Hybrid classrooms were born out of the pandemic as the world began to “open” back up but the comfort level of returning to said world varied. At CMAP, our rooms and buildings were specifically designed to allow for the hybrid classroom experience, allowing participants to attend in-person or virtually on Zoom depending on their comfort, ability, or just ease of travel. Since then, the staff has worked to optimize audio, visual, and classroom set up to make it the best possible experience for those in the classroom and at home.  

So, what does it mean to sign up for a hybrid class? 

Hybrid courses are held and taught in-person. While the course leader will typically be in-person teaching to a live class, there will also be participants who attend virtually on Zoom. This means there will be additional audio and visual equipment in the room to allow those on Zoom to clearly see and hear those attending or teaching in-person. There will also be screens for those attending in-person to see the participants attending virtually on Zoom. 

If you register for a hybrid class this fall, you’ll be required to select either in-person or virtual attendance. We are unable to allow switching back and forth between attending in-person or virtually on Zoom from week to week as we must plan appropriately for seats in the room and, often time, in-person seats will sell out. If participants are unable to attend a session, they will be recorded!  

By carefully planning and utilizing technology, we strive to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all participants in hybrid classes! 

How does my role as a participant work in a hybrid class? 

For those attending in-person, it’s good to remember there are virtual participants also joining. Questions and discussions may come from inside the classroom and virtually online. Make sure to speak loudly and clearly so the microphones in the room can pick you up. 

For those attending virtually on Zoom, you can still play an active role in the classroom. We recommend keeping your video on so the course leader and classmates can see you. Depending on the set up, you can use the chat function or unmuting to pose questions and contribute to class. 

So, which courses are hybrid for the fall 2024 semester? 

2024 Elections: Democracy At Stake? with Elaine Jacoby 

Dive into the tumultuous 2024 elections,  dissecting democracy’s fate through  Congressional races and ideological  lenses. 

Wednesdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning October 2 through November 20. 

America During the Obama Years with Stan Katz 

Delve into the transformative Obama era and post-2008 decade, exploring key events from elections to policy shifts through engaging video analysis and interactive discussions. 

Fridays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for six weeks beginning October 11 through November 15. 

American Impressionism: The Bucks County Painters with Christina Kales

Journey through nineteenth century American Impressionism, focusing on Bucks County School painters reshaping French influence with a distinct American touch. 

Fridays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for four weeks beginning October 11 through November 1. 

Antebellum America: It Still Matters with Walter Frank 

Uncover the complexities of 1789–1861 Antebellum America, focusing on slavery, constitutional debates, wars, social movements, and technological shifts with a focus on pivotal presidential elections. 

Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for six weeks beginning October 24 through December 5 (no class 11/29). 

Demystifying New Jersey: Geography, Demographics, and Heritage with Dave Saltzman 

Discover the formation of New Jersey from its colonial roots through exploring the history of geography, labor, canals, railroads, and so much more. 

Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for four weeks beginning October 10 through October 31. 

Explore, Engage, and Empower with the Princeton University Art Museum Docents 

Discover “What was it like to be…” a conceptual artist, an Outsider artist, a Renaissance artist, a Woman artist, an Indigenous artist…all in this engaging art course. 

Wednesdays from 1:30–3:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning October 16 through November 20. 

Histories of Indigenous Peoples in America with Robert Nolan 

Invigorate one’s knowledge of America by engaging with key dimensions of the histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. 

Thursdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning October 3 through November 21. 

Science in the News with Harold Heft and additional panelists 

Join “Science in the News” for weekly insights into the latest research and issues in science and medicine, with engaging lectures and discussions. 

Fridays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for eight weeks beginning September 27 through November 22 (no Class 10/4). 

Supreme Court -Greatest Hits of 2024 with Phil Carchman 

Uncover key Supreme Court decisions from 2023–2024 on pressing issues impacting lives across the U.S. in this lecture course. 

Mondays from 10:00 a.m.–noon for six weeks beginning September 30 through November 4. 

Understanding Human Evolution with Peter Smith

Explore the branches of the human family tree spanning millions of years to uncover why Earth now hosts over eight billion humans. 

Tuesdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning October 1 through November 19. 

Learn more about Evergreen Forum and the Fall 2024 course brochure here: https://cmaprinceton.org/evergreen-forum/