and events taking place in and beyond NYC. We’ll look at highlights of exhibits, auctions, and other art events in the New York area, and explore national and international exhibitions as well. The course will include slide presentations, careful looking, and lively discussion!

 
What Just Happened? The World Today
11:00am - 12:00pm Instructor: Bill Hughes
Overwhelmed by the fast and furious pace of news and current events? Join veteran journalist and news addict Bill Hughes and your fellow JASA attendees to help break it down and make sense of it all as best we can. While this class examines the major breaking news stories of the week, we also strive to emphasize the quirky, positive, and under-reported stories from around the world.

 

Dance History
1:00pm - 2:30pm Instructor: Lars Rosager
This course focuses on acquiring a general knowledge of dance history from its beginnings to contemporary times. Participants are encouraged to think critically about social and cultural factors affecting stylistic developments in dance history, such as geography, economics, fashion, politics, and technology. We will look at the dance cultures of ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks, and we will explore different dance genres, including indigenous dance, folk dance, court dance, ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and Broadway dance. We will include an (optional) movement study segment on our feet relating to the topics discussed in that day’s class.

 
Mah Jongg: Afternoon Play
1:00pm - 2:45pm Amanda Brown
Join us for a fun and engaging introduction to American Mah Jongg in this course designed for beginners and experienced players. Amanda Brown will guide you through the fundamentals of the game, including tile recognition, game setup, understanding the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, and basic strategies. Through hands-on, guided play, you’ll gradually build your confidence and knowledge while enjoying the social and lively spirit of Mah Jongg. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to join a game with ease and enthusiasm. Let’s crack the tiles and get playing! **Please note that cards are not included with registration**

 
European History of the 20th and 21st Centuries
1:00pm - 2:30pm Alexander Pichugin
Embark on an enlightening journey through the dynamic and tumultuous history of modern Europe with our engaging course. This course explores the monumental events that shaped the continent, from the devastation of World War I and the ideological clashes of the Cold War to the creation of the European Union and the challenges of globalization in the 21st century.

Each session examines pivotal moments in depth, offering insight into their historical context, key figures, and lasting impact. Explore the rise and fall of totalitarian regimes, the cultural revolutions that reshaped societies, and Europe’s recovery through postwar reconstruction and integration. Delve into the social and political transformations of the late 20th century, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the expansion of the EU, and engage with pressing contemporary issues such as climate change, immigration, and Europe’s role on the global stage.

Filled with fascinating stories, critical analyses, and thought-provoking discussions, this course invites both history enthusiasts and curious minds to uncover the profound changes that define modern Europe. Whether you’re exploring history for the first time or deepening your knowledge, this course promises to inform, challenge, and inspire.

 

The U.S. Supreme Court: When Law and Politics Collide
10:00am - 11:15am Instructor: Leora Harpaz
This course will examine the Supreme Court's recent actions in areas of political significance, including the Court’s decision to severely limit the ability of lower federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions rather than relief that only applies to the parties before the Court. The course will also explore cases addressing religious liberty, free speech, gender-affirming medical care for transgender teenagers, and public funding for Planned Parenthood. Finally, there are already major cases that the Court will hear during the 2025-26 term, which will be discussed.

New York Short Stories
11:30am - 12:45pm Instructor: Jennifer Gilchrist
New York is a city of millions of stories of hope, dreams, fear, anger, despair, romance, luck, creativity, humor, and resilience. What better setting for the literary short story? With an emphasis on perspective and internal logic, we read and analyze short works of comedy, satire, irony, character study, romance, family drama, friend drama, and social realism by diverse New Yorkers such as Alejandro Heredia, Steven Corbin, Han Ong, Jai Chakrabarti, Lydia Davis, Ian Frazier, Lucia Berlin, Barbara Summers, Paul Aziz Zarou, and Jesús Colón.

Antigone
10:00am - 11:15am Instructor: Joe George
Sophocles' family drama turns tragic when Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, takes matters into her own hands to honor her brother while repudiating the state order from her uncle Creon. The paths of right and wrong become muddy when we examine two truths. This fascinating, timeless classic will be read, discussed, and analyzed to gain a further understanding of family, loyalty, honor, and tradition. The great Chorus will be your guide into Thebes as the order of affairs plays out in private and public to examine the power of self-sacrifice.

 
Wellness Journey for Older Adults
11:30am - 12:15pm: Instructor Jennifer Monness
This workshop will explore a variety of wellness practices tailored specifically for older adults. We'll delve into the importance of physical activity, mindful movement, nutrition, stress management techniques, and social connection for overall well-being. Participants will learn practical tips and strategies to incorporate these practices into their daily lives, enhancing their quality of life and fostering a sense of vitality.

 
Let’s Go to the Movies!
1:00pm - 2:15pm Instructor: Kim Breden
Join Kim Breden for a virtual program examining treasured Movie Musicals, most specifically those created for Hollywood. Participants will enjoy a deeper look into masterpieces that did not originate on the Broadway stage, such as Gigi, State Fair, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Singing in the Rain. The classic black and white films of the 1930s will highlight the amazing talents of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and will feature the unforgettable tunes of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and of course, the Gershwins. With the use of performance videos, sound recordings, photographs, and historical lectures, this class will offer the opportunity to see and hear some of Hollywood’s most beloved favorites.

 
Marcus Aurelius’ Mediations 
2:30pm - 3:45pm Instructor: Greg Canada
 

 

 

 
Get A Clue: Crossword Construction
4:00PM - 5:15 PM Instructor Natan Last
Learn the principles of crossword puzzle construction through basic history, determining a theme, making a usable grid, and creating the fill. A group puzzle will be submitted to the New York Times. More than twenty puzzles have been featured in the Times thus far! Will Shortz has hailed this class as “one of a kind.”

Registration is capped at 25 students.