Still Learning 1: Portrayal of the FeU Generation in Literature and Film

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This course will take place at the Mercer Public Library with Wendy Thiede and Macy Washow on the following dates (please note varied times):

• Tuesday, Feb. 27, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
• Tuesday, March 5, 10:00-11:30a.m.
• Tuesday, March 12, 9:30-11:00a.m.
• Tuesday, March 19, 10:00-11:30a.m.

The over-60 generation as portrayed in literature and film, a 4-session course, is the first in the series of seven courses titled Still Learning After All These Years: a series of courses for and about our Fe U generation: who we are, where we’ve been, what we need.

Students will learn the importance of how older adults are portrayed in literature and film because that portrayal can affect our perceptions and lead to discrimination and low self-esteem. The film, short stories, poetry and the novel chosen for analysis are intended to show the unique experiences and positive contributions of older adults contrasted to the stereotypes often seen in the media.

Session 1: Film, Feb 27, 10:00-2:00, light lunch provided.

We will discuss movies students have watched that feature older protagonists. What are the characters like? Are their actions and appearance age-appropriate? Is the portrayal a fair glimpse of an older person, or do the characters simply fit the stereotypes of grumpy old man or forgetful or feisty old lady for the sake of comedy. Are the movies depressing or upbeat?

We will then watch a film to answer the questions above and analyze how film technique is used to portray the older character. We will discuss techniques such as camera shots, camera movement, sound, editing, light, music, dialog and character interaction. What do we learn in the first few minutes about the character and how do we learn that?

Session 2: Short stories, March 5, 10:00-11:30a.m.

Students will read several short stories to discuss in class. The same questions above will be discussed, but instead of film technique, short story technique will be analyzed. What are the direct and indirect ways we learn about the character? Is there a message, and if so, how well does it come across? Can you tell the age of the writer from his/her portrayal of the older characters? 

Session 3: Poetry, March 12, 9:30-11:00a.m. 

Though often criticized for being obscure or not rhyming, poems can, in just a few lines, uncover universal truths or provide fresh ways of looking at the world. Students will read and discuss approximately a dozen short, easily accessible poems that examine who we are, where we’ve been, and what we need. They will analyze how the sound of the word, the imagery, the brevity of expression, structure, and even the arrangement of the line on the page add impact. Mostly, however, they will discuss what the poems say about life’s experiences and how the poem did or didn’t change their perspective. Students will discuss which are their favorite poems and why. Is there a line that especially hits home? Something that surprised them?  Could they see their preference changing over time? Why or why not? Students are encouraged to bring in favorite poems of older adults. A list of additional poems will be provided.

Session 4: Novel, March 19, 10:00-11:30a.m. 

Students will be assigned a novel to discuss in the 4th session. Again, the questions about portrayal of the elderly protagonist will be discussed and the author’s technique in getting the story across. What literary conventions did he/she use, and are they effective? Students will be asked to bring a meaningful quote or two from the novel to discuss in class. Students will discuss what they think the age the author was when he/she wrote the novel. What are some clues? Do they think the portrayal is realistic? If the author was in his 60’s or 70’s what might be different?

Requirements: Students are encouraged to read several short stories, poems and a novel.

Instructors: Wendy Thiede and Macy Washow

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Cancellation Notice: Students are encouraged to sign up at least two weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. Courses with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.

All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to a generous donation from the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.