Lecture Series

Our FAB students’ safety is important to us; therefore, we are taking precautions to make the in-person classes a safe and welcoming environment. In this environment, students will be able to enjoy face-to-face interactions with their faculty and classmates and the option to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before or after class. For those not able to join us in person, we continue to be your virtual home for learning!

Note: Walk-ins are not permitted. You may register via phone by calling 805-493-3290 at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the lecture, space permitting. Persons will not be allowed into the learning space if they are not on the roster in advance.

Regarding in-person attendance:

• FREE, accessible parking at both campus locations (view location and parking details HERE)
• Large lecture room with ample space meeting Cal/OSHA guidelines
• Masks are recommended but are not required

Can’t get to campus for an in-person lecture? No problem! Attend the lecture virtually instead.

In-Person & Virtual Learning

Using a hybrid learning model, in-person and virtual students can attend the same class simultaneously. A special “360-camera” will follow the instructor in the classroom, and students attending virtually will be able to see and hear the instructor and view the PowerPoint over Zoom (similar to our traditional virtual courses).

Tuesdays, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Meeting Dates: April 28, May 5, & 12 
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Course Description:
The 2022 Russian invasion of the Ukraine shocked political leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. In the prelude to the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Ukraine an “artificial” nation claiming that it had always been part of Russia. On what basis does he make this claim and what shapes Putin’s broader outlook about the place of Russia in the modern world. NATO and the United States in particular, have so far rejected military interventions and opted instead to use economic leverage in the form of sanctions and weapons supplies over direct action. Yet after four years of heavy fighting, casualties on both sides running into the hundreds of thousands, and billions in Western financial aid, there is still no end in sight. How should we think about the significance of this war, its causes and its meaning for the United States in the current state of world affairs? This course aims to provide attendees with an in-depth analysis of these questions. It offers insights on the roots of Russia’s war on Ukraine, where it stands today, and the consequences of its outcome for the future of American foreign policy.

Click here to view the preview of this Special Course

Bio:
Dr. David Livingstone received BA and MA degrees in History from California State University, Northridge and a PhD in Modern European History from the University of California, San Diego. He has taught at California Lutheran University, Moorpark College, and the United States Naval War College.  He specializes in European political, diplomatic and military history with an emphasis on modern Germany.  He also served as a law enforcement officer for 34 years with the Simi Valley Police Department and retired in 2022 at the rank of Chief of Police.  David's first book, Militarization and Democracy in West Germany's Border Police, 1951-2005 was published by Camden House in 2024.  He also serves as a historian and guide for World War Two battlefield tours.

Wednesday, April 8, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Innovative and controversial, James Abbott McNeill Whistler was a figure of paradoxes. Born in the small town of Lowell, Massachusetts, he will become one of the most influential expatriate artists of the late 19th century, splitting his time between London and Paris and traveling the world. Although dedicated to realism and painting the world he knew, he will become a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement and have a lasting impact on modernism. This lecture will chart Whistler's career and his revolutionary emphasis on art just to be enjoyed just to be enjoyed for its aesthetic appeal. 

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Katherine E. Zoraster is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several local colleges specializing in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double major in English Literature and Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.

In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time, Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.

Monday, April 13, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Artificial Intelligence often arrives in our lives wrapped in either hype or fear: Miraculous promises on one side, dystopian nightmares on the other. This lecture takes a different path. We will calmly and thoughtfully explore what AI actually is, what it is not, and why it matters deeply to people over 50—while remaining equally relevant to undergraduates and lifelong learners. The central message is simple: AI is not a replacement for wisdom, but a tool to enhance human enlightenment.

Through stories, demonstrations, graphics, short videos, and carefully chosen quotations from the pioneers of AI, the talk aims to show how AI can enhance creativity, productivity, learning, health, and connection—without surrendering autonomy or dignity. This lecture also endeavors to confront real potential dangers, including: over automation, bias, dependency, misinformation, and loss of meaning. Attendees will leave, hopefully not merely informed, but empowered, amused, and equipped with a practical framework for using AI wisely.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Simon Cotter holds a PhD in machine vision and robotics and a BSc (Tech) in electronics. He has had long tenures in the role of Chief Technology Officer in several software businesses, and has held senior executive positions within IT businesses and start-ups. He has gained first hand exposure to multiple technology cycles over this period. Simon is currently an IT and business consultant, and uses AI within his, and other business ventures.

Dr. Cotter combines a technical background with decades of experience explaining complex systems to both technical and non-technical audiences. He has been a university lecturer and advisor, and a STEM educator. 

Wednesday, April 15, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
In his short yet brilliant career of 10 years, Vincent van Gogh created hundreds of works of art and posthumously became one of the most famous Western painters and mainstays of modern art. Through the correspondence with his younger brother, art dealer Theo van Gogh, most of what is known of Vincent's thoughts, hopes, disappointments and struggles, and flashes of inspiration are recorded in the hundreds of letters they exchanged. As we view his work through the lens of his correspondence with his brother, we'll cover his work through his early years, through his focused studies on the South of France, and ultimately his tragic final period.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world.  She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She is also Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She has done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and New York.  She has served as a Design Review Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation.

Tuesday, April 21, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
This lecture examines the themes and arguments in Eric Gamino’s Enforcing Order on the Border, exploring how law-enforcement agencies construct, maintain, and justify “order” in the border region. We will analyze the social, political, and historical forces that shape policing practices, the lived experiences of officers and migrants, and the mechanisms through which the border becomes a site of control, conflict, and negotiation. The session highlights how border enforcement reflects broader debates about national security, immigration policy, and state power.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Dr. Eric Gamino is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies at California State University, Northridge and a former police officer whose professional experience informs his scholarship on law enforcement and border policy. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Texas A&M University, where he developed his research focus on policing, race and ethnicity, and the social dynamics of border enforcement. He is the author of Enforcing Order on the Border, an in-depth study of how law enforcement practices along the U.S.–Mexico border shape social order, identity, and community relations. Drawing on both lived experience and rigorous research, Dr. Gamino brings a nuanced, critical perspective to contemporary conversations about justice, power, and accountability.

Part 1: Wednesday, April 22, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Wednesday, April 29, 1:30-3:30pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
As far as countries go, the United States is fairly young. Nevertheless, it has indeed made its own contributions to religion and spirituality. In this two-part lecture, we’ll examine what particular religious movements have developed in the United States, and we’ll see how those movements have affected the religious landscape in general. We’ll discuss William Miller and the beginning of the Adventists, we’ll consider Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, and we’ll explore the Restoration movement and the two Great Awakenings. In all of these things, we will develop a stronger context for American religious life, and most importantly, better understand our own country.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Dr. Jason Hensley, PhD (Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Dmin (Biblical Studies), teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a higher-education ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations, and the award-winning author of 12 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary. Connect with him at jasonhensley.net. 

Part 1: Monday, May 4, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Part 2: Monday, May 11, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
While a naval officer’s career is often defined by command at sea, some of the most critical "battles" are fought in the halls of the United Nations, the corridors of the State Department, and the briefing rooms of the White House. This course offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the role of the military diplomat. We will explore the complex art of "uniformed diplomacy," from drafting UN Security Council resolutions on maritime sanctions to the delicate linguistic and cultural nuances required to negotiate a new treaty with the Russian Federation. Through real-world anecdotes—including how a quote from Pushkin broke a diplomatic impasse—we will discuss the challenge of building 50-country coalitions, managing the legal frameworks of seized assets, and providing strategic counsel to the President when the stakes are nothing less than global stability.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Scott Jones is a retired naval officer and businessman with broad experience in national security, foreign relations, and politics. Scott is also a docent at the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Villa) where he leads tours in the Greek and Roman Galleries, special exhibitions, Roman architecture, and Roan gardens. He teaches for a few lifelong learning programs in the area.

Wednesday, May 13, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
This year marks the 130th anniversary of the enthronement of Nikolai II of Russia, the last Tsar in the Romanov dynasty, and the 120th anniversary of the birth of his only son Alexei, the would-be tsar who was ill with hemophilia and later brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks. In this lecture, we’ll take a sweeping look at Russia at the time of the last of the Romanovs and on the eve of the Bolshevik revolution, from the royal family down to peasants, who still constituted the majority of the Russian population despite rapid industrialization and urbanization. The lecture is richly illustrated not only by photographic images but by rare documentary footage of the Romanov family and historical events of that period.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig received a degree in English and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University. She taught at Yale, Cornell, and Stanford universities, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language, culture, and history, and the relationship between them. Asya has published five scholarly books with Cambridge University Press. Asya is a popular instructor for several lifelong learning institutes around the country. 

Thursday, May 14, 10am-12pm (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
In this lecture, we will unpack how the media — in national newspapers such as The New York Times and El Universal and through alternative media like Twitter in both in Mexico and the United States — frames and portrays drug-related violence and related issues like gun trafficking. We will examine how drug-related violence and gun trafficking are framed as social problems in Mexico, while “spillover violence” is often portrayed in the U.S. as a moral panic.

Click here to view the preview of this lecture

Bio:
Dr. Omar Camarillo graduated from Texas A&M with his Doctorate in Philosophy in Sociology, with an emphasis in Crime, Law, and Deviance. He has a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. He areas of expertise are in drug trafficking organizations, drug related violence, gun trafficking, human trafficking, drug trafficking and gangs.

Our FAB students’ safety is important to us; therefore, we are taking precautions to make the in-person classes a safe and welcoming environment. In this environment, students will be able to enjoy face-to-face interactions with their faculty and classmates and the option to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before or after class. For those not able to join us in person, we continue to be your virtual home for learning!

Note: Walk-ins are not permitted. You may register via phone by calling 805-493-3290 at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the lecture, space permitting. Persons will not be allowed into the learning space if they are not on the roster in advance.

Regarding in-person attendance:

• FREE, accessible parking at both campus locations (view location and parking details HERE)
• Large lecture room with ample space meeting Cal/OSHA guidelines
• Masks are recommended but are not required

Can’t get to campus for an in-person lecture? No problem! Attend the lecture virtually instead.

In-Person & Virtual Learning

Using a hybrid learning model, in-person and virtual students can attend the same class simultaneously. A special “360-camera” will follow the instructor in the classroom, and students attending virtually will be able to see and hear the instructor and view the PowerPoint over Zoom (similar to our traditional virtual courses).

Tuesday, June 2, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
What does a conductor actually do—and why are they essential to ensembles like bands, choirs, and orchestras? In this engaging lecture, we’ll explore the often-misunderstood role of the conductor. Participants will discover the three core pillars of the craft: the intellectual discipline of score study, the expressive language of gesture, and the artistic leadership required to shape and inspire an ensemble.

Bio:
Dr. Michael Hart currently serves as Associate Dean for the Creative and Performing Arts and Associate Professor of Music at California Lutheran University. In his role as Associate Dean, he oversees development of long-range strategic initiatives for the Art/Multimedia, Film/Television, Music, and Theatre Departments, and works to support diversity, equity, inclusion and justice initiatives within the division.  As Associate Professor, he conducts the Wind Ensemble, teaches courses in conducting, music theory, and music education, and provides lessons to low brass students.  He is active throughout Southern California as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and freelance tubist.

Dr. Hart holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting with a secondary concentration in Tuba Performance from The University of Iowa. He holds the Master of Music in Conducting from the same institution and the Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

As a freelance tubist, he performs frequently throughout Southern California as both a soloist and orchestra musician.  Additionally, he has performed several times at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference.  

Wednesday, June 3, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company Artistic Director and Founder, Michael Arndt, will describe the beginnings, the stories behind mounting over 60 separate productions of Shakespeare’s plays, the high points and the struggles of creating and sharing professional theatre outside. He will highlight this year’s productions, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet. The second half of the presentation will include the directors and actors of the two productions with the opportunity to have them respond to questions from the participants.

Bio:
Michael J. Arndt is the founder and artistic director of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. He also is Professor Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at California Lutheran University, having taught there for 41 years. As a theatre director, he has directed over 200 professional, community, and university theatre productions. Among the awards he has received are the Cal Lutheran President’s Award for Teaching Excellence, The Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival, Region VIII-Outstanding Theatre Educator, and the Alliance for the Arts’ Exemplary Arts Educator Award. 

A Vietnam combat veteran, Michael is very committed to using the arts to assist veterans who struggle with reintegration after their service. He created Under Fire: Stories of Combat Veterans Across Generations which has been staged across the country. Mr. Arndt was named a “local hero” by the Ventura County Reporter and “Patriotic Citizen of the Year” by the Conejo Valley Chapters of the Military Order of the World Wars and The Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He is the host and creator of the podcast "Warfighter Advance: Coming Home at Last" and is currently co-authoring a book: Making Contact: The Way to Healing from the Trauma of Combat.

Part 1: Thursday, June 4, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Part 2: Thursday, June 11, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
The United States was the first nation to diplomatically recognize the existence of the State of Israel. Harry Truman even referred to himself as “Cyrus,” the historical king who brought the Jewish nation back to the land 2500 years ago. From that time until now, the US has had a unique relationship with the Jewish State. However, that relationship has changed over time and is currently very different than it was years ago. Why has it changed? What does it look like today and what might it look like in the future? This two-part lecture will examine that relationship, the reasons for its existence, and why things are changing.

Bio:
Dr. Jason Hensley, PhD (Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Dmin (Biblical Studies), teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a higher-education ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations, and the award-winning author of 12 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary. Connect with him at jasonhensley.net. 

Monday, June 8, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
An overview of what AI will realistically and possibly achieve over the next decade—from autonomous vehicles and AI companions to smart homes and healthcare robots.

The lecture also examines key ethical issues, including who controls AI systems, how bias can emerge, and the implications for privacy, providing a clear and grounded understanding of both the technology and its societal impact.

Bio:
Simon Cotter holds a PhD in machine vision and robotics and a BSc (Tech) in electronics. He has had long tenures in the role of Chief Technology Officer in several software businesses, and has held senior executive positions within IT businesses and start-ups. He has gained first hand exposure to multiple technology cycles over this period. Simon is currently an IT and business consultant, and uses AI within his, and other business ventures.

Dr. Cotter combines a technical background with decades of experience explaining complex systems to both technical and non-technical audiences. He has been a university lecturer and advisor, and a STEM educator. 

Part 1: Tuesday, June 9, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Part 2: Tuesday, June 16, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
As a leading nation in 19th-century polar exploration, Great Britain experienced some of the field’s most triumphant moments, but also some of its greatest setbacks. This two-part lecture, “Polar Tragedies,” highlights two of this era’s most epic episodes.

The first lecture, “Terror in the North,” details how, in 1845, Sir John Franklin set out for the Canadian Arctic in the Terror and Erebus, hoping to traverse the long-sought Northwest Passage. Ambition turned quickly to crisis, as Franklin and his men found themselves trapped in a fatal winter nightmare. Their disappearance triggered an international search-and-rescue effort that lasted for years and forever transformed the field of Arctic exploration.

The second lecture, “Southern Grail,” recounts the most dramatic – and most heart-wrenching – showdown in the history of world exploration: the race between Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott, both sprinting to reach the seemingly unattainable prize of the South Pole.

Bio:
Dr. John McCannon is a historian of Russia, the polar regions, and global warfare and exploration. He received his BA from Yale University and his MA and PhD from the University of Chicago. He taught history for thirty years in the United States and Canada – most recently at the University of Saskatchewan and Southern New Hampshire University – and he has consulted for the Discovery Channel, National Geographic TV, and Outside magazine. His publications include Red Arctic: Polar Exploration and the Myth of the North in the Soviet Union (1998); A History of the Arctic: Nature, Exploration, and Exploitation (2012); and Nicholas Roerich: The Artist Who Would Be King (2022). He currently works as an expedition guide and academic lecturer for Viking Cruises.

Wednesday, June 10, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Celebrating the centennial of his death, this lecture will journey to Giverny in Normandy, France to look at where Claude Monet spent the last forty years of his life. Having discovered the village in 1883, Monet rented and eventually bought a house, cultivated a garden, and created his waterlily pond. This will become the main inspiration and his focus for the latter part of his career, creating around 250 images of his waterlilies. It is also during this time period in which Monet finally is met with financial success and stability, allowing him to focus on the changing qualities of light and his series of individual objects. In this lecture, we will look at the course of these later years of his career and how they were represented in his flowers, sunsets, and water.

Bio:
Katherine E. Zoraster is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several local colleges specializing in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double major in English Literature and Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.

In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time, Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.

Monday, June 15, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
This lecture examines the historical evolution of Juneteenth, from its origins in the 19th century to its designation as a federal holiday in 2021. It explores why June 19 became a symbolic date of emancipation, how the commemoration developed over time, and what its recent national recognition reveals about changing conversations on race in the United States. Through this lens, the lecture invites critical reflection on both the legacy of slavery and the continuing pursuit of racial justice.

Bio:
Dr. Jason Hensley, PhD (Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Dmin (Biblical Studies), teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a higher-education ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations, and the award-winning author of 12 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary. Connect with him at jasonhensley.net. 

Monday, June 22, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
In Medieval Europe, vegetables were considered peasant food and raw greens were thought to cause flatulence or plague. When the Spanish returned from their conquests in the New World with tomatoes and potatoes, Europeans feared tomatoes were poisonous and deigned potatoes fit only for livestock or the desperately poor. In modern times, Western World foodies have realized the importance of plant foods in a healthy diet. In this lecture, we discuss the history of the vegetables, fruits, and grains people cultivated and ate from pre-history, and in the ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, the New World, and Asia, to today. We’ll also explore what “Superfoods” are really “super,” and how to shop for what’s healthy to eat. 

Bio:
Sharon Boorstin has written about lifestyle, food, and travel for the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, and magazines including Smithsonian, Bon Appetit, and Town & Country Travel. Her memoir/cookbook, Let Us Eat Cake: Adventures in Food and Friendship (Harper-Collins 2002), was a selection of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club. With her husband Paul, Sharon wrote dozens of screenplays for feature films and television including "Angel of Death" (ABC) starring Jane Seymour. Raised in Seattle, Washington, Sharon earned a California Lifetime Teaching credential at U.C. Berkeley, and taught high school history and English in Los Angeles for 11 years before beginning her writing career.

Tuesday, June 23, 1PM - 2:30PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Christopher Mick, as he takes a deep-dive on the unique mission-profile, lunar observations, the records set, the science investigations conducted, and the thorough testing of the life-support systems on the historic test-flight of Artemis II that sent four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon. 

Bio:
Christopher Mick is a NASA Solar System Ambassador, and an Aerospace Education Member with the Civil Air Patrol, and has served on boards for organizations such as Infiniscope and the Space Camp Alumni Association. Christopher was named an International Teacher Liaison in 2022 by the Space Foundation, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and in 2023 was selected to be a member of the Space Exploration Education Crew with Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas.

Part 1: Wednesday, June 24, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Part 2: Wednesday, July 1, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Part I: The Hero’s Map – Geography vs. Imagination 

This session examines the "Geographic Odyssey” – separating the fantastical elements of Homer’s Lotus-Eaters and Cyclopes from the very real Mycenaean maritime routes. We will look at the seafaring technology of the Late Bronze Age and ask: Could a displaced veteran truly have taken 10-years to sail from the Dardanelles to Ithaca, or is the Odyssey a maritime manual disguised as a myth? 

Part II: The Palace at Ithaca – Finding the King 

We trade the bireme for the trowel as we search for the physical home of Odysseus and explore the recent excavations on Ithaca and the Peloponnese. We will look for the massive Mycenaean complexes that mirror the halls where Penelope wove her shroud while balancing political intrigues and a missing husband. The series concludes by connecting these ancient stones to the modern landscape, revealing how the odyssey isn’t just a story – it’s a living map of the Mediterranean.

Bio:
Scott Jones is a retired U.S. Navy Captain and businessman with over 30 years of experience in national security, foreign relations, and global logistics. A "diplomat in uniform" for much of his career, Scott now translates his strategic background into a passion for ancient history, archaeology, and Mediterranean culture. As a veteran docent at the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Villa), Scott leads specialized tours focused on Roman architecture, ancient gardens, and the Greek and Roman galleries. His lectures for local lifelong learning programs are known for blending rigorous historical analysis with his own travel photography and a unique "commander’s perspective" on ancient warfare and diplomacy. 

Following his popular series on the Iliad and the search for Troy, Scott is now presenting a deep dive into the Odyssey and the "wine-dark sea." When not in the classroom, he leads immersive field expeditions that bring history to life.

Thursday, June 25, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Chocolate lovers, this is your golden ticket. Go far beyond the candy aisle and discover the rich, fascinating world behind every bite of chocolate.

In this interactive and flavor-filled experience, you’ll journey from the ancient cacao traditions of Mesoamerica to today’s global chocolate industry. Along the way, you’ll uncover how history, science, and international trade have shaped one of the world’s most beloved treats. Ever wondered how cacao beans become silky chocolate? Or why some bars taste fruity while others taste nutty or bold? You’ll explore cacao cultivation, processing techniques, and how we taste.

We’ll also dive into the bigger picture examining sustainability, fair-trade practices, and the complex supply chains that bring chocolate from farm to table.

And of course, the best part: tasting! You’ll sample and compare a wide range of chocolates; white, milk, dark, single-origin, and gourmet vs. mass-market.  Learn how to evaluate flavor like a true chocolate connoisseur. Guided tastings will sharpen your senses and help you connect what you taste to where and how chocolate is made.

Perfect for curious minds and sweet tooths alike, this lecture blends culture, science, and delicious discovery into one unforgettable experience.

In-Person attendees: There is an additional $10 fee required for the food tasting, which is a separate charge and is not included in any bundle.

Planning to attend virtually: This is the first time we are trying a HyFlex lecture that includes a food tasting.  If you would like to fully participate, one month prior to the lecture a suggested list of chocolates you can purchase will be provided.  If you simply want to learn but not taste, that is of course an option!  We hope you will join us for this unique lecture.

Bio:
Andy Binsley is a chocolate sommelier, retired software executive, and self-proclaimed dessert geek with a serious passion for all things sweet. A graduate of the renowned Penn State Ice Cream Short Course, Andy has traveled far and wide in search of exceptional chocolate and the stories behind it. From artisan makers to global traditions, he brings his adventures to life through engaging, educational tasting events. Recently, he drove across the cross-country in pursuit of chocolate, ice cream, and Tesla Superchargers, because, why not make it a delicious journey?

Part 1: Monday, July 6, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Part 2: Monday, July 12, 10AM-12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
This two-part lecture examines the complex forces that propelled Japan toward World War II, focusing on the interplay of rising nationalism, economic crisis, and expansionist ambitions. In the early 20th century, a surge of militaristic nationalism reshaped Japanese politics and society, elevating the authority of the military and promoting the idea of Japan’s destiny as a dominant regional power. The global economic shock of the Great Depression intensified domestic instability and strengthened arguments for territorial expansion as the best solution to overcome these challenges. Japan's diplomatic corps pursued a multilateral policy of cooperation through the 1920s, thereby frustrating the Imperial Army. Through a series of insubordinate actions culminating in the Manchurian Incident, the Imperial Army dragged the Japanese government into an expansionist war on the Asian continent. By tracing these interconnected developments, the two-part lecture reveals how ideology, economics, and strategic ambition combined to set Japan on a collision course with the United States.

Bio:
Dr. David Nelson is Professor and Chair of the History Department, and Associate Dean of the Humanities Division of the College of Arts and Sciences at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. He earned his Ph.D. in Pre-modern Asian history with an inside minor in cultural history from Indiana University Bloomington. Dr. Nelson specializes in medieval and early modern Japanese cultural and institutional history. His research interests include violent crime and its punishment in the context of the consolidation and centralization of authority in Japan's castle town administration in the seventeenth-century, and captives taken during Japan’s invasion of Korea in the 1590s.

Wednesday, July 8, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
“New” technologies that promise to transform the world are not new at all – they have appeared in waves for centuries. Today, artificial intelligence is simply the latest to capture global attention. While these technologies often arrive with bold promises of progress, efficiency, and disruption, history shows that their real impact is far more complex: transformative in some ways, disappointing, damaging, or disruptive in others.

In this lecture, we will explore how major technologies from the past century have emerged, and spread – or failed to do so – and what shaped their outcomes. Drawing on real-world examples and lived experience, we will examine how societies evaluate, adopt, and adapt to technological change.

We will also hear perspectives from futurists, business strategists, economists, and technologists through selected video insights, offering a multi-disciplinary view of what drives innovation and what holds it back.

By the end of the session, participants will walk away with a clearer understanding of how technological revolutions actually unfold – and practical frameworks for evaluating today’s emerging tools, from AI to whatever comes next.

Bio:
Dr. Paul Witman is Professor Emeritus of Information Technology Management, in California Lutheran University’s School of Management, retired founding director of the MS in Information Technology program, and retired Director of the School’s Undergraduate programs in Business, Accounting, and Economics. He has been fascinated with new technologies in many forms since childhood, following the hope, hype, and actual outcomes of many waves of new tech, including remote work, (sometimes) autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and much more. His recent research focused on teaching case studies based on current events, centered on the use and abuse of information relative to vulnerable populations. He is also the proud co-author of a leading textbook on church management, the newly updated Church Administration and Finance Manual, 2nd edition.

Witman is an active volunteer in leadership roles with the United Methodist Church, home repair and home construction projects, and Sturtevant’s Camp, a trail camp in the Angeles National Forest.

Tuesday, July 14, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald updated and radically reshaped the modern art of popular song. Without formal musical training they crafted innovative styles expressing themselves eloquently like jazz horn players. Yet their contrasting personalities and techniques resulted in divergent styles. Rare movie clips and engaging storytelling help us celebrate their triumphs and bring their artistry and stories to life, inviting participants to experience their music in a richer, more informed way.  

Bio:
During the last four decades Dave Radlauer has been telling tales of early Jazz, Blues and Swing on the radio, garnering six broadcast awards and authoring 200 articles for online and print publications.  For Stanford Libraries, he’s written interpretive online text and donated a large collection of unique music and photos.  He teaches lifelong learning courses at UCLA, UC Berkeley, San Francisco State and Dominican University.

Thursday, July 16, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
From tile to trompe l'oeil, artists have created some of the most breathtaking images in telling the stories of mythology, religion, and history in their decorative work. This lecture explores how artists embellished ceilings in a variety of settings, from the Sistine Chapel to government office buildings to Gilded Age mansions. These grand, elaborately decorated spaces that used excessive scale to achieve their desired effect were intricately crafted to impress wealth, status, and position. We will also discuss the various techniques and motifs of the historical eras in which these works of art were created.

Bio:
Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world.  She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She is also Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She has done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and New York.  She has served as a Design Review Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation.

Monday, July 20, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
What if the key to understanding great works of art isn’t just what you see – but what science can reveal beneath the surface? This lecture begins with a turning point in scientific history, when William Henry Perkin accidentally created the first synthetic dye, mauveine, launching the modern field of organic chemistry and forever changing the world of color.

From that moment on, chemistry and art became deeply intertwined. Through a series of fascinating case studies, we’ll explore how chemists uncover hidden layers in paintings, detect forgeries, and play a crucial role in the conservation and restoration of priceless works. Using advanced techniques – including forms of light invisible to the human eye – scientists can reveal an artwork’s true history, from an artist’s original intent to later alterations and repairs.

This lecture offers a behind-the-scenes look at how chemistry helps us see art in entirely new ways.

Bio:
Dr. Kate Hoffmann graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University with a Doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Mount Holyoke College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. She teaches Biochemistry and General Chemistry classes as part of her regular year, but loves teaching electives occasionally such as Drugs & Poisons, or Chemical Investigations of Art. Her research in rational drug design is NSF funded and regularly published and presented across the country. 

Part 1: Monday, July 27, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Part 2: Monday, August 3, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Part 3: Monday, August 10, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
When the First World War erupted in 1914, England's Foreign Secretary Edward Grey solemnly remarked, "The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime." Marked by two devastating global wars, and many more regional conflicts, the twentieth-century was indeed what historian Eric Hobsbawm called, "an age of catastrophe." As the twenty-first century began and the Cold War ended, many believed it was the dawn of a new era marked by global peace and the triumph of liberal democracy. Then came the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and a global war on terror defined by the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.  In 2021, the final chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and the resurgence of the Taliban seemed to be the end of an era of foreign wars. Less than a year later, however, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the Ukraine bringing war once again to the European continent and threatening nearly 80 years of peace and prosperity. U.S. President Donald Trump won a second-term in office in part on his promise to stop wars like this instead of starting them. Yet less than two-years into his presidency and despite repeated efforts, he has failed to settle the ongoing war in the Ukraine.  Moreover, the United States has increasingly militarized its foreign policy by carrying out attacks against Nigeria, Venezuela and Iran while threatening to use military force against regional allies such as Canada, Greenland, Panama, and Colombia. The U.S. Navy is currently blockading Cuba effectively cutting off its access to oil and also threatening to topple its government if it fails to comply with Trump's demands for regime change. On February 26, 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, a massive air campaign against Iran.  Are we witnessing a new century of warfare? Have the lamps now gone out all over the United States never to be lit again in our own lifetime? What are the potential global consequences for the United States with its repeated threats and reliance on the use of military force? Please join Professor David Livingstone for an informative lecture series that will examine the current state of these conflicts and how they might shape the future of the United States and its place in the world.

• The first lecture will provide recent updates to Russia's 2022 invasion of the Ukraine and the effect of this ongoing conflict on current global affairs up to the present day.
• The second lecture will explore the current state of the 2026 U.S.-Iranian War, its long-term consequences and the possibilities for how it might be resolved.
• The third lecture will focus on the recent U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean to include its seizure of the Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro, and its current policy aimed at regime change in Cuba.

Bio:
Dr. David Livingstone received BA and MA degrees in History from California State University, Northridge and a PhD in Modern European History from the University of California, San Diego. He has taught at California Lutheran University, Moorpark College, and the United States Naval War College.  He specializes in European political, diplomatic and military history with an emphasis on modern Germany.  He also served as a law enforcement officer for 34 years with the Simi Valley Police Department and retired in 2022 at the rank of Chief of Police.  Dr. Lvingstone’s first book, Militarization and Democracy in West Germany's Border Police, 1951-2005 was published by Camden House in 2024.  He also serves as a historian and guide for World War Two battlefield tours.

Wednesday, July 29, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
The word symposium literally means “drinking together.” The Greek symposium was one of the most influential social institutions of the ancient Mediterranean world. It was a bonding event for aristocratic men participating in a ritual that was part intellectual salon, part drinking party, and part fun and games. In Ancient Greece, the symposium was far more than a simple drinking party. It was a sophisticated and highly choreographed social institution where the gods were honored, heroes were extolled, philosophy and politics debated, myths retold, and human relationships examined. Here the rigid rules of Greek society were both enforced and sometimes playfully subverted. In this lecture we will draw upon examples from ancient art and literature, including the rich repository of objects housed at the Getty Villa. We will discuss the chronology of the evening and explore the social and material culture surrounding Greek life at this time, including the complex role of women inside and outside the event. You are invited to time-travel back to the world of Ancient Greece, to take a seat on a kline, a Greek couch, to recreate the atmosphere and experience of the Ancient Greek symposium.

Bio:
Judith Day is a Getty Docent Emeritus with more than twenty-five years of experience specializing in Greek and Roman antiquities at the Getty Villa. During her tenure, she led gallery tours of the museum collections and special exhibitions for the public. Her background also includes extensive work at the Getty Center, where she specialized in Medieval manuscripts, sculpture, and drawings. Judith serves in the Visitor Services Department at the Getty Center and is a graduate of Boston College, where she majored in English Literature.

Thursday, July 30, 10AM - 12PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
At its height, the Roman Empire stretched thousands of miles, encompassing a vast and diverse world. Yet, the stories we know often focus on a small portion of this empire. Explore the captivating story of Roman Britain (when the island of Britain was under the control of the Roman Empire), where Roman customs and native traditions intertwined, shaping unique experiences. This lecture explores the human side of history – the loves, struggles, and triumphs of those beyond Rome's marble halls. Discover a fresh perspective on the Roman world and appreciate the diverse experiences that exist beyond the grand headlines. 

Bio:
Kara Brown (M.A. in History from California State University Northridge) ignites a passion for the past through her role as a docent at the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Villa). Leading interactive tours, she weaves captivating narratives around the museum's collection. Unveiling often-overlooked stories from the Roman world, Kara breathes depth and vibrancy into historical understanding, fostering a deeper connection between learners and the past. Her dynamic and engaging approach transforms learning into an immersive journey of discovery. Extending her expertise beyond the museum walls, Kara serves as the Continuing Education Unit Program Manager at the Save Ancient Studies Alliance, where she curates programs designed to enrich educators' knowledge in Ancient Studies.

Wednesday, August 5, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Choose to Attend In-Person in Thousand Oaks or Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Have you ever wondered what defines Islamic art – and how to recognize it across different cultures and time periods? In this lecture, you’ll discover the rich diversity of Islamic artistic expression, from iconic architectural masterpieces like the Taj Mahal to intricate ceramic tilework, elegant calligraphy, and finely crafted metal designs.

Through engaging visuals and clear explanations, you’ll learn to identify key features, understand the cultural and historical contexts behind the art, and become familiar with some of the most celebrated works across the Islamic world.

Perfect for travelers, art enthusiasts, and curious learners alike, this lecture will give you the tools and confidence to recognize and appreciate Islamic art wherever you encounter it.

Bio:
Sophia Momand M.D. has always had a love of learning and teaching. A graduate of UCLA, she recently retired from serving 20 years as a family physician for the students of CSUDH at the Student Health Center. While there she created the HOPE club which continues to provide premedical students supervised opportunities to medically care for the local homeless community of Long Beach. 

Stemming from her travels to predominantly Muslin countries Dr. Momand gained a deep appreciation of Islamic art and went on to study it in depth. As a result, she has created several ceramic art items implementing Islamic art designs which have been claimed by her family! Some of her hobbies include cycling, gardening, hiking and astronomy as well as playing cello in two symphony orchestras and guitar in the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles.

Part 1: Thursday, August 6, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Part 2: Thursday, August 13, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
The Classic Maya civilization (200-950 CE), faced many environmental challenges, including those wrought by climate change. Researchers today understand that the breakdown of Classic Maya society was the result of many long-term processes. Yet the story that continues to grip the public imagination is that the Maya civilization mysteriously "collapsed". In this two-part lecture, we will examine archaeological, environmental, and historical datasets to provide a comprehensive, yet accessible, overview of Classic Maya human-environment relationships that shifts the focus from collapse to resilience. We will see how the Maya utilized intricate farming and water management systems, carefully curated the forests to serve as pantries, and developed fuel-efficient kiln technologies to produce burnt lime for architectural and dietary purposes.

Bio:
Dr. Ken Seligson is Associate Professor and Chair of Anthropology at California State University Dominguez Hills. He earned his B.A. in Anthropology and History from Brown University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Seligson has been conducting archaeological fieldwork in the Northern Maya Lowlands since 2010, focusing mainly on human-environment relationships and resource management practices, as well as on ancient technology. His first book The Maya and Climate Change, which was written for a broader public audience interested in the ancient Maya, was published by Oxford University Press in January 2023.

Tuesday, August 11, 1PM - 3PM (Pacific)
Online via Zoom

Lecture Description:
Saint Petersburg is Russia’s cultural capital and my hometown; for two centuries, it also served as Russia’s political capital. From the reforms of Peter the Great to the Bolshevik Revolution and the tragic Siege of Leningrad, the most important dramas of Russia’s history played out on the city’s stage. Saint Petersburg has also served as a gateway to and from Europe. Splendid palaces and cathedrals like the Winter Palace and the Savior-on-Spilt-Blood Cathedral make Saint Petersburg a veritable open-air museum. Indoor museums such as the Hermitage boast some of the world’s best art collections. The city’s numerous rivers and canals with their gorgeous bridges earned it the nickname of “Venice of the North”—but Venice lacks Saint Petersburg’s “White nights” when the sun barely sets, turning bridges, statues, and wrought-iron latticework into magical silhouettes. Join me for an exploration of this magnificent city and its historical significance.

Bio:
Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig received a degree in English and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University. She taught at Yale, Cornell, and Stanford universities, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language, culture, and history, and the relationship between them. Asya has published five scholarly books with Cambridge University Press. Asya is a popular instructor for several lifelong learning institutes around the country.