Moderator Jude Walsh has kept journals since age twelve, using writing to reflect on daily life, travel, reading, creativity, and personal experiences. This seminar invites participants to move journaling from a solitary practice into a shared, reflective space. Each session begins with a brief reading or prompt from published writers, followed by 25 minutes of quiet writing. The group then comes together for discussion. Sharing personal writing is optional; attentive listening and participation in discussion are expected. Participants should bring a pen and paper or a laptop, along with curiosity and an open mind.

Moderator Jill Hitt leads an exploration of the life and literary legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, one of America’s most influential and enigmatic writers. This seminar examines Poe’s life, the personal and cultural influences that shaped his work, and the writers and genres he inspired in turn. Participants will take a closer look at selected short stories and poems, alongside a high-level survey of many of his major works. Through discussion and analysis, the seminar offers insight into Poe’s enduring impact on literature, popular culture, and the gothic imagination.

From the Romantics to the contemporary poetry scene poets have always been inspired by nature. We will read lots of poems with the theme of nature.

This six-week, in-person seminar will focus on participants presenting their own written poetical works in a public forum, including open-mic sessions with fellow seminar students during class. It will culminate with a lunchtime (11:30am-12:30pm) public reading for the last two class sessions in either the cafeteria or auditorium, schedule/availability permitting.

Students will be encouraged to compose poems outside of the classroom and practice presenting their poems during the seminar session. Class maximum of 16 participants due to time/presentation constraints and fluidity of classroom participation.

This seminar invites participants on a musical journey to discover the personal soundtrack of their lives. Through guided reflection and discussion, the course explores how music influences us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and how it evokes powerful memories of people, places, and formative experiences. Participants will engage in informal writing activities—such as brainstorming and freewriting—using prompts related to family, life stages, meaningful lyrics, first concerts, and music associated with transformation or healing. These reflections will help each participant select 10–12 songs that represent their unique life soundtrack. Mini-narratives about each song will be developed into a personal essay. Song lyrics and short audio clips will also be examined, encouraging thoughtful reflection on the enduring role of music in one’s life.

The class will read and discuss Joe Ruff's poems that were featured in Si Burick’s Dayton Daily News Sports column from 1940-1970.

In this seminar we will be reading and discussing about a dozen of Faulkner's short stories, all available in Collected Stories of William Faulkner, available in paperback from Thriftbooks or Amazon. The reading list will be distributed at the first meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: It would be helpful to read "A Rose for Emily" before the first meeting.