Film in our lifetime creates our contemporary myths and reflects the societal and cultural issues we constantly encounter as a society. One of the most dramatic changes in the 20th and 21st century has been the evolving role of women in developing their own individuality and life paths. You will examine, through both drama and comedy, how women?s characters have evolved, reflected in many films that have graced the screen since the 1930?s. Each week, we will have a new film presented with discussion afterward, beginning in the early decades to the present. Not only will the discussion be about the film, but also about the women starring in the roles who have, in their own personal lives, helped to move the status of women forward in society as well.

• Instructor
  Robert Kline, B.A., who filmed 'Ronald Reagan an American Journey' which premiered on KCET in January in commemoration of the 100th year of Ronald Reagan's birthday. He is a former senior VP of 20th Century Fox and a co-founder of Lifetime Television.
• Date/Time
  Tues. 9-11 a.m., Feb. 26-Apr. 2 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  123−CPS−S63

Some of the social components of identity as shaped by early childhood socialization experiences, family dynamics, and challenges in adolescence -- and throughout the life course -- will be explored in this class. You will also examine, in part, the critical role that socio-economic differences (i.e., social classes), ethnic and multi-cultural patterns, as well as generational shifts brought about by rapid social change, play upon identity formation.

• Instructor
  Wayne Wooden, Ph.D., Retired Professor, Palm Springs, is the co-author of the book "Renegade Kids, Suburban Outlaws: From Youth Culture to Delinquency". Dr. Wooden is a retired Professor from the Psychology and Sociology Department at Cal Poly Pomona.
• Date/Time
  Tues. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (no meeting Mar. 26), Feb. 26-Apr. 9 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  123−CPS−S68

This interactive class tells the story of Rock n Roll Music and its development (1954-1959) using history, entertainment and nostalgia. With selected recordings and video clips, you will examine the hits, artists, and the many influences on the music

• Instructor
  William Maxwell, F.C.M.A., Grew up in the era of rock `n roll and is an expert on history and trends in music.
• Date/Time
  Wed. 9-11 a.m., Feb. 27-Apr. 3 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  123−CPS−S69

Hearst built a newspaper empire; the largest mining empire in the USA; a movie empire; a magazine empire; a legendary art collection; and a 165-room castle on a hill in California. His "building" career spanned from the Civil War to the Atomic Bomb. He had control of $200 to $400 million at one point in his life. He fought to legalize marijuana; supported Hitler, but hated communism; was a US congressman; and the subject of one of America's most famous movies. He desperately wanted to be President, but had a murder in his past. You will explore all of the exciting (and often controversial!) highlights and lowlights in the life that was William Randolph Hearst.

• Instructor
  Penelope C. Engard has had a successful career as a Navy wife during the Viet Nam War and as a marketing and management executive. Now life is allowing her to use her degree in History and Political Science from the University of Richmond to indulge her passion for American history.
• Date/Time
  Wed. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Feb. 27-Apr. 3 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  123−CPS−S70

An overview of the region, what it was, what it became and why we care. You will examine and discuss the role of religions and culture in the Middle East, its prominent leaders and what you can expect from them. You will also explore the role of women, the influence of the West, and life in the Middle East today.

• Instructor
  Penny Rivin, M.A., Retired Associate Professor of History, College of the Desert, Palm Desert. She has served as the moderator for the popular "Great Decisions Series" and is a member of the Board of Directors for the World Affairs Council of the Desert. She worked as a Middle East specialist for CNN and CBS and was in Jordan during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. She has traveled extensively in the Arab world and in Israel.
• Date/Time
  Mon. 9-11 a.m., Apr. 1-May 6 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S60

"Manhattan Project" is the code name for the Secret Project that originated before WW 2 and culminated with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is probably the most influential and far-reaching project that humanity ever accomplished. It introduced the Nuclear Age. You will review the history of the origins of the making of the atomic bomb during WW 2, and discuss the people involved, the history of energy and the (simplified) history of the physics leading up to the making of the nuclear bomb. Its existence completely changed international politics and the results and the emotions involved are still with us today.

• Instructor
  Albert Koetsier has spent his life listening to, and studying Beethoven. As a student, he spent during the early sixties half a year in Vienna to obtain a fuller understanding of the musical background of Beethoven
• Date/Time
  Wed. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Apr. 10-May 15 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S63

Highlights of the unique qualities that makeup American architecture. Starting with our nation's independence in 1776, America has been a melting pot of many cultures from around the world. The Native peoples of North America were the first to contribute to our unique architectural history. From the north east's wooded forests to the deserts of the southwest, the native peoples understood and realized what best suited them and the climate. European immigrants from England and continental Europe were next to contribute to the American architectural landscape. They adapted the known in the unknown new world and created changes in building styles that became uniquely American. By the mid-20th century America was the undisputed world leader in building techniques and design. During this course, you will also learn terms and techniques of building, and explore what is at the heart of American architecture.

• Instructor
  Randall W. Hatch, B.S., Instructor, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
• Date/Time
  Wed. 9-11 a.m., Apr. 10-May 15 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S62

From December 7, 1941 to September, 11 2001, you will focus on events that changed the history of America and the world. From D-Day (June 6, 1944) to November, 22 1963, you will study the causal factors and the historical antecedents that made public events and dates memorable.

• Instructor
  Robert Kline, B.A., who filmed 'Ronald Reagan an American Journey' which premiered on KCET in January in commemoration of the 100th year of Ronald Reagan's birthday. He is a former senior VP of 20th Century Fox and a co-founder of Lifetime Television.
• Date/Time
  Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Apr. 11-May 16 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S65

An interactive discussion of events shaping the news each week, including analyses on similarities to past occurrences in the 20th Century during the same time period. Media sources include, print, TV, the Internet and social media. You discuss politics, the economy, sports, show business and topics pulled from the "headlines."

• Instructor
  Dick Stein, B.S., majored in economics at the University of Maryland and went on to be a successful entrepreneur.He worked for the New York Times. He iis one of the founders of ESPN and has taught college-level history and economics in Los Angeles.
• Date/Time
  Thurs. 9-11 a.m., Apr. 11-May 16 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S64

Six weeks dedicated to the art of French living through the exploration of their language, humor, gastronomy, social etiquette, French Stereotypes and more! Each week, you will discuss and exchange views over a new theme to give you greater insight and understanding into the French and their lifestyle. Whether you want to have a French conversation with a native speaker, or you just want to impress your friends, the best way to improve your skills is to converse on a regular basis. Become comfortable with French conversation and gain a a better understanding of the country's culture, cuisine and history.

• Instructor
  
• Date/Time
  Tues. 9-11 a.m., Apr. 16-May 21 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S66

This course explores the who, what, when, where, and why of personal happiness. It addresses the psychological, social, and historical factors associated with happiness and unhappiness, dispelling myths and pinpointing causes. It will show why happiness may change over a lifetime, differ for generations, and vary between nations, answering the timeless question: Will the future bring greater happiness?

• Instructor
  Robert F. Fiorentine, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, College of the Desert, Palm Desert
• Date/Time
  Tues. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Apr. 16-May 21 (6 meetings)
• Location
  Annenberg Center, RANCHO MIRAGE
• Section
  124−CPS−S67

If you're a PC user, but have never had any formal training, this course is for you. Focus is on understanding how your computer can be set up to be more user-friendly, how to connect your PCs and other devices to share pictures and data, and how to keep your personal information safe from prying eyes. Explore changes in Windows and discover how to get the most out of your system. A combination of demonstrations, hands-on exercises and discussions to improve skills will reduce computer-related anxiety. The small class size (approximately 20 students) allows for a high level of student interaction.

• Instructor
  John Epps, B.A., Sr. Consultant and Trainer, John Epps Associates, San Bernardino
• Date/Time
  Wed. 10 a.m.-noon, May 22-Jun. 26 (6 meetings)
• Location
  UCR Palm Desert, PALM DESERT
• Section
  124−CPS−S68