The local Jefferson Educational Society has a great deal of compelling programming coming up over the next few months. Have a look and if you want to learn more, check out their website here.

According to their site, The Jefferson Educational Society of Erie (JES) is a non-profit institution founded to promote civic enlightenment, and community progress for the Erie Region through the study, research, discussion, of those ideas and events that have influenced the human condition. The Society, therefore, will offer courses, seminars, and lectures which explain the central ideas which have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie Region.

Sacred Spaces of Erie’s Architecture

Monday, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $50 per person or $75 with a guest

The course will expose participants to the wide variety of religious architecture in NW Pennsylvania and will include ‘field trips’ to some of the diverse sacred spaces in our area. First class will be meeting at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant on 7th Street. Michael E. DeSanctis, Ph.D., instructor

China Rising, Threat or Opportunities?

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $50 per person or $75 with a guest

Four separate topics: History, Trade, Taiwan, and North Korea. Edward Chen, Ph.D., instructor

Africa: Continent or State of Mind?

Thursday Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $50 per person or $75 with a guest

A survey of the African continent and why it should be of great importance to all Americans. Participants will also be given the opportunity to visit East Africa with Edward Grode, M.Ed., instructor

Short Stories: Rebellious Wives and Dutiful Daughters

Thursday Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $50 per person or $75 with a guest

Classic short story masterpieces by American women writers with women as the principal characters. Writers include, among others, Zora Neale Hurston, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Amy Tan, Cynthia Ozick. Text: The Oxford Book of American Short Stories, (paperback) ed. Joyce Carol Oates. Act, 48 credit Marjorie Podolsky, M.Ed., instructor

Successful Erie Women: Making it in the World of Business and Politics

Thursday, Feb. 4, 11 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $25 per person or $40 with a guest

Is it still a man’s world in business and politics? What does it take for a woman to succeed in today’s world? How did Erie’s dynamic women hold their own and compete and succeed? Guest speakers include Judy Lynch, Joyce Savocchio, Lt. Gen. Pat Genung (retired), Susan Breon and others. Corrine Halperin Egan, B.A., instructor

Music Appreciation: The Romantic Era

Tuesday, February 9 & 16 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $25 per person or $40 with a guest

By listening to and discussing the masterworks of great Romantic composers such as, Beethoven, Berlioz, Weber, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Mahler, Strauss, etc., participants will gain insights into this music and be able to connect to the ageless, universal appeal of the Romantic period of the musical history. Carolyn Soder, M. Music, Scholar, Paris, France

Personal Transformation through Movement

Monday, February 8 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $10 per person or $15 with a guest

A personal journey and powerful initiation of transformation through subconscious directed movement (movement suitable for absolutely anyone no matter what their physical shape). Lecture will explore the impact Transformational Movement has on each participant’s life. – Richard Stadler, Classical Guitarist, Transformational Movement Instructor.

Keeping Our Borders Safe

Friday, February 12 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, 459-8000

Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door (includes lunch)

Global Issues Forum – How do our Border Patrol Agencies seek to identify, disrupt and dismantle international criminal organizations threatening customs, immigration and homeland security? Lev Kubiak, M.A. presenter

History of Baseball

Monday Feb. 15 and 22

6:30-8:30 p.m.

3207 State Street

Cost is $25, 40 with a guest

The origins of Baseball (1840-1900); the corruption in baseball pertaining to the 1919 Black Sox Scandal; Negro Baseball v. White Baseball; Reserve Clause v. Free Agency; and modern baseball and the new stadiums. Gene Dreyfus, MBA., instructor

Humanist Perspective: Being Good Without God

Tuesday Feb. 16 and 23

6:30-8:30 p.m.

3207 State Street

Cost is $25, 40 with a guest

Humanists maintain that morality, values and ethics are not necessarily the result of the influence of religion and that humankind is inherently good. True or False? Gary Sykes, Ph.D. and Reid MacFarlane M.DIV., instructors

Own the Internet

March 18 and 25

6:30-8:30 p.m.

3207 State Street

Cost is $25, 40 with a guest

A personal class to quadruple the value of the Internet to you and your organization. Understand relevant computer & Web history. Know what’s coming, the important trends that are affecting your career, family, and life. Discover online resources you never imagined. Learn how to use social networking, protect your privacy, manage your reputation, market your products or services, and make money. Bring your laptop (optional). David VanAmburg, B.S., instructor