Center for Creative Retirement

Courses

• Jazz Diplomacy: Cold War, Civil Rights and American Culture
• Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County
• Understanding the Middle East
• World War I

Jazz Diplomacy: Cold War, Civil Rights and American Culture

This course looks at the use of one of America’s great cultural creations - jazz - as a diplomatic tool. Starting in the 1950s, jazz was used as a way to counter Soviet propaganda, highlighting the contribution of great musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. But how did those musicians reconcile their status as global ambassadors of American culture with the challenges of the Civil Rights movement at home? The answer is manifested in the music they played, the compositions they created in response to encountering new cultures, and the musicians they inspired around the world. The course also looks at cultural diplomacy today and the continued effectiveness of American “soft power.”

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

James Ketterer, Instructor

Jazz Diplomacy: Cold War, Civil Rights and American Culture

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/11 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-751 700	30 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15

Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

The ValleyCats are an independent professional baseball team, set to begin their third year as members of the Frontier League. They play home games at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, or “The Joe” as some fans call it. The stadium is located on our very own Hudson Valley Community College campus. There isn’t a bad seat in the house at The Joe! The stadium holds 4,500 people and includes 10 high-end luxury suites and four picnic areas for group outings. They play 48 home games at The Joe from May through September. Get ready to celebrate the 2024 season by touring The Joe. Take a look at their great facilities, hear what’s new for the coming year and get a look at the batting cage and locker room.

Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Directions: The Joe Bruno Stadium is located on the Hudson Valley Community College’s Campus.  The meeting spot will be at the ValleyCats box office.

Tour "The Joe" in Rensselaer County

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/4 10:00 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-317 700	25 seats left	$12	Opens 5/15

Understanding the Middle East

This course explores various aspects of the recent history, culture, and religions of the Middle East, seeking to put these factors into a broader context and undo many of the stereotypes and myths that pervade American views of the region. The course offers an overview of the modern Middle East and reviews populations, languages, religions, key historical events over the last several decades, and where things stand now.  Course instructor James Ketterer has lived and worked across the region and recently returned from Egypt, where he held an academic appointment at the American University in Cairo.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

James Ketterer, Instructor

Understanding the Middle East

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Tuesday, 6/18 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-752 700	28 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15

World War I

This class provides a military overview and analysis of the strategies and methods of the way WWI was fought, as well as an analysis of major battles and decisions on both sides that ultimately determined the Allied victory and the shaping of our world today.

Course will be held in Williams Hall, Room 113

Thad Gaebelein, Instructor

World War I

Schedule	Section	Seats Left	Cost	Register
Monday, 6/17 9:30 am - 11:30 am	ZCCR-770 700	30 seats left	$19	Opens 5/15