NEW Review the positive attributes as well as risks to the aging brain. Included will be a discussion of dementia, with a clear definition of this term, normal functioning of the aging brain and normal compensatory mechanisms, which may or may not be needed.

NEW Explore the poets not generally included in sweeping British and Irish Poetry classes. These are the voices of the Gaeltacht, the Irish speaking areas of Ireland, mostly on its west coast. Also included are Irish poets from today's CyberGaeltacht-the modern online Irish language community, with participants from around the world.

NEW Jordan is the runt of the Middle East. Compared to Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, it has the smallest population, scarcest resources, and greatest vulnerability to regional conflict. And yet this contrived Arab country, with a divided society and antiquated monarchy, has outlasted endless predictions of collapse. Jordan is an accidental crucible where titanic forces have created an important, if misunderstood, state that is now central to the Palestinian question and Middle East peace. Sean Yom, Assoc Prof, Poli Sci, Temple U.

NEW Enjoy an introduction to the great Baroque painter Caravaggio and his art, with explorations of some of his most famous paintings. Caravaggio was a mystery. As an artist, he relished in breaking the rules of “good painting,” and then resented it when people criticized his art. In life, he was no saint. Yet his art seems to possess a deep insight into the human condition, and perhaps even into the Divine.

NEW Often overlooked in historical accounts of our country's founding, visionary Black Philadelphians shaped our nation and left a rich legacy as entrepreneurs, civic leaders, abolitionists and soldiers. Consider Cyrus Bustill, Reverend Richard Allen, Reverend Absalom Jones, Reverend John Gloucester, Alice of Dunk's Ferry, the Forten women and others. (see walking tour on page )

The "Mollies," a unique and multi-faceted secret society in Pennsylvania’s coal regions during the mid-19th century, can be viewed as an ethno-religious organization advocating the culture of the Irish Catholics, a militant arm of the union, the Workingmen's Benevolent Association, or nothing more than street toughs. Theirs is a story of our past and an instructive lesson for today. (See our bus trip to Jim Thorpe on page ? .)

IN PERSON Analyze a different topic in depth each week. The topics may currently be in the news while others are more eclectic and focus on timeless issues. American domestic politics as well as foreign policy are constant themes running through many of the topics. Classmates and guest speakers contribute regularly, ensuring a wide variety of points of view.

ONLINE Analyze a different topic in depth each week. The topics may currently be in the news while others are more eclectic and focus on timeless issues. American domestic politics as well as foreign policy are constant themes running through many of the topics. Classmates and guest speakers contribute regularly, ensuring a wide variety of points of view.