Study Groups
The Lifelong Peer Learning Program's peer learning model consists of "study groups" that are conceived and developed by members, who then "coordinate" the study groups in a classroom setting. While the Lifelong Peer Learning Program curriculum is academically rigorous, study groups are noncredit, and there are no exams or grades. The Lifelong Peer Learning Program does not use the term "instructor" or "course." Study groups on a wide range of subject matters --from history to literature, philosophy, science, art, music, and drama-- are coordinated by peers (see examples below). The program is committed to small study groups and to the unique sense of community that distinguishes this program from other education programs. Some classes feature guest speakers and many study groups are co-coordinated allowing for shared responsibility in both planning and leading study groups. A special camaraderie develops among Lifelong Peer Learning Program study group members and between the members and study group coordinators who prepare and guide stimulating, engaging sessions.
All members of our peer learning community take their responsibilities seriously, and proactive engagement is an integral element of the entire Lifelong Peer Learning Program. Lifelong Peer Learning Program members are expected to register each semester for at least two study groups. (Under some circumstances, one-semester leaves of absence are granted to Lifelong Peer Learning Program members in good standing.) Members thrive in an environment that fosters social bonding, shared educational experiences, and attention to personal and intellectual development.
Members work with the Curriculum Committee to select and develop study group topics that match their interests and expertise. The Curriculum Committee ensures that the content of study groups is varied each semester. Participants in study groups do not receive credit, take tests, or get grades, but they are responsible for sharing the results of their research, keeping up with assigned readings, and contributing to class discussions.
During both the fall and the spring semesters, Lifelong Peer Learning Program students are expected to register for two to three study groups, though accomodations can be made with approval from the director. The hour-and-a-half-long classes meet once a week for 12 weeks and are offered in the morning and afternoon. An abbreviated program is offered in the summer for a small additional fee.
Spring 2022 Study Groups
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Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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9:30 – 11:00 |
9:30 – 11:00 |
9:30 – 11:00 |
9:30 – 11:00 |
9:30 – 11:00 |
|
THE DIVINE COMEDY, PART I (ZOOM ONLY) |
THERE GOES RHYMIN’ SIMON - THE MUSIC OF PAUL SIMON THESE TRUTHS, A HISTORY OF THE US BY JILL LEPORE |
SCIENCE WEDNESDAY AGAINST THE GRAIN – EARLY STAGES OF HUMAN CIVILIZATION JAZZ APPRECIATION |
DUTCH SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY ART WRITING WORKSHOP JFK REAPPRAISED |
N/A |
|
11:45 – 1:15 |
11:45 – 1:15 |
11:45 – 1:15 |
11:45 – 1:15 |
11:00 – 12:30 |
|
KAZUO ISHIGURO, A THOUGHTFUL MAN 4 COUNTRIES, 4 BOOKS – WHAT LITERATURE CAN TEACH US THE MOVIES LOOK AT WORKING WOMEN |
HAPPINESS THE NEW SCIENCE THE ART OF THE NEW YORKER PROFILE PHILIP ROTH, THE BIOGRAPHY WHO’S AFRAID OF JOSEPH CONRAD? |
REVISITING W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM DOCUMENTARY FILM: ART AND AVARICE ADVENTURES IN PRINT: EXPLORING IDEAS IN NARRATIVE NON-FICTION QING DYNASTY PART 2: THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE LAST CHINESE EMPIRE |
LITERARY ANALYSIS THE LIVES OF OTHERS: READING MEMOIR 3 |
MEMORIES: WRITING WORKSHOP GREAT STORIES, NOT-SO-GREAT RELATIONSHIPS |
|
2:00 – 3:30 |
2:00 – 3:30 |
2:00 – 3:30 |
2:00 – 3:30 |
|
|
US HEALTH CARE: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY SYSTEMIC INEQUALITY SLEEP (AND DREAMS) |
MAKERS OF MODERN INDIA INTERNATIONAL MYSTERIES: OTHER CULTURES |
ALEXANDER PUSHKIN AND THE BIRTH OF MODERN RUSSIAN LITERATURE LITERARY AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS: A COGNITIVE APPROACH FILMS OF JOHN HUSTON |
DO YOU UNDERSTAND DYLAN? SINCLAIR LEWIS, SATIRIST EXTRAORDINAIRE ADVANCED GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY |
N/A |
