Rainbow Lifelong Learning Institute, Boston

Schedule: 
This course will take place on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM for five weeks (1/21/25 - 2/18/25).  This course will be on zoom.

Course Description:
TED Talks have become a very popular virtual method for sharing thoughts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. They provide original viewpoints that can stimulate your mind and open you to new knowledge, hear how others think, and provide you with a new way to explore the world. Each week 1-3 TED Talk videos will be shown in class, and students will engage in lively facilitated conversation sharing their perspectives on the ideas raised. There will be five different presenters from our Rainbow community, one for each class, each focusing on a different topic.

Per the TED Talks website: “The organization is on a mission to discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact” and are “devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda ... (for those) who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others ...”

Jan. 21: Perception
Betsy McGinnity, Presenter
This TED Talk session will explore the nature of Perception. We’ll begin by experiencing how optical illusions show us how we see, then look at photographing nature beyond the limits of human perception, and finally explore whimsical art that craves your attention.

Jan. 28: Free Speech and Academic Freedom in Universities
Devon Davidson, Presenter 
This TED Talk Class  will focus on free speech and academic freedom in universities.  We will look at how universities can protect free speech while also protecting vulnerable students, the difference between free speech and academic freedom, and the connections between the rightwing’s attack on universities, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), critical race theory, gender, and free thought itself.

Feb. 4: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial Empathy (AE)
Cynthia Jahn, Presenter
Artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial empathy (AE) are both an ever-growing presence in our lives, with ongoing development in areas such as chatbot therapy, companion robots, and conversational agents. How will AI and AE impact our lives and the ways that we connect with each other?

Feb. 11: Mediumship 
Thea Iberall, Presenter
Mediumship is the practice of communicating with spirits through a medium who receives messages, symbols, and impressions. Western science claims there is no empirical evidence for this activity, and yet thousands of self-proclaimed mediums appear to be able to do it. Let’s open the door to this fascinating topic together.

Feb. 18: Words, Grammar, and Different Ways of Speaking!
Alison Morgan, Presenter
In this very interactive discussion we will explore lexicography, making up words, “Does grammar matter?" and other fun topics relating to words. Bring your favorite words and pet peeves! 

Required Course Materials: None

Preparation for First Class: None