Delve into short stories by the greatest of writers. Discover and relish the many aspects of a fascinating story – character, plot, setting, and the life experience of the author. Share in discussions of stories that move us to better understand ourselves and each other. Sect 1: Short stories by Joyce Carol Oates, Fri, Sept 10, 17, 24 Sect 2: Short stories by Anton Chekhov, Fri, Oct 8, 15, 22 ZOOM Fee and Code: $49, XHUML 099 Call To Register…

Fiction or not, this course is a light-hearted approach to what some consider a serious endeavor: the written word. Participants will recognize what makes writing engage us, and try their hand at the following skills: the backstory, the narrator, description, the narrative arc, and writing to the conclusion. Each class will focus on one of these. Students will respond to weekly prompts, or if you have something specific in mind, that can be your goal. The only requirement is the…

Learn or review basic concepts and techniques while expanding your creative vision. Concepts include line, value, and perspective. Teacher demonstration and hands-on instruction. Suggested materials list will be emailed to students one week before class. 5 SESSIONS Wed, Sept 22-Oct 20, 10 am-12:30 pm Fee & Code: $169, XARTF 207 Call To Register 732-224-2315

What to do with the treasures in your attic and beyond? Find out how to get started making money by selling on E-bay, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy. Instructor David Carlon, is an experienced E-bay Power Seller. Join this class for beginner to intermediate E-bay users. Learn, step by step, how to make money the fun and easy way. Sec 1: Sat, Sept 25, 9:30 am-12:30 pm Sec 2: Sat, Nov 6, 9:30 am-12:30 pm Fee and Code: $55, XPRAG 094…

Whether soon turning 65, or already a Medicare recipient, don’t miss this thorough review of Medicare program basics and the variety of ways to enroll in Medicare. Our discussion will outline Original Medicare (parts A&B), Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C ) and, finally, Medigap Coverage (Medicare Supplement) and how it interfaces with Original Medicare. We will evaluate Medicare entitlement, approximate costs and eligibility. Information will also be provided regarding the major insurance companies in…

Did you know there is Nobel Prize winning science behind our ability to make good decisions? Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the pitfalls that cause us to make avoidable mistakes. These include: • Ignoring probabilities • Gambler’s Fallacy • Positive descriptions • Illusion of validity • Loss Aversion This entertaining experience will offer case studies and simple scenarios requiring a decision. Participants will make decisions (privately). Then, we’ll explore how each foible/pitfall influences and hinders our ability to make…

Thomas Cromwell and Thomas Cranmer were born into families of modest means, yet both rose to serve as close advisers to the Tudor monarchy. At a time of religious and political reform, they held tremendous influence on English policy. As Cromwell guided the country from a medieval to a modern nation, Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer defined the very essence of the newly formed Church of England. Yet, in the midst of court intrigue and monarchial succession, both men were…

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of Brookdale’s most popular courses, drawn from the Humanities 3-credit class of the same name. “Creativity” is usually assumed to mean the ‘arts.’ This course goes way deeper and explores all our creative fields: we dig into the ‘universal’ human-defining creations: language, mythology, religion, how we think and the evolution of philosophy. We will unwrap how creativity happens and how creativity is what defines us as human. We’ll explore the ‘arts’ based on…

When we are happy, we are healthier. There is a huge connection between our physical and emotional health. When we are happy, we are more productive and creative which is why wellness is so important. You are in control of your happiness, or at least up to 40%, according to science. While each person has a genetic set point for happiness (like we do for weight), a large part of how you feel is under your control, meaning the way…

There is general agreement on all sides that our present political dialogue is divisive and devoid of traditional compromise. However, there is little agreement on what to do about it. This discussion will answer the question of whether today’s problems are unique in US history or not. What can be done to change it? Sec 1: ON CAMPUS Thurs, Oct 7, 10:30-noon Sec 2: ZOOM Mon, Oct 11, 10:30-noon Fee and Code: $24, XHUMN 073 Call To Register 732-224-2315 LINK…

During their brief, volatile recording career Buffalo Springfield released just three albums; a grand total of thirty-four original songs. But the four songwriters from this seminal band-Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Stephen Stills, and Neil Young-remained vitally important after Springfield dissolved. Their later work with bands like Poco, Loggins & Messina, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young created a template for many successful acts that followed, shaping the musical future into the 21st century. Join professional musician and educator Pat Barton…

Founding Father Alexander Hamilton greatly influenced the content of our US Constitution. He campaigned for its adoption by the Thirteen States as one of the authors of the Federalist Papers. He had the clearest vision of how to create a US Economy and how it would develop in the future. As the First Secretary of the Treasury he set the course for how to finance the new federal government and establish the country’s strong credit. His economic vision and leadership…

Stock Market Boot Camp Explore basics for understanding the stock market to advanced strategies on how to select stocks and manage risk. Find out what information you need to increase the probability of making a successful investment. Learn how to read technical charts as well as how to review the fundamentals of a company. Investment strategies will be discussed, but no specific products will be offered. Sat, Oct 16, 9:30 am-12:30 pm Fee and Code: $39, XFING 073 Call To…

The Japanese work “Reiki” means universal life force/energy. Reiki, a 3,000-year-old method of healing touch, originated in ancient Eastern cultures. It’s a technique that uses touch to facilitate relaxation, reduce stress, manage pain and promote healing. Health sciences recognize that spiritual and emotional imbalances affect our physical health and wellbeing. Reiki restores balance to body, mind and spirit, maximizing the natural healing process. When we remain out of balance, we become susceptible to “dis-ease”. Upon completion participants will be fully…

New Jersey is legendary. Explore the legends of New Jersey surrounding historical sites, local cemeteries and private residences. The story of the Jersey Devil will be examined and his existence called into question. Are these legends Fact or Fiction? ON CAMPUS Tues, Oct 19 10 am-noon Fee & Code: $29, XHUMN 236 LINK TO LIFELONG LEARNING BROCHURE

So many mysteries surround Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Who published them and why? Did Shakespeare approve the ordering? Who is the handsome young boy, the rival poet, and the Dark Lady? Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence is considered the greatest group of poems ever written but they have also created some of literature’s great mysteries. Dr. Calendar will discuss the history of sonnets which led to Shakespeare’s, what we know or speculate about the sonnets themselves, their radical use of the sonnet form, and…

We’ll look back at the life and art of Jimmy Mirikitani made famous in the documentary film The Cats of Mirikitani by Linda Hattendorf. Let us remember Jimmy as an incredible human being and dedicated artist, while thinking about what lessons can be learned moving forward, seeking justice, equality and a better future. Wed, Oct 20, 7-9 pm Fee & Code: $19, XWWTS 313 Free for students Call To Register 732-224-2315 LINK TO LIFELONG LEARNING BROCHURE

Do you love fabric, fashion and interior design? Do you have a sewing machine or want one, but don’t know how to use it? Learn how to operate and understand the parts of a sewing machine. Be guided through basic techniques and get started on your first project. A portable sewing machine is required for this class. Sec 1: Fri, Oct 22, 10 am-noon Sec 2: Wed, Nov 17, 6:30-8:30 pm Fee & Code: $49, XARTC 139 Call To Register…

Boot Camp – Next Steps Expand your knowledge of the stock market. Review intermediate to advanced investment strategies combining fundamental and technical analysis (point and figure charting) and portfolio construction and risk management techniques. Learn the importance of sector and stock selection utilizing various technical tools including relative strength, momentum and trend. Students who attend this class should have basic knowledge of investing. Investment strategies will be discussed, but no specific products will be offered. Sat, Oct 23, 9:30 am-12:30…

Author Laurie Buchanan, Ph.D., writes, “When we listen, we hear someone into existence.” Are we in danger of losing this interpersonal magic in our busy, hectic lives? Is the art of listening threatened in a world that won’t stop talking? Come and learn six key cognitive and behavioral skills that professionals use to fully engage with others. Through brief talks and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the tools and insights that lead to deeper, more meaningful connections in their personal…

Spend a fun afternoon exploring the ideal medium! Draw with color in a very forgiving manner. Designed for the artist who wants to strengthen drawing skills and experiment with a new and exciting medium. We will work from a still life and from photos, but rest assured, this is a step-by-step, structured class. Use both soft and hard pastels and learn new approaches to application and color mixing. Suggested supply list will be emailed one week before class. Sec 1:…

The 2020-2021 US Economy will go down in history as one of extremes. COVID-19 lockdowns produced economic data rivaling the Great Depression with a subsequent recovery producing some of the strongest economic data on record. These extremes have produced a new normal throughout the economy. Federal Reserve policy, government spending, employment, inflation, supply chains, and stock and bond markets – all have been affected. These topics will be discussed and given some historical perspective. 3 SESSIONS Tues, Oct 26-Nov 9,…

Want to make your photos stand out from the competition? Try black and white! Black and white images are especially effective in travel, fine arts, architecture, portrait and studio photography. Focus on shapes, patterns, contrast, lighting, and tonal range. Explore traditional black and white film photography and why it still has its place in photography, as well as digital black and white. Course includes a short introduction to the zone system and applications. Analyze examples to see in monochrome and…

Learn design, cutting, tile layout, types of surfaces, adhesion, and grouting – all the techniques needed to complete a 9”x12” mosaic project to take home. Course materials provided. Materials fee $40 payable to the instructor. 4 SESSIONS Fri, Oct 29-Nov 19, 10 am-noon Fee and Code: $99, XARTF 127 Call To Register 732-224-2315 LINK TO LIFELONG LEARNING BROCHURE

Advanced Boot Camp – Investing In Today’s Uncertain Market Examine tactical portfolio management and tools for broadening your investment scope. Topics include: ETF (Exchange Traded Funds), Options, Investing in Bear Markets, Defense Investing, and Investing for Yield. Explore the six major asset classes: Cash, Bonds, US Equities, International Equities, Currencies and Fixed Income. Learn how to incorporate these asset classes into your portfolio. Strategies discussed, no specific products will be offered. Sat, Oct 30, 9:30 am-12:30 pm Fee and Code:…

Don’t miss this series of interdisciplinary lectures discussing life in the small towns and townlets where many Ashkenazi (European) Jews lived their lives from the Middle Ages up into the 20th century, in the lands of Poland, Lithuania and later within the Russian Empire (Hungary and more). To illuminate facets of Jewish life, lectures will also include discussions of works of both fiction and non-fiction, including stories and memoirs. Authors may include Nathan Hanover, I.J. Singer, Solomon Maimon, Sholem Aleichem,…

Open to students who have attended a jewelry making class at Brookdale, this workshop offers access to our professional jewelry studio. Work independently on your individual projects with your own materials to create unique pieces. No instruction or materials will be provided, but Niels Pustrom will be available in the studio to answer questions about equipment. 4 SESSIONS Mon, Nov 1-22, 6-9 pm Fee and Code: $99, XARTC 158 Call To Register 732-224-2315 LINK TO LIFELONG LEARNING BROCHURE

Spend a relaxing morning experiencing two of our most popular National Parks from the comfort of your chair. Beverly R. & Michael S. Miller of Visions Photographic Workshops have spent years visiting, photographing and guiding in Yellowstone National Park, our first National Park, and the Grand Teton National Park, donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Beverly & Michael will share stunning images and the history of these two spectacular parks in all four seasons. The grandeur of Old Faithful Geyser,…

Discover and learn the basics of a variety of art materials, including media such as watercolor, gouache, inks (both pen as well as brush applied), markers, oil pastels, and colored pencils. Find the materials that work for you and learn to experiment and get the best results from different materials. Best approaches with each media as well as combining them will be discussed. Fun class is taught through a combination of demonstration and hands-on instruction. Some supplies will be available…

Take a deep dive into the Buddhist concept of impermanence. Learn to flow with the inevitable changes that life brings. Discover how to find inner harmony during a pandemic that uproots our feelings of safety and shakes our security. Buddhist principles and practices offer theories and techniques to help us find inner peace during times of turmoil. Explore healthy strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. Wed, Nov 3, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Fee and Code: $35, XPHIL 074 Call To…

What is the harm in believing things that aren’t true? Explore the often-high costs associated with believing conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and fake news. Far too often we relegate these ideas to the fringes of society. But as we’ve seen in recent years they have crept into the mainstream and even the highest office in the land. From flat-earthers to white supremacists to UFOs to January 6th, 2021, we will examine various ideas and events and highlight their dubious place in…

Revisit the Early American Republic through the eyes of the first presidents. Start with George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and the Age of Federalism; go to James Madison and the War of 1812, James Monroe and the Compromise of 1820, John Quincy Adams’ so-called Corrupt Bargain and end with “Old Hickory” Andrew Jackson. 3 SESSIONS Fri, Nov 5-19, 10 am-noon Fee & Code: $69, XHUMN 288 Call To Register 732-224-2315 LINK TO LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMS

As part of our on-going conflict resolution series, we will address the latest updates on the conditions for North Korean refugees during a global pandemic with our long-time contributor, Rachel Stine. Ms. Stine has worked with North Korean refugees for over ten years. Today, she lives in Jeju Island, where she serves a senior North Korea analyst at the Asia Institute. Her writing for such publications as The Huffington Post and The Korea Times covers human rights, foreign policy, geek…

Sushi Making Everything you need to know about the techniques of making beautiful and delicious Sushi. Tues, Nov 16, 6-9 pm Fee and Code: $69, XFOOD 108 Call To Register 732-224-2315 LINK TO LIFELONG LEARNING BROCHURE

Charles Dickens Christmas stories have helped create our celebrations of modern Christmases and remain some of the best loved Yuletide stories in English. Get an early start on the Christmas season with Dr. Calendar’s discussion of how Dickens came to write A Christmas Carol and his four other great Christmas stories, how they were published and received in their time, and the momentous effect they had on Dicken’s life. Wed, Dec 1, 10-11:30 am Fee and Code: $24, XHUML 072…

Explore and celebrate the beautiful and unabashedly romantic works of Giacomo Puccini. He was the leading exponent of the genre of opera known as ‘verismo’ – Italian for ‘realism’. Examine two of his most popular operas, Madame Butterfly and La Boheme. We’ll also look at the related Broadway hits, Miss Saigon and Rent. Video clips and live performance – Mara will sing pieces and demonstrate passages from the operas – will provide a unique ‘edu-tainment experience.’ 3 SESSIONS Thurs, Dec…

As we enjoy the abundance of the holiday season, it seems a fitting time for gratitude and remembrance. Join us for a full day of Irish Heritage presented by our favorite Irish scholars. Break out Sessions: Post-Famine Ireland: “Changed, Changed Utterly” Famine Emigrants and a New America Following lunch, clap your hands, tap your feet and sing along with The Cook College Ramblers performing favorite Irish tunes. Friday, Dec 3, 9:45 am-2:45 pm Fee & Code: $69, XIRIG 142, lunch…

Join author and Irish historian, Joe Connell for a discussion of his latest publication, The Terror War which examines the trauma of the times – both the exceptional and the ordinary. A diverse range of issues will be addressed including; the establishment of an Irish intelligence network in Ireland; Bloody Sunday and its effect on British intelligence (was Bloody Sunday terror for both sides?); the mirror-like use of terror in the war; the results of the war – did the…