Drew Minicourse Summer Registration Begins

The Friends of the Madison Public Library and Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies jointly sponsor the Drew Minicourses, now in its 25th year. Each non-credit course is two hours per week for five weeks. Although the courses are intended for the general public with no prerequisites, they are taught at a level consistent with Drew University’s outstanding academic reputation. The faculty members are chosen both for their scholarship and for their ability as lecturers. There are no examinations, grades, or required reading, but reading lists are provided. The tuition for one course is $95. Additional courses for one individual are $65 each.

The courses are given in the Chase Room of the Madison Public Library. Parking is convenient and the classroom is accessible to all. For further information and to register, go to http://www.drewminicourses.org or call Drew University (973) 408-3118.

Registration is open for three summer courses that will begin the last week of June.

“Globalization, Migration and the Refugee Crises” by Jonathan Golden, PhD

Five Tuesdays: June 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1; 10 am – 12 Noon

There is greater social upheaval and forced human migration today than at any time since the mid-twentieth century. What is driving the current global refugee crises and what are the responses? In this course, we will examine the historical circumstances that have contributed to political and social unrest in places like Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. We will learn about the ethno-religious and political conflicts that are driving upheaval. We will also explore perceptions of and responses to these crises in nations of Europe and North America. What are the attitudes toward people seeking asylum and how do these attitudes influence immigration policies? What are the policies designed to keep migrants out, and for countries that are accepting refugees, how effective are efforts to help them?

Dr. Jonathan Golden is Director, Center on Religion, Culture and Conflict and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Comparative Religion, Drew University. He holds a PhD in Anthropology specializing in the study of ancient and modern cultures of the Middle East. Golden's research interests include religious and ethnic conflict, terrorism and interfaith studies.

"Leonard Bernstein and American Music" by Robert Butts

Five Tuesdays: June 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1; 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Leonard Bernstein had a significant impact on the music world and American music. When he began, American composers and conductors were not even considered part of the musical world. Bernstein's brilliance and personality, however, broke the barriers and today American composers, musicians, and conductors are among the most successful. Bernstein did what few in the music world were able to do--he was a conductor, a composer, an educator, and a pianist. He created lasting works in both the classical and popular music fields. His insights and personal touch enabled him to reach millions of people through broadcasts on television and lectures. He was one of the first conductors to talk to the audience about the music. In addition to the concert world, Bernstein created masterpieces of musical theater. His single film score, On the Waterfront, remains one of the greatest of all film compositions. His championing of American composers introduced not only his own music to the world, but that of his colleagues, Aaron Copland and George Gershwin.

Maestro Robert Butts has won acclaim as conductor, composer and educator. He is the director of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey. He teaches/lectures at Montclair State University, The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies at Drew University, New Jersey Council for the Humanities and The College of Saint Elizabeth.

“Morris County, USA: A Living Tapestry” by Jim DelGiudice

Five Thursdays: June 29, Jul 6, 13, 27, Aug 3; 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., (No class July 20)

From its days as the “military capital of the revolution” to the 21st century home of 500,000, Morris County has witnessed more history than any other place in the union. In this series of lectures we will discuss such subjects as landmarks (both famous and hidden), personalities (with an emphasis on women and the progress of minorities), technology (from the industrial revolution to the space age), and farming (including the history of the Great Swamp).

Jim DelGiudice graduated from the Newhouse School and has been documenting the local scene ever since. In April 2016, his article, “Morristown, USA,” appeared in American Spirit Magazine. He served as a teacher in the Drew Historic Preservation Certificate program.