Mystery Stories bring us puzzles to solve and criminals and witnesses to analyze. In the end, we try to solve the case before the book's detectives do. Sadly sometimes we miss a clue, or don't see the twist coming. But that just means we need to read the next book. 

• In the Woods by Tana French

• The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

• The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham

• Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell

The course is 8 weeks (no class on Oct 20th and 27th).

This seminar focuses on Peter Brown’s biography of Augustine, a work that not only illuminates Augustine's life but also offers profound insights into the dilemmas of living in any era. Our discussions will cover a broad range of topics, reflecting the challenges Augustine faced in his time. Participation requires engagement with the readings, not selective focus on personal preferences. We will explore controversies within the context of Augustine's historical and cultural environment, which differs significantly from the 21st century. Each session will be guided by reflections on our readings.

In this course we will discuss and analyze the development of the English language, particularly in the United States, including grammar, usage, slang and idioms.

This novel offers a powerful combination of Fate's twists and turns in Hardy's corner of Southwest England. We'll supplement the novel with helpful references to Hardy's poetry and biography as we engage with some of his most memorable characters. Any edition of the novel will do.

Join international operatic tenor and retired ND Professor Mark Beudert (live) and the legendary Leonard Bernstein (on video) as we make the workings of classical music understandable. You will be AMAZED at how much you learn!

Using EVERYTHING'S EVENTUAL as our central text, we will examine how King blends horror, suspense, and the supernatural to explore timeless themes: morality, mortality, justice, isolation, and the human psyche. The class will use open dialogue to explore literary analysis, personal insight, cultural/pop cultural context, and life experience. Whether you’re a longtime King fan or a newcomer to his work, King’s writing will always challenge you to look beyond the scares to ask what these stories say about the world—and about yourself. Required Text: King, Stephen. Everything’s Eventual. Scribner, 2002. $2 One-time Printing Fee for Class Handouts

In the last year, two books written by South Bend authors have been published. The first is ARA by Mark Hubbard about the life of the legendary Notre Dame football coach. The second is Mr. Churchill in the White House by Robert Schmuhl, retired ND professor, about the British Prime Minister's visits there during two presidencies. The course will discuss each book for five weeks.

We will focus on 3 plays, spending 1 week talking about the play, looking at parts of a movie or You Tube version; 1 week taking parts and beginning to read it; 1 week reading the whole play. We may choose to do a staged reading for friends the final week. Barb Thomas will also be instructing during the course.