OLLI Course: CROSSWORDS and YOU
Course Description
? 2013 Spring; Ashland
2012 Spring; Ashland; 2011 Spring: Ashland, Medford
Sessions: 6
Course URL: http://communicrossings.com/olli-course-crosswords-and-you
Do you find life puzzling (common in crossword-themed songs)? We will explore the history and culture of crosswords, learn about crossword formats, online sources and applications, the secret language of clues and cruciverbalism (creating crosswords) -- while solving puzzles as a group during part of each session to improve our skills. For the final session, we'll watch the movie documentary WordPlay. Internet required for student access to course materials. More about course topics below.About the Instructor
Steve Weyer is a long-time crossword buff -- solving puzzles sometimes on paper, now mostly on his iPad. He has created crosswords for family and friends -- and the OLLI newsletter; he's also a technology addict, and web-site and software developer.
Steve has 40+ years experience with computer software, including research and development for Stanford University, Xerox, Atari, HP and Apple. In 2002, he developed and distributed a crossword application (CrozzWord*) for several handheld devices. After moving to Ashland in 2006 (after several visits in mid-70s), he’s been enjoying non-technical activities such as hiking, rock climbing, reading, theater, improv comedy, volunteering, and OLLI classes. At OLLI, Steve has offered E-books, Evolution of the Internet and an Internet Issues Community Lecture.
Steve has 40+ years experience with computer software, including research and development for Stanford University, Xerox, Atari, HP and Apple. In 2002, he developed and distributed a crossword application (CrozzWord*) for several handheld devices. After moving to Ashland in 2006 (after several visits in mid-70s), he’s been enjoying non-technical activities such as hiking, rock climbing, reading, theater, improv comedy, volunteering, and OLLI classes. At OLLI, Steve has offered E-books, Evolution of the Internet and an Internet Issues Community Lecture.
*CrozzWord was awarded 1st place in the Entertainment/Educational/Multimedia category in the JPDA 2002 Application Developers Contest for Zaurus and iPaq sponsored by Insignia Solutions, HP, Intel, Metrowerks, Sharp, Softbank Publishing and Sun Microsystems; CrozzWord is no longer supported/sold.Crossword music program, and interview with Steve (mp3; 96:22): Maya's Mix (radio show, on KSKQ-LP 94.9 FM, Ashland), Apr 29, 2011
Course Topics
This course is approximately 2/3 presentation, 1/3 practice. Separate crossword practice-only courses, e.g., CROSSWORDS: Practicum: Beginner, may also be offered, where each session consists entirely of solving crossword puzzles as a group, and discussing the tricky clues and funny themes we find; these would be appropriate for those who have already taken this course, or who would prefer to skip puzzle history, background and resources.
The following topics will be covered over the six (6) sessions of this introductory course:
Introduction: Syllabus and Course Materials (below)
Why Do We Solve Puzzles?
History: Milestones (in crosswords) and Media (music, fiction, theater, film, TV, culture)
Practice- Terminology and Types of Crosswords
Solving Strategies and Resources: tips, tools [Part 1]
Practice - Solving Strategies and Resources: tips, tools [Part 2]
Practice - Puzzle Sources: Web Sites and Applications
Practice - Authoring: Web Sites and Applications
WordPlay movie documentary: introduction
Practice - WordPlay movie (1:34); note: we'll start class 10 minutes early
Course Materials
These online pages will be used for course presentation & resources:
http://communicrossings.com/olli-course-crosswords-and-you
You can also find this link on the OLLI site: Course Materials (at least for the current term & course number). This online version allows you to explore items that we skim/skip or that you miss -- look for links to articles, puzzles and other web sites; it also allows me to update the course easily with new or revised items.There will be no PowerPoint slides or paper handouts; however, these pages will remain accessible on this site after the course is finished (and be updated if the course is offered later). For those who prefer paper (or an archive), .pdf versions of these pages are available via the
[.pdf] link at end of each page; these .pdf files also contain active web links. This main course page also contains a [.zip] link to download all of the .pdf files in single .zip file archive. (.pdf files updated: 5-Apr-2012)
I welcome feedback -- during class or via Contact Us (link at upper right) -- about particular topics/issues you'd like to discuss, about the pace and level of detail, favorite puzzle sources, which of my courses you might like to take, etc. For most topics, I generally refer to Wikipedia, and New York Times (NYT:) -- as good starting points (though certainly not the only ones) for exploration. File formats will usually be indicated as [.pdf], [.puz], etc. Note: any images, puzzles or other media provided on this site are for instructional/personal use and should not be redistributed. Photo galleries -- on this page, and under Sources:Applications and Authoring -- should display properly in most modern web browsers (Internet Explorer (IE) users may experience problems and see a warning message). Access to some article links may be limited by site, e.g., monthly quota imposed or login required.
[.pdf] (this section); [.zip] pdfs for all sections and subsections [13.2Mb]
Content updated: 11-May-2012http://communicrossings.com/
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