Since 1927, the Academy Awards have celebrated the best in filmmaking, from groundbreaking silent films to modern blockbusters. In this seminar, we’ll trace the history of Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director winners, watching memorable clips that showcase the artistry and cultural impact of cinema across the decades. From Wings (1927) to more recent winners, we’ll revisit great moments in film history while reflecting on what makes these works enduring classics. One session will be dedicated to Charlie Chaplin—his life, artistry, and lasting influence on world cinema. Participants will also be invited to share their favorite films, performances, and stars.

This engaging, video-rich course tells the story of American television—from its 1920s origins to today’s streaming era. We will explore decades of iconic shows, genres, and cultural moments that shaped the medium and its audiences. From sitcoms and dramas to news and sports, we will rediscover how TV evolved, adapted, and transformed American culture—one broadcast, cable channel, and streaming service at a time.

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, great films often reflect the deepest truths about the human experience. In this seminar, we will watch and analyze carefully selected clips from some of the most acclaimed movies of all time, using them as springboards for exploring universal themes. Together, we will consider questions of heroism and villainy, love and meaning, and the paradoxes that shape our lives. Each session will feature 40–45 minutes of film excerpts, followed by engaging discussion designed to draw out connections between cinema and our own journeys.