MICL
Modesto Institute for Continued Learning
MICL Information Meeting
If you're curious about MICL and the classes that are offered, come to this informal meeting held Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the MICL classroom. You will be able to register for MICL at this meeting. From the corner of Blue Gum and Carpenter go west on Blue Gum to Second Street between the campus and Juvenile Hall buildings. Turn right (north) on Second Street to E Street. Turn right (east) on E Street. When at the stop sign you will see an older, one story building. There is parking in front and around the back.
Special Meeting for Returning Members
Our returning members are invited to a "Back to MICL" meeting in the classroom on Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 1 p.m.
What is MICL?
MICL (pronounced "Michael"), Modesto Institute for Continued Learning, is one of hundreds of similar institutes for mature learners that have become a part of college campuses throughout the world. Under the auspices of Modesto Junior College community Education, MICL offers lecture, workshop, study and discussion groups during daylight hours on the MJC West Campus where adequate parking is available. Activities such as trips and social events are frequently offered, linking members to the community beyond the classroom. Planning for all classes is done in advance through the Curriculum committee composed of MICL members.
The MICL semester is divided into three 5-week sessions referred to as A, B, and C Sessions. Classes meet weekly for two hours, at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. The class schedules are arranged so members can attend as many classes as they like for one fee each semester. Registration for individual classes is not necessary as MICL membership includes ALL classes. The members plan and often present classes, and all members are encouraged to participate. All classes are not-for-credit and are for the joy of learning. There are no tests and usually no books to buy. The single membership fee is $40 per semester (includes all three sessions), plus a $10 parking fee for parking adjacent to Building 6000 on the West Campus off of Blue Gum Avenue) where the classes are held. If you already have a handicapped parking tag, you will not need to purchase this. The $40 fee covers registration and includes other campus services such as use of the library and bookstore. An optional contribution of $10 per semester is requested to cover MICL classroom expenses such as curriculum needs, paper supplies, social activities and general costs of producing an interesting, educational environment. MICL's exciting trips will involve a charge for expenses incurred.
Registration meetings are designed to welcome new and returning members, answer questions about the upcoming classes, and acquaint new members with the MICL program through personal contact. Parking is available adjacent to the classroom and signs leading to the classroom are in place. Refreshments will be served.
MICL Membership - $40
MICL Parking - $10 - If you have a handicapped tag, you will not need this.
MICL Contribution - $10 - This is paid directly to MICL Treasurer - NOT MJC
Your semester fee of $40 includes all 3 of the sessions listed below:
A Session
Mon., Aug. 31-Oct. 2, 2009
B Session
Mon., Oct. 5-Nov. 6, 2009
C Session
Mon., Nov. 9-Dec. 11, 2009
Monday - 10 a.m.-12 noon
A, B, AND C Sessions:
Travels Around the World
A Session Coordinator: Dianna Milburn
B Session Coordinator: Lila Huff
C Session Coordinator: Joyce Starkey
A popular travel program for armchair travelers and world-wide tourists alike. We hear a variety of fascinating travel topics presented by MICL members and non-members with travel via slides, videos, pictures and stories. Details will be in the MICLetter.
Monday - 1:00-3:00 p.m.
A Session:
Leonardo Da Vinci's Paintings
Coordinator/Presenter: Betty Boj-Sode
We'll look at the artist's training in Verrocchio's workshop in Florence and his early paintings; examine the development of his unique style in Milan and the creation of such major paintings as The Last Supper, The Virgin of the Rocks, and Mona Lisa; and become acquainted with the less familiar but no less intriguing late paintings. Class comments and questions invited.
B Session:
Memorable Books
Coordinator: Betty Boj-Sode
Ten MICL members tell us about books that have been memorable or meaningful in their lives, books that have touched or entertained their readers, or that may have influenced or shaped lives. The choices include both fiction and non-fiction, current titles or books from long ago. You're sure to find a familiar title - come and share your own memories and responses to some of those "books you can never forget."
C Session:
Play Reading
Coordinator: TBA
Tuesday and Thursday
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
A, B, and C Sessions
"Young at Heart"
Coordinators: Arline Wortner, Lila Huff, Doc Wait, Leonard Olives, Jim McCabe
A strength training program designed specifically for older adults followed by Tai Chi. You may sit or stand, depending on your physical ability. The program follows the guidelines of the Presidential Fitness Award.
Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.-noon
A Session
The Past Century: The Fifties
Coordinator: Bill Nichols
Modesto and elsewhere; The Korean War; Adlai Stevenson; We Like Ike; Joseph McCarty; The Civil Rights Movement
B Session
The Past Century: The Fifties
Coordinator: Bill Nichols
Marilyn Monroe; Baseball; Fidel Castro; Urban Growth; Elvis Presley & Rock & Roll; Ray Kroc; Disneyland; Entertainment of the 1950's
C Session
Founding Fathers
Coordinator: Gene Richards
Presenter: Curtis R. Grant
The Roots of American Nationality: Understanding Our Unique Heritage
Week 1 - A Framework for Understanding America: Old World Origins
Week 2 - Colonial America: What Was "New" about the New World?
Week 3 - An American "Revolution"? What Really Happened in 1776?
Week 4 - America and the World: The Challenges of American Uniqueness
Week 5 - Gene Richards - Three Graduates of The USMA, West Point, Who Became President
Tuesday - 1:00-3:00 p.m.
A, B, and C Sessions
Talk it Out!
Instructor: Bill Nichols
Membership in our Talk it Out Toastmaster Club is included in your MICL membership if you care to join us. This class builds confidence through group support.
Wednesday - 10:00 a.m.- noon
A Session
Bird Watching
Coordinator/Presenter: Dave Froba
Dave Froba, Stanislaus Audubon Society president, will help us to identify, understand, and appreciate the birds of our area, using videos from the large collection of videos he has taken of local birds. Binoculars and David Sibley's Field Guide to Birds of Western North America are recommended but not required. The first two classes, focusing on water and shore birds would be an excellent preparation for the MICL trip to Elkhorn Slough.
B Session 10AM - noon
Potpourri
Coordinator: Jenny Krajewski
Oct. 7 - Alpaca Farm, including a visiting Alpaca
Oct. 14 - Jewelry Presentation/field trip - Jean Hayes MJC teacher
Oct. 21 - Psychic Phenomena - Don Stoutamire
Oct. 28 - Cancer & Genetics - Dr. Richard Anderson, MJC Professor
Nov. 4 - What Darwin Didn't Know - Debra Bolter, MJC Professor
C Session
10:00 a.m.-noon
Gardening II - Let's Go Green
Coordinator: Mary Van Loon
Back by popular demand. Guest speakers will share tips and new ideas for the mini gardener as well as the more serious. A wide variety of gardening subjects will be offered. Let the experts show you how to get a jump on spring.
Wednesday - 1:00-3:00 p.m.
A, B, and C Sessions
Writer's Workshop
Coordinator: Shirley Irving
Presenter: Martha Loeffler
This perennially popular class is a workshop offering the opportunity to sharpen your skills in a variety of writing, such as memoirs, poetry, short stories, family history or newspaper columns. Our sole intent is to encourage each individual's skill in a positive and non-critical fashion. Come, join us!
Thursday - 10:00 a.m. - noon
A, B, AND C Sessions
What in the World?
A Session Coordinator: Jim McCabe
B Session Coordinator: Dave Froba
C Session Coordinator: John Mudie
MICL's longest running class gives members a chance to confront important issues of the day through discussions of news headlines and other media coverage. Here's your opportunity to be challenged by your colleagues and visiting speakers and to sound off on your opinion about "What in the World" is going on these days. Please remember to "disagree agreeably."
Thursday - 1:00-3:00 p.m.
A Session (except Potluck Day)
Aprendiendo Espanol: Learning Spanish
Coordinators: Julio & Elaine Solis
Work on reading, pronunciation and some writing in Spanish will expand your world through imaginary travel to Mexico, Central America and South America, making the cultures of those countries accessible to you. You'll be able to shop at stores and marketplaces, as well as take part in cultural experiences: theaters, museums, monuments, history, and traditions. Bienvenidos amigos y aprendamos Espanol.
B Session
Extra-curricular Activities
Coordinator: Vivian Theissen
What do MICL members do when they ar enot at MICL? Come and hear about a fascinating variety of activities and hobbies, with demonstrations and explanations. Thursday afternoons will be inspiring, energizing, and fun!
C Session: TBA
MICL Book Club
Meets last Thurs. of A, B, and C Sessions
Presenter: Carole Stark
Historical Biography
This group will continue the examination of WWII by reading biographies of major figures of the times, titles to be selected by the group.
Friday - 10 a.m.-noon (or when film ends)
A, B and C Sessions
Friday at the Movies
Coordinator: Betty Boj-Sode
See dates, titles, and descriptions in the MICLetter.
