Course Offerings
Welcome to Encore’s Spring 2012 course offerings. These events have been scheduled within the college’s academic calendar and for available instruction areas after the credit courses have been scheduled. This scheduling is completed at least two months before classes begin. So, as you consider what to register for, please note carefully the dates, times, and places for each offering. Then register for those offerings that fit within your own calendar. Neither Encore nor its instructors can make changes after that. The only exception would be a college-wide postponement/cancellation/rescheduling, i.e. snow day. Our Encore office phone number is (845) 341-4896.
Please remember to note for each course:
- the number of sessions
- the exact dates of those sessions
- the location (building & room)
Because of content and/or classroom size, many courses have enrollment caps. Registrations are processed on a "First Come-First Served" basis. Here is our Spring 2012 Course Schedule.
Monday Classes Spring 2012
THE SOLAR SYSTEM/STAR FORMATIONS: 1 session, 4:00 - 6:00pm, Monday, March 19 ROOM – Center for Teaching & Learning (Library)
The subject matter for this course is, in general, the place of the asterism, commonly called the Big Dipper, within the Milky Way galaxy, why this particular asterism has been so important throughout history, and some interesting facts about the star cluster. Participants will also learn how to use the cluster as a very reliable clock.
But it gets even better. The instructors, Dena Whipple and Bill Richards, will use the Big Dipper subject matter to introduce participants to a tutorial on smart board technology. Smart boards are interactive whiteboards used to create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment. This technology is used by millions of educators and students across the globe. This session will be a hands-on experience in which all participants will be guided in the use of the smart board and learn something about astronomy at the same time.What’s not to like?
Instructor: Dr. William Richards, President SUNY Orange
Dr. Richards, who arrived at SUNY Orange on August 1, 2003, encourages innovative collaborations and is often fond of saying, “We can do things better together than we can separately.” Dr. Richards acquired his Ph.D. in medieval literature from the University of Denver in 1987.
Instructor: Dena Whipple
Dena is a part-time faculty member in the Arts and Communication Department, teaching traditional and digital photography. With the college since 2005, she was recently hired as the Coordinator for the Center for Teaching Learning and Technology where she facilitates professional development training for faculty and staff.
HISTORY OF MIDDLETOWN, NEWBURGH, PORT JERVIS: 3 sessions, 2:00 - 4:00pm Monday, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19 ROOM – Library 221
This three-session course takes us on a historical journey of three of Orange County’s prominent cities. Our guides are well-known and very accomplished citizen-historians.
- Middletown’s Forgotten History – Monday, March 5
Did you know: Middletown existed as a neighborhood, or hamlet, long before it was incorporated as a village in 1848? It was a center of military activity for a century-and-a-half before that. Nearby stone houses were linked by firelight signals from Middletown.
Instructor: Thomas F. Brannan Thomas is actively involved in the Historical Society of Middletown & Wallkill Precinct, NYS Archeological Association and New England Antiquities Research Association; he is also a volunteer fireman and a Scoutmaster, and a retired former Director of Public Works, City of Port Jervis.
- The Port of Newburgh-Orange County’s Gateway – March 12
Learn about the City’s contribution to the Hudson Valley. For over 300 years, Newburgh has provided Orange County with access to and from the Hudson River. The City’s inventions, innovations and industry made it a job and transportation hub for 250 of those years.
Instructor: Mary McTamaney Mary is a 4th generation Newburgher who still lives in the same city ward where her great-grandparents settled during the Civil War. She is a trustee of the Newburgh Preservation Association, Newburgh Historical Society, and serves on the NY State Documentary Heritage Committee.
- Port Jervis, NY History – Monday, March 19
We will be showing the history of The City of Port Jervis through postcards and lecture. We encourage students to bring any material to share.
Instructors: Dee Dee Backus & Nancy Conod Dee Dee is a lifetime resident of Port Jervis, retired Minisink Valley teacher, local historian, deltiologist, and show chairperson for the Half Moon Postcard Club annual show. Nancy is the Executive Director and Treasurer of the Minisink Valley Historical Society and newsletter editor.
MAH JONGG: 6 sessions, Monday, 1:00-3:30pm, March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ROOM – Shepard Center Alumni Room
Learn to play that popular game Mah Jongg, which you keep hearing about. The American version will be our focus. The class is for beginners, but can also serve as a refresher course for those who have played before. Participants will need to purchase their own Mah Jongg cards. Instructor will order after 1st class. Approximate cost $7.00.
Instructors: Florette Soroka and Patricia Blau Florette has played Mah Jongg for 35 years and has been teaching others to play for the past 7 years in Chester, at Middletown Mulberry House, Encore and at the Town of Wallkill Wildflower Community Center.
SENIORS & CRIME PREVENTION: 3 sessions, Monday, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, April 2, 9, 16 ROOM –Harriman Hall 211A
This course will be an overview and discussion of senior citizens and the impact and analysis of the crimes that affect them. The “Baby Boomers” are now seniors and the Internet has made them even more vulnerable to crime. Learn how to protect yourself and others.
Instructor: Timothy Zeszutek Timothy, SUNY Orange instructor, has recently retired from the New York State Police. He previously taught at the NYS and Orange County Police Academies, and is currently teaching Criminal Justice at SUNY Orange’s Newburgh campus.
LIVING IN A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY: 1 session, Monday, 2:30 – 4:00 pm, April 30 ROOM –Library 221
The typical pattern of living in isolated large homes, with oil/gas furnaces, is not sustainable from an environmental, cultural or financial point of view. Learn about a more rewarding living arrangement that enhances the well-being of both its members, and the planet, through increased social connection, resource-sharing, and use of sustainability practices. The co-housing model, which balances privacy and community involvement, is a growing trend in the U.S. Learn about different models of co-housing in the U.S., and specifically about one of the very few developments in New York State: Legacy Farm Cohousing.
Instructor: Nancy Schafer Nancy is a psychologist recently retired from the Hudson City S.D. She has been interested in community living since her college days. She has been actively involved in building the Legacy Farm Cohousing Community for the past 9 years.
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Tuesday Classes Spring 2012
AFRICA: CEREMONY, TEXTILES & MASQUERADES: 3 sessions, Tuesday, 2:00 - 4:00pm, March 13, April 3 , 24 ROOM – Shepard Center Alumni Room
This course will be divided into three afternoon sessions. The first program will emphasize masquerades, including dancing, costume and music from Mali and Nigeria. Slides, recordings and African objects will be used. The following meeting will focus on textiles, with both a CD presentation and examples from the instructor’s own collection. The last program is a look at ceremonial objects, such as altars and thrones. No prior reading or travel is necessary.
Instructor: Roslyn Fasssett Following an interest in African Art led Roslyn to travel in Mali and Nigeria where she began a modest collection of fabrics and wood sculptures. She earned a Master’s degree at City College in Non-Western Art History, and taught Tribal Arts at SUNY Purchase and New Paltz.
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS: 4 sessions, Tuesday, 2:00 - 4:00pm, April 3,
10, 17, 24 ROOM – Harriman 207
This course will examine the religious traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism with emphasis on worship styles and life event celebrations and the gifts of diversity in the religious dimension of human experience.
Instructor: Sister Peggy Murphy Sister Peggy Murphy is a Professor of Religion Studies at Mount Saint Mary College. Sister has a B.S. in Education from St. John’s University, an M.A. in Counseling from Iona College Graduate School, an M.S.A. from Yeshiva University in Clinical Social Work and a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology from Drew University. Sister has also taught a course in Introduction to World Religion for 11 years.
WE ARE THE COURSE: HISTORY & MUSIC ARE YOU: 3 sessions Tuesday, 2:00 – 4:00pm, April 17, 24, May 1 ROOM –Library 221
Students will be involved in the process of how our lives, in terms of ages and cycles, mirror that of history; we’ll also discover that we are the lyrics of the songs we have known and loved. The instructor will use history, visuals, music, and interaction with participants to develop a more intimate knowledge of how history is more than a linear, subjective experience; for all of us, it is also personal, integrative, and transcendent.
Instructor – Martin Manson Martin taught social studies in Chester High School for 3 years and Monroe Woodbury High School for 31 years. For several years, he was also a SUNY Orange Adjunct Instructor in Economics and Asian Studies. After retirement, he taught student teachers at SUNY New Paltz including a seminar for part of the time.
FACEBOOK, YOU TUBE, TWITTER, SKYPE: WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT? 1 session, Tuesday, May 22, 2:00 – 4:00 pm ROOM – Library 221
Have you heard your nieces, nephews and grandchildren talking about all of these? Have you, like many of us, thrown up your hands in befuddlement? Then join SUNY Orange’s Academic Technology expert, Maureen Larsen, and moderator Chris Godwin as we explore what each of these internet-based avenues of communication is all about. We’ll demonstrate each via a big screen projection and answer basic questions. Our goal? To at least help us to understand this “brave new world” this new generation lives in! Note, however, that this an OVERVIEW session, not a hands-on workshop.
Instructors: Maureen Larsen & Chris Godwin Maureen is currently the Coordinator of Instruction Technology at SUNY Orange. Both instructors are veteran Encore faculty. Chris is a Professor Emerti of English and former English Department Chair at SUNY Orange. Both instructors are veteran Encore faculty.
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Wednesday Classes Spring 2012
HEROES & VILLAINS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY: 5 sessions, Wednesday, 2:15 - 4:15pm, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 ROOM – Harriman Hall 211A
Learn about the “Heroes & Villains of the Hudson Valley”; they include the Ramapo Cowboy, Poe, Mad Anthony Wayne, Thomas Cole, Andrew Jackson Downing, E. Post, Gouverneur K. Warren, W. Irving, Diedrich Knickerbocker, A. Burr, Beverly Robinson, Captain Kid, Honest John Morrissey, U.S. Grant, Hamilton Fish, Alice Desmond, Frances Bannerman, Fred Church, Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, Benedict Arnold and many others.
Instructor: Frank Kieck One of Encore’s most popular instructors, Frank is an avid old time radio and mystery fan who collects old radio shows and mysteries as a hobby.
MODERN NOVELS: 2 sessions, Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00pm, April 11, 18 ROOM –Shepard Center Alumni Roon
Discussion focuses on two recent best-selling novels, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Students will be required to read The Book Thief before the first session; they should have completed Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet before the second session.
Instructor – Marlena Lange Marlena has been a teacher of English at Chester High School, SUNY Orange, Harriman College and Mercy College. She has worked in many local prisons and is an active member of Friends of Thrall Library.
***U.S. CONGRESS: 3 sessions, Wednesday, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, April 11, 18, 25
ROOM – Library 221
This course will investigate the history of politics of the United States Congress, both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. We will look at important figures, laws, and policies to find out what Congress does.
Instructor: Paul Basinski
Paul is the Chair of the Department of Global Studies and an Associate Professor of Political Science at SUNY Orange. He helps run the college’s Global Initiative and is also responsible for the Gilman Center for International Education.
SHARING OUR STORIES: TAKING THE NEXT STEPS…. 1 session, Wednesday, May 23 2:00 – 4:00 pm ROOM – Library 221
Remember last season when Anne Foland, Harvey Horn and Mary Makofske joined Chris Godwin to show us how to find and start writing our own stories? Now we have the opportunity to see what happens when we get the story on paper, then go on to edit it and ---hooray---publish it for friends and family! Once again with Chris as moderator, Anne will detail how she completed the process for the current publication of her book, Long Ago But Near At Heart. She’ll show us how she divided her stories into chapters, selected illustrations and photos and “what not.”
Instructors: Anne Foland, Chris Godwin Anne has been a long time member of Encore and has taught quilting for many years. She now wants to share her new endeavors. Chris is a Professor Emeriti of English and former English Department Chair at SUNY Orange. Chris has been actively involved in Encore as a popular instructor and member for many years.
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Thursday Classes Spring 2012
BASIC SPANISH CONVERSATION I: 2 sessions, Thursday, March 1, 22, 2:00 - 3:30pm ROOM –Orange Hall 109
This is a functional course designed to develop oral language communication skills at the beginning level. Oral practice is related to everyday surroundings and experiences. You are asked to talk about your family, home, studies, likes, dislikes, interests, vacations or plans for the future. Role-playing oral exercises are an important part of this class.
Instructor: Addie Speranza Now an active Encore member, Addie taught Spanish at Newburgh Free Academy for 32 years before retirement. She enjoys teaching and sharing the Spanish Language and culture with others.
READING WITH MY PRESCHOOL GRANDCHILDREN: 3 sessions, Thursday,2:30–4:30 March 8, 15, 22 ROOM: Shepard Center Alumni Roon
Enjoy an opportunity to explore techniques for identifying and sharing quality children’s books with preschool children.
Instructor: Patricia Papini Patricia is a retired educator with experience teaching grades kindergarten through grade 12, college and graduate schools; these include courses in the teaching of reading and children’s literature for SUNY New Paltz and other colleges and universities.
POETRY, LANGUAGE AT PLAY: 3 sessions, Thursday, 3:00 – 5:00 pm, March 8, 15, 22 ROOM: Library 221
This course offers the opportunity to explore the exciting and surprising possibilities of the language of poetry, the oldest form of language. The course will revisit some old school chums we thought we knew. It will also take us to some unfamiliar places. Finally, it may make us feel uncomfortable when poetry is not doing pretty or give us a guilty pleasure of having fun at another’s expense.
Instructor: Martin Januario Marty was a teacher of English on the secondary level in the Middletown School District and an adjunct professor of English at SUNY Orange. Though retired, he is still involved in this area as a volunteer in the American Literacy Program. He enjoys the craft of teaching and the possibility of opening doors for others to develop skills and to increase a capacity for enjoyment.
BRIDGE : 5 sessions, Thursday, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 ROOM – Shepard Center Alumni Roon
Take a seat and continue to learn more bridge conventions, play of hand, defense and signals with our knowledgeable faculty trio.
Instructors: Marion Sotelo, Harriet Bloom, Rhoda Pollock All three instructors have been duplicate bridge players for many years. Marion has attained the rank of Bronze Life Master. All three love the game and want others to share their enthusiasm for the game.
HISTORY OF THE DROWNED LANDS: 1 session, Thursday, 2:00 - 4:00pm, May 3 ROOM – Library 221
Learn how the drowned lands of Pine Island were formed, drained, and cultivated. Explore the early settlement by Polish immigrants as well as the Irish, Italians and Germans.
Instructor: John J. Ruszkiewicz John was born and raised in Florida, NY. He received a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.A. from Harvard University, spent 21 years in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence, taught language school in Turkish, Arabic and French, and is currently an onion grower on a 230 acre farm.
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Friday Classes Spring 2012
***FILMS FOR EVERYONE: 8 sessions, Friday, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 13, 20, 27, May 4 ROOM – Harriman 111
Students will view 8 films which will be both entertaining and informative. A brief history of each film will be presented before showings; discussions will follow the movie. The following films will be shown:
March 9 - “That’s Entertainment”
March 16 – “The Quiet Man”
March 23 – “Easter Parade”
March 30 – “The Natural”
April 13 - “A Night to Remember”
April 20 - “The Kings Speech”
April 27 - “Midnight in Paris”
May 4 - “Best Years of Our Lives”
Program is subject to change
Instructor: Nelson E. Page Nelson has been affiliated with the motion picture exhibition for the past 30 years. As President of MajesticStar Entertainment, Nelson presently oversees five locations with a total of twenty screens, located in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. He also served as Chairperson of the Fort Lee Film Commission and serves on several other Boards which include Theatre Organ Society International (TOSI), Bergen County (NJ) Film Commission and the Riverton Film Society in Nyack, NY.
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