Jan 12 Monday
The often-told story of the Hebrew language is that it was “brought back from the dead” in the late 19th century, in conjunction with the rise of Zionism. But with very few (if any) other examples of successful language revival around the world, it is worth re-examining whether that is indeed what happened to Hebrew: was it really dead in the Middle Ages? What did it take to “revive” it? And what makes its history so unique?
In this lecture, we’ll examine those provocative questions from a scientific perspective, while challenging ideological tenets often held by both Jewish and non-Jewish commentators. We will explore how the knowledge gained from modern speech-and-language sciences can help us understand the controversial history of the Jews and of their holy language.
The lecture presupposes no knowledge of linguistics or Hebrew.
This lecture takes place virtually via Zoom.
The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.
Jan 13 Tuesday
This virtual visit will explore various artifacts from our collection. This collections-based guided visual presentation will chronologically explore the Japanese American experience from the 1860s through the post-war era. with an emphasis on the WWII incarceration experience. Led by JANM volunteer docents and facilitators, history comes alive and participants of all ages are encouraged to build personal and human connections, think critically and engage in lifelong learning.
The mission of the Japanese American National Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.
This tour/talk takes place virtually via Zoom.
Jan 14 Wednesday
The year 2025 marked the 50 year anniversary of the establishment of the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. This lecture will be a "visit" to the museum that looks at the history of the institution, focusing on the personal collection of Norton Simon, and discuss the highlights of the collection.
This lecture can be attended either in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus or virtually via Zoom.
Jan 20 Tuesday
Using clips from David Merrick productions, such as 42nd Street, Gypsy, Subways are for Sleeping, Oliver, Hello Dolly and many more, we will view and discuss the life of Broadway’s most renowned producer, David Merrick. HIs childhood was agonizing, and yet he rose to became the “King of Broadway” only to fall and become a pitiful figure in later years. Viewed as both a genius and tyrannical villain, his presence is still felt on Broadway today.
Jan 21 Wednesday
On September 3, 2025, in a show of unity against the West, China hosted a celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping for this solemn and symbolic occasion. Two days earlier, the leaders of China, Russia, and India met in Tianjin China as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The changing global order reflected by these meetings sent an unequivocal message to Western leaders and America in particular: China is a global superpower and, along with its allies North Korea and India, is in lock-step with Russia against the Western effort to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine. How did the United States and more broadly, its Western allies arrive at what by all accounts is a decisive and, as some would argue, dangerous moment in foreign affairs? Do these developments reflect what some scholars and public policy specialists are calling “a new Cold War?” This course will take a closer look at these recent events and what they might signify for the future of American foreign relations. It will offer suggestions about how to make sense of a new and rapidly evolving world order.
This course can be attended either in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus or virtually via Zoom.
Jan 24 Saturday
Across the nation, the boundaries of free speech are being tested. From challenges facing journalism, higher education, and peaceful protest to debates over academic freedom and viewpoint diveristy, questions about the First Amendment are taking on new urgency. How can we make sense of these shifts and protect the core freedoms that systain a democratic society?
This luncheon, sponsored by American Association of University Women Interbranch Council (Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley, will feature a panel of faculty and students from The Colleges of Law in Ventura and Santa Barbara that will discuss the topic. Led by Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Brandy Price, JD, the panel will address these questions and more.
Tickets are $40 for buffet Italian lunch and program. Register by January 12th to ensure your spot.
Jan 26 Monday
Those who rank the most influential speeches of all time consistently place “I Have a Dream” as one of the most powerful orations of history. But what else did Martin Luther King, Jr. say? As an icon of the civil rights movement, he spoke in public almost constantly. Which of these other speeches really characterize his worldview and his movement? What kind of impact did these speeches have? In this two-part lecture, we’ll go beyond “I Have a Dream” to really examine both Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speaking style and his principles that he discussed in his speeches––ultimately coming to understand what made him such a powerful orator.
Jan 27 Tuesday
This mini-lecture series provides an overview of some of the great ancient civilizations of Central Mexico from the earliest cities in the 2nd millennium BCE through first contact with the Spanish invaders (ca. 1502 CE).
The Olmecs, Teotihuacan, and the Aztecs have fascinated public and scholarly audiences the world over. In this two-part lecture, we will explore the rise of these civilizations and address several false claims attributed to the beliefs of the peoples of Ancient Mexico that are entrenched in the popular perception of these civilizations.
The Ancient Mesoamericans developed intricate calendrical, architectural, and ideological systems. This two-part lecture seeks to present the true nature of these ancient civilizations as they are understood from the archaeological record, ancient texts, and Colonial-era documents.
Jan 28 Wednesday
Feb 02 Monday
