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Transformation in Modern Film and Novels
10 sessions
September 25 – December 4 (no
class November 20)
1:30 – 4:15 pm
Course Leader: Michael Connolly
Description
The heroic quest is universal, but not uniform. Elder heroes behave
differently from youths. Their journeys are often inward rather than
outward, backward rather than forward, slow and intentional rather than
fast and impetuous. But their actions are just as heroic, if not more
so, for the stakes are higher, time is short, and the flesh is weak.
Victory, which is far from guaranteed, demands full acceptance and then
transcendence of the self, an authentication of one’s experience
and a willingness to let it go as one helps others to prepare for the
ascendancy of the next generation.
Join us as our elder heroes—men and women, Swedish, American,
and Brazilian—hit the road to show us what old age, and especially
the new old age, is really about.
I will briefly introduce each film. After we have spent one and a half
to two hours watching the film and taking a break, we’ll have
a 40-minute discussion of its themes and how they relate to our own
experience of so-called old age. We’ll also read and discuss one
or two ElderQuest novels. Films: Wild Strawberries, The Trip to Bountiful,
The Straight Story, Central Station, Praisesong for the Widow, About
Schmidt, Carry Me Across the Water.
Readings: We will read two novels. All films will
be viewed in class.
Computer: Desirable, but not necessary.
Bio
Michael Connolly is a facilitator and consultant to non-profits and
social change organizations and a member of the Board of Directors of
Stonewall Communities. He has taught management at Northeastern University
and Curry College, and worked with groups and individuals using the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Jungian literature to deepen awareness
of the paths we tread and the paths that call us. With his friend, Bob
Rimer, he published “HIV+: Working the System,” detailing
how to manage and survive the medical system. He lives in Cambridge
with his partner John, two golden retrievers and a Burmese cat.
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July 23, 2008
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