Explore Our Classes

Most programs are scheduled once a month for three months: June, July, and August.
A seasonal $15 administration fee per person, plus a charge for each class
supports FELS instructors and Stockton University student scholarships.

FELS has raised over $300,000 for the Stockton University Foundation over 15+ years.

(Click on a class for more detail. Note that class prices are for all classes in the series)

American Composers of the 20th Century

Atlantic City composer, performer, and music instructor, Andy Kahn, will lead a discussion each month of legendary 20th century American composers. Andy will play pieces from each composer and encourage class participation.


Tuesdays 10:30 – 12:00 noon
June 17, July 15, August 19
Stockton University, Atlantic City Campus, room 317
Andy Kahn, Instructor

Art Appreciation. What do you see when you look at a painting?

Discover the elements of art and how they are used in the principles of design to create works of art. I have worksheets to develop some of this and how to judge the results. Let’s sharpen your eyes and understanding that what you see at first may not be all that is there.


Wednesdays 10:30 – 12:00 noon
June 11, July 9, August 13
Margate City Public Library
Shirley Belitsky,, Instructor

Beyond the Bible: Treasures from a Rabbi's Library

A thought-provoking exploration of important works in Jewish law and literature which may be less well known than the Torah, but have had a great influence on the social and spiritual world today. Topics may include “A Taste of Talmud,” “Midrash as a Mirror,” and “The Spin on the Sin” (Medieval Jewish Commentary on the Tower of Babel).”


Tuesdays 10:30 – 12:00 noon
June 24, July 29, August 26
Stockton University Atlantic City Campus room 211
Rabbi Michael Feshbach, Instructor

Censorship in America Cinema

Trace the evolution of Hollywood’s depiction of morality by examining films from the daring years of 1930s film to the restrictive Hays Code period (1930-1968). Through lectures, film screenings, and discussions, we’ll explore how filmmakers navigated and challenged shifting rules, pushing the boundaries of American filmmaking. Sarah Holt is an educator and library associate at the Margate Library, with a deep love for books, movies, and music. An alumni of Stockton University’s Literature program, she specializes in American and women’s literature.


Wednesdays 1;30 – 3:00 pm
June 4, July 2, August 6
Margate City Public Library
Sarah Holt, Instructor

Current Events & Constitutional Issues

A well informed and educated voting population is the foundation of our Democracy. We provide a forum for a civil exchange of views on how to preserve, protect and defend our Constitutional Republic. Everyone is welcome to participate as we deal with current issues before the Courts and challenges to the Rule of Law. Retired Lawyer Bill Subin, former Stockton Adjunct Professor, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney in N.J. and D.C. will lead our discussions. Discover the elements of art and how they are used in the principles of design to create works of art. I have worksheets to develop some of this and how to judge the results. Let’s sharpen your eyes and understanding that what you see at first may not be all that is there.


Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:00 pm
June 25, July 23, August 23
Margate City Public Library
Bill Subin: Instructor

You Too Can Do Comedy Improv!

Improv is a fun and therapeutic expression of life imitating art imitating life. You can perform anywhere, anytime without a script or props while casually attired, in costume or even in your birthday suit (but not in this class of course!)! Participants will be introduced to basic concepts and techniques through exercises, games, and short sketches. Paul Foer is the founder of SPLIT (Somers Point Laughter Improv and Theatricks), and has trained and performed with five Improv troupes in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, MD and New Jersey. He has acted on stage in camps and schools, and is an Advanced Toastmaster. Paul holds a B.A. from Hampshire College and an M.A. in journalism from The University of Maryland. He has been a newspaper columnist, radio host, stand-up comic and tour boat captain. He was an adjunct professor at Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.


Thursdays 10:30 – 12:00 pm
June 12, July 10, August 14
Margate City Public Library
Paul Foer: Instructor

Choice Movie Selections

Choice Movie Selections by Cinema Buffs Jim Cahill & Sondra Mandel
Three of Sondra and Jim’s favorite productions will be screened: Marjorie Morningstar, Vertigo, and The Producers. Enjoy a morning viewing three of the best movies of the 20th century, followed by a stimulating discussion.


Mondays 10:30 – 12:30 pm
June 16, July 21, August 18
Margate City Public Library
Sondra Mandel, Instructor

Drawing My Way

Elaine is fascinated with observing people, especially elderly people. She often exaggerates their features, using shading and intense colors. Her artistic objective is to show these individuals in a loving and humorous fashion. Elaine wants to motivate students to train their eyes to focus on the details of the face and body. Participants will use their photos, mirrors, and a live model to give them the experience of drawing. Elaine is an award-winning artist specializing in pastels and oils. Drawing has always been an important first step in her artistic process. Join her class and start your own artistic journey! In addition to the class fee, there is a $12 fee for materials.


Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 pm
June 26, July 24, August 28
Bloom Pavilion
Elaine Wisler: Instructor

Eric Larson Book Selections

Erik Larson is a celebrated and prolific American author of mainly historical nonfiction. This summer, Elaine, with her experience, knowledge, and humor, will guide us as we read, discuss, and explore three of Larson’s books. Please read for the June class: In the Garden of the Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Germany


Tuesdays 10:30 – 12:00 pm
June 3, July 1, August 5
Margate City Public Library
Elaine Geller: Instructor

Great Decisions

Great Decisions is a program of the Foreign Policy Association, the aim is to increase awareness of international issues with the American public. The six-session class will evaluate significant issues facing American foreign policymakers. Each topic considers the historical, current relevance, and strategic value to the United States.

Great Decisions participants will be contacted to pick up reading material at the Margate Library. There is a $35 charge for the book.

Steve Baer has over 50 years international business experience in manufacturing, management, and environmental consulting. Previously adjunct professor at University of Pennsylvania.


Mondays 10:30 – 12:30 pm
June 9, June 23, July 7, July 14, July 28, August 11
Margate City Public Library
Steve Baer, Moderator

Hooray For Hollywood

SCANDALOUS!!!

Hollywood scandals are nothing new and there were plenty in early Hollywood history. In some cases, the scandals destroyed careers. But, with some, it only gave the star a bigger profile and more fame. Or, stars survived the storm and kept their jobs. This summer we will examine some famous scandals, the stars involved, how they were resolved and view some of their best film clips. If time allows, we will include other interesting film tidbits.


Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:00pm
June 11, July 9, August 13
Stockton University Atlantic City Campus room 210
Sharon Harris-Zlotnick: Instructor

Israeli Films

Israeli cinema encompasses a wide range of genres, from historical dramas to comedies and thrillers. We will view films of the various categories examine the similarities and differences among each genre and compare and contrast those with their American counterparts.


Wednesdays 10:30 – 12:30 pm
June 18, July 16, August 20
Stockton University Atlantic City Campus room 317
Howard Butler: Instructor

Lights, Camera, Action: Three Iconic Directors

A film director’s main role is to oversee the creative concept of a movie, from pre-production through post-production. The director supervises the actors, works with the crew, and makes artistic decisions to bring the written word to life. View three movies from three directors and participate in an animated discussion led by Arlene Halpern.


Thursdays 1:30 – 3:30 pm
June 19, June 17, August 23
Margate City Public Library
Arlene Halpern, Instructor

American Sit-Coms

The sitcom is a shortened version of the term ”situation comedy” and found its origins in radio. Sitcoms revolve around a fixed set of characters, with situations carrying over or continuing from week to week, and usually foreground their comedic elements. But while the basic definition has not changed, the look and feel of the sitcom certainly have. We will explore the birth and evolution of the sitcom and discuss whether the sitcom imitates reality or whether the genre has created reality within our society.


Thursdays 3:00 – 4:30 pm
June 12, July 10, August 14
Bloom Pavillion
Howard Butler: Instructor

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World War II

This three-session course will offer a historic overview of World War II, the most dramatic, impactful period of the 20th century. The classes will explore both the European and Pacific theaters, analyzing the events leading to a global victory that saved the world from tyranny and Nazism. Former attorney Burton A. Rose taught as an adjunct professor of law at Villanova and Temple Universities. Because of his deep interest in military history, particularly WWII, he has attended many conferences, conventions, and seminars on the subject and read many relevant books. He hopes to spark the same passion for this subject in his students.


Tuesdays 10:30 – 12:00 pm
June 24, July 22, August 26
Stockton University Atlantic City Campus room 210
Burt Rose

Live From the London Stage: A Survey of British Musical Theater

Session 1: The Golden Age and the Dawn of Musicals We will explore the origins of West End musicals, focusing on the post-war era and the rise of classic British musicals, the evolution of musical theatre in Britain, the influence of English vaudeville and revue, and the emergence of iconic shows like Oliver!, The Sound of Music, and The Mousetrap.

Session 2: The Rise of the Super-Hit and Global Stars We will explore the era of mega-hits and analyze the commercial success of shows like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, the impact of Disney musicals in the West End, the influence of Broadway on West End productions, and the emergence of global superstars like Colm Wilkinson, Elaine Paige, and other international actors.

Session 3: Modern West End and Beyond We will explore the contemporary West End landscape and the diversity of musical styles, the influence of social media, the impact of streaming, the rise of digital marketing, and the emergence of new British stars. A special guest will appear via Zoom “Live from London!”


Wednesdays 10:30 – 12:30 pm
June 25, July 23, August 27
Stockton University Atlantic City Campus room 211
Rabbi Jacqueline Menaker