Don Watson

While a student at the Universite de Poitiers, Don Watson discovered the French fascination with American Westerns. He also learned to appreciate the New Wave Cinema. He retired from teaching French and Latin at Hanover High School while he still had a sense of humor. In 1991, he started the Sister City Exchange program between Hanover and Joigny, France. He has an M.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.L.S. from SUNY-Albany.

Course Title: "Strangers in Paradise," or a World Trying to Deal with Migrants (Winter Term 2019)

Participant Testimonials:

"Don did an outstanding job choosing and previewing the movies. He sent us questions to review in advance and facilitated open discussions. It was a pleasure to attend his class."

"I LOVED it! Don has the gift of knowing how to mix the films so that each week we were dealing with still another wrenching way to think about and understand the tragedy of this world's immigration failures. He is a master at letting his film choices speak in their various voices."

Course Title: Stories of Human Predicaments or Personal Sonatas in Film (Spring Term 2018)

Participant Testimonials:

"Don did a good job giving the historical and sociological context of the movies before each screening and highlighting some technical aspects of the filming."

"I have taken several courses with Don, always find them enjoyable."

Course Title: Actor of Rare Versatility, Indeed: Alec Guinness!

Participant Testimonials:

"All of Don's classes are exceptional."

"Always wonderful. Don can always offer an interesting class."