This course will look at the philosophical foundations and early development of modern western political theory - a period running roughly from the beginning of the 16th century to the 19th century. We will begin exploring the emergence of such seminal concepts as “republicanism”, “natural rights”, “the contract theory of government”, “liberty”, & “revolution”, among others.

We will look at the philosophical strengths, challenges, and shortcomings of each of these positions, as well as the historical and intellectual settings that they were placed within.

We will also look at the place these concepts and thinkers might have in our current political situation and insights they may offer us to deal with the situation.

The class will run from Friday January 19 thru March 8 in the Senior Center Sorensen Room from 10 am to Noon.

“Secret Societies in Astoria” is a class that highlights the historic role of fraternal organizations here in our town. This ENCORE course is 4 sessions, each 90 minutes long. The first session is a classroom introduction and overview. The next 3 sessions are visits to the nearby Masonic Lodge, the Elks Lodge, and the Odd Fellows Hall. The 4 classes begin on Monday January 22 and are on-going for 4 weeks. The first class will be in the Senior Center Classroom from 1 pm to 2:30.

Geology is a study of the natural world all around us. Learning about geology offers skill in observing and interpreting what we see every day, everywhere. Geology is at the cutting edge of climate change, natural hazards, energy, water, earthquakes, and volcanoes; it is a record of time. Come join us to explore in geology class this winter term! 10:30 -12:00 in the Senior Center Classroom. Class begins Monday January 22 and runs thru March 11.

Beginning Winter term on Thursday, January 18 in the Senior Center Sorensen Room. Classes will be held weekly from 10:30 to 12:00 from January 25 thru March 7. The first class topics will be chosen from among the hundreds of PBS Nova series, but there will be other sources we use to meet the expectations of class members. The goal is to make discovering a wide variety of science topics a more enjoyable and rewarding experience which is sure to attract more members to science.

Michael Kinney with Karen Elder . . . 503-994-2080

Awaken the Writer Within You!

3 Reasons in 8 Sessions to Become the Writer You Were Born to Be

1. Experience the Joy of Writing
2. Share Your Writing with Others, Get Constructive Feedback, & Improve
   
3. Find the Fame & Fortune*
   
     * Note: Additional Coursework, Perseverance, & Luck May Be Required.

This Course Offers 3 Types of Constructive Feedback to Help You Improve:

1. Real-Time (in class)
2. Recorded Audio (emailed mp4 file)
   
3. Recorded Video (viewable/downloadable)
   

ENCORE Winter 2024’s Writing Exchange Online Short Course begins Tuesday, January 16, (and runs just 8 weeks till Tuesday, March 5) from 9:45 to 11:45 A.M.

For more information: please email the instructor, Eric Anderson, at EricCAnder@aol.com or call (503) 325-3131.

Humanist Discussions is a group effort on Zoom in which we explore various aspects of the human condition. Each week we nominate and select a topic to discuss the following week. Over the intervening week, we exchange websites and articles pertaining to the topic selected. There is no requirement to review them, but the discussion is much improved when members of the group have made an effort to inform themselves about the upcoming topic. All are welcome to join.

Classes are held Monday mornings from 10:00 to noon. To join, send an email to todlundy@gmail.com with “Humanist Discussions” in the title of your email please.

Tod

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