Discovering Downton 3.0
Sundays, February 21st - April 17th 2016
The Instructor
Judith Israel, M.A., M.L.S.
Judith was formerly Vice President of Research at Burrelle’s Information Services in Livingston, NJ. She is also the founder of The Cyberskeptic’s Guide to Internet Research, a monthly newsletter for information specialists and corporate librarians.
At Fairleigh Dickinson, Judith has taught "The Art of Poetry" for several years for the Florham Institute for Lifelong Learning.
Judith has published many articles in other publications and has made major presentations in the informations field.
She is a graduate of Barnard College and holds an M.A. in English from N.Y.U. where she has also completed work for the doctorate. In addition, she has received an M.L.S. from Rutgers University.
A Few Words from Judith on "Downton Abbey"
"Once I viewed the first episode (after the fourth season had already ended), I became a Downton Abbey addict, as had so many others before me. As I binge-watched the show, I was astounded by its complexities. As an English teacher, I began to think of the many issues raised in this masterpiece and how it would be a good course for Fairleigh Dickinson to offer.
"I thought: Wouldn’t it be fun to analyze Downton Abbey as if it were an historical novel with all its themes, characters, plot lines and social issues? I hope to take the microcosm of the series and compare it to the “real” world as it was in that time
as well as to our own."
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
"Discussing Downton" is open to everyone! It is directed to students of all ages and should prove interesting even to those who haven’t ever watched the show.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS COURSE?
“Discussing Downton” is unique in both its target audience and scope. The scope of the eight sessions is very wide, and every topic will be illustrated with footage, stills and material drawn directly from the show, not just related to it. The course offers ample opportunity for audience participation and input.
Each session is based on research and informed reflection, but the course is not “academic.” It is meant to be fun, a kind of scholarly romp. People can even come in costume if they wish to! We also plan to have guest lecturers who will talk about various topics within their fields of expertise.
