Free 2-hr Lecture: To be fair to those sharing their topics, we ask that people make an effort to attend all sessions
Background (paraphrased from UVic Continuing Studies)
SAGE, an acronym for Stimulate, Advance, and Guide Education, is an approach to education designed for those adult learners who wish to actively participate in the learning process by pursuing their favourite subjects in depth. SAGE members work cooperatively so that their own individual study, as well as their group interactions, is productive and enjoyable. As they learn, they also contribute to the education of others.
The most active component of SAGE is our study groups. (Link: https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/humanities-and-social-sciences/series/sage-study-groups). Study groups are not taught by instructors; rather, a facilitator assists in coordinating the presentations of group members and in moderating the discussions. An important aspect of study groups is their small size (maximum 14 participants). Group members quickly get to know each other, and learning takes place in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
David and Anne’s experience:
In our experience, participants would first research their chosen topic within the theme, then give a 40 minute presentation to the other participants. Everyone was provided the theme weeks in advance so we could all get a good start on our research! PowerPoint was often the chosen medium, but some people read from notes or used a flip chart. A lively discussion usually followed to round out the hour for each presentation. There were two presentations for each session (2 h total). The class size was limited to 14 to keep it informal and to allow people to get to know each other. This course would be a perfect fit for seniors who enjoy learning in a relaxed environment.
Examples of some themes that Anne and David participated in:
Secrets and Lies
Sometimes things are not what they seem. History, nature and the news media are full of examples. What do we know of the whole story? How was the truth discovered? If it is still a secret, what efforts have been made to find out? Why did it take so long? What were the impacts? Each participant will choose a secret or lie, find out about it, and make a presentation to the group in a form intended to stimulate discussion in a friendly and supportive environment. Some examples are Piltdown Man, Grey Owl, Chevalier d’Éon, Anna Anderson, the Manhattan Project, how to keep milk from spoiling, Banksy, the Marie Celeste.
Just in Time
Plan a trip using the time machine that you won in a raffle. The device will carry up to four people, will go anywhere, anytime in the past and can return to the present, but will not go into the future. Where in space and time will you go? Why did you choose that destination? How will you prepare? What will you do when you get there? How do you expect the inhabitants, if any, to react? How long will you stay? What will you take with you? Who will you take as companions, if any? What dangers do you foresee?
“Isms”
Words ending in “-ism” include the names of distinctive systems, schools of thought and theories, e.g. Buddhism, Sadism, existentialism;, the names of behaviours, and actions e.g. tourism, nudism; the names of practices and opinions resulting from beliefs or principals, e.g feminism, minimalism; and the names of medical conditions e.g rheumatism. Each participant will choose an “ism” and discuss its history and significance in a presentation intended to stimulate discussion.