Enjoy a delightful afternoon as you visit Ontario's Parliament Building - experience a live theatrical performance or a historical vignette of some of the province's most celebrated figures. Discover Ontario's parliamentary history and heritage as you take a 45-minute guided tour followed by ... read full description

Enjoy a delightful afternoon as you visit Ontario's Parliament Building - experience a live theatrical performance or a historical vignette of some of the province's most celebrated figures. Discover Ontario's parliamentary history and heritage as you take a 45-minute guided tour followed by a traditional English style afternoon tea in the historic building. Get ready to escape into our province's history and enjoy delicious refreshments of tea, sandwiches, scones and cream.
 
 
*Location: Lobby of the Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Ontario (north of the University Avenue/College Street intersection, Queen’s Park Subway on the Yonge/University line).
 
 
Please note: This event is for LIFE members only. Please note the start time and arrive 10 minutes early. Enter through the main doors of the Legislative Building close full description

This will be a journey to explore the fascinating life of organisms of diverse kingdoms and marvel at their amazing ability to adapt to their living environment or to extreme environmental conditions. Find out how animals and plants can survive in the desert or the arctic, or why a plant can be ... read full description

This will be a journey to explore the fascinating life of organisms of diverse kingdoms and marvel at their amazing ability to adapt to their living environment or to extreme environmental conditions. Find out how animals and plants can survive in the desert or the arctic, or why a plant can be a carnivore. We will also look at how different plants and animals use clever techniques to find a living environment and reproduce. We will look at a wide range of forms, body structures, and life styles in the animal kingdom from the very simple to the very complex, and also discuss phenomena such as how animals “breathe”, how they “eat” and other curious animal behavior. In addition, you will get an insight into the fascinating world of the kingdoms of bacteria, protists and fungi.

This course is a series of illustrated lectures taught by an expert in the field. It is a repeat of a course previously offered at LIFE.
 
Christine Dimanche is an enthusiastic higher education professional with over 20 years of international experience in teaching with a focus on biology, human biology, nutrition, health, and wellbeing. She has taught varied student populations, including adults with special needs and seniors, and is experienced in health and fitness program development. Christine is currently teaching biology and nutrition courses for George Brown College.  close full description

The region in and around modern Israel lies at the crossroads between Asia and Africa and has, as a result, played a key role in the history of humanity. It is where archaeology has the first evidence of modern humans outside of Africa and it is one of the first areas where agriculture ... read full description

The region in and around modern Israel lies at the crossroads between Asia and Africa and has, as a result, played a key role in the history of humanity. It is where archaeology has the first evidence of modern humans outside of Africa and it is one of the first areas where agriculture developed. Ultimately, it was the home of the Canaanites, Philistines, Israelites, and Judahites, of the Old Testament. Over eight weeks, participants will be exposed to the archaeology of over a million years of a region whose cultures have had a lasting impact on human society.

Participants will learn from an expert in the field through a series of illustrated lectures. This is a repeat of a course previously taught at LIFE.

Dr. David Lipovitch (Harvard, ’99) is an archaeologist who has worked with archaeological excavations in southern Ontario, Israel, Jordan, the Republic of Georgia, and Turkey. He has been lecturing since the 1990s and is a course instructor in Wilfrid Laurier University’s history and archaeology departments, as well as a Research Affiliate at the University of Toronto. He is also the zooarchaeologist at U of T’s excavations at Tell Ta’yinat, Turkey and Gadachrili Gora, Georgia. close full description

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The course will provide an overview of the fundamental nutrition concepts: the nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationship between diet and health. Then, we will focus on the efforts of government and the scientific community to guide us into what we eat to fulfill ... read full description

The course will provide an overview of the fundamental nutrition concepts: the nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationship between diet and health. Then, we will focus on the efforts of government and the scientific community to guide us into what we eat to fulfill our nutritional needs in order to promote health and prevent disease. We should emerge with an understanding of why we eat, what to eat, where we eat, when we eat, and with whom we eat.

This is a lecture class with ample opportunity for discussion. Reading material will be emailed to participants prior to classes and reviewed at the beginning of each session.

Zak Sabry, PhD, taught Nutrition and Public Health at the American University of Beirut and the universities of Toronto, Guelph, and California. He was National Coordinator of Nutrition Canada, and served as Director of Nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. close full description

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Create Photobooks and have a hard copy of your photos. While it is convenient to have pictures on our phones to share, many of us have so many photos from a particular occasion (e.g. a trip, birthday party, family event) that it is better to have them all arranged in a printed ... read full description

Create Photobooks and have a hard copy of your photos. While it is convenient to have pictures on our phones to share, many of us have so many photos from a particular occasion (e.g. a trip, birthday party, family event) that it is better to have them all arranged in a printed Photobook. Participants will actually put together a Photobook during this course (though it does not have to be printed if one does not want to). We will use Picaboo.com which enables participants to work on this and future Photobooks on their home computer or laptop. An internet connection is required to download the book-making program and to upload the finished book when it is ready for printing. The skills learned will enable participants to create other Photobooks in the future.

• PC or MAC users with a working knowledge of computer basics. THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT WORK ON TABLETS or PHONES.

 • Several computers are available for use in the classroom, but it is preferable that participants bring their own laptops to this class.
• Alternatively, with a Ryerson Library card, you can borrow a fully charged laptop computer for four hours.

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Create Photobooks and have a hard copy of your photos. While it is convenient to have pictures on our phones to share, many of us have so many photos from a particular occasion (e.g. a trip, birthday party, family event) that it is better to have them all arranged in a printed ... read full description

Create Photobooks and have a hard copy of your photos. While it is convenient to have pictures on our phones to share, many of us have so many photos from a particular occasion (e.g. a trip, birthday party, family event) that it is better to have them all arranged in a printed Photobook. Participants will actually put together a Photobook during this course (though it does not have to be printed if one does not want to). We will use Picaboo.com which enables participants to work on this and future Photobooks on their home computer or laptop. An internet connection is required to download the book-making program and to upload the finished book when it is ready for printing. The skills learned will enable participants to create other Photobooks in the future.

• PC or MAC users with a working knowledge of computer basics. THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT WORK ON TABLETS or PHONES.

 • Several computers are available for use in the classroom, but it is preferable that participants bring their own laptops to this class.
• Alternatively, with a Ryerson Library card, you can borrow a fully charged laptop computer for four hours.

close full description

Create Photobooks and have a hard copy of your photos. While it is convenient to have pictures on our phones to share, many of us have so many photos from a particular occasion (e.g. a trip, birthday party, family event) that it is better to have them all arranged in a printed ... read full description

Create Photobooks and have a hard copy of your photos. While it is convenient to have pictures on our phones to share, many of us have so many photos from a particular occasion (e.g. a trip, birthday party, family event) that it is better to have them all arranged in a printed Photobook. Participants will actually put together a Photobook during this course (though it does not have to be printed if one does not want to). We will use Picaboo.com which enables participants to work on this and future Photobooks on their home computer or laptop. An internet connection is required to download the book-making program and to upload the finished book when it is ready for printing. The skills learned will enable participants to create other Photobooks in the future.

• PC or MAC users with a working knowledge of computer basics. THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT WORK ON TABLETS or PHONES.

 • Several computers are available for use in the classroom, but it is preferable that participants bring their own laptops to this class.
• Alternatively, with a Ryerson Library card, you can borrow a fully charged laptop computer for four hours.

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Have you ever thought about recording some of the key stories in your life and your loved ones’ lives on video? Today, with the quality of video recording devices on our phones and i-Pads it is much easier to capture these meaningful stories and share them with family. But you might ... read full description

Have you ever thought about recording some of the key stories in your life and your loved ones’ lives on video? Today, with the quality of video recording devices on our phones and i-Pads it is much easier to capture these meaningful stories and share them with family. But you might be wondering how you would approach this and what stories you might tell? This introduction to video storytelling will guide you through a range of practical methods and beginner tips for conducting interviews and recording simple video stories. Plus creating slide shows, photo and digital scrapbooks – all valuable tools in today’s suite of digital storytelling tools.

Participants will be encouraged to use their smart phones, i-Pads and digital cameras to record their own stories, but this is not a requirement. In-class lectures will explain the theory and organizing skills necessary, supported by many video and digital output examples.

For those interested in more “hands-on” learning related to editing their videos, a new beginner course on “i-Movie” video editing will be offered by this Instructor in the Fall of 2019.

Karen Robbins is a professional video producer and digital storyteller who loves to help people put their stories and their most cherished memories into polished and impactful videos. Karen uses her production company, Video from the Heart (www.videofromtheheart.com), as a springboard for her unique “video heirloom” approach that encourages people to create a moving legacy for future generations. close full description

Cyber-attacks that specifically target older adults are increasing at an alarming rate, and most times, they become victims because of limited cybersecurity skills.

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Cyber-attacks that specifically target older adults are increasing at an alarming rate, and most times, they become victims because of limited cybersecurity skills. With cyber-attacks continuously evolving, it has become critical for older adults to acquire the requisite cybersecurity skills so that they will know how to counter these inevitable cyber-attacks. This hands-on interactive course will equip you with the requisite knowledge and skills that you need in not only knowing what to do, but more importantly, learning how to do cybersecurity tasks so that you will be better able to protect yourselves and your devices against cyber-attacks. Bring your own device and learn how to securely configure it!

This is a hands-on, interactive course taught by an expert in the field.  It is designed for those who use PC based devices.  A course for those who use Mac devices is available at 10:10 a.m.

Dr. Carlene Blackwood-Brown holds a PhD in Information Systems with a concentration in Information Security/Cybersecurity from Nova Southeastern University, and a Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age certificate from Harvard University. She teaches Information Systems-related courses at Sheridan and Seneca Colleges. She also provides cybersecurity-related consulting, training, and technical services to organizations.

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Cyber-attacks that specifically target older adults are increasing at an alarming rate, and most times, they become victims because of limited cybersecurity skills. With cyber-attacks continuously evolving, it has become critical for older adults to acquire the requisite cybersecurity skills ... read full description

Cyber-attacks that specifically target older adults are increasing at an alarming rate, and most times, they become victims because of limited cybersecurity skills. With cyber-attacks continuously evolving, it has become critical for older adults to acquire the requisite cybersecurity skills so that they will know how to counter these inevitable cyber-attacks. This hands-on interactive course will equip you with the requisite knowledge and skills that you need in not only knowing what to do, but more importantly, learning how to do cybersecurity tasks so that you will be better able to protect yourselves and your devices against cyber-attacks. Bring your own device and learn how to securely configure it!

This is a hands-on, interactive course taught by an expert in the field.  It is designed for Mac users.  A course for those who use PC based devices is available at 12:10 p.m.

Dr. Carlene Blackwood-Brown holds a PhD in Information Systems with a concentration in Information Security/Cybersecurity from Nova Southeastern University, and a Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age certificate from Harvard University. She teaches Information Systems-related courses at Sheridan and Seneca Colleges. She also provides cybersecurity-related consulting, training, and technical services to organizations. close full description

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Unlike breaking, up to the minute news, documentary cinema, to be most effective, needs a gestation period, often a long one, to make its most salient points clear. Whether it be Ezra Edelman

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Unlike breaking, up to the minute news, documentary cinema, to be most effective, needs a gestation period, often a long one, to make its most salient points clear. Whether it be Ezra Edelman going back to the beginning of O.J. Simpson's career to try to figure out what happened to him later on (O.J. Simpson: Made in America, 2016) or Michael Apted following a group of British boys and girls into adulthood in his acclaimed 'Up' series, whose instalments are filmed every seven years (1964-2019), the best docs often delve deeply into the background of their stories or 'characters' to try to get a handle on why something happened when it did. Others like The Battle of Chile or The Sorrow and the Pity try to make sense of history, either as it happens, or years afterwards. In any case, the finest documentaries can take their time, sometimes unfolding even over decades, and thus make an indelible, lasting impression in the process.

This course involves a series of lectures and film clips, taught by a knowledgeable cinema critic, with some opportunity for discussion.

This course is dedicated to the memory of Kevin Courrier.

Shlomo Schwartzberg has been an arts reporter, film critic, and programmer for over 30 years. He is the former chair of the Toronto Jewish Film Society and a co-founder and regular contributor to the Critics at Large website. (http://www.criticsatlarge.ca/). close full description

An intermediate level course that moves from the study of slab tone (applied with a stick on conté, charcoal or graphite) to more versatile applications of linear

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An intermediate level course that moves from the study of slab tone (applied with a stick on conté, charcoal or graphite) to more versatile applications of linear tone (using any material that will make a line) and fluid tone (using a brush). Basic colour principles are covered so that with these tools a wide range of materials can be used in a variety of ways on their own and in a mix of media. You will be encouraged to develop your personal style and to explore and invent your own techniques and begin to discern your own themes.

Sue Ericsson has taught Drawing Fundamentals for Ryerson since 1974. The City of Toronto Archives owns three of her works.

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Lloyd Cadsby and Jay Waterman are both retired lawyers who have found there is LIFE after law by pursuing their interest in world events. close full description

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* A key fob is a remote control electronic device used to open doors, condo, car, garage etc. close full description

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As part of our partnership with Ryerson University we are being offered the opportunity to learn from the graduate students studying here. Each week a different student will present on a psychology research topic. After their presentations, participants will have the opportunity ... read full description

As part of our partnership with Ryerson University we are being offered the opportunity to learn from the graduate students studying here. Each week a different student will present on a psychology research topic. After their presentations, participants will have the opportunity for questions, discussion and active engagement with the presentation material. Topics may include: myth-busting about normal vs. pathological cognitive changes with age, lifestyle tips to foster healthy aging, the effects of music on hearing loss with age, aging and driving, and aging among minority groups. Topics will feature cutting-edge research findings in the field, ongoing research in the topic at Ryerson and take-away tips for participants to apply to their lives.

Each class will consist of a 50 minute lecture followed by time for questions and discussion.
 
 
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This course offers participants a lively look at “The Golden Age of Detective Fiction” of the 1920s and 1930s and includes a look at the lives and times of writers as diverse as Dorothy L. Sayers, G. K. Chesterton, Agatha Christie, and Margery Allingham. We'll look at the books by ... read full description

This course offers participants a lively look at “The Golden Age of Detective Fiction” of the 1920s and 1930s and includes a look at the lives and times of writers as diverse as Dorothy L. Sayers, G. K. Chesterton, Agatha Christie, and Margery Allingham. We'll look at the books by these writers and explore how they followed the established conventions and clichés that limited any surprises on the part of the reader to the details of the plot and, primarily, to the identity of the murderer. Most importantly, we'll explore the “careers” of whimsical characters including:  Hercule Poirot, Lord Peter Whimsey, Father Brown, Allan Grant, Chief Inspector Alleyn and Inspector Maigret, who delight readers as much today as they did back in the golden age. See if you can outsmart these clever sleuths in the whodunits of the 20s and 30s.

This is a lecture course, taught by an expert, with opportunity for discussion. A list of suggested readings will be made available, which will enrich your enjoyment of the classes, but they are not required reading.

Jeffrey Canton has lectured on great travel writers, contemporary essayists, the memoir, and the novella at LIFE Institute as well as at the Baycrest Learning Academy. He was for many years a lecturer in the Children’s Studies Program at York University. He’s also a writer and performer and has appeared as part of the Toronto Storytelling Festival, Myseum Intersections, Nuit Rose and the Hamilton Fringe Festival. close full description

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Dechen Dorjee holds a PhD in Tibetan Studies from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies from Varanasi, India. He has nine years of teaching and research experience in the field of Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan Language and Fine Arts Philosophy. He immigrated to Canada in October 2017. Currently, he serves as an Advisor on the Education Policy Committee to the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Center in Toronto. Simultaneously, he works as an International Language Instructor with Toronto District School Board. Dechen also serves as a Cultural Advisor to Making Room Community Arts based in Parkdale, Toronto. close full description

Since ancient times people have pondered the night sky.  Stories were told to explain what could be seen. The legacy of these stories lives today in the names of the planets, stars and constellations. This course will explore the history of the study of the night sky. We will begin with ... read full description

Since ancient times people have pondered the night sky.  Stories were told to explain what could be seen. The legacy of these stories lives today in the names of the planets, stars and constellations. This course will explore the history of the study of the night sky. We will begin with a presentation on our current understanding of the universe and then, commencing with prehistoric and ancient astronomy, look at major developments such as Ptolemy’s earth-centred model of the Universe; Brahe, Kepler and Galileo’s observations of the sky; and Sir Isaac Newton’s discoveries, through to the Golden age of Discovery led by Einstein.  We will also look at current theories on The Big Bang, dark energy and dark matter.
 
This course is a series of illustrated lectures with some opportunity for discussion.
 
John Curtis is a retired drama and history teacher.  He worked with the Toronto District School Board for thirty years. The study of the night sky, and the stories it tells, have always fascinated him. close full description

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Join us to learn about the unique flora and fascinating fauna that call High Park home, including butterflies, birds, trees and wildflowers. We will hike through High Park’s natural ecosystems including the globally endangered black oak savannah, wetlands and woodlands to better ... read full description

Join us to learn about the unique flora and fascinating fauna that call High Park home, including butterflies, birds, trees and wildflowers. We will hike through High Park’s natural ecosystems including the globally endangered black oak savannah, wetlands and woodlands to better understand this vital urban green space. A
series of four 90-minute walks in High Park will be guided by an experienced naturalist.

This is an outdoor activity which will take place rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Jon Hayes joined the High Park Nature Centre team in 2006. After receiving his Bachelor of Education at OISE/University of Toronto, Jon fell in love with teaching in an outdoor setting and has been doing it ever since. Jon looks for ways to connect people of all ages with their local ecology through immersive, hands-on
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In this course we will be looking at the History of Business through the ages, from the ancient world of Aristotle to the modern world of Jeff Bezos. We will examine business conduct and activity through a multiplicity of influences, including religion, culture, and politics on the social ... read full description

In this course we will be looking at the History of Business through the ages, from the ancient world of Aristotle to the modern world of Jeff Bezos. We will examine business conduct and activity through a multiplicity of influences, including religion, culture, and politics on the social and economic environment. Earlier topics are focused on Europe and Great Britain, but later we shift our attention to the United States and Canada. This change of focus and location is partly a reflection of the shifting global balance of power, but also indicative of the innovation in thought and practice taking place in North America. While considering particular economic sectors and countries, along with broad trends and themes, we will also consider the role of particular individuals, such as Henry Ford, J.P. Morgan, and Andrew Carnegie, and assess the dynamism, vision and innovation which underpinned their success. Today, we have a new set of business entrepreneurs who, like their predecessors, are skilled in the “creative destruction” which has proven to be necessary to social and economic progress under capitalism, and which has produced so much invention, innovation, and expansion in the modern world.

This is a lecture series taught by an expert in the field.

Dr. Gordon Bannerman received his Ph.D. from King’s College London (KCL) in 2005 and has an extensive publication record of books, articles, and reviews. Dr. Bannerman was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in 2015 for his contribution to historical scholarship. He currently teaches ‘The History of Business’ and ‘Government and Business’ at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ontario. close full description

Join us in an examination of the evolution of intelligence services throughout the twentieth century with particular reference to the two World Wars, technological changes, and the Cold War confrontation after 1945. We will focus on British, German, and U.S. - Russian intelligence. The course ... read full description

Join us in an examination of the evolution of intelligence services throughout the twentieth century with particular reference to the two World Wars, technological changes, and the Cold War confrontation after 1945. We will focus on British, German, and U.S. - Russian intelligence. The course will survey the role that intelligence played in securing Allied victories during the two World Wars and in crucial Cold War events like the arms race, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Theoretical principles of intelligence gathering and assessment will be explored as will the portrayal of espionage in popular culture. We will conclude with an examination of the challenges intelligence services face today and the changing nature of spying in the post-Cold War and post-9/11eras.

Peter Vronsky is a Canadian author, filmmaker, investigative historian and a professor at Ryerson University where he teaches the history of international relations, espionage, war crimes, genocide, warfare and terrorism. He holds a PhD in Criminal Justice History and Espionage in International Relations from the University of Toronto. He is the author of three bestseller histories of serial killers, including the recently published Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present close full description

In this course we will look at the history of fashion starting with the Belle Epoch of Paris all the way to modern runway shows. Beginning with Coco Chanel, Poirer, Worth and later Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Lagerfeld and onto McQueen, Galiano and Lucian Matis (stylist for the Trudeau family), ... read full description

In this course we will look at the history of fashion starting with the Belle Epoch of Paris all the way to modern runway shows. Beginning with Coco Chanel, Poirer, Worth and later Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Lagerfeld and onto McQueen, Galiano and Lucian Matis (stylist for the Trudeau family), we trace the history of fashion into the present day. What social, political and philosophical movements found their home in the early design houses and the Moulin Rouge? Which artistic or aesthetic influences shaped early design? How did feminism grow from the suffrage movement, through the flappers, into the second wave of the 60s, and into the third wave of the women's movement? Come join us for a journey of design, music, cinema, philosophy and sociology as we study “a thinking person's fashion history”. Are we truly what we wear?   

Participants will learn from an expert on the subject in a series of illustrated lectures. This is an updated version of a course previously taught at LIFE.
 
David Chandross, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D. is currently a professor in residence at Humber College where he leads initiatives in simulations and serious game development. He is a two-time award-winning game designer who collaborates with numerous organizations to improve learning. Clients include the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Elections Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Senior Executive of the Chang School at Ryerson, Baycrest Health Sciences and the College of Family Physicians, Ontario. close full description

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland are among the top 20 countries to live in according to the United Nations Human Development Index. However, these nations in northern Europe experienced a turbulent history. We will explore key topics in the history of Scandinavia including the ... read full description

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland are among the top 20 countries to live in according to the United Nations Human Development Index. However, these nations in northern Europe experienced a turbulent history. We will explore key topics in the history of Scandinavia including the region’s prehistory, the Viking Age, the monarchies of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the Golden Age of Sweden, Finland and the Russian Empire, Denmark’s changing borders in the 19th century, and Norway’s independence in the 20th century. The history of Scandinavia continues to influence the culture and politics of the region to the present day.

Participants will learn from an expert in the field through a series of illustrated lectures with some opportunity for discussion.

Carolyn Harris is a historian and author. She received her PhD in history from Queen’s University. She is the author of three books, Magna Carta, Queenship and Revolution in Early Modern Europe, and Raising Royalty: 1000 Years of Royal Parenting. She frequently provides historical commentary on TV and radio. close full description

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Dr. David Lipovitch (Harvard, ’99) is an archaeologist who has worked with archaeological excavations in southern Ontario, Israel, Jordan, the Republic of Georgia and Turkey. He has been lecturing since the 1990s and is a course instructor in Wilfred Laurier University’s history and archaeology departments, as well as a Research Affiliate at the University of Toronto. He is also the zooarchaeologist at U of T’s excavations at Tell Ta’yinat, Turkey and Gadachrili Gora, Georgia. close full description

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Ellen Roseman has been a Toronto Star columnist for 20 years, helping readers resolve their complaints with large corporations. She is a consumer advocate and the author of seven books including Fight Back (Wiley Canada, 2013).  close full description

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Prerequisites: This is an intermediate level course: Participants must

• have basic computer skills
• bring their own laptop with the Photoshop Elements software (cost $50 to $100US) already installed
• be familiar with Photoshop Elements — you MUST BE FAMILIAR with levels and know how to make selections

Nan Weiner is an avid photographer who loves shooting and editing photos. She has taught Photoshop Elements - Basics at LIFE for the last few years and is now ready to take those interested to the next level. close full description

Many of us wish we had the ability to make floral arrangements like we

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Many of us wish we had the ability to make floral arrangements like we see at the florist shop. In this course, students will realize their potential in this teachable skill that can be picked up at any age. Over the course of four weeks participants will examine the elements and principles of design and understand how to utilize them from a single stem to a perfected arrangement. Participants will learn how to make hand tied bouquets and arrange flowers in vessels. We will talk about indoor gardens and how to maintain them and how to take advantage of what our Canadian seasons offer and how to bring the outdoors in.

This is a lecture and demonstration course with some limited opportunity for hands-on activity.

Aimé Blanchette is a professionally trained florist with almost 10 years of experience in the industry. She has a passion for all things floral and strives to bring colour into our everyday lives.

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Olivier Courteaux received his B.A. in history, M.A. in war and conflict studies and Ph.D. in contemporary international relations from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. He has lectured at various Canadian universities, including Ryerson and the Royal Military College of Canada. He is the author of The War on Terror: the Canadian Dilemma (2009), Canada Between Vichy and Free France, 1940-1945 (2013) and Quatre Journées qui ébranlèrent le Québec on Charles de Gaulle’s famous 1967 “Vive le Québec Libre” (2017). His latest book, The Empress Eugenie at Suez, 1869: France and Egypt during the Second Empire is scheduled for release in April 2019.

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This course surveys the history of Latin America, from the “colonial period” to the present day. It explores the emergence and evolution of republican Latin America through an examination of key historical events with an emphasis on the region’s changing sociopolitical ... read full description

This course surveys the history of Latin America, from the “colonial period” to the present day. It explores the emergence and evolution of republican Latin America through an examination of key historical events with an emphasis on the region’s changing sociopolitical realities and its relationship with Europe and the United States. The sessions will cover such topics as: colonialism and the wars for independence, national identity, dependent development, political instability, populism and military dictatorship, the Cuban revolution and its aftermath, and the influence of the United States in both the political and cultural spheres.

Dr. Alberto Munarriz is a published scholar with a broad range of interests. Dr. Munarriz has taught in several secondary and postsecondary institutions. He is currently acting as an advisor to the team in charge of cataloguing and digitalizing the archive of the pioneering Argentine photographer Annemarie Heinrich while keeping an active agenda as an educator close full description

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Tamara Handler is a former school teacher and an accomplished and enthusiastic memoirist. Martha Olynyk has been a long-time avid participant in Leaving a Legacy and Recording Recollections.

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We will experience an eclectic mix of foodie epicenters in North York, North Toronto, Thornhill, Markham, Scarborough and perhaps more. Each tour will begin with a short talk about historical buildings, cultural distinctions, and special foods. Each location is accessible by public transit or ... read full description

We will experience an eclectic mix of foodie epicenters in North York, North Toronto, Thornhill, Markham, Scarborough and perhaps more. Each tour will begin with a short talk about historical buildings, cultural distinctions, and special foods. Each location is accessible by public transit or car. Venues will be located, within close proximity to one another, along Wilson Ave, Orphus Road, Dufferin Street, Yonge Street, Ellesmere Road, Lawrence Ave East and Finch West. Walking will be minimal and at your pace.

This course is a combination of short talks and guided tours. Each location is accessible by TTC, York Region Transit, and car. Walking will be minimal and at your pace. For those with mobility issues, we can take the bus together and bypass the walk between Steeles and Clark. Each tour will end with optional snacks or drinks.

Rosalin Krieger earned an MA degree in Sociology and Equity Studies at OISE-U of T and is a global lecturer, education consultant, literary advisor, editor, writer, and visual artist based in Toronto. close full description

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Join fellow music-lovers in celebrating spring by

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Join fellow music-lovers in celebrating spring by exploring the life, times, and symphonic works of two great composers, Gustav Mahler and Igor Stravinsky, with the legendary Michael Tilson Thomas as your lecturer and conductor. Through DVD presentations of a ground-breaking initiative by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra called “Keeping Score”, we will enjoy both the expertise of its eminent conductor and the beauty of the music performed by his orchestra, including excerpts from Mahler’s Symphonies No. 1, 5, and 9, and Stravinsky’s dazzling The Firebird and The Rite of Spring. Maestro Thomas’s lectures include biographical information, personal anecdotes, rehearsal segments, and commentary. If you’ve struggled to appreciate Mahler’s famously long and large-scale symphonies, this is your opportunity to explore his music with an expert guide and discover why he is regarded as the master of the symphonic form. The course leader will present additional information on:

·         A brief history of classical music

·         The art of the conductor

·         Biography of Michael Tilson Thomas and other famous conductors

·         Life and times of Anton Bruckner, including excerpts from his Symphony No. 4

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Dr. Mike Daley holds a PhD in music from York University and has lectured at several universities and retiree learning programmes around Toronto. He is a musicologist, specializing in the history of popular music. Mike has also toured the US and Canada as a musician with Jeff Healey, the Travellers and others, and has appeared on dozens of recordings as a guitarist and singer. close full description

Much of what we popularly know of Nazi Germany is based on journalist William Shirer’s bestseller book, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, published in the 1960s. Since the end of the war in 1945, historians have been revising and updating what we thought we knew about the rise ... read full description

Much of what we popularly know of Nazi Germany is based on journalist William Shirer’s bestseller book, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, published in the 1960s. Since the end of the war in 1945, historians have been revising and updating what we thought we knew about the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. In the last fifteen years, intelligence and military archives have started to declassify some of their holdings and while some will remain classified ‘top secret’ until 2045, we are learning new shocking things about the Third Reich. This course focuses on the results of new research into the nature of Nazi Germany and its criminality.

This is a lecture course taught by an expert in the subject.

Peter Vronsky is a Canadian author, filmmaker, investigative historian and a professor at Ryerson University where he teaches the history of international relations, espionage, war crimes, genocide, warfare and terrorism. He holds a PhD in criminal justice history and espionage in international relations from the University of Toronto. He is the author of three bestseller histories of serial killers, including the recently published Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present. close full description

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Raheel Raza is President of the Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow, founding member of The Muslim Reform Movement, the Director of Forum for Learning, an award-winning journalist and public speaker and an advocate for human rights, interfaith dialogue, gender equality and dignity in diversity.

Sohail Raza has had a long-term involvement in community services as Director of Forum for Learning and Muslims Facing Tomorrow. In this capacity he has dealt extensively with extremism and radicalization. Both Raheel and Sohail have taught courses at George Brown College and Ryerson for the past five years. close full description

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Want a chance to explore photographic opportunities while improving your skills by shooting with others at interesting local sites? This five-week course involves three weeks of on-site shooting and two weeks in the classroom for critique, comparison and discussion of the photos taken. During ... read full description

Want a chance to explore photographic opportunities while improving your skills by shooting with others at interesting local sites? This five-week course involves three weeks of on-site shooting and two weeks in the classroom for critique, comparison and discussion of the photos taken. During the walks, instructors will point out good photo possibilities and advise on camera operations. The objectives of this course, in addition to improving your photography skills, are to capture a time and place and to see how others interpret the same site. Weather permitting, we will be taking photo walks on weeks one, three and four at some of the following possible locations: Evergreen Brickworks, High Park, Harbourfront/Bentway and St. Lawrence Market. During weeks two and five we will have in-class opportunities to view and compare our photos.
 
Added together, Nan Weiner, Edward Zamble and Harold Hutner have been making photographs for well over a century. Together and separately, they teach various photography courses at LIFE and are, or have been, very involved in the LIFE Photo Club. Each brings a different approach and perspective to photography.

This is an interactive “hands-on” course.  Participants will be expected to get to the three photo locations on their own and meet the walk leaders there. close full description

The piano has long been the musical instrument of choice for composers of classical music. From Mozart and Beethoven to Bartok and Shostakovich, piano concertos were often premiered with composers as star pianists. The piano concerto is prominent among our most important classical ... read full description

The piano has long been the musical instrument of choice for composers of classical music. From Mozart and Beethoven to Bartok and Shostakovich, piano concertos were often premiered with composers as star pianists. The piano concerto is prominent among our most important classical music compositions. This course will trace the history of the piano concerto. Each of the six sessions will feature the presentation of a complete concerto. The discussion will focus on the musical and social context behind the featured piece. We'll listen, discuss and assess some great concertos. Performances will be drawn from the vast YouTube library. Participants will be encouraged to assess, evaluate and comment on the music.

This course involves lectures, listening to piano concertos, and class discussion.

Bob Fabian has previously offered eight music courses at LIFE. His academic training was in math, but music has always been important. Presenting these courses drives him to explore music that interests him and allows him to organize and share what he discovers. close full description

This course will introduce participants to contemporary Iranian politics through the lens of cultural productions including short stories and novels written in the modern era. The course will critically explore major political events since the beginning of the 20th century that have shaped ... read full description

This course will introduce participants to contemporary Iranian politics through the lens of cultural productions including short stories and novels written in the modern era. The course will critically explore major political events since the beginning of the 20th century that have shaped the Iranian political landscape including: the Constitutional Revolution, the Oil Nationalization Movement and subsequent 1953 Anglo-American Coup, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the Green Political Uprising of 2009. Through analyzing these events, participants will develop an understanding of Iran’s relationship with the international community and in particular, Iran/United States relations.
 
Participants will learn from an expert in the field through a series of illustrated lectures. The instructor will provide participants with short recommended readings which will be discussed in class.
 
Maral Karimi is a PhD student at the department of Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto. She is the author of The Iranian Green Movement of 2009: Reverberating Echoes of Resistance, released in August 2018. close full description

We face many important and challenging issues today, issues that will have far-reaching impact on our lives. We focus in this group on the fundamental questions and key people driving these world events. We welcome opposing views, which make for a stimulating dialogue, carried on in a collegial ... read full description

We face many important and challenging issues today, issues that will have far-reaching impact on our lives. We focus in this group on the fundamental questions and key people driving these world events. We welcome opposing views, which make for a stimulating dialogue, carried on in a collegial and respectful manner. Participants choose the topics for discussion at the beginning of each semester.

This is a discussion class, led by its course leaders.

Jay Waterman has been a member of the class for many years and has served as a Board member of LIFE. He is a Toronto native and retired lawyer.
 
Lloyd Cadsby is also a retired lawyer who is intrigued by the political and financial issues that dominate our lives. His background in mediation is useful in the give-and-take of class discussion. close full description

We will re-examine and re-evaluate the major events of that crazy year from the pivotal assassinations in the USA to the unrest in China, Vietnam, the Czech Republic and France, and the changes in Canada with the election of Pierre Trudeau and the formation of the PQ under Levesque. ... read full description

We will re-examine and re-evaluate the major events of that crazy year from the pivotal assassinations in the USA to the unrest in China, Vietnam, the Czech Republic and France, and the changes in Canada with the election of Pierre Trudeau and the formation of the PQ under Levesque. “The State has no place in the bedrooms of the nation” was a catchphrase announcing change, so soon after the success of Expo'67. From our perspective of 50 years later we will reassess the roles of Nixon, Kennedy, King, Trudeau, De Gaulle, and Mao. The course will also look at major political comments made through pop culture in the US, namely through such vehicles as Hollywood productions, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes.

This lecture course, with some opportunity for discussion, will utilize film and news clips as well as a guest speaker who will share recollections of the events in Paris in May of 1968.

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In 1613, the House of Romanov was offered the throne of Russia. From 1613 to 1917, 15 monarchs (including three women) transformed Russia into a key player in European and world affairs, while imposing and maintaining an autocratic form of government. Yet, this exceptionally ... read full description

In 1613, the House of Romanov was offered the throne of Russia. From 1613 to 1917, 15 monarchs (including three women) transformed Russia into a key player in European and world affairs, while imposing and maintaining an autocratic form of government. Yet, this exceptionally brilliant dynasty was marked by uninterrupted violence and countless conspiracies. This course proposes to offer a fresh look at the fascinating, tumultuous and often secret lives of the Romanov rulers: did the violence that marked their 300-year rule over Russia lead inevitably to the 1917 revolutions, the murder of the last Czar and his family, the rise of the Soviet Union and… Vladimir Putin?

Participants will learn through a series of illustrated lectures, taught by an expert.

Olivier Courteaux received his B.A. in history, M.A. in war and conflict studies and Ph.D. in contemporary international relations from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. He has lectured at various Canadian universities, including Ryerson and the Royal Military College of Canada. He is the author of The War on Terror: the Canadian Dilemma (2009), Canada Between Vichy and Free France, 1940-1945 (2013) and Quatre Journées qui ébranlèrent le Québec on Charles de Gaulle’s famous 1967 “Vive le Québec Libre” (2017). His latest book, The Empress Eugenie at Suez, 1869: France and Egypt during the Second Empire is scheduled for release in April 2019.

*Please note the start and finish time
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Svitlana Kobets has lectured on Culture, Religious Studies, Literature and Film at several North American and European Universities and programs for life learners including University of Notre Dame and St. Michael’s College Continuing Education Program. Her research bridges Late Antiquity, Middle Ages and Modernity and she is deeply interested in sharing her knowledge about World Literature, spiritual traditions and cultures. Svitlana’s PhD dissertation (University of Illinois) discusses the Eastern Orthodox tradition of holy foolishness in Byzantium and Russia. close full description

“Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress”. (Stanford University)

This course will explore the work of social, ... read full description

“Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress”. (Stanford University)

This course will explore the work of social, purpose-driven organizations such as charities, non-profits, cooperatives, social enterprises, and values-focused businesses. You’ll become more familiar with all these forms of social innovation as we examine their benefits, challenges, and potential solutions through the use of real case studies. We’ll ask questions and debate responses: How do the various forms of social innovation work together in the ecosystem? Can

Rick Blickstead is a senior general management executive with experience in both the Canadian and American public, non-profit, and private sectors. He specializes in organizational revitalization, social and strategic innovation, and operational execution. Rick has a diverse background in organizational branding and positioning, retail, and consulting, having led organizations such as Peoples Jewellers, Walmart FJ (USA), RONA, Wellesley Institute, and Diabetes Canada. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto, a Fellow of Social
Innovation Generation Canada@ MaRS, and led the operational team for “Canadian CEO’s in the Community”, an initiative of the Prince’s Trust (UK) and Prince’s Charities Canada. close full description

You now have many photos stored in your camera … what comes next? This course will teach you how to get photos from your camera to your PC computer and how to name and organize them. You will also learn how to e-mail photos and search for photos that have previously been ... read full description

You now have many photos stored in your camera … what comes next? This course will teach you how to get photos from your camera to your PC computer and how to name and organize them. You will also learn how to e-mail photos and search for photos that have previously been filed.

• For PC users with a working knowledge of computer basics. This course does not cover Mac computers.
• Students may bring their own laptops to this class, but it is not necessary.

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In the early part of the twentieth century many art movements formed and have developed new ways of seeing and interpreting the world around them. Some of these artists particularly focused on the spiritual power of colour and created a new artistic language. One of these movements, The Blue ... read full description

In the early part of the twentieth century many art movements formed and have developed new ways of seeing and interpreting the world around them. Some of these artists particularly focused on the spiritual power of colour and created a new artistic language. One of these movements, The Blue Rider group, formed in 1911 and showcased many artists who shared similar ideas about the role of colour and spirituality in art derived from Kandinsky’s important book Concerning the Spiritual in Art. We will look at some of the artists whose work in colour was injected with spirituality including Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc, August Macke, Gabriel Münter and Paul Klee. We will also look at artists like Sonia and Robert Delaunay and a lesser known female artist who has just recently received a retrospective in the Guggenheim Museum, Hilma af Klint—a Swedish artist and mystic whose paintings were among the first abstract art leaning heavily on the teaching of Rudolph Steiner and the Theosophist movement. A considerable body of her abstract work predates the first purely abstract compositions by Kandinsky.

Participants will learn from a working artist and expert in the field of art history.

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The Beltway. Along the Don. The Brickworks. Baby Point. Chinatown. Earl Bales Park. The Ward….

Just reading that list makes us long for Spring! And those are just a few of the special Toronto areas LIFE Walkers will enjoy during the 30+ Spring and Summer Walks, 2019.
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The Beltway. Along the Don. The Brickworks. Baby Point. Chinatown. Earl Bales Park. The Ward….

Just reading that list makes us long for Spring! And those are just a few of the special Toronto areas LIFE Walkers will enjoy during the 30+ Spring and Summer Walks, 2019.

Walks start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise indicated, and end around noon, starting and ending at TTC-accessible locales. The Walks are held on Tuesdays and Fridays in May, June and September. In the hotter weather of July and August walks are on Tuesdays only.

This is a great way to meet your fellow LIFE members, and to discover parts of Toronto both familiar and new, guided by our terrific Walk Leaders.

LIFE members in good standing who register for the Walks Program in the spring term will have their 2018-2019 membership extended to the end of the Walks Program.
 
 
LIFE Walks Committee:
Pam Hitchcock, Bernice Holman, Donna Oke, Pam Raiken, Doug Paton (Chair) close full description

This course will consider how science has developed over the centuries. We have
discovered much about how the world works and learned many ways to control it. By considering the history of science, we may perhaps understand more clearly what we now know and discover how to learn new ... read full description

This course will consider how science has developed over the centuries. We have
discovered much about how the world works and learned many ways to control it. By considering the history of science, we may perhaps understand more clearly what we now know and discover how to learn new things. This is the second of a two-part course. However, there is no need to have taken the first part.
This is an illustrated lecture course, with discussion, taught by an expert.

Terry Picton is a retired scientist who has taught several courses for LIFE on the human brain, the interactions between religion and science and modern poetry. He has studied how perception, attention, and memory occur in the human brain. He is intrigued by the creative human mind. close full description

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Participants will learn from an expert in the field through readings, presentations, and discussions.
 
Vrenia Ivonoffski is founding artistic director of ACT II STUDIO, professor of acting at George Brown Theatre School, a director (30+ credits) and playwright (14 produced plays). Awards and distinctions: Theatre Ontario Talent Bank, Ryerson’s GREET teaching award (2002), Patron’s Pick (Leacock Live!, 2010 Toronto Fringe Festival), Theatre Ontario’s 2014 Maggie Bassett Award, past-president Toronto Association of Acting Studios.           
 
 
*Please note starting and ending times. close full description

Wednesday, May 8 – 1:30 p.m.
Tarragon Theatre
30 Bridgman Avenue (Dupont/Bathurst area)
A 2B theatre company production
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story

By Hannah Moscovitch
With songs by Ben Caplan

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Wednesday, May 8 – 1:30 p.m.
Tarragon Theatre
30 Bridgman Avenue (Dupont/Bathurst area)
A 2B theatre company production
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story

By Hannah Moscovitch
With songs by Ben Caplan & Christian Barry A new play from the Governor General’s Award winner and the prestigious Yale University Windham-Campbell Prize.
Halifax, 1908: Two Romanian Jews stand in line at Pier 21, would-be immigrants to an unknown
country. Chaim’s entire family was murdered in a pogrom; Chaya lost her husband to fever and
starvation. But the New World is giving them a second chance, and they embrace it to the fullest. Narrated by the Wanderer - part showman, part Rabbi - this genre-bending music-theatre hybrid stars Klezmer-folk sensation Ben Caplan and is inspired by the real-life story of Moscovitch’s great grandparents.
Six Drama Desk Award nominations
New York Times Critic’s Pick
“Emotionally engaging, visually stunning and at 80 minutes leaves us wanting more.”

Musical Theatre Review

Wednesday, May 15 - 1:30 p.m.
CAA Theatre
651 Yonge Street (Yonge/Bloor area)
Musical Stage Company production presented by
David Mirvish
Next to Normal

Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Music by Tom Kitt
Next to Normal explores a suburban household affected by mental illness. With a gripping story
and a surging contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is a raw depiction of a family in crisis
trying to overcome the past. Dora Award-winner Philip Akin directs an exhilarating new production of this contemporary musical featuring a powerhouse ensemble of Canada’s top performers and starring internationally acclaimed actress Ma-Anne Dionisio (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables).
Winner of three Tony Awards including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for
Drama.
Next to Normal has been praised for “expanding the scope of subject matter for musicals”
Pulitzer Prize Committee
“A brave, breathtaking musical”  The New York Times

Factory Theatre
125 Bathurst Street (Bathurst/Adelaide)
Beautiful Man

By Erin Shields
This is a scathing satire about the portrayal of women in film and television. Three friends take us on a whirlwind tour of an upside-down world where women are the hunters not the hunted; the heroes, not the victims, the subjects, not the objects, all the while gazing at the semi-nude Beautiful Man. You’ll never watch your favourite binge-worthy show the same way again.

Wednesday, June 12 - 1 p.m.
An Electric Company Theatre Production
Co-presented by Canadian Stage and Luminato
St. Lawrence Centre, Bluma Appel Theatre
27 Front Street East (Front /Yonge area)
The Full Light of Day
Created by Daniel Brooks and Kim Collier
There will be a talk-back after every performance.

Tickets for all performances will be given to you at the theatre before the first play. They will not be mailed to you.

A reminder will be sent by e-mail before each performance.

PLEASE NOTE: No exchange or refund will be given after the final ticket order has been placed. Please address any concerns or complaints to the LIFE office and not to the theatre.

IMPORTANT: Please be aware of the start times of each performance as some theatres do not allow latecomer seating.

Theatre Web Sites:

tarragontheatre,com
musicalstagecompany.com
mirvish.com
factorytheatre.ca
canadianstage.com

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Curious about what went on below stairs in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy or what might have happened next to Isobel Archer? This course offers participants a chance to enjoy the imaginative re-creations, transformations, extensions and re-imaginings of some of the most deeply loved ... read full description

Curious about what went on below stairs in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy or what might have happened next to Isobel Archer? This course offers participants a chance to enjoy the imaginative re-creations, transformations, extensions and re-imaginings of some of the most deeply loved classic works of literature by some of the most exciting and innovative writers working in contemporary fiction. See what might have happened next, what might have happened before and whether we even want to continue our explorations of these classics. Writers like Margaret Atwood, John Banville, and JM Coetzee transform these great works in exciting and innovative ways, but what do we think of these transformations?

This is a lecture course, taught by an expert, with opportunity for discussion. A list of suggested readings will be made available, which will enrich your enjoyment of the classes, but they are not required reading.

Jeffrey Canton has lectured on great travel writers, contemporary essayists, the memoir and the novella at LIFE Institute as well as at the Baycrest Learning Academy. He was for many years a lecturer in the Children’s Studies Program at York University. He’s also a writer and performer and has appeared as part of the Toronto Storytelling Festival, Myseum Intersections, Nuit Rose and the Hamilton Fringe Festival. close full description

In the 2016 election, Trump promised to Make America Great Again. We will assess how successful he has been in achieving this goal by examining several of his actions, policies, and interactions with

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In the 2016 election, Trump promised to Make America Great Again. We will assess how successful he has been in achieving this goal by examining several of his actions, policies, and interactions with other countries. We begin by studying what has happened at the federal government level, especially in The White House. We will look at why and how relations have changed with America’s European allies, Russia, the Middle East countries, China, Canada, and other countries. Why has Trump started tariff wars? What has been the impact? We will discuss Trump’s possible future from impeachment to re-election.

This course will provide opportunities for discussions based on readings and short presentations by participants who wish to do them.

Paul Rook was a high school history and politics teacher. He has moderated several courses at LIFE including the 2008 and 2012 American Presidential Elections, Criminal Minds and Investigations, and Religion and Politics. Paul's life-long interest in politics includes being a candidate.

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This course will guide you through the facts and myths surrounding Islam and its more than 1.7 billion followers. How familiar are you with the world's second largest

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This course will guide you through the facts and myths surrounding Islam and its more than 1.7 billion followers. How familiar are you with the world's second largest and fastest-growing religion? Many in the West know little about the faith and are familiar only with the actions of a minority of radical extremists. This course aims to demonstrate the basic principles of Islam and how it has evolved over the last 1400 years. A high level of engagement with the audience will be encouraged to clarify understanding and dispel certain negative attitudes associated with the religion.

This is a lecture course, taught by an expert in the field, with plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Uzma Siddiqui has an MBA with over twenty years of corporate experience in finance, consulting and training and over ten years of teaching experience, including at Ryerson University. Her vision is to reclaim Islam and present it as a religion of love, harmony, tolerance and progress. close full description

This lecture series is for participants who are interested in understanding the underlying issues and conflicts that have besieged the Middle East,

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This lecture series is for participants who are interested in understanding the underlying issues and conflicts that have besieged the Middle East, from the civil war in Syria to the rise of Hamas, Hezbollah, Al Qaeda and ISIS, to the strife in Iraq, the terror in Yemen and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This course will give participants a unique perspective and deeper understanding of the political and social environments in the Middle East and how the 2011 “Arab Spring” turned into the “Dark Winter” of today.

This course features a series of illustrated lectures. This course, which was previously offered at LIFE, has been updated with recent developments.

Amnon Zohar is a high-tech business entrepreneur and founder of internet and social media companies.  He was born and educated in Israel and is a graduate of the Israeli Academy for Computer Sciences. He studied Political Science and International Relations at York University.  After spending forty years in Canada he returned to the University of Tel-Aviv, majoring in International Relations, Islamic, Middle East and Global Security studies. close full description

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Lorraine Ireland is a practising artist and teacher with over 30 years experience.  She has taught for many art institutions, art groups and schools including:  George Brown College, Sheridan College, Visual Arts Mississauga and the LIFE Institute.  She participates in juried shows and has a one woman show coming up in 2020.

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This is a creative activity class. Bring all your own supplies and 140 lb. Arches Medium Cold Pressed paper (green cover). One class will involve sketching in High Park. Participants will be expected to travel there on their own and will need an inexpensive sketch pad and a way to take photographs they can print for use at the next session.
 
Lorraine Ireland is a practising artist and teacher with over 30 years’ experience. She has taught for many art institutions, art groups, and schools including George Brown College, Sheridan College, Visual Arts Mississauga, and the LIFE Institute.

 
*Note: Fee does not include any additional materials required close full description

Most of us feel blessed to have the universal healthcare system in Ontario. It is not perfect. It never was and never will be. Your interaction with it, and your family doctor, should be of utmost importance to you.

This course will give you insight into many aspects of our ... read full description

Most of us feel blessed to have the universal healthcare system in Ontario. It is not perfect. It never was and never will be. Your interaction with it, and your family doctor, should be of utmost importance to you.

This course will give you insight into many aspects of our healthcare system, including its history, how your family doctor is trained and how he or she thinks, the role of preventive medicine and screening, and the risks and benefits of our myriad of pills and tests. Having taken the course, participants will be in a better position to interact with their doctor and weigh the advice he or she dispenses. It will make you a more informed and critical patient.

This course is a series of lectures, case presentations, and questionnaires with ample opportunity for discussion.

Dr. Mark Wise recently retired from a 40-year career as a family doctor in Toronto. During that time, he worked in private practice, emergency departments, seniors’ residences, tropical and travel medicine clinics and overseas in lesser developed countries. He spent 15 years as the medical advisor to CUSO-VSO and several other NGOs. He continues to study and teach. close full description

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Alison Melville holds the degree of M.Mus. from the University of Toronto and studied at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis as the winner of various awards from the Canada Council. She has taught master classes, workshops and a variety of courses for universities and early music workshops across North America. One of Canada’s leading performers on historical flutes and recorders, she is a member of Toronto Consort and Ensemble Polaris, appears regularly with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and plays as a guest with numerous early music ensembles in Canada and abroad.