logo

Archives

third age female student

Over the years, TALG’s lecture series have covered subjects from current events, economics, history and politics, to medical issues, scientific and technological breakthroughs. We have looked at the natural world, and the world of the arts – architecture, art, literature and music. We have considered national and regional topics from the Canadian perspective, and ‘armchair travelled’ to other countries and time periods.

Our speakers have introduced us to important individuals, taken us to interesting locations, engaged us in timely issues and opened our minds to ideas we may never have considered.

You have two ways to search our Archives. The “CATEGORIES” tab, lists lectures from 2000 to the present, under one of seven categories.  The “YEARS” tab lists our lectures by date (2023 to the present) and includes a series description, lecture titles and speakers.

Categories
Years

The Arts

  • Communications: Unravelling the Secrets of Language (2024)
  • Addicted to Print: Reflections on the Joys of Reading (2024)
  • Music in Our Lives (2022)
  • Canadian Architecture and Architects (2021)
  • Great Films (2020)
  • Write Now: English Canadian Fiction in the 21st C  (2018)
  • Canadian Art: Coast to Coast to Coast  (2017)
  • A Whirlwind Tour of English Canadian Writing (2016)
  • Authors, Books and E-Readers (2011)
  • Mass Media: Truth and Consequences  (2006)
  • The Joy of Art (2004)
  • The Materials of Music (2002)
  • Listening to a Symphony Orchestra (2001)

Canadian Perspectives

  • Canada's North (2025)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador (2022)
  • Living Next to Uncle Sam: U.S. Influence on Canada and Vice Versa (2018)
  • The Indigenous People of Canada (2016)
  • Moral & Ethical Dilemmas: Choices Canadians Face  (2015)
  • Issues for Canadians (2014)
  • Canada’s Role in International Affairs (2012)
  • Challenging the Status Quo: Canadians Who Made a Difference (2010)
  • Canada-U.S. Relations: Past and Future Outlook (2009)
  • Canada’s Arctic: Continuing Challenges  (2009)
  • Canada: Its History & Relationship with Other Countries  (2009)
  • Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples (2008)
  • Canada Past, Present and Future – An Intimate Look at Our Country (2003)

Interesting People, Places & Things

  • Badass Women (2023)
  • Masters of Espionage (2022)
  • Extinct Cultures and Civilizations (2019)
  • On and Off the Beaten Path – Get Your Passports Ready! (2018)
  • Travel Beyond the Ordinary (2013)
  • Venturing to Countries off the Beaten Track (2012)
  • Exploring the Changing Character of World Cities (2011)
  • The Celts: Their Art and Culture  (2009)
  • Great Adventurers who Changed the World (2006)
  • Beer, Wine & Spirits (2005)
  • The Arctic (2005)
  • Archaeology – Digging into Our Past (2004)
  • Birds in Science and the Arts (2003)
  • Luminaries and Legacies of the 20th Century (2002)

STEM Matters

  • The Energy Spectrum: Sources, Impacts and Innovations (2025)
  • Water, Water, Everywhere (2024)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): What is it and where is it going? (2023)
  • Our Food:  A System in Distress? (2023)
  • Our Planet in Rehab:  Paths to Sustainability (2022)
  • Women in Science (2021)
  • Food Science (2020)
  • Recent Advances in Medicine (2019)
  • The Human Brain in its many Dimensions (2015)
  • Transforming Lives through Innovation (2014)
  • The Arctic and Its Global Importance (2014)
  • Health Care: Problems and Prospects  (2010)
  • Human Impact on the Environment (2007)
  • Food Matters (2006)
  • People and Plants Through the Ages (2004)
  • Exciting Frontiers in Mental Health: What’s New?  (2004)
  • Wonders of the Modern World: Technology and Its Effect on Society (2003)
  • Medicine and Health … What’s New? (2003)
  • The Health & Welfare of Rural Communities & Environments (2002)
  • New Sciences and Technologies (2001)

Beyond our Borders

  • International Relations, 2001-2023: the pivotal years (2023)
  • China’s Belt & Road Initiative (2021)
  • The Russian Century, 1917-2017 (2017)
  • Spotlight on South America (2016)
  • The Lasting Impact of the Ottoman Empire (2016)
  • Understanding India (2015)
  • China: What Next?  (2013)
  • The Middle East and North Africa: Hopes & Fears  (2012)
  • Latin America Today: Behind the Headlines  (2010)
  • Afghanistan (2008)
  • Africa: In Transition  (2008)
  • European Union: Model of Success?  (2008)
  • China: The Next Superpower  (2007)
  • Iraq and the Middle East  (2005)
  • Our South American Neighbours: A Mural and a Mystery  (2003)
  • China – Its Place in the World (2002)
  • Africa: the Dark Continent?  (2001)
  • Europe and the European Union (2000)

Ideas, Ideologies & Issues

  • Human Migration (2024)
  • Media Literacy (2021)
  • Populism (2020)
  • Global Health Issues (2020)
  • Climate Change, Catastrophe and the Tides of History (2019)
  • The Future of Religion (2019)
  • Issues of Social Justice (2017)
  • World in Motion: Int’l Migration & Refugee Challenges  (2017)
  • Planet Earth: How are we doing as Stewards?  (2015)
  • Understanding the Muslim World (2014)
  • Hot Topics in the News (2011)
  • The Impact of the Economic Crisis & Global Shifts of Wealth & Power (2011)
  • Philosophies of East and West (2007)
  • Religion in Society (2007)
  • Globalization: Curse or Blessing?  (2006)
  • Philosophical Puzzles? (2004)
  • Comparative Religion (2002)
  • The Role of Community in the 21st Century (2002)
  • What Makes a City Great? (2001)
  • Creative Aging  (2000)

Local & Regional Topics

  • Recent Research at the University of Guelph (2018)
  • Guelph’s Vibrant Visual Arts Scene (2010)
  • Ontario Heritage (2005)
  • Guelph Authors (2005)
  • The City of Guelph – Focus on the Future (2004)
  • The Grand River and the Niagara Escarpment (2003)

2025

Description:

Our Winter 2025 morning lectures will focus on Canada's North, a topic of increasing importance in today's geopolitics. The Canadian Arctic covers 40 per cent of Canada's territory and is home to more than 200,000 inhabitants, more than half of whom are Indigenous. Our speakers will talk about subjects ranging from resource extraction to defence, biology, geology, archaeology, art, and exploration.

Lectures:

  1. Observing Change in the Arctic Ice Cover: Science and Impacts
    Dr. Andrea Scott, University of Waterloo
  2. The Light, Life and Enigma of Polar Photosynthesis
    Dr. Norman Huner, Western University
  3. The Most Urgent and Important Task We Face: Canadian Arctic Sovereignty and Security
    Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Trent University
  4. “The Officers & crews consisting of 105 souls, Landed here….” Archeology and the last days of Sir John Franklin’s 3rd Arctic Expedition
    Professor Robert Park, University of Waterloo
  5. Everyday | Every Day | Inuk-led Exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Guelph
    Shauna McCabe, Art Gallery of Guelph
  6. Resource Extraction I: Women and Wellbeing
    Dr. Leah Levac, University of Guelph
  7. Resource Extraction II: Our changing landscapes
    Alexandra Bridges, University of Guelph  
  8. How to Explore the Arctic
    Adam Shoalts, Author and explorer 

Description:

Energy is the driving force for so many aspects of our lives today, and we take it for granted until it's suddenly not available. As our dependence on technology grows -- think banking, health care, transportation, manufacturing, the list goes on and on -- the need for reliable, sustainable electrical energy grows too. And as people and goods are in constant motion, whether it's on local trips to the grocery store or flights to the other side of the planet, we use various sources of energy to fuel all this movement. Yet all of our energy use is impacting the planet in ways we may not always be able to see or understand. In this series we will look at what energy is, the different ways in which we access it, and what some of the challenges and possible solutions may be as we move forward. The final week will feature a three-person panel focusing on the Guelph community -- What innovations are happening here? What challenges still need to be tackled? What actions can individuals take to address these problems? Please join us for what is sure to be an 'enlightening' series.

Lectures:

  1. Understanding Energy; Making Better Choices
    Prof. Daniel Thomas, University of Guelph
  2. Affordable Energy for Humanity: If Not Now, When?
    Prof. Jatin Nathwani, University of Waterloo
  3. How Fossil Fuels Built Our Modern World
    Prof. Maurice Dusseault, University of Waterloo
  4. Powering Deep Electrification - Challenges and Solutions
    Prof. Bala Venkatesh, Toronto Metropolitan University
  5. Electrical Grids
    Prof. Claudio Canizares, University of Waterloo, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy
  6. What is our BIGGEST energy challenge? Are fusion energy and the electric car part of the solution?
    Dr. Roydon Fraser, University of Waterloo
  7. Evolving Technologies and Policies to Achieve Net-Zero
    Prof. Mehrdad Pirnia, University of Waterloo
  8. Keeping Guelph Energized
    Panel members from eMERGE Guelph, SCAN (Seniors for Climate Action Now), and Alectra Utilities

2024

Description:

Water, it covers over 70% of our planet and is essential to all life on Earth.

This series will examine the management and protection of our water supply from local concerns to global challenges ensuring a clean, safe and adequate water supply. Speakers will discuss water systems in Ontario such as the Grand River watershed, designated as a Heritage River 30 years ago. We will continue with talks on water advocacy, indigenous perspectives on water and the need for water security as well as the part water plays in our health and economy.

Lectures:

  1. The Burden of Disease Associated with the Consumption of Private Well Water. 
    Heather Murphy, University of Guelph
  2. Indigenous Perspectives on Water and Water Security.
    Susan Chiblow, University of Guelph
  3. Watershed planning for the Grand River – past and future directions. 
    Janet Ivey, Grand River Conservation Authority
  4. Leveraging People Power for Water & Beyond: Grassroots Change-making for Water Protection.
    Arlene Slocombe, Wellington Water Watchers 
  5. The Economic Value of Water.
    Roy Brouwer, Waterloo Water Institute, University of Waterloo
  6. Green Infrastructure to Protect Urban Streams and Wetlands.
    Andrea Bradford, University of Guelph
  7. Telling Stories About Water Using Photography.
    Rob De Loe, University of Waterloo
  8. Not Any Drop to Drink!
    Dr. Romila Verma, University of Toronto

Description:

Migration is a fundamental experience of human history. It has shaped societies, cultures and economies across the world. In 2024, the world is divided on how to cope with an ever-increasing number of people who wish to migrate for a variety of reasons. For many of them, the decision is crucial, and life-threatening. In this 8-week lecture series we will explore the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" of human migration and look at what is happening now across the globe. We will also examine the increasing importance of the factor of climate change and what we might expect in the near and far future.

Lectures:

  1. Migration at Home.
    Jenna Hennebry, Balsillie School of International Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University
  2. Welcoming and Unwelcoming Indians in 19th Century European Colonies.
    Femi Kolapo, University of Guelph
  3. Human Migration and Climate Change.
    Geneviève Minville, York University
  4. Gender in Migration:  Why Care About It?
    Dr. Hari KC, Toronto Metropolitan University
  5. Boats, Borders and Solidarity at Sea: Civil Society Search and Rescue Operations in the Central Mediterranean.
    Michael Gordon, International Migration Research Centre (IMRC).
  6. War, Work & Want: How the OPEC Oil Crisis Caused Mass Migration & Revolution.
    Randall Hansen, Munk School, University of Toronto
  7. The Policies and Politics of Immigration in Western Democracies.
    Edward Koning, University of Guelph
  8. Road People: The Global Crisis of Flight Migration.
    Doug Saunders, The Globe and Mail

Description:

Communication is the vessel by which we navigate the world. We broker deals, express love, hope, explain, control or sometimes have a friendly chat. The main tool by which we express ourselves is language. In this series we will explore language in its varied facets.
The series begins with an explanation of linguistics. It then flows into a presentation of dialects in Ontario followed by an exploration of the preservation and revitalization of languages. Then comes the word chocolate! Fun! After which a Stratford vocal coach divulges speech training techniques. We move onto language and power, technology and its role in language and finish with bilingualism and the aging brain.

Lectures:

  1. Introduction to Linguistics and Language. 
    Joyce Bruhn de Garavito, University of Waterloo
  2. G’day to hey! Catching language change across the dialects of Ontario. 
    Sali A. Tagliamonte, University of Toronto
  3. Language Preservation and Revitalisation. Where we are and where we go from here. 
    Dr. Ivona Kucerova, McMaster University
  4. Language Variation and Change: From Cacao to Chocolate.
    Naomi Nagy, University of Toronto
  5. Speech in Action. 
    Paul de Jong, Stratford Festival 
  6. My Life in Propaganda: Language and Totalitarian Regimes.
    Magda Stroinska, McMaster University
  7. The role of Language and Linguistics in Technology.
    Professor Rosario Gomez (lecture did not take place)
  8. Bilingualism and the Ageing Brain.
    Dr. Ellen Bialystok, York University

Description:

This course will look at some of the many rewards and pleasures of reading. It will focus primarily on fiction and poetry but is applicable to all kinds of texts. While it is, in some respects, a personal memoir of reading, it will also encourage participants to trace their own reading journeys: what are your first experiences of reading, and how have they shaped you? What do you love to read, and why? Where do you find comfort, and where do you turn when you want to challenge yourself?

All lectures given by Dr. Gary Draper, University of Waterloo

Lectures:

  1. Beginning
  2. Escaping
  3. Engaging
  4. Going Beyond
  5. Paying Attention to Form (1): The Novel
  6. Paying Attention to Form (2): Short Stories
  7. Paying Attention to Form (3): Poetry
  8. Getting on

2023

Description:

This series aims to provide insight into a growing area of interest and concern. In designing this course, rather than contacting a University and speaking to a professor or expert for guidance, we went right to the source (OpenAI) and asked ChatGPT to design an eight-week lecture series for seniors. Within 30 seconds we had a reasonable outline. And THEN we went to the human source and contacted the University of Guelph for guidance and speakers. Let's see how these two sources worked together! Our course, which will cover an Introduction to AI, Machine Learning, Language and Vision, Applications of AI, Robotics and Ethical Issues of AI, is the result.

Lectures:

  1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
    Graham Taylor, University of Guelph
  2. Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
    Joshua August (Gus) Skorburg, University of Guelph
  3. Artificial Intelligence in Robotics and Manufacturing.
    Medhat Moussa, University of Guelph
  4. Generative AI – Large Language Models such as ChatGPT and image generation tools such as DALL-E.
    Dr. Terrance DeVries, Research Scientist at Luma AI
  5. Medical Applications of Artificial Intelligence: Promises and Pitfalls. 
    James Tung, University of Waterloo
  6. Autonomous Weapons and the Need for Regulation.
    Branka Marijan, Project Ploughshares
  7. Geopolitical Rivalry in the Data Economy: Challenges in Regulating AI.
    Daniel Araya, World Legal Summit and Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).
  8. A Summary of Applications of Artificial Intelligence.
    Kevin Matsui, University of Guelph

Description:

In 2001, the terror attacks against New York and Washington DC abruptly ended the post Cold War dream of a pacified world and the short-lived reign of multilateralism. In the name of a "war on terror," U.S. President George W. Bush launched a series of military interventions against the Taliban in Afghanistan, then, without the backing of the United Nations, against Iraq. Twenty years later, following a period of disengagement in the Middle East, the last U.S. troops left Afghanistan. This series proposes to look back at those pivotal years: has the U.S. lost its global standing? While remaining the leading world power, has it mismanaged China's emerging power? Today's world appears a lot more fragmented, more hostile also, than 20 years ago. What is the role for the United Nations as a growing number of authoritarian regimes choose to challenge the existing world order? Are our democracies prepared to respond to the rise of China or Russia's increasingly aggressive posturing? And how? The war in Ukraine, which marks the return of high-intensity conflicts on European soil, might give us a clue...

All Lectures in this series by Dr. Olivier Courteaux

Lectures:

  1. Introduction - towards a multipolar world?
  2. The Middle East, or the history of a disengagement
  3. China: the Thucydides Trap?
  4. China in the world, from low profile to a central role in the international system
  5. The Indo-Pacific region at the heart of the mutations affecting the international system.
  6. The European Union in the 21st century, the emergence of a global power?
  7. Russia, architect or spectator of the new world order?
  8. The African Continent Since 2000, geopolitical trends and uncertainties - Conclusion

Description:

When we walk into a grocery store or restaurant some of the overwhelming impacts are the quantity and quality of food available. From hundreds of items on grocery store shelves in the 1950s to thousands today, where did it come from? How do we get it? How do we get fresh strawberries all year round, and oranges and apples and everything else our heart and stomach desire? How does the “food supply chain” work and who controls it? What are the coming issues that will affect our supply and what can we do to address them? Is our Food System under duress and, if so, what are the consequences for us in Ontario, Canada and around the globe?

Lectures:

  1. Feeding 9 Billion:  Challenges and opportunities.
    Evan Fraser, Director, Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph
  2. Climate change and its effect on our food system.
    Rashan Pudasaini, Arrell Food Institute Scholar at the University of Guelph
  3. Food Sovereignty:  What does it mean, and why does it matter?
    Elizabeth Finnis, Assoc. Professor, University of Guelph
  4. Food Insecurity in Canada.
    Merryn Maynard, Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security 
  5. The Future of Food and Food Technology.
    Emily Duncan, Ph.D. Candidate, Dept. Of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph
  6. The Power Structure of Canada’s Food System.
    Ph.D. candidate, University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
  7. The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste.
    Krish Thayalan, Manager (Training & Education) at Second Harvest
  8. “One Health” and Food.
    Cate Dewey, Director, One Health Institute, University of Guelph

Description:

"Badass women" come from many walks of life and cultures. Some are well known leaders and others are ordinary people, but all have made their mark. They are memorable for making a difference and are all originals who have shown us new ways of looking at the world and maybe ruffled a few feathers along the way…

This lecture series explores a wide range of women throughout time who have been independent thinkers, ground breakers and troublemakers. Some are well known, and others should be. Beginning with the intriguing women of classical times, we move through history to look at famous women such as Catherine the Great and Amelia Earhart and finish with Badass Canadians who are making a difference in our world today.

Lectures:

  1. Poison and Daggers: the women of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty.
    John Walsh, University of Guelph
  2. Isabella d’Este of Mantua: A Contemporary Art Collector of the Renaissance. 
    Sally Hickson, University of Guelph
  3. Catherine the Great, 1762-1796:  Russia’s True Superstar Ruler.
    Lenard (Len) G. Friesen, University of Waterloo
  4. Amelia Earhart.
    Ron Ross
  5. Marie Curie.
    Ron Ross
  6. Kween in the Royal City.
    Kween, Guelph Black Heritage Society
  7. Two Row on the Grand, Paddling Towards Truth and Reconciliation. 
    Ellie Joseph, Six Nations of the Grand
  8. The Quiet Badass.
    Joanne Smith 

Contact Us Today!

TALG welcomes your enquiries, input and feedback! We’d love to hear from you, whether you have a question, a great topic or speaker to suggest, or are interested in volunteering.

Get in Touch >
Older student

Subscribe to our Mailing List!

to receive notifications about upcoming lecture series, registration, and other important announcements.

You may unsubscribe at anytime using the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any mailing list notification.