Tides and Tidal Bores — 17 Sep 2025
August 23, 2025
This lecture will discuss how tides and tidal bores have affected humankind throughout history, including their impact on warfare from ancient times up to the present,
The Gentrain Society is a volunteer auxiliary of Monterey Peninsula College
Breaking News
Fall 2025 Course
Unit 2 begins 16 September. Click here to see the lecture schedule.
Upcoming Events
Media Literacy in the Age of Disinformation — 1 Oct 2025
August 25, 2025
Media literacy – the application of critical thinking skills to differentiate between fact and propaganda – has become an essential practice in today’s media environment.
GENT9/409: Foundations of the Modern World (1600-1690)
September 15, 2025
This period was one in which the foundation for the modern world is established. Although there were devastating religious wars and the creation of the
Wednesday Lecture
Wednesday March 15, 2023 -1:30 pm – A Titan Of Monterey History – Mr. Pat Hathaway
Gentrain Class Meeting
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 8:45-9:40 Early Islamic visual culture — Gamble 9:55-10:50 The Rise of Islam, Tom
Note from the President
Peter Purdue, President
The end is near! August 31 signals the end of the current Board. The new Board will take office September 1. So, this is my final musing. Many thanks to all Board members for their many contributions over the last year. I think our biggest success was getting our budget under control. But, we were able to provide the new Board with enough issues to keep the Board busy for the next year.
Nancy Johnson, Incoming President
Thanks for all your work, Peter. As for me, I feel as if I’m beginning all over again. This is my second term as Gentrain Society President. The first was long ago – 2001 to 2002 – but my involvement stretches back much further. My experience with Gentrain began in the mid-1980s, after my husband, son, and I took our first trip to Europe. Being exposed to so much exciting history firsthand made me realize just how much I didn’t know.
When I heard about the Gentrain Program, I thought it might be exactly what I needed to help me fill in the blanks. I tentatively registered for Unit 8 – just to try it out. Intrigued but not quite certain, I added Units 9, 10, and 11 all at once. By the time I was ready to enroll in Unit 12, I was hooked – and the rest is “history.”
Eventually, I began taking semester-length courses offered by Gentrain instructors, especially Grant Voth, who preceded Alan as Coordinator and literature instructor. It was Grant who encouraged me to pursue graduate school. After completing my M.A. in English Literature, I returned to teach Short Courses on Gentrain-related themes, lead a number of domestic and foreign travel-study tours, and serve as Coordinator of a Gentrain spin-off first envisioned by Tom Logan, called WorldTrain.
I’m proud to say the Johnsons are a Gentrain family. When our son Matt reached college age, he completed the Program. In recent years, my husband Bob has happily retired and is now enjoying Gentrain himself. I’m deeply grateful for all this wonderful program has offered us, and I look forward to a productive year serving you as your President once again.
Who We Are
The Society was formed in 1983 to help financially support the Gentrain Program at Monterey Peninsula College. The dues of $35 per person and $50 per couple, are paid annually and assist the Society to provide programs which include: a special lecture given on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (free of charge), field trips and special events, and a scholarship fund. The Gentrain Society lends its support to the Gentrain Courses given in four-week, two-hour units on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:45 to 10:50 AM
What We Do
The Gentrain Society is a non-profit organization established as volunteer auxiliary of Monterey Peninsula College. It
- Supports the Gentrain Courses offered by MPC
- Publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, The Conductor
- Sponsors a Wednesday Lecture Series
- Organizes Travel/Study trips and Special Events
- Grants Scholarships to adult re-entry students at MPC
- Sponsors a Great Books Discussion Group
- Supports a series of Continuing Ed Courses through MPC
Join the Society
Enjoy all the benefits of membership in the Gentrain Society. Join Today!
- Six issues of our newsletter, The Conductor
- Opportunities for travel, social events, and daytrips
- Free parking at MPC for Wednesday Lectures
- Voting rights for Gentrain Officers
- Opportunities to serve on the Gentrain Board and Committees
- Satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the Gentrain Society promote its Goals
Travel & Study
Special Events
Sample some local and regional cultural events or spend a few hours socializing with other Gentrainers. We make all the arrangements; you enjoy.
Courses
What has made western civilization what it is today? What critical ideas shaped our world? Let our Gentrain faculty lead you on a journey of discovery.
Library
Did you ever want to read a book you have heard about, but never tracked down a copy? Or explore a topic in depth, but did not know where to start? Books, CDs, and other resources, all selected by our faculty to augment class discussions, are at your fingertips in the Gentrain Library.
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