Insights - UMN CCAPS 2013 Insights.pdf · to include educational programs. ... Each conference is...

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Insights Fall 2013 Vol. 19 Number 1 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Membership and Marketing Committee: Planning OLLI Events and More by Barbara Nelson As an OLLI member, you have probably attended one of the many OLLI events held throughout the year: the Spring Forum, the Annual Meeting, the Fall Info Fair, and others. ese special occasions are planned by the Membership and Marketing (M/M) Committee, in cooperation with the OLLI office. In addition to planning events, the committee has surveyed members to assess issues related to retention and growth; participated in the development of the new OLLI website; and developed new and innovative ways to spread the word about OLLI, including a possible collaboration with TPT. Cherie Hamilton, chair of the Membership and Marketing Committee, brings a wealth of experience to her position, including a long career in corporate recruitment and human resources. She has also led OLLI trips to Portuguese-speaking countries. Under Cherie’s leadership, the committee has made some exciting changes. OLLI events such as the Spring Forum have been expanded from just “get-togethers” to include educational programs. is change came in response to member feedback: OLLI people are interested in learning, even at social events. To address the goal of creating more cultural diversity in our organization, the Spring Forums focus on different cultural populations in the Twin Cities, with the events being held in neighborhoods where these communities live. To date, we have held events in the Hmong community in St. Paul, the African-American community in North Minneapolis, and the Native American community. In 2014, the Spring Forum will feature the Twin Cities’ Somali community. As OLLI membership approaches 1300, our organization is experiencing “growing pains” in many areas. e Membership and Marketing Committee is dealing with some of these growth issues, including finding the right balance of member recruitment and retention and appealing to a new generation of “baby boomers.” One of the practical consequences of growth is the need to find sites large enough to handle OLLI events. To assist the M/M Committee in their planning, members are now asked to pre-register for events. Our next big event is the Fall Info Fair, which will be held on Aug. 20 at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. Invitations for this important gathering were sent out via the Up-to-Dater. Check with the office if you haven’t RSVP’d. FALL INFO FAIR Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Location: St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave. South, Minneapolis Program: A panel of course leaders and SIG representatives will present a sampling of OLLI courses and activities. Following the presentation, desserts and beverages will be served. Chair Cherie Hamilton presides at a meeting of the OLLI Membership and Marketing Committee.

Transcript of Insights - UMN CCAPS 2013 Insights.pdf · to include educational programs. ... Each conference is...

InsightsFall 2013

Vol. 19 Number 1 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Membership and Marketing Committee: Planning OLLI Events and Moreby Barbara Nelson

As an OLLI member, you have probably attended one of the many OLLI events held throughout the year: the Spring Forum, the Annual Meeting, the Fall Info Fair, and others. These special occasions are planned by the Membership and Marketing (M/M) Committee, in cooperation with the OLLI office. In addition to planning events, the committee has surveyed members to assess issues related to retention and growth; participated in the development of the new OLLI website; and developed new and innovative ways to spread the word about OLLI, including a possible collaboration with TPT. Cherie Hamilton, chair of the Membership and Marketing Committee, brings a wealth of experience to her position, including a long career in corporate recruitment and human resources. She has also led OLLI trips to Portuguese-speaking countries. Under Cherie’s leadership, the committee has made some exciting changes. OLLI events such as the Spring Forum have been expanded from just “get-togethers” to include educational programs. This change came in response to member

feedback: OLLI people are interested in learning, even at social events. To address the goal of creating more cultural diversity in our organization, the Spring Forums focus on different cultural populations in the Twin Cities, with the events being held in neighborhoods where these communities live. To date, we have held events in the Hmong community in St. Paul, the African-American community in North Minneapolis, and the Native American community. In 2014, the Spring Forum will feature the Twin Cities’ Somali community. As OLLI membership approaches 1300, our organization is experiencing “growing pains” in many areas. The Membership and Marketing Committee is dealing with some of these growth issues, including finding the right balance of member recruitment and retention and appealing to a new generation of “baby boomers.” One of the practical consequences of growth is the need to find sites large enough to handle OLLI events. To assist the M/M Committee in their planning, members are now asked to pre-register for events.

Our next big event is the Fall Info Fair, which will be held on Aug. 20 at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. Invitations for this important gathering were sent out via the Up-to-Dater. Check with the office if you haven’t RSVP’d.

FALL INFO FAIR

Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave. South, Minneapolis

Program: A panel of course leaders and SIG representatives will present a sampling of OLLI courses and activities.

Following the presentation, desserts and beverages will be served.

Chair Cherie Hamilton presides at a meeting of the OLLI Membership and Marketing Committee.

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

by Steve Benson

OLLI is rounding out an 18-year saga that began in 1995 with a small group of farsighted individuals who believed that a community of lifelong learners —The ElderLearning Institute of the University of Minnesota—could make a profound difference in people’s lives. In 2004 the Bernard Osher Foundation

recognized the creative accomplishments of ELI and invited us to join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in a nationwide network of university-based OLLIs.

Today OLLI at the U of M has a regional and national reputation for outstanding creative programming. Our organization has a talented and dedicated volunteer faculty who embrace our core principals of passion for their subjects and a willingness to share and to include everyone’s ideas. OLLI Scholars allow us to tap into the expertise and enthusiasm of university graduate students. We also mine the resources of the university with series such as Afternoon with the Liberal Arts, Voices from around the World, and At the U–At the Center.

In 2013, we will offer compelling programming in our year-long cultural series, Anno Italiano, developed in cooperation with the French and Italian department, OLLI scholars, and community partners. The series will conclude with a trip to Italy led by OLLI’s inimitable Walter Blue!

OLLI’s success would not be possible without the work of its committees. OLLI boasts an eminently qualified and creative Curriculum Committee whose members have consistently worked with me (and will with a new director) to produce the kind of challenging and varied curriculum that our members expect. They are also looking forward to exploring the unique capabilities and possibilities of our freshly renovated, state-of-the-art classroom in McNamara Alumni Center.

The Communications Committee produces OLLI’s well-designed and vital newsletter Insights. The committee also works with the office to produce the informative Up-to-Dater. They are always open to fresh ideas for keeping the membership and the public aware of the many-faceted activities of OLLI.

From the Executive Director

OLLI into the Future

OLLI has a talented, resourceful Membership and Marketing Committee. The committee’s dual charge of recruiting new members and enhancing the experience of current members is carried out with clear-sighted and innovative strategies. An outstanding example of their work is the initiation of an annual forum devoted to communities of color and to Minnesota’s growing new immigrant groups. An example is this year’s highlighting of the Hmong community of St Paul; in 2014, the forum will focus on the Somali diaspora.

Community partnerships are also a vital part of OLLI’s success. We have established partnerships with museums such as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center, and The Museum of Russian Art. OLLI has long-standing collaborative relations with the Hennepin County Library system, and this fall we will offer an exciting series on Warriors in WWII, in collaboration with the suburban Ramsey County libraries. OLLI’s Bookend courses connect us with all the major theaters, including the Guthrie, Park Square, and the Jungle Theater. Our relationships with more than 20 community centers, libraries, churches, temples, and other institutions provide us with courses sites and programming.

The core of OLLI is an engaged membership that prides itself on participating in our ever-evolving lifelong learning community. OLLI also has a superb professional and people-oriented office team of Taki Andrianakos and Michelle Rotter. They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and should be given tangible rewards for their service.

I leave the directorship after 18 splendid years with high hopes for OLLI and great expectations for my wife, Judy, and me. I plan to continue to be a paid-up member of OLLI and contribute what I can in the transition to a new executive director. Thanks to all of you for the wonderful memories and for sharing in this amazing adventure. The Finest Days of OLLI Are Ahead!

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Insights Fall 2013

by Joanne Kendall

Beginning in the Millennial Year 2000, OLLI learners in increasing numbers have registered for the OLLI/ Nobel Conference course, which is presented in conjunction with the Nobel Conference held annually at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. The 49th Nobel Conference, taking place on Oct. 1 and 2 of this year, will explore the topic “The Universe at Its Limits.” Three Nobel Prize recipients in physics will be among the eight conference presenters: Frank Wilczek (2004); Samuel Ting (1976); and George Smoot (2006).

This year’s conference is part of a long and distinguished series. Beginning in 1963, the Nobel Conference has brought noted scientists (including many Nobel laureates) to the Gustavus campus each year to share their knowledge. Each conference is attended by several thousand teachers, students, and others who are eager to learn about the latest in scientific research. Conference topics are always timely and of broad import. Recent topics have included “Globalization,” “Heating Up: The Energy Debate,” “Who Were the First Humans?,” and “Our Global Oceans.”

The OLLI/ Nobel Conference course includes two class sessions and attendance at the two-day conference, including the option of taking a chartered bus to St. Peter and having lunch in a private dining room on the campus. Gustavus faculty involved in planning the conference lead the classes, which are held in the Twin Cities. The first meeting provides background on the topic and the conference presenters. The second class is a follow-up to the conference.

Over a period of 12 years, more than 400 OLLI members have gone to the Nobel Conference, many of them repeat participants. Liz Dodson finds stimulation each year from “the variety of topics presented by experts in their related fields. It opens windows on the world that don’t open in any other way.”

Barb Aune began attending the conference with her scientist uncle in the 1970s. After his death, Barb continued to come to the conference for the intellectual stimulation that it always provides. She takes the OLLI course and appreciates the convenience of bus transportation from the Twin Cities.

“I started attending the Nobel Conference before I retired, before I heard of OLLI,” says Karl Willson. “It has always been a great learning experience, in a great location,

whatever the topic. Participation with OLLI makes it even better with classes before and after [the conference], good seating, and private lunches.”

At the conclusion of every conference, course participants bring their questions and comments to the closing class session, led in recent years by Dr. Chuck Niederitter, professor of physics at Gustavus. This follow-up session has proved helpful to the planners of succeeding conferences, with OLLI members offering constructive ideas for improvements.

Coordinating the OLLI/Nobel Conference course is always a challenge for the OLLI volunteer leaders. They have to make plans with Gustavus, arrange for two pickup sites with the bus company, and handle various special requests from course participants. The first leaders were Joanne and John Kendall; after John’s death in 2002, Joanne continued as coordinator until 2010, when Carolyn and Bob Jones took over. This year Ann and Dave Bucheck are the go-to coordinators for the OLLI/Nobel Conference course. They invite you to join them on this exciting learning adventure.

For more information on the Nobel Conference, go to: www.gustavus.edu/nobelconference

The Nobel Conference: An OLLI Tradition

The Gustavus Adolphus student orchestra performs before each session of the Nobel Conference. A young performer can be seen on the left screen. On the right is a portrait of Alfred Nobel, the creator of the Nobel Prize.

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

by Merritt Marquardt

It was in the spring of 1995 that a small group of people at the University first met to talk about the idea. Among them were Steve Benson, Miriam Seltzer, Roger Page, and Clarke Chambers. The concept was straight out of Alexis de Tocqueville. A few individuals with some thoughts about bettering their lives formed an

association to implement a plan and achieve their goal. A critical element in the founding of OLLI, of

course, was the thing that de Tocqueville believed to be uniquely American. The association of these folks still required some form of governance so that the organization would be well managed and would thrive and prosper. It was to be an association where the individual member was a volunteer, perhaps paying a modest annual membership fee for the privilege of participating in the activities of the group. Members would also be expected to contribute some personal time and energy to make it all possible, a characteristic of truly volunteer organizations.

What came to be known as the ElderLearning Institute at the University of Minnesota, or ELI, did in fact prosper and grow. From its founding by a dozen or so persons, ELI soon grew to over 100 members. By 2004 it attracted the attention of philanthropist Bernard Osher, who offered to provide financial support for ongoing operations. The name was changed to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI, to reflect a broader association with similar groups that the Osher Foundation was supporting nationwide. Today OLLI at the University of Minnesota serves over 1200 members, providing a quality of curriculum and course leaders that is the envy of OLLIs everywhere.

But the paradox had set in. As the financial success of OLLI at the U of M was being secured, the commitment of the individual member to support the organization seemed to diminish. It fell to a few to provide the leadership and effort that any volunteer organization must have in order to survive. The real strength of OLLI lies in its members and their willingness to do the volunteer work of serving on committees, but that strength and measure of good health has recently shown signs of faltering.

The President’s column

The Paradox of OLLI

The announcement of Steve Benson’s plans for retirement in October 2013 serves as a wake-up call. Now more than ever, we must each assume some level of volunteer involvement with our organization. Its future success depends on such a commitment on the part of every member. There is no free lunch here at OLLI. If we want to achieve the vision of its founders, we must each do our part to provide not only the financial support of membership fees, but also the moral support and the physical effort of governance and management required in any robust volunteer activity. We cannot let the paradox of OLLI become a reality: The organization’s own success bringing about its own decline.

This is a time of change. As Steve Benson has himself indicated in the Executor Director’s column on these pages, the past 18 years have seen OLLI build an enviable legacy. As Steve has also said, “The Finest Days of OLLI Are Ahead!” Let us each commit to the work needed to make it so.

Insights is a publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Minnesota, providing learning opportunities under the guidance of its members.

Editor: Sylvia Johnson

Managing Editor: Taki Andrianakos

Photo Editor: Charles Turpin

Copy Editors: Bonnie Anderson, Sylvia Johnson, Marcia Marshall

& Susan Mundale

Contributors: Steve Benson, Sylvia Johnson, Joanne Kendall, Merritt

Marquardt, Barbara Nelson, Emily Shapiro & Janice Walsh

Photos: Charles Turpin

Design: S. Johnson Creative

Layout: Visions, Inc.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 250 McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-624-7847 [email protected] (Taki) [email protected] (Michelle)

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Insights Fall 2013

by Emily Shapiro

What happened to the OLLI Member Directory? Why don’t we get course rosters anymore? These are questions that many OLLI members have been asking. The answers involve laws about personal privacy that affect OLLI as they do many other educational groups.

Under federal privacy laws, information on students who attend postsecondary schools is, generally speaking, private and cannot be shared with anyone other than school officials without the student’s written permission. One exception to this rule is information such as one’s name, address, phone number, and email address. This information is considered public and can be released without the student’s written permission UNLESS the student “opts out” and decides to keep the information private. Schools must notify their students annually of their right to “opt out” and give them a process for doing so.

Because OLLI is a program sponsored by the University of Minnesota, OLLI members are “students” under this law and are entitled to choose to keep their personal information private. Members can exercise this choice when they first join OLLI or at any time during their membership. They also can also reverse their “opt-out” decision at any time.

If OLLI members “opt out,” none of their personal information will be included in any Member Directory or in any course roster that is circulated in the classroom. This information will, however, be available to OLLI staff for administrative purposes. Members’ contact information also will be given to course leaders and assistants so that they can take attendance in class and distribute course information.

OLLI members have two ways to “opt out”: by using an online process (see instructions below) or by contacting the OLLI office. You may do this immediately, or at any time in the future. Once a member has “opted out,” OLLI staff will omit the member’s personal information from the Member Directory and any future circulating course rosters.

“Opting Out“ Online• Go to the OLLI website (http://www.cce.umn.edu/Osher-

Lifelong-Learning-Institute/) and click the “OLLIreg” button.

• Sign in to your OLLI account or create a new account if you don’t have one.

• On the “Welcome” page, click on “My Account” in the upper right-hand corner.

• On the “Account Overview” page, click on “My Profile” in the upper right-hand corner.

• On the “My Profile” page, check the box next to the words “Opt Out Directory” in the gray box. Then click on the box that says “Save Changes.”

If you change your mind in the future and want to reverse this decision, follow the same instructions, un-check the box next to “Opt Out Directory,” and save that change.

Questions? Call the OLLI Office at 612-612-7847 or send an email to [email protected].

Protecting Your Privacy

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Mysteries: 1st Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Janice Walsh, 651-483-4425, [email protected].

Nature and Environment Book Club: Nature and environment book reading, 4th Monday, 7 p.m. Edina. Jeannie Hanson, 952-913-1245, [email protected].

Mortimer Adler Great Books Discussion: 1:30 p.m. on a Friday in Jan., Mar., May, July, Sep., and Nov. Contact leader for specific dates. Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave S., Edina. David Mesenbourg, 952-831-0768, [email protected].

Women’s Topics Book Club: Fiction and nonfiction related to women’s history and concerns, 2nd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Linda Feist, 651-457-5121, [email protected]; Deborah Tabert, 952-831-1703, [email protected].

BRIDGE/East Metro: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 6 p.m. Coffee Grounds, 1579 Hamline Ave. N., Falcon Heights. Kate Anderson, 651-488-9061, [email protected].

BRIDGE/West Metro: 1st and 3rd Monday, 2:30 p.m. Perkins, Hwy 394 at Louisiana Ave., St. Louis Park. Dennis West, 612-377-5985, [email protected]; Fran Felix, 612-378-5214, [email protected].

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: 1st and 3rd Mondays, 2 p.m. Loretta Gagnon Room at Black Bear Crossings, 1360 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul. Phil Dahlen, 612-210-8734, [email protected].

DISCUSSION ROUNDTABLE: Topics from local to global issues. All positions are open for discussion. 2nd and 4th Monday, 12:30 p.m. St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Vince Trotta, 952-688-7216, [email protected].

EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION GROUP/Bloomington: This is an assembly of thinkers—an open discussion on various topics. Last Monday of the month, 1 p.m. Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Ave. S., Osman Elhadary, 952-831-0511, [email protected].

ELDERWISE INVESTMENT CLUB (must be OLLI member to belong): 4th Thursday every other month, 10:00 a.m. Wells Fargo Bank Community Room, 2600 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis. Howard Guthmann, 651-222-1801, [email protected].

JAZZ APPRECIATION/The OLLI Cats: 4th Friday, 12:30 p.m. (3rd Friday in May and Nov., no meeting in Dec.) University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave. SE, Mpls. Andrea Cantor, [email protected].

KNITTING/East Metro: 4th Wednesday 1:30 p.m. Black Bear Crossings, 1360 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul. Jeanette Sobania, 651-295-0852, [email protected]; Ginny Mahlum, 651-489-7750, [email protected].

KNITTING/West Metro: 2nd Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Shir Tikvah Congregation, 1360 West Minnehaha Pkwy, Mpls. (Occasional meeting in yarn shops.) Marian Eisner, 952-884-3282, [email protected]; Nancy Garland, 612-850-1495, [email protected].

MEMOIR WRITING: 3rd Thursday, 1 p.m. Franklin Avenue Library, 1314 E. Franklin Ave. Mpls. Knowles Dougherty, 612-874-9357, [email protected].

NEW YORKER DISCUSSION GROUP: Thursdays, 2 p.m. Washburn Library, 5244 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. Florence Ostrom, 612-920-0589, [email protected].

Special Interest GroupsOLLI Special Interest Groups (SIGs) meet regularly year round (except where noted) to provide enriching opportunities beyond the OLLI classroom. Members are encouraged to start new SIGs as a way to meet others who share a similar interest. For additional information, contact the co-chairs for guidelines: Florence Ostrom, 612-920-0589, [email protected]; Nancy Garland, 612-850-1495, [email protected].

Contact the group coordinator(s) listed below to join or for more details on a specific SIG.

BOOK CLUBS:Fiction/St. Paul: 3rd Friday, 10:30 a.m. St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Marghe Tabar, 651-690-0604, [email protected].

Fiction/St. Paul East: 3rd Monday, 1:30 p.m. Contact leaders for location. Sharon Thronson, 612-707-9955, [email protected]; Georgia O’Hara, 651-489-9096, [email protected].

Nonfiction/St. Paul: 3rd Thursday, 2:30 p.m. St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. Connie Waterous, 651-291-1610, [email protected].

Nonfiction/Mpls: 2nd Friday, 1:00 p.m., Franklin Library, 1314 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls. Kate Anderson, 651-488-9061, [email protected].

American History Book Club: 1st Thursday, 1:30 p.m. Black Bear Crossings, 1360 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul. Chuck Nelson, [email protected]; Jack Christenson, [email protected].

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Insights Fall 2013

NORSK FJORDS, FOLKLORE, and FOOD: Norwegian Fiskeboller Luncheon open to all interested in Norway and its food, customs, and cultural history. Thursdays, four times a year. Mindekirken Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church. To be placed on mailing list contact Odell Bjerkness, 612-866-3699, [email protected] or Karen Boyum, 952-920-3042, [email protected].

OLLI ARTISTS: Ed Ferlauto, 612-929-1004, [email protected].

OLLI QWESTERS Biking/Hiking/Snowshoeing: Biking, Wednesdays, May-Sep., Nita Lussenhop, 612-968-0398, [email protected]. Hiking and snowshoeing, Wednesdays, Oct.-April, Judy Remington, 612-377-4491, [email protected].

PADDLING Kayaking/Canoeing: April-Sep. Nell Bean, 612-432-6457, [email protected].

PLAY READING: 2nd Friday, 10:30 a.m. Sep.-June. Ebenezer Park Apartments, 2700 Park Ave S., Mpls., Elizabeth Young, 612-545-5059, [email protected]; James Hart, 612-729-5704, [email protected].

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN DISCUSSION GROUP: 4th Friday, 2 p.m. Southdale Library, Helen Young Meeting Room, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina. Jerry and Lois Edwards, 952-942-7232, [email protected].

SCRABBLE®: Players at all levels are welcome to join us. Thursdays, 1 p.m. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square. Marlyce Helm, 612-926-8178, [email protected].

SOCIAL DANCE: Members are emailed a weekly calendar of local dances and special events, exchange interests, and

attend dance venues together. Yeun Chou. 651-738-1506, [email protected].

SPANISH CONVERSATION/East: 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 1 p.m. Roseville. Kathy Ball, 651-636-3972, [email protected].

TWIN CITIES CHAMBER MUSIC: Members will receive a list of chamber music groups and contact information for schedules. Occasional events will be hosted—members meet at the concert and go to a nearby restaurant afterwards. Knowles Dougherty, 612-874-9357, [email protected].

TRAVEL EXCHANGE: OLLI members exchange travel experiences and recommendations, and find travel partners by email. Ron Tabar, 651-690-0604, [email protected].

WHEN MEMORIES SPEAK: As participants answer randomly chosen questions that focus on memories, their life stories deepen with understanding and meaning. Alternate Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. St. Louis Park. Jeanne Bearmon, 952-920-6388, [email protected].

The following groups are FULL and not accepting new members at this time:

BOOK CLUBS: Fiction/Mpls Fiction/Nonfiction/Arden Hills

SPANISH CONVERSATION/West

If any of these full SIGs represent your interest, we encourage you to start a new group. For help or more information, contact Florence Ostrom, 612-920-5089, [email protected]; Nancy Garland, 612-850-1495, [email protected].

Ilse Mortenson is an OLLI Qwester who enjoys biking.

The work of OLLI artist Vivian Steblay is on exhibit at the Edina Senior Center.

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

It’s a Mystery!by Janice Walsh

Wait a minute, what’s missing from the OLLI SIG lineup? We need a clue! That’s it—a new book club devoted to mysteries! Janice Walsh was the one who got the ball rolling, and she reached out for guidance to attorney Pam Elliott, who has led several popular OLLI courses on mystery novels. Pam knows all about mystery titles, genres, authors, and much more.

After an initial notice in the Up-to-Dater, 35 enthusiastic mystery readers signed up. At the planning meeting on May 7, the group decided to meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 2:30 to 4:30 at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center. A club member would serve as host for each meeting, leading the discussion of the selected mystery and providing an author biography. After choosing books for the next four months, the members were ready to start sleuthing.

The June meeting featured a spirited discussion of Think of a Number by John Verdon. On the schedule for July was a Danish mystery, The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis. The club even has its own mystery novel blog, created and hosted by Dana Noonan. We’re excited! Come investigate for yourself!

For more information about the Mysteries SIG, contact Janice Walsh at [email protected] or 651-483-4425

Benvenuto all’Anno Italianoby Sylvia Johnson

OLLI’s Italian Year is getting off to a great start with a varied list of courses. If history is your interest, you can explore The Italian Renaissance or learn about The Art and Spectacle of the Papacy in Baroque Rome. You like music? We have a course on The History of Opera, which got its start in Italy. The course Death in Venice combines literature, music, and film as it examines different versions of Thomas Mann’s famous novella set in Venice. In The Glories of Italian Cinema, you can watch classic films by Rossellini, De Sica, and other great Italian directors. Finally, if you want to brush up on your knowledge of the Italian language, you can take Walter Blue’s course Italian for Tourists and Travelers. After completing this 14-week course, you will be well prepared for the OLLI trip to Italy that Walt will lead in spring 2014.

Minnesota Women Artists

Exploring the Periodic Table

End-of-Life Decisions

Maximizing Your iPad

The Family in Films

Voices from around the World

The Rise of the Italian State: 19th Century to the Present

Italian for Tourists and Travelers (continued)

Preview of Winter Courses:

Members of the new Mysteries SIG discussed The Boy in the Suitcase at their July meeting. Their reading list includes many suspenseful titles.

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Insights Fall 2013

09 Ongoing

9000 Ethnic Dining page 15

9001 Twin Cities Theater and Dinner page 15

9100 Voices from around the World page 20

9101 Tuesday with a Scholar page 21

9102 Afternoon with the Liberal Arts page 22

9104 Books—St. Paul JCC page 23

9105 Books—Ridgedale page 25

9109 OLLI about Town page 15

9113 Great Decisions page 18

9114 Exploring College Campuses page 10

9115 Tap Dancing page 15

9116 Italian for Tourists page 18

9117 Nobel Conference page 14

9118 Great Books: Conversation 5 page 14

10 Art and Architecture

10008 Western Art Odyssey page 28

10014 Art Isms of the 20th Century page 12

10035 Women in Soviet Life and Art page 10

10036 Mysterious, Exotic Worlds of the Orient page 23

10037 American Illustration page 28

10038 Meet the Art Director page 28

11 Economics/Business/Finance

11001 Current Economic Issues 2.0 page 18

11009 The Oil Industry in America page 21

11010 The Global Economic Crisis page 11

11011 Income and Wealth Disparities page 20

12 Film

12017 Flicks on Wednesdays page 23

12021 Hollywood in the Courtroom page 22

12022 Curtains page 27

13 Government/Current Affairs

13033 The Corporate Constitution page 27

13034 On Becoming a Peacekeeper page 27

13035 Political Reform page 29

13036 The Perfect Storm page 27

13037 What Every Citizen Should Know/Taxes page 13

14 Health/Personal Enrichment

14001 Journeywell page 24

14005 Memory Improvement page 13

14018 Affordable Healthcare Act page 13

15 History

15005 Africa Origins to Colonialism page 24

15016 Lakewood Cemetery page 13

15023 Frontier Meets First Nation page 14

15044 Mindplay: The Story of WWII page 22

15052 The Presidents: FDR page 21

15070 The Birth of Racism page 26

15071 Maps and Mapmakers page 24

15072 Lincoln’s Speeches page 20

15073 Icons of Norway page 22

15074 Legacy of Minnesota’s Women page 11

15075 Worlds of Thomas Jefferson page 21

15076 Snapshots page 20

15077 The Italian Renaissance page 25

15078 American Nations page 17

15079 The Cold War (1945-1989) page 20

15080 The Art and Spectacle of the Papacy page 23

15081 Warriors behind the Legends page 15

15082 Global History page 18

15083 Assassination of JFK page 12

16 Literature and Writing

16037 Selecting Children’s Literature page 27

16038 Mediterranean Detective page 12

16039 1984: Big Brother IS Watching page 11

16040 Death in Venice page 24

16041 Experiencing the Gulag page 22

16042 Some Fictions by Charles Baxter page 21

17 Nature and Environment

17012 Hands-on Botany page 12

17013 Basics of Ecology page 15

17025 Mammals page 25

17026 Fall Birds in Minneapolis Parks page 10

17028 By the Harvest You Shall Live page 19

17029 Biology of Autumn page 12

18 Performing Arts and Media

18078 Festival of Nine Lessons page 11

18079 The Musical/Spiritual Brain page 19

18080 Proof page 17

18081 Les Misérables page 17

18082 Strauss’s Arabella page 17

18083 Puccini’s Manon Lescaut page 17

18084 VocalEssence page 14

18085 Good People page 16

18086 Curtain Going Up! page 14

18087 Fool for Love by Sam Shepard page 16

18089 The History of Opera page 28

18090 Darker Than Night page 18

18091 Journalism Colonial Printing/Internet page 29

18092 Fine Art Photography page 26

18094 Music and the Brain page 26

18095 Mary T and Lizzy K page 16

18096 The Bartered Bride page 16

18097 Uncle Vanya page 16

19 Religion/Spirtuality/Philosophy

19001 Christianity in Crisis page 26

19024 Comparative Religions page 26

19028 The Wisdom Journey page 20

19029 Better Angels of our Nature page 19

19030 René Girard’s Mimetic Theory page 23

19031 The Socratic Apology page 19

19032 Wisdom Works! page 12

19033 Modernity and Religions page 22

20 Science/Technology/Computers

20034 Buying, Connecting, and Using a PC page 15

20035 Cosmology page 13

20036 Minnesota’s Geologic & Climate History page 18

20037 Genes, the Blueprints for Life page 24

20038 Citizen Science page 24

20039 Intro to Digital Literacies page 25

20040 Quantum Devices page 27

20042 The Birth of Quantum Physics page 24

20043 Archaeology in Mass Media page 22

21 Social Studies

21007 Families Today page 10

21017 Planning for Senior Living page 26

21018 Academic Superstitions page 25

21019 Creating Your Legacy page 10,13

21020 Creating the Re-Formed School page 15

21021 Intergenerational Civic Engagement page 11

21022 Snap, Crackle, Pop Culture page 28

22 World Cultures

22031 People/Culture of Thailand page 21

22032 Namibia page 28

22024 About Iceland page 11

Courses by Topic

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

SPECIAL COURSES DO NOT count toward LIMITED selections, though they may have size limits. Courses are listed by day of the week.

9114 Special: Exploring the Twin Cities’ College CampusesThis course will tour local campuses including Macalester, Hamline, Augsburg, St. Thomas, St. Kate’s, and the U of M St. Paul Campus. Each of these campuses has its own unique history, architecture, and educational focus. Schedule will be sent out the week before the first session. Course participants will receive email information about meeting places. Limit: 25Iric Nathanson and Marghe Tabar are longtime OLLI members.6 sessions, Mondays, Sep. 16–Oct. 21, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

21007 Special: Families Today: Satisfactions and ChallengesHow have families changed? What do those changes mean? To what extent is the family in crisis? Some topics to be considered: the family in historical perspective; relationships with young and adult children; family law; marital happiness; family forms; family issues in later life; economic impact on families. Class lectures and discussions will be led by the course leader and other family-studies specialists. Limit: 35Marty Rossmann, emerita professor, family education, U of M, OLLI member Jack Rossman, emeritus professor, psychology, Macalester College, OLLI member7 sessions, Mondays, Sep. 23–Nov. 4, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Becketwood, 4300 W. River Pkwy., Minneapolis

10035 Special: Women in Soviet Life and Art In connection with an exhibit at The Museum of Russian Art, this illustrated talk will give background on the role of women in Soviet society and discuss the history of women in Russian art. Limit: 80 lecture and 20 per tour.Carol Rudie, lead docent at The Museum of Russian Art2 sessions, Lecture Mon., Sep. 30, 10–11:30 a.m., and Tours Thu., Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or Fri., Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Lecture: Mayflower Church, 106 E. Diamond Lake Rd., MinneapolisTour: The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis

17026 Special: Fall Birds in the Minneapolis ParksJoin Jamie McBride, naturalist from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, to watch birds in various locations around the city of Minneapolis. The first meeting will take place at Mississippi River Gorge Park. Each week a new location will be selected based on where birds are being seen. All sessions will be outside. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides. Limit: 15. Course Fee: $25.00 due at time of registration. Jamie McBride, interim naturalist program administrator4 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 3–24, 7:30–9:00 a.m. Mississippi River Gorge Park, 5114 S. Mississippi River Blvd., Minneapolis

21019 Special: Creating Your Legacy of Values, Hopes, and Life Lessons How do you want to be remembered? Participants will learn the history of ethical wills/legacy letters and why, when, and how to create one. The course will include lecture, discussion, and guided writing exercises. The workbook Ethical Wills/Legacy Letters, Your Legacy of Values and Love by Barry K. Baines, MD, can be purchased for $10 at the first session. Limit: 15Cathy Manning, CSA, CLTC; Barry Baines, trained legacy navigator, author, M.D. and V.P. of Celebrations of Life3 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

Fall 2013 Course Guide Sep. 16 - Nov. 8Register online starting at 9:00 a.m. on August 27 at www.cce.umn.edu/Osher-Lifelong-Learning-InstituteAll information in this catalog is subject to change. Please check the OLLI website for course closures and cancellations.All changes/updates will be sent out via email through the OLLI newsletter (UTD)

COURSES ARE LISTED BY CATEGORY: Special and Bookend coursees may meet outside of the regular 8-week schedule; please pay particular attention to meeting dates listed. All other courses, listed by day of the week, meet for the entire 8-week session starting the week of September 16, unless otherwise noted at the end of the course description. See How to Register on page 30.

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Course Guide Fall 2013 Sep. 16–Nov. 8

22024 Special: About IcelandThis course will introduce Iceland through its geography, landforms, nature, geology (volcanoes and glaciers), environment, history, language, economy, daily life, food, and arts. The last class will feature a film. A trip to Iceland from July 8‒July 17, 2014 will be offered in connection with the course. Limit: 35. Jeannie Hanson, OLLI member who has traveled to Iceland 15 times5 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Oct. 15, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

16039 Special: 1984: Big Brother IS Watching We will discuss George Orwell’s prescient and insightful masterpiece 1984, published in 1949, in the context of 21st century technology and social and political imperatives. Reading the book is highly encouraged but not required. Limit: 40Louis Lavoie is a retired physicist, Soviet threat analyst, and writer interested in history, science, and technology.2 sessions, Tuesday, Oct 22 & 29, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Covenant Village, 5800 St. Croix Ave. N., Golden Valley

18078 Special: Exploring the History and Tradition of “A Festival Of Nine Lessons and Carols” One of the most beloved of Christmas traditions is “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” presented at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, and heard on public radio throughout the U.S. each Christmastide. Using audio, video, lecture, and discussion, we’ll explore the history of King’s College, of its chapel, and of this very special—nearly a century old—service, including new findings from the instructor’s research in the UK in recent years. Limit: 25Nicholas Nash, former vice president of programming for MPR, initiated the American broadcast of “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” on Christmas Eve in 1979. He is currently writing a chapter on the history of the service for a book on King’s College’s Chapel.6 sessions, Tuesdays, Oct, 15–Nov. 19, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis

11010 Special: The Global Economic Crisis This is a four-session examination of the global economic crisis that builds on presentations the course leader has made in recent years for the Great Decisions program. The topics are: (1) Origins of the financial crisis; (2) Responding to the crisis; (3)

American energy resurgence and the global economy; (4) The future of the Euro. If there is sufficient interest among the group, we’ll add a fifth session on protecting yourself in the new world economy. Limit: 45John Harrigan, emeritus professor of political science, Hamline University. Frequent presenter in the Great Decisions program and formerly, a U.S. Foreign Service officer in Brazil.4 sessions, Tuesdays, Oct. 15–29, and Nov. 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Mount Zion Temple, Johnson Hall, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul

21021 Special: Intergenerational Civic Engagement: Connecting the Generations to Promote Social Change This course focuses on the development of intergenerational programs that connect adolescents with college seniors and senior adults for the purpose of creating and implementing civic engagement programs that involve young people in social action. We will cover the basic theory of intergenerational programming and the involvement of senior citizens as active resources and mentors to young people. The course includes reading and discussions of intergenerational work, as well as ideas for implementing such programs in real-world contexts. You can also actually participate in an Intergenerational program with youth while enrolled in the class! Limit: 20Robert Shumer, research associate/lecturer, U of M School of Education and Human Development, Youth Development Leadership Program5 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Nov. 12, and Dec. 3, 10:00–11:30 a.m. McNamara Alumni Center, U of MN, 200 Oak St. S.E., #235, Minneapolis

15074 Special: The Legacy of Minnesota’s Women Presented from a multicultural perspective, this course will discuss some of our unknown, better known, infamous, and celebrated foremothers. We will focus on the 19th and early 20th centuries and will look at the historical events that brought these women to prominence, including the temperance and suffrage movements, the Dakota War, and the Northern Migration. What makes a woman’s life story? What puts her in or out of traditional history or forgotten until diligent scholars “find” her documents? Who would be on your Top Ten List? Yes, your grandmother counts. One session will be for Her Story. Limit: 20Judy Yaeger Jones, OLLI member, project director, Minnesota Women’s History Month organization6 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Oct. 22, 10:00–11:30 a.m.St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

10014 Special: Art Isms of the 20th Century We will review the major art movements of the 20th century, including Fauvism, Minimalism, Cubism, Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, and Social Realism. Artists to be highlighted include Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Marcel Duchamp, and Pablo Picasso. The first meeting is at Sabathani Senior Center, Room 106. We will visit the Weisman Art Museum, Walker Art Center, and Minneapolis Institute of Arts in subsequent meetings. Limit: 20Peter Georgas, docent and former staff member of the Walker Art Center, OLLI member4 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep.17–Oct. 8, 10:00–11:30 a.m.First meeting at Sabathani Senior Center, Room 106, 310 E. 38th St., Minneapolis

15083 Special: The Assassination of President Kennedy Why have so many people questioned the official government version of this world-changing event? Why does the government have more than one official version of the assassination? Many books (2,000+) have been written expressing different points of view, but which one is correct? The course will explore this event to gain insight as to why it occurred and whom it benefited. I believe that many people will be surprised to learn who was involved and how it was accomplished. Limit: 60Neil Anderson, M.A. in history, former history teacher3 sessions, Tuesdays, Nov. 5–19, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

19032 Special: Wisdom Works! Wisdom works. We know it works, but sometimes—it doesn’t. Why? People have different ways of understanding reality. Wisdom depends upon seeing the views in play, the context in which people are operating, and the periphery that surrounds the context. In this course, you will practice doing this. Wisdom will become active, practical, useful, and approachable. You will learn to look for everyday wisdom in ordinary lives, including your own, and you will learn skills and tools for enhancing wisdom in yourself and encouraging it in others. There will be homework! Limit: 20Carrie Bassett, Ph.D., is founder and director of The Wisdom Institute and teaches, writes, and publishes on the subject, particularly on the practical aspects of wisdom that people can actually use.6 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Oct 22, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Lake Shore Drive Condos, 6616 Lake Shore Dr., Richfield

16038 Special: Mediterranean Detective Novels From the Marseille Trilogy of Jean-Claude Izzo to the Israel-set novels of Batya Gur to the well-regarded collection of Italian Noir, Mediterranean detective novels are united by the dark, gritty realism of their settings. And yet the lifestyle of fine wine and foods, of blue skies and sea and conviviality, also impacts these stories. We will read three novels and discuss them in the context of the historical and social forces that are specific to the area—particularly government corruption, instability, war, and racial strife. Read: The Snack Thief by Andrea Camilleri (for first class); Total Chaos by Jean-Claude Izzo; and Murder in Jerusalem by Batya Gur. Limit: 35Pam Elliott, attorney and mystery novel aficionado4 sessions, Tuesdays, Oct. 8–29, 1:00–2:30 p.m.The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis

17029 Special: Biology of Autumn Why do tree leaves change into countless different colors in the autumn months and then fall, while evergreens stay green and don’t lose their needles? How can some flowers blossom in September after a heavy freeze while others fade away at a touch of frost in June? Join naturalist Diana Thottungal for a hands-on foray into interesting fall-themed facts about the natural world. This class is a great follow-up to the course Botany for Gardeners. Each class will consist of field study and classroom discussion with informal and interesting labs. Limit: 10Diana Thottungal, former botany instructor at the City University of New York, interpretive naturalist at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden2 sessions, Tuesdays, Oct. 1 and 8, rain date Oct. 15. 1:30–3:00 p.m. Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Minneapolis

17012 Special: Hands-on Botany A basic understanding of botany is an essential tool for gardeners and for those who love the outdoors. Where better to learn than at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden? With nearly 600 plant species in the Golden Valley preserve, this living outdoor classroom is perfect for hands-on exploration. Join us for this three-week series and dig into the delights of botany. Geared toward the layperson, each class will consist of lab sessions, field study, and classroom discussions. Limit: 10Diana Thottungal, former botany instructor at the City University of New York, interpretive naturalist at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden3 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 10–24, 1:30–3:00 p.m.Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Minneapolis

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Course Guide Fall 2013 Sep. 16–Nov. 8

15016 Special: Lakewood Cemetery: Haven and History in the Heart of the City This five-session course will explore the history and architecture of Lakewood Cemetery. We will learn of the cemetery’s ties to the founding and development of Minneapolis and early industry in Minnesota. One session will be devoted to Lakewood’s architecture, including the 1910 Memorial Chapel and the new Garden Mausoleum. Guided tours will explore Lakewood’s landscape and monuments. Two tours involve walking on moderate terrain; one tour will be via an accessible trolley. Limit: 25Susan Mundale, writer, former teacher and public relations consultant, OLLI member5 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Oct. 15, 2:15–3:45 p.m.Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis

14018 Special: Here It Comes—the Affordable Care Act Ever since the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) was enacted in 2010, the country has implemented various sections of the law. That implementation accelerates this fall with the start of the insurance exchanges. What is in the ACA? What will we see in MNsure (Minnesota’s exchange program)? How will the act affect healthcare providers here in Minnesota? These questions will be considered in this one-session progress report. Next spring we anticipate a follow-up progress report and a full course in Fall 2014. Limit: 50Albert Trostel, emeritus professor of business management, University of St. Thomas, and co-leader of four previous OLLI courses on healthcare reform. 1 session, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights

21019 Special: Creating Your Legacy of Values, Hopes, and Life Lessons How do you want to be remembered? Participants will learn the history of ethical wills/legacy letters and why, when, and how to create one. The course will include lecture, discussion, and guided writing exercises. The workbook Ethical Wills/Legacy Letters, Your Legacy of Values and Love by Barry K. Baines, MD, can be purchased for $10 at the first session. Limit: 15Cathy Manning, CSA, CLTC; Barry Baines trained legacy navigator, author, M.D. and V.P. of Celebrations of Life3 sessions, Wednesdays, Oct. 16–30, 9:30–11:30 a.m.St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul

20035 Special: Cosmology—Understanding Our Universe This course presents what we know about the universe: its past, present, and future. We will take a conceptual approach to understanding what and how we know about the big bang, inflation, expansion, dark matter, dark energy, and the formation of galaxies. Curiosity is required; math is not. We will describe the history and heroes of the story, the key experimental discoveries, and the really big questions ahead of us. Finally, we will consider current speculations including string theory and multiverses. Limit: 30Lockwood Carlson, Renier Chair in Technological Leadership, U of M, retired 3M corporate scientist.5 sessions, Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Oct. 23, 10:00–11:30 a.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E., #235, Minneapolis

13037 Special: What Every Citizen Should Know about Taxes How does the U.S. tax system work? Who pays the taxes? How is it that some corporations and individuals pay almost no tax (legally)? What makes a tax system “good” or “bad”? What are some of the alternative systems that have been proposed and what are their consequences? Why is it almost certain that taxes will rise in the future, especially for the well-to-do? Should taxes be used to redistribute income or to limit behavior that is deemed to be antisocial (such as smoking)? These and other questions will be addressed and discussed. Recommended text: Taxes in America by Leonard E. Burman and Joel Slemrod (Oxford University Press, 2013). Limit: 40Irwin Boris, retired business executive and economist6 sessions, Wednesdays, Oct. 2–Nov. 6, 10:00–11:30 a.m. Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

14005 Special: Memory Improvement This course will cover simple techniques for memorizing the things you want to remember. By participating in Dr. Lee’s interactive seminar presentation, you’ll understand how the synapses in your brain are working. You’ll learn to use your brain more efficiently by creating mental pictures to memorize facts, jokes, numbers, names, things to do, and anything else you want to remember. This technique will improve your memory tremendously, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can memorize. Limit: 10Dr. Frederick B. Lee is a teacher, speaker, entrepreneur, and now happily retired3 sessions, Wednesdays, Oct. 23–Nov. 6, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave. S., Richfield

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

18084 Special: VocalEssence: There Was A ChildThe 45th VocalEssence season opens in October at the newly refurbished Orchestra Hall with music of the young English composer Jonathan Dove. In this course, Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence artistic director and founder, will talk about Dove’s poetic choral masterpiece There Was A Child, which will receive its U.S. premiere on Sunday, October 27 at 4 p.m. Jonathan Dove (whose opera Pinocchio was premiered by the Minnesota Opera two seasons ago) will join Philip for a lively discussion of this beautiful work, which will be sung by a 200-voice choir with the Chorus and Ensemble Singers of VocalEssence plus the St. Olaf College Choir. Not to be missed!! Limit: 40. Contact box office for tickets.Ann Buran, convener, OLLI member1 session, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2:15–3:45 p.m.Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., MinneapolisPerformance, Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:00 p.m.Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

18086 Special: Curtain Going Up! A Look at the Exciting 2013-2014 Twin Cities’ Theater SeasonGet an advance look at the new theater season—shows you won’t want to miss, new companies you’ll want to discover, and information on what makes our cities one of the largest theater markets in the country! You’ll also learn how to get bargain tickets, find out about volunteer opportunities, and hear about the people and groups that make the Twin Cities such a great place for theater. Limit: 40Jim Loeffler, OLLI member, is an avid theater-goer who sees over 100 shows a year. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a theater director, designer, and administrator, recently working as a dramaturge for Bloomington Civic Theater. 1 session, Thursday, Sep. 12, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park.

9118 Special: Great Books: Conversation 5Join this stimulating, enriching, and enjoyable discussion of the classics. We will read selections from authors including Reinhold Niebuhr, Jean-Paul Sarte, Richard Wright, Simone Weil, Eudora Welty, and Doris Lessing. This is the second year we will be using this text, but newcomers are welcome. Order required text from the Great Books Foundation at least two weeks before the start of class: 1-800-222-5870; Great Conversations 5, ADU-GC5; $24.95 plus postage. Limit: 16

Dorothy Lamberton, former U of M English faculty, experienced Great Books leader, OLLI member6 sessions, Thursdays, Sep. 19–Oct. 24, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4801 France Ave. S., Edina

15023 Special: Frontier Meets First Nation: Minnesota in the Fur TradeBefore Minnesota was opened to settlement, a thriving business relationship existed between Native American peoples and the voyageurs who traveled south each year to trade. Minnesota’s river network made it a vital hub of the fur trade and a cultural meeting point that ultimately inspired both our state nickname (the North Star State) and our passion for the Boundary Waters. This course combines an introduction to the fur trade with a visit to the recreated trading post operated by the Minnesota Historical Society in Pine City, Minnesota. Limit: 25Rick Menzel is a retired teacher who currently works for the Minnesota Historical Society as an interpreter-guide at the North West Company Fur Post in Pine City3 sessions of 2 classes and 1 field trip, Thursdays, Oct. 3–17, 10:00–11:30 a.m. Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

9117 Special: Nobel Conference 49: The Universe at Its LimitsIn the 20th century, astronomy culminated in Big Bang cosmology, a theory of the origin and evolution of an expanding universe. At the same time, subatomic physics created the Standard Model of the constituents of energy and matter that make up that universe. This year’s Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College (Oct. 1-2) will examine these and other topics, with presentations by noted speakers including three Nobel Prize winners. To learn more about the conference, go to www.gustavus.edu/nobelconference. Our OLLI course will consist of two classes featuring speakers from the Gustavus faculty, reserved-seat tickets to the conference itself, and lunches each day in a private dining room on campus. A bus trip to St. Peter is also available. Sign up carefully as there will be no refunds. If this course fills up, you can still attend the conference on your own by contacting Gustavus at the above website or calling 507-933-7520. Limit: 50Option A: conference, bus ride, and lunch = $153.00Option B: conference and lunch = $93.00Dave and Ann Bucheck, coordinators2 sessions, Classes: Thursdays, Sep. 26 and Oct 10, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Lake Harriet United Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Ave. S., MinneapolisConference: Tues. and Wed., Oct. 1–2Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN

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Course Guide Fall 2013 Sep. 16–Nov. 8

9109 Special: OLLI about TownThe group will visit interesting and historic sites around the Twin Cities. We will see the Burwell House in Minnetonka, Minnesota Transportation Museum, Folsum House in Taylors Falls, and LeDuc House in Hastings. You’ll receive an email with details for the first location. Limit: 30Kathleen Martin, OLLI member6 sessions, Thursdays, Sep. 19–Oct. 24, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

9115 Special: Tap DancingLearn or improve your practice of tap dance in a supportive, non-threatening environment. Review basic steps and combinations, and learn new dance routines. Bring tap shoes and an adventurous spirit. Limit: 30Joan Davies, retired teacher, OLLI memberThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 1:00–2:00 p.m.Edina Senior Center, 528 Grandview Sq., Edina

17013 Special: Basics of EcologyHave you ever wondered why dandelions don’t grow in the woods or why some natural areas are forests and others prairie? Have you ever been curious about the many ways in which plants and animals interact with each other or how even fungi fit into the bigger picture of life on the planet? Geared toward the lay person, this course will cover all these questions and more. Limit: 8Diana Thottungal, former botany instructor at the City University of New York, interpretive naturalist at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden3 sessions, Thursdays, Sep. 12–26, 1:30–3:00 p.m. Rain date to be selected at first class.Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Minneapolis

21020 Special: Creating the Re-Formed SchoolThis course will examine cases from education literature and research that show documented sustainable student achievement and engagement in public, private, and charter schools. The discussion will highlight governance, organizational structure, parent and community participation and financial underpinnings. Current fads such as “School Turnaround,” firing poor teachers, bonuses for good teachers, layoffs, and hiring uncertified experts will be reviewed. Participant questions and discussion should be based on credible resources. Limit: 30Donald J. Christensen, Ed. D, emeritus educator, former teacher, principal, director, and corporate trainer.

Brian E. Boettcher, emeritus professor of school administration and policy, former teacher, secondary-school principal, assistant superintendent.4 sessions, Fridays, Oct. 4–Oct. 25, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Lake Harriet United Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Ave. S., Minneapolis

20034 Special: Buying, Connecting, and Using a PCThis class will cover the basics: the parts of a computer, monitors, printers, and how to connect to the Internet. Options will be discussed with individual needs in mind: What to buy? Where to buy it? How to get started and how to upgrade? We’ll also cover safety and security issues, such as protection against internet fraud. No prior computer knowledge or experience is needed. Limit: 25Dan Larson, OLLI member and techy wanna-be2 sessions, Fridays, Sep. 20 and Oct. 4, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Affinity Plus Credit Union, 2730 Snelling Ave. N., Roseville

15081 Special: Warriors behind the LegendsThis series will look at the lives of men who fought on different fronts in World War II: from Embattled Britain to the Pacific Theater; from code rooms and black rooms to the lives of the “Greatest Generation” soldiers who served in many capacities and on many fronts. The series is co-sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Roseville Public Library system. Limit: OPENJudy Woodward, history coordinator, Ramsey County Library4 sessions, Sundays, Sep. 22–Oct. 13, 2:00–4:00 p.m.Roseville Public Library, 2180 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville

9001 Special: Twin Cities Theater and DinnerHave dinner with fellow theater-goers before attending at least eight locally produced plays in the Twin Cities. Meet cast members and production staff after the show for short discussions. A schedule will be sent by email or regular mail the week before fall session begins. Limit: 40Shirley Moore, theater maven, OLLI member

9000 OPEN Ethnic DiningThis group wanders near and far seeking interesting cuisine. Join them for lunch or dinner and good conversation. Group members take turns hosting events at local ethnic restaurants, usually on weekdays. Dining schedules are emailed or mailed to participants one week before the first event. Limit: OPENRon and Marghe Tabar, coordinators and OLLI members

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

BOOKENDS (BE) promote local performances and exhibits with pre-and post-show discussions. Particpants are expected to see the show (or read the text) before the last class. These DO NOT count toward LIMITED selections.

18096 Bookend: Smetana’s The Bartered BrideWe all know the overture but are probably not familiar with the complicated story in this Czech comic opera, which will be performed by the University Opera Theater on No. 21-24. A father desires to pay off his debt by marrying his daughter, Marenka, to a wealthy man, but she is already in love with another and is determined to follow her own path. But why does Jenik, her lover, make an agreement with the oily marriage broker Kezall that seems to contradict Marenka’s plans? Professors Cohen and Walsh will straighten it all out for you. Limit: 25David Walsh, professor of music and director of the Opera Theater, U of M and Gary Cohen, professor of history, U of M2 sessions, Mondays, Nov. 18 and 25, 10:00–11:30 a.m. 280 Ferguson Hall, 2106 4th St. S., U of M, Minneapolis

18085 Bookend: Good People at Park Square Theatre How much in life is chance over choice? In the Southie neighborhood of Boston, where a good night out is bingo and beer, Margie’s just lost another job. She reaches out to her old boyfriend Mike, now a successful doctor, for a helping hand. “A tough and tender play about the insurmountable class divide.” We recommend participants attend the September 29 matinee at 2 p.m., after which the OLLI class will partake in the audience discussion with the cast and director, and then have a 30-minute private follow-up with Marcia. Limit: 50Marcia Aubineau, adjunct professor, University of St. Thomas; member of Park Square Education Board; arts/education consultant2 sessions, Monday, Sep. 9, 12:30–2:00 p.m. and Sunday, Sep. 29, 4:30–5:30 p.m.Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul

18095 Bookend: Mary T and Lizzy K at Park Square TheatreStep through the doors of the White House to eavesdrop on two strong-willed and complex women: “Mrs. President” Mary Todd Lincoln and Lizzy Keckly, her talented African-American seamstress. They banter, settle scores, and share intimacies as Mary dresses for the theatre. Little do they know that this night will change their lives and the world. We recommend participants attend the November 3 matinee at 2 p.m. after which the OLLI class will partake in the audience discussion

with the cast and director, and then have a 30-minute private follow-up with Marcia. Limit: 50Marcia Aubineau, adjunct professor, University of St. Thomas; member of Park Square Education Board; arts/education consultant2 sessions, Monday, Oct. 14, 12:30–2:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, 4:30–5:30 p.m.Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul

18087 Bookend: Fool for Love by Sam ShepardFool for Love is a masterfully constructed work that brings searing intensity and rare theatrical excitement to its probing, yet sharply humorous study of love, hate, and the dying myths of the Old West. May and Eddie cannot get along with or without one another, yet neither can subdue their burning passion. Eventually they tire of their struggle and embrace—but it is evident that the respite is temporary and that their love will remain forever damned and hopeless. Join Director Bain Boehlke for an in-depth discussion about this production, and then chat with the cast members during the second class meeting. Fool for Love runs September 6‒October 20, 2013, at the Jungle Theater. Call the box office at 612-822-7063. Limit: 50Bain Boehlke, artistic director of the Jungle Theater and director of Fool for Love2 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 10 and Oct. 1, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

18097 Bookend: Uncle VanyaA family faces a breakdown under the mounting pressures of the world around them—and none more than the eponymous Uncle Vanya. A middle-aged man in a crisis of values, he is further threatened by dispossession at the hands of his brother-in-law. Passions run high, compounded by idle intrigues of unrequited love. The lives of two people, Uncle Vanya and his niece Sonya, are at the core of the play. They work their small estate, live frugally,and keep their emotions tightly reined in. When they are visited by Professor Serebryakov, and his beautiful young wife, Elena, their lives implode. In this distinctive version of the Chekhov classic, Brian Friel presents a stripped-down take on the 1899 play, with tightened diction and sharpened confrontations. The Guthrie Theater play runs Sept. 14–Oct. 27. For tickets, call the Guthrie box office, 612-377-2224. Limit: 25Jo Holcomb, literary specialist/librarian, dramaturge at the Guthrie2 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 24 and Oct. 22, 12:30–2:00 p.m.The Kenwood, 825 Summit Ave., Minneapolis

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15078 Bookend: American NationsWe will discuss Colin Woodard’s book American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America (Viking, 2011). This readable and reliable text does a good job of interpreting our current culture wars as emerging from continual differences among the eleven different “cultures” that comprise the United States. Minnesotans need to understand how “Yankeedom” has shaped them. Limit: 25Robert Tapp, emeritus professor of religious studies, U of M, OLLI member2 sessions, Wednesdays, Oct. 9 and Nov. 6, 12:30–2:00 p.m.The Kenwood, 825 Summit, Minneapolis

18081 Bookend: Les Misérables Join Director Karen Weber and Music Director Anita Ruth for an inside perspective on the epic musical Les Misérables. Based on the classic book by Victor Hugo, this musical follows Jean Valjean’s life-long struggle for redemption against the backdrop of the 1832 Paris insurrection. The play runs from Oct. 17 to Nov. 16 at the Bloomington Civic Theater. For tickets, call the box office at 952-563-8575. Limit: 50Bonnie Erickson, producer, director of Performing Arts2 sessions, Wednesdays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Bloomington Theater and Art Center, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington

18080 Bookend: Proof Join Director Alan Sorenson for an inside perspective on the play Proof. After years of caring for her father, a brilliant but unstable famous mathematician, Catherine must deal with her own feelings following his death, along with her estranged sister and one of his former students. Over the course of the play, Catherine tries to discover how much of her father’s madness—or genius—she has inherited. The play runs from Sep. 13 to Oct. 6 at the Bloomington Civic Theater. For tickets, call the box office at 952-563-8575. Limit: 50Bonnie Erickson, producer, director of Performing Arts2 sessions, Wednesdays, Sep. 18 and Oct. 2, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Bloomington Theater and Art Center, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington

18082 Bookend: Strauss’s Arabella Arabella wants to marry for love, but her parents need her to marry for money. When the man of her dreams appears, will their manipulations ruin her chance to find true happiness? Richard Strauss’s sumptuous romantic comedy is set in Vienna’s golden age. We will examine the historical and compositional background of this work before course members see the performance; then we’ll have a discussion at the second class meeting to debrief. Performances run Nov. 9‒7 at the Ordway. For tickets, call the box office at 612-333-6669, or go to www.mnopera.org. Limit: 45Zachary Colby, recitalist, teacher, and doctoral student in voice, U of M2 sessions, Thursdays, Nov. 7 and 21, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Walker Place, 3701 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis

18083 Bookend: Puccini’s Manon LescautThe irresistible lure of money seduces the beautiful Manon, triggering her downfall. But true love is her redemption in this soulful opera by the composer of La Bohème, Madame Butterfly, and Turandot. Kelly Kaduce stars as Puccini’s intensely romantic heroine. We will examine the historical and compositional background of this work before course members see the performance; then we’ll have a discussion at the second class meeting to debrief. Performances run Sept. 21‒29 at the Ordway. For tickets, call the box office at 612-333-6669, or go to www.mnopera.org. Limit: 45 Zachary Colby, recitalist, teacher, and doctoral student in voice, U of M2 sessions, Thursdays, Sep. 12 and Oct. 10, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Walker Place, 3701 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis

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LIMITED AND OPEN COURSES You may register for two (2) Limited Courses per session. Choose as many courses marked “OPEN” as you wish. Please be aware that some OPEN classes have size limits.

MONDAY

18090 Darker than Night: Film Noir Styles“Through the slatted blinds, the midnight California street glistens with rain...” From its start in the 1940s with detective genre films, the American film noir style became a more complex and darker vision. By looking at a series of classic noir movies and excerpts from the 1940s to the 1970s, we’ll identify key elements of the noir film style (visuals, music, sound, and fictional world). We’ll see how the noir male and female protagonists evolve during this period, along with the city settings and social contexts against which this powerful and fascinating film style flourished. This three-part course runs consecutively during fall, winter, and spring sessions, with a series of 22 major noir films. Fall: Noir Style emerges in the 1940s. Limit: 25Larry Crawford is an OLLI member and film buff.Mondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis

11001 Current Economic Issues 2.0Participants in this course don’t need any particular background in economics—just a curiosity about how the economy works and how economists believe it works. The course will update the first one (Fall 2012) but also stand on its own. There are many current economic events that can be explored. We will be looking at the big picture and the global marketplace as well as local markets and what makes them work or fail. We will also utilize some of the insights from behavioral economics. Limit: 40Don Renner, emeritus professor of economics, Minnesota State University, MankatoMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

15082 Global History: Making Sense of the World TodayThis course will offer historical insights into the globalized era in which we live. As technologies have advanced, long-distance interactions, including trade, warfare, travel, and communication, have brought all parts of the globe into ever closer contact. How are we to make sense of the resulting tangle of strands — historical, cultural, economic—that confront us?

By adopting a global perspective, we can better discern our greatest challenges: the population explosion, ecological crises, human rights issues, and the unequal distribution of wealth. Limit: 45Ted Farmer, emeritus professor of history and global studies, U of MMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.Mount Zion Temple, Johnson Hall, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul

9113 Great DecisionsGreat Decisions is part of a national program developed by the Foreign Policy Association and sponsored by the Minnesota International Center. Guest speakers will address the following topics: “Future of the Euro”; “Egypt”; “NATO”; “Myanmar”; “Humanitarian Intervention”; “Iran.” Limit: 45Ed Ferlauto, convener, retired chemist, OLLI memberMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:00–11:30 a.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E., #235, Minneapolis

20036 Minnesota’s Geologic and Climate History and Its Remaining Mineral ResourcesWe’ll study the movement of the ancient super-continents and their influence on prehistoric volcanic activity in Minnesota. We’ll also note the rise and decline of the large Algoman Mountain Range in northern MN and the movement and deposit of minerals in MN’s Iron Range. The state’s remaining iron, copper, nickel, gold, platinum, and granite resources (successor to the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste depository?) will be considered. The course will include a plant tour. Limit: 30Rolf Westgard, professional member, Geological Society of America and the American Nuclear SocietyMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Sholom East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul

9116 Italian for Tourists and TravelersThe course presents both the basics of Italian grammar—forming sentences, asking questions, making requests—and the vocabulary needed to deal with some of the situations one encounters in Italy: shopping, dining, traveling, securing lodging, and sightseeing. Continuing in the OLLI Winter Term, this 14-week study is intended to prepare OLLI members for a 3-week trip to northeastern Italy (Ravenna, Bologna, and Florence) in April 2014. Recommended text: Berlitz Essential Italian, latest edition (Amazon used, $11). Limit: 20

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Walter Blue, emeritus professor of romance languages, Hamline University.Mondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Mount Zion Temple, Room 211, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul

19031 The Socratic ApologyThe course will examine three texts for insight into the ancient teachings that remain the core of political philosophy. We will first look at Plato’s dialogue The Apology, which presents an account of the trial of Socrates, including Socrates’ “defense” against the charges brought against him. (Socrates was convicted and sentenced to death for the practice of “philosophy.”) In The Apology, Socrates identifies the comic poet and playwright Aristophanes as an ancient enemy of philosophy, and we will examine Aristophanes’ play The Clouds to understand the basis of this apparent enmity. The third text will be Book 1 of Plato’s Republic, in which a small group of friends discusses the philisophic life and the issues of individual human excellence and political harmony. Limit: 25Michael Ormond taught political philosophy at California State Long Beach from 1967 to 1974. After receiving a law degree from the U of M in 1978, he practiced family law until his retirement in 2011.Mondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal

18079 The Musical Brain, the Spiritual Brain, and Where They MeetHave you ever had a spiritual experience in which music played a vital part? Or a musical experience that was spiritual and transcendent—even if it wasn’t connected to religious practice? Recent studies suggest that some of the same parts of our brain that respond strongly to music are also active when we have spiritual experiences. This seems to occur in atheists and humanists as well as in religious folks! We will explore this fascinating and growing area of study, and discuss its implications for enriching our well-being. No musical or religious background needed. Limit: 40Jenzi Silverman, Ph.D., ATCL, musician and OLLI memberMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 8, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Walker Place, 3701 Bryant Ave. S, Minneapolis

17028 By the Harvest You Shall Live From the first cave dwellers to modern sky-rise condo dwellers, all humans are dependent upon the fruits of the land and the bounty of the sea. Science and technology have transformed the U.S. population from 98‒99 percent hunter/gatherers to 2 percent or less of people working as agriculturalists, foresters, and fisherman. Worldwide, approximately 48 percent of the population is still employed in food and fiber production. What changes have allowed 300 million Americans to do their hunting and gathering in the aisles of giant supermarkets and not think about the origin or availability of their food and fiber? What has been the impact on the land, the landscape, and the people? This course will include field trips to gather and harvest from planted sites using primitive (hand-gathering) methods as well as technology from 1840 and the early 1900s. There may be other field trips to museums, modern farms, and food distribution centers. Limit: 30Vernon Cardwell, Morse-Alumni distinguished teaching professor of agronomy and plant genetics, U of M, national leader in food and ag-literacy effortsMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Borlaug Hall, Room 306, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul Campus U of MN

19029 The Better Angels of our NatureSteven Pinker argues that despite war, crime, and terrorism, violence has declined. Examining history and the mixed blessing of technology, he explores human nature through psychology and history and concludes with the idea of an increasingly enlightened world. Participants will share discussion leadership. Assignments for first session will be emailed. Limit: 20Bonnie Nelson, former humanities instructor, OLLI memberMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 12:30–2:00 p.m.The Kenwood, 825 Summit, Minneapolis

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15079 The Cold War (1945-1989): An Eastern European PerspectiveThe experience of the average American during the Cold War (1945‒1989) stands in stark contrast with that of his or her counterpart in Russia and Eastern Europe. The details of these radically different experiences have been obscured by time, cultural and geographic distance, and, of course, an “Iron Curtain.” In this course we will connect the high political and diplomatic events in the narrative of the Cold War with the cultural, intellectual, and social history “on the ground” in Eastern Europe and in Russia. Readings for this course will be drawn primarily from R.J. Crampton’s Eastern Europe and the 20th Century; Joseph Rothschild’s Return to Diversity; Heda Margolius Kovály’s Under a Cruel Star; and Natalya Baranskaya’s A Week Like Any Other. Limit: 45Matthew Konieczny, doctoral candidate, Department of History, U of M, OLLI scholarMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 12:30–2:00 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 S.E. Oak St., #235, Minneapolis

11011 Income and Wealth Disparities in the U.S.: Economic, Moral, and Ethical Implications for Future GenerationsIn this course we will explore the patterns of wealth distribution in the U.S. over its history, with particular emphasis on the 20th and 21st centuries. What have been the causes of these patterns? What have been the economic, social, cultural, and political impacts on people at all levels? What role have government and “special interest” groups played? The sessions will be lead by experienced faculty with strong interest in the welfare of future generations and U.S. leadership in the world. There will be time for class discussion and for participation in the development of suggested solutions and actions. Suggested book: Who Stole the American Dream? by Hedrick Smith (Random House, 2012). This is a helpful guide to the course, but not required reading. Limit: 40Peter Sammond, MBA, University of Chicago; organization development consultant; experienced OLLI course leaderPeter Blewett, master’s degrees in political economy and history; associate professor of history, University of Alaska; experienced OLLI course leaderMondays, Sep. 23–Nov. 11, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Calvary Center Co-op, 7600 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley

15072 Lincoln’s Speeches and Spielberg’s LincolnThis course concentrates on reading and enlarging the participants’ understanding of Lincoln’s speeches as a means of gaining insight into Lincoln himself prior to viewing the Spielberg film representation in the final week of the course. Text for the course is Andrew Delbanco, The Portable Lincoln, available through Amazon. Limit: 35David H. Hopper, emeritus James Wallace Professor of Religion, Macalester CollegeMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Becketwood, 4300 W. River Pkwy., Minneapolis

15076 SnapshotsIn this course we will follow the trials and efforts of men and women who fought and endured during the Civil War. Key battles will be examined from the point of view of both the boys in blue and the boys in gray. The unprecedented roles that women in both the North and the South played will be another significant feature. We will also discuss the importance of newspaper coverage by an irreverent group of reporters calling themselves “A Bohemian Brigade.” Limit: 25Joyce Black, OLLI course leaderMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park

9100 Voices from Around the WorldEngage in dialogue with scholars, students, and professionals from around the world. The speakers will present overviews of the history, government, and culture of their respective home countries, and share their impressions of the U.S. Limit: 45Seongdok Kim, Ph.D. candidate, organizational leadership, policy & development, U of MMondays, Sep. 16–Nov. 4, 2:15–3:45 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E., #235, Minneapolis

TUESDAY

19028 The Wisdom Journey: From Age-ing to Sage-ingAs the portion of our lives-lived grows longer and the portion of our lives-to-be-lived shortens, we begin to move away from doing and accumulating toward being and understanding. Following the lead and concepts of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi in his book From Age-ing to Sage-ing, we will review our lives, assess where we are today, face our mortality, create a joyous future, and construct an ethical will to leave to the next generations. The class members’ life experiences, paper exercises, short readings,

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and meditations will be used as the major texts. Because the course builds on itself, you may wish to take it at another time if you plan to miss more than two class sessions. Cost: A free will offering up to $20. Limit: 10Parker Trostel, UCC minister, hospice volunteer, OLLI memberTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 12, 9:30–11:30 a.m. (no class the week of Oct. 1)Kenwood Isles, 1425 W. 28th St., Minneapolis

11009 The Oil Industry in America—History and Politics This course explores the fascinating history of oil and how that history has shaped politics, culture, and industry both in the United States and globally. Topics include the Standard Oil monopoly, the oil booms in the American Southwest between the world wars, oil in the post-World War II period of unprecedented economic growth, OPEC and the 1970s Middle East crisis, the recent BP Gulf spill and its environmental implications, and, finally, fracking. Limit: 25Thomas Odde is currently working on a manuscript that explores oil and visual culture.Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave. S., Richfield

22031 People and Culture of Thailand: The Far East’s Magic KingdomThis course will introduce the various interesting and beautiful aspects ot Thailand, including Thai history, art, and cultures; Thai cuisine; philosophy of living (Buddhism); and business and travel in Thailand. We will also discuss misrepresentations of Thailand by the media and other sources. There will be field trips to Thai restaurants and to a WAT (temple) in the Twin Cities. Guest lecturers may be featured. Limit: 45Tatpicha Nunta has a Ph.D. in educational administration from Khon Kaen University,Thailand. She became a Visiting Scholar at the U of M in 2010.Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E., Laukka Rm, Minneapolis

15052 OPEN The Presidents: Franklin Delano RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt’s four terms will be discussed beginning in the Fall session and continuing in the Winter. You may attend one session or both. Topics in the Fall will include: the crises FDR faced; his first 100 Days in office; family life (education, marriage, children); entrance into national politics; elections; assassination attempt; First New Deal; Second New Deal; foreign affairs and other fun stuff. Optional coffee and treats (furnished with donation) about 9 a.m. An optional lunch

follows class, at local restaurants at your expense. J.B. Andersen cell 651-246-0710. Take with you in case you get lost. Limit: OPENJ.B. Andersen, educator, writer, curatorTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Lakeview Lutheran Church, 1194 Cty. Rd. C, Maplewood

16042 Some Fictions by Charles BaxterFor the past twenty years I have found Baxter’s fiction as rich and as teachable as that of any other American fiction writer. We will read one collection of stories—Through the Safety Net—and two novels, First Light and The Feast of Love. For the first class, read from the story collection “Through the Safety Net,” “Winter Journey,” and “Surprised by Joy.” For each story, be ready to discuss the strategies Baxter uses to make the reader like and/or dislike the central character(s), the ways in which these characters are tested, and the degree to which they pass and/or fail these tests. Limit: 25Bob Solotaroff, emeritus professor, Department of English, U of MTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq., Edina

9101 OPEN Tuesdays with a ScholarJoin local scholars for lecture and discussion in this ongoing series. Topics include: “Sisterhood of War;” “Minnesota Women in Vietnam;” “The U.S.–Dakota War: A Missionary’s Perspective;” and “Violent Crimes Affecting Seniors and Vulnerable Adults.” Calvin Alexander of the U of M Department of Geology and Earth Sciences will also discuss “Meteorites: Messengers from the Early Solar System.” (If you think you have a piece of a meteorite, bring it along!) This series is co-sponsored by Hennepin County Library–Southdale. Limit: OPENDorothy Lamberton, convener, former U of M English instructor, OLLI memberTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Hennepin County Library-Southdale, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina

15075 The Worlds of Thomas JeffersonIn his public and private worlds Thomas Jefferson experienced considerable conflict, but in the world of ideas he enjoyed much solace. We will delve into the history, mystery, and legend of those worlds, utilizing primary and secondary sources as well as excerpts from biographical films and other DVDs on Jefferson. Limit: 40Mary Quinlivan, dean and professor emerita, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater7 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Oct. 29, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Sholom East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul

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16041 Experiencing the Gulag Through the Eyes of Fictional CharactersJosef Stalin forced Russia into the 20th century but at a terrible cost to his people. We will take a look at fictional portrayals of some of his victims and how they reacted to their incarceration. The main characters in Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn were political prisoners, but in reality people from many categories were sent to the Russian gulags. We will discuss the Koestler and Solzhenitsyn books in class, beginning with Koestler. Copies can be obtained at libraries, bookstores, and on Amazon. Limit: 40Winnifred Winkelman, emerita professor of history, College of St. Scholastica7 sessions, Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Oct. 29, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Sholom East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul

19033 Modernity and ReligionsModernity has appeared only recently in our human planetary history, stressing democracy, science, and human equality and rights. Religions have ignored, adapted, or resisted this movement, generating both liberal and variants. This course will explore the global effects of modernity on religions. Limit: 50Robert Tapp, emeritus professor of religious studies, U of M, OLLI member5 sessions, Tuesdays, Oct. 8–Nov. 5, 12:30–2:00 p.m.1666 Coffman, 1666 Coffman St., Falcon Heights

20043 Understanding the Past in the Present: Archaeology in Mass MediaThis course examines how archaeology is presented to the public through mass media and how we can become discerning consumers. Each week we will look at a different topic as presented by television shows and Internet and newspaper articles. We will also examine original scientific papers to understand how research is distilled for public consumption. Topics will include Stonehenge and the recent discovery of the body of King Richard the Third. Limit: 45Kristy Golubiewski-Davis is a Ph.D candidate in the Department of Anthropology, U of M, OLLI Scholar. Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 2:15–3:45 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 S.E. Oak St., #235, Minneapolis

9102 Afternoon with Liberal ArtsStar faculty from the University of Minnesota share their expertise and enthusiasm for topics that include: “Nuremburg Trials: Unlawful Justice?”; “Hypnosis: Why it is like a Stop Light”; “The Legacy of African American Literature.” Katherine Scheil, assoc. professor of English, will discuss “Shakespeare for the 21st Century.” Limit: 45Tuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 12:30–2:00 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 S.E. Oak St., #235, Minneapolis

12021 “All Rise”— Hollywood in the CourtroomConsider the powerful affinities between the courtroom setting, dramatic conflict, and Hollywood-style filmmaking. In this course, we’ll enjoy a selection of the best classic film and television portrayals of legal drama. From directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Otto Preminger, these portrayals run from the 1930s to the 1970s. We’ll look into the roots of our ongoing fascination with the courtroom as a fictional and symbolic space, the courtroom’s primary character roles, and themes and myths about real and imaginary worlds of transgression and law. Screenings include Fury, I Confess, Perry Mason, and Anatomy of a Murder. Limit: 25 Larry Crawford, OLLI member and film buffTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 12:30–3:00 p.m.Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis

15073 Icons of NorwayWe will explore 300 years of Viking domination of the known world and Viking voyages and settlements in the new world; the importance of the Norwegian monarchy; the German occupation of Norway and the resistance during WW II; Norwegian artists such as Edvard Munch, Edvard Grieg, and various folk artists; and the Church of Norway. We also will learn why so many left Norway for Minnesota and where they settled. Limit: 25 Course fee: $5.00 due at registrationOdell Bjerkness, OLLI course leaderTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Edina Senior Center, 528 Grandview Sq., Edina

15044 Mindplay: The Story of WW II Deception, Spies, and Secret CodesThis course traces the military intelligence-gathering and clandestine operations involving double spies, code breaking, and elaborate deceptions that took place in the European theater and culminated in the successful D-Day invasion and ultimate Allied victory during WWII. Limit: 40

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Dennis Kane, retired educator, administrator, and former U.S. Army military intelligence agentTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave. S., Richfield

19030 René Girard’s Mimetic Theory Professor René Girard’s Mimetic Theory employs imitation to explain human desire, behavior, and history. It also elaborates the scapegoat mechanism, a powerful reccuring social force of order and disorder that inadvertently produces gods, kings, religions, and cultures, and brings sudden peace to conflicted, crisis-gripped communities. These results stem from the spontaneous murder or expulsion of innocent victims (the scapegoats) by agitated, mindless, and fearful-but-righteous crowds who misunderstand both the cause of the crisis, and its cure. Text: The Scapegoat by René Girard (Johns Hopkins Press, 1986 ) $22 new, $14 used. Limit: 25Dale Anderson, retired banker, member of the Colloquium on Violence and ReligionTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Parkshore Senior Community, 3663 Park Center Blvd., St. Louis Park

15080 The Art and Spectacle of the Papacy in Baroque RomeNo other time in Western history boasts the splendor and grandiosity of 17th-century Rome. Rome’s biggest families funded great works of art as they sought to establish themselves in the top seat of power in Europe—the papacy. This course examines the political, spiritual, and cultural role that patronage played in papal Rome. We will look at works of art by artists such as Caravaggio and Bernini and at operas such as Stefano Landi’s Sant’Alessio, exploring the way in which these visual traditions interact with each other. This course will include short reading, listening, and video components provided by the instructor and will culminate in two optional field trips to the MIA and to an opera to be determined. Limit: 40Nicole N. Conti, doctoral candidate in the Department of Art History, U of M, OLLI ScholarTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 2:30–4:30 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 S.E. Oak St., Laukka Rm., Minneapolis

9104 Books You Don’t Have Time to Read—St. Paul JCCBooks covering a wide array of current, thought-provoking topics are presented by experienced readers/lecturers, including Lynn Bolnick, Chuck Grimsrud, Jim Martin; Peter Sammond, Ed Schwartzbauer, Lonnie Skrentner, Ron Tabar, and Jay Wetmore, providing ample material for spirited discussion.

Among the books are: Who Stole the American Dream? by Hedrick Smith; Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious, by Chris Stedman; The Way of the Knife: The CIA, A Secret Army, and a War at the Ends of the Earth, by Mark Mazzetti; Strange Rebels by Christian Caryl; and It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism by Thomas Mann and Norman Orenstein. A complete schedule will be sent to participants. There are no reading requirements; just bring an inquiring mind. Limit: 50Peter Sammond, management consultant, OLLI member & Pat Ryan Greene, writer, editor, OLLI memberTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 2:15–3:45 p.m.St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul

10036 The Mysterious, Exotic Worlds of the Orient and Beyond Join us as we tour the ancient arts of India and Southeast Asia, the glorious works of Imperial China, and the splendors of Japan. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is proud to possess one of the nation’s foremost collections of Asian art, made possible by the generosity of its donors. Limit: 40Pat Wuest and Connie Nelson, docentsTuesdays, Sep. 17–Nov. 5, 2:15–3:45 p.m.Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis

WEDNESDAY

12017 OPEN Flicks on Wednesdays: The Glory of Italian CinemaItaly emerged from the trauma of World War II and Fascism with a movie industry that almost magically reappeared and grew into one of the world’s most creative post-war cinemas. In the midst of occupation by German and then Allied troops and the need for massive physical and economic reconstruction, the rebuilding of the Cinecittá studios in Rome symbolized the growth potential of the Italian cinema. The first great wave of creativity was known as the Neorealist movement, which produced such masterpieces as Rossellini’s Rome Open City and De Sica’s The Bicycle Thief. From subsequent movements we will also see Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, Antonioni’s Blow Up, and Bertolucci’s The Conformist. Limit: OPENJack Stuart, emeritus professor of history, California State University Long BeachWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis

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15005 Africa from Origins to Colonialism The course provides a panoramic study of African history from many angles: anthropological, historical, geographic, cultural, and religious. From human origins through the populating of the continent, the great civilizations, the slave trades, to the beginning of European domination, we will see how the African continent and peoples have embraced triumph and tragedy over thousands of years. This course will pull together the study of this diversity into a somewhat manageable whole. Recommended reading: John Parker and Richard Rathbone, African History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2007). Limit: 40Tom O’Toole, emeritus professor of sociology and anthropology, St. Cloud State UniversityWednesdays, Oct. 2–Nov. 20, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Sabathani Senior Center, Room 106, 310 E. 38th St., Minneapolis

15071 Maps and Mapmakers in the Age of Discovery Explore the exciting world of maps from ancient Rome to 18th-century America. In this course, you’ll take a tour through history using actual maps from the 15th through the 18th centuries. Each week you will see and discuss maps from the James Ford Bell Library’s collection, learning how ideas about the world changed over time—not just on maps, but in the imagination as well. Note: This course involves a lot of standing while examining the maps. Limit: 20Dr. Marguerite Ragnow is curator of the James Ford Bell Library at the U of M, where she is also on the graduate faculties of History and Early Modern Studies.Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 13, No class on Oct. 30. 10:00–11:30 a.m.James Ford Bell Library, 4th floor of Wilson Library, U of M, 309 19th Ave S., Suite 472, Minneapolis

14001 Journeywell Do you want to take some time reflecting on making your later years as fulfilling as possible? Classes will be highly interactive sessions based on Trish Herbert’s book, Journeywell: A Guide to Quality Aging, which provides a framework for self-reflection along with stories, suggestions, and helpful information. Combine serious reflection with the fun of looking at the 3 Ups: Wake Up, Show Up, and Lighten Up. Limit: 25Trish Herbert , retired psychologist/gerontologist Judy Schuck, OLLI member7 sessions, Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6 10:00-11:30 a.m. (no class Oct. 30)Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave, Mpls

20042 The Birth of Quantum Physics This course will tell the story of the birth of quantum physics and the physicists who played critical parts in the process. Limit: 50Richard Fuller, emeritus professor of physics, Gustavus Adolphus CollegeWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.1666 Coffman, 1666 Coffman St., Falcon Heights

20037 Genes, the Blueprints for Life: How Genes Determine our Structure, Functions, and Behavior Why do I sound like my brother, look like my father, and act like my sister? Genetics is the science that studies how inheritance works. In this course, we will examine the molecular structure of genes, the genetics of simple organisms such as bacteria, and the breeding of agricultural plants and animals (even when humans knew nothing about genes and genetics). We will also consider how experiences can be put into genes and transmitted to progeny (epigenetics). Even though genetics is a rapidly advancing modern scientific discipline, we will talk about it in a manner that can be understood by the nonscientist. Limit: 30Gil Ward, emeritus professor of veterinary medicine, U of MWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave., Falcon Heights

20038 Citizen Science: Learning for LifePoet Mary Oliver’s rules for life apply here: (1) Pay Attention; (2) Be astonished; (3) Tell what you saw. We will explore “citizen science,” its history, applications, and impacts on the human struggle to live in sustainable ways, and we will enjoy the beauty and healing of nature as we learn. The first five meetings will be in the classroom, where we will examine the history and possibilities for Citizen Science. The last three meetings will find us out and around the Twin Cities, collecting data and adding it to national databases (Google Citizen Science and Be Astonished). Limit: 40David Astin, retired science teacher, citizen science researcher for The Nature Conservancy, The National Phenology Network, and EBird at Cornell Ornithology Lab, photographer, and avid learner.Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6 (Field trips scheduled for Sep. 25 & Oct. 30), 12:30–2:00 p.m.Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis

16040 Death in Venice in Literature, Film, and Opera Thomas Mann’s novella Death in Venice has enthralled readers since its publication in 1912. After reading and discussing the book, we will view and discuss Visconti’s film version (1971) and

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then Benjamin Britten’s two-act opera (1973). Participants should obtain the Vintage edition or any good text of Mann’s story; read the first 12 pages before the initial meeting, and bring the text to every class. Limit: 20Gail Coffler, Ph.D., emerita professor of literature (Suffolk Univ., Boston) and Zachary Colby, doctoral student in music, U of M, OLLI scholar.Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Parkshore Senior Community, 3663 Park Center Blvd., St. Louis Park

20039 Introduction to Digital Literacies In this course, we will survey basic digital media and literacies. We will examine the basic functions of the Internet, interacting online, and the jargon that accompanies our interaction. We will learn how to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, curate, and create information and how to protect our information on the Internet. Suggested text: Cyberliteracy: Navigating the Internet with Awareness by Laura Gurak (Yale University Press, 2003) $21 on Amazon. Limit: 40Trent M. Kays is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Writing Studies who specializes in digital rhetoric, critical pedagogy, social media, and the Internet.Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 12:30–2:00 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E., #235, Minneapolis

15077 The Italian Renaissance, Part 1 No period of history saw the concentration and explosion of creativity in the arts and thought as in Italy during the 14th and 15th centuries. We will view selections from “The Italian Renaissance” by Kenneth Bartlett, a Great Courses series, and discuss the lectures. Questions to be addressed include: Why did the Renaissance take place in Italy, and Florence in particular? Why was the rise of humanism useful for governing cities? What did the church think of humanism? What brought the Renaissance to an end? We will also look at the roles of individuals such as Savonarola and Machiavelli, popes of the period, and families such as the Medici and Borgias. Limit: 25 Ted Greenfield, historian of science, OLLI memberWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 13, (no class on Sep.. 25) 12:30–2:30 p.m.Mount Zion Temple, Room 211, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul

17025 Mammals: Adaptations, Diversity, Ecology This course will explore mammalian evolution and diversity. Topics to be discussed include feeding adaptations, how mammals move, and reproduction in monotremes (platypus and echidnas), marsupials, and placentals. We will look at the characteristics of specific mammal groups including bats (flight,

echolocation); whales (toothed vs. baleen whales, physiology of deep diving); and deer (how many species worldwide, antler form and function). Other groups such as rodents, primates, carnivores, elephants, and manatees may also be considered. Limit: 45George Feldhamer, emeritus professor of zoology, Southern Illinois University, CarbondaleWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights

21018 Academic Superstitions: Opinions Professors Rarely Question University professors pride themselves on independent thinking, but thinking differently from other professors is another matter. This course highlights issues on which many academics have orthodox opinions. From a list of topics including affirmative action, human distinctiveness and evolutionary adaptation, children of gay parents, and self-esteem in pedagogy, the class will choose three issues to discuss, reading on each a “contrarian” opinion one week, and an “orthodox” opinion the next week. In the last session, students can bring up other academic “superstitions.” Limit: 20James Tracy, emeritus professor of history, U of MWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 2:15–3:45 p.m.St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul

9105 Books You Don’t Have Time to Read—Ridgedale Books covering a wide array of current, thought-provoking topics are presented by experienced readers/lecturers, including Lynn Bolnick, Chuck Grimsrud, Jim Martin; Peter Sammond, Lonnie Skrentner, Ed Schwartzbauer, Ron Tabar, and Jay Wetmore, providing ample material for spirited discussion. Among the books are: Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious, by Chris Stedman; Who Stole the American Dream? by Hedrick Smith; The Way of the Knife: The CIA, A Secret Army, and a War at the Ends of the Earth, by Mark Mazzetti; Strange Rebels by Christian Caryl, and It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism by Thomas Mann and Norman Orenstein. A complete schedule will be sent to participants. There are no reading requirements; just bring an inquiring mind. Limit: 50Pat Ryan Greene, writer, editor, OLLI member & Peter Sammond, management consultant, OLLI memberWednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 2:15–3:45 p.m.Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka

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18094 Music and the Brain This interactive course will explore the potential health benefits associated with the unique effects of music on the brain. It will integrate selected readings (provided by instructor), group discussion, and drumming activities designed to improve attention, memory, and executive planning. Participants can expect to leave with simple strategies for maintaining “brain health” using music. No prior music experience necessary. Recommended reading: This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession, Daniel J. Levitin, 2006 (about $10 new from Amazon). Limit: 25Renée Mungas is pursuing a Master’s degree in music therapy at the U of M and is a HealthRHYTHMS®-trained facilitator.Wednesdays, Sep. 18–Nov. 6, 2:15–3:45 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 S.E. Oak St., #235, Minneapolis

THURSDAY

15070 The Birth of Racism: Indentured Servitude to SlaveryBeginning with the first ship to America, forces transformed Africans into African Americans, a nation within a nation. Learn (1) what forces separated them from European Americans; (2) how these forces influenced political and economic decisions; (3) how the African presence shaped the attitudes of white America. Limit: 30Neil Anderson, M.A. in history, retired history teacherThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park

19001 Christianity in CrisisThe modern era has given rise to serious differences in understanding the Christian message. This class will examine such issues as the meaning of God, the Bible, Jesus, faith, and the Christian life as understood by both conservatives and liberals. We hope to shed light on both sides of the cultural war. The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg is the required text; read chapter 1 before the first class. Limit: 20Earl Johnson, instructorThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 10:00–11:30 a.m.University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis

19024 Comparative Religions All religions have similarities and differences, and all have borrowed ideas from one another. We will strive to understand the differences so we can accept our commonalities. With this purpose, we shall examine Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Chinese religious traditions. Note: This is not a theological course; it is an adventure in diversity. Limit: 30 Textbook Fee: $10 due at registration.Mark Welter, Ph.D.Thursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 10:00–11:30 a.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 Oak St. S.E., #235, Minneapolis

18092 Fine Art PhotographyThis course is intended for serious amateurs who wish to raise their image quality to the level of an art form rather than simply postcard-like documentation. We will not spend time on elementary camera settings or basic photo editing techniques (students should already be proficient in these areas), but rather on learning how to become aware of, see the beauty of, and clearly define your subjects. Emphasis will be on planning your frame, composition, and light, with time also devoted to abstract, black-and-white, and night photography. There will be two field trips followed by critiquing sessions with full student participation. Suggested reading: Extraordinary Everyday Photography by Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring, available on Amazon for about $18.00. Limit: 15Mike Rosen, fine art photographerThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq., Edina

21017 Planning for Senior Living As many of us begin to consider whether we should stay in our present homes or whether we should move into something better designed for our age and lifestyle, we see a bewildering variety of alternatives in the community. We can either let events dictate or we can take charge of our lives. This course will bring in experts on various topics to help you to think through your unique situation. Limit: 40Parker Trostel, UCC minister, hospice volunteer, OLLI memberThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis

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16037 Selecting and Evaluating Children’s Literature This course offers the opportunity to examine a wide selection of recently published children’s books in order to develop and refine your selection criteria. We will identify key criteria for selecting books for children 0 through 14 in the context of child development and excellence. This is a unique opportunity to examine new books from the course leader’s review collection as well as selected holdings of the Kerlan Collection. Suggested text: Cover To Cover by K.T. Horning (Harper: 2010) $14.99. Limit: 40Lisa Von Drasek is the curator of the Children’s Literature Research Collections at the U of M libraries, an internationally recognized resource in the field of children’s literature. She also reviews children’s books for the New York Times, Shelf Awareness, and blogs at EarlyWord.Thursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Andersen Library, Room 120, U of M, 222 21st Avenue S., Minneapolis

20040 Quantum Devices: Lasers, MRI, and More Lasers, MRI instruments, and other modern laboratory widgets have tangible bodies with hearts of intangible parts: quantum states of electrons in atoms, spin states of protons, etc. Quantum states are also employed by chlorophyll in photosynthesis, turning sunlight into plant sugar. Nature contrives to do things in ingenious ways that can often be used to make smart inventions (e.g., silver-halide photography). These and other quantum devices will be discussed. Limit: 40George Anderson, physical chemist, and other guest scientistsThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 12:30–2:00 p.m.1666 Coffman, 1666 Coffman St., Falcon Heights

13033 The Corporate Constitution The states and the American people were politically checkmated 215 years ago when the political system that the founders instituted was subverted to create an alliance between the corporations and big government. This was done in secrecy: newspapers were forbidden to write about the changes; the citizens of the states were not given the opportunity to approve or disapprove the changes. We will look at this alliance and what it has meant to Americans in reference to the founding documents. Limit: 30Neil Anderson, M.A. in history, retired history teacherThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park

12022 Curtains We’ll look at the end of life as presented in eight movies: snarky, mordant, funny, dramatic, comic,and clear-eyed. Films will include How to Die in Oregon, Wit, Last Orders, Iris, and Serving Life. Limit: 20Bonnie Nelson, former humanities teacher, OLLI memberThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 12:30–3:30 p.m.The Kenwood, 825 Summit, Minneapolis

13034 On Becoming a Peacekeeper This is the beta version of a course on unarmed civilian peacekeeping that was developed by the organization Nonviolent Peaceforce and will be used by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. We will discuss the historical antecedents of civilian peacekeeping, which are rooted in nonviolent campaigns, and examine the peacekeeping programs presently being conducted in South Sudan, the Philippines, South Caucasus, and by an emerging team in Myanmar/Burma. The course will present the skills as well as the knowledge needed to be an international unarmed civilian peacekeeper. Limit: 25Ann Frisch, emerita professor, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh; Nonviolent Peaceforce Senior Adviser and returned peacekeeper (Guatemala 2007) 7 sessions, Thursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 12:30–2:00 p.m. (no class Oct. 17)Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis

13036 The Perfect Storm: A Futurist’s Look at Global Challenges This recently revised course explores the intertwined challenges of energy and environmental, economic, geopolitical, and behavioral forces that are on a collision course leading to a perfect storm. It identifies and explains the contemporary forces and issues in play; the paradigm shift they are creating in our lives, and the impact of these forces acting in concert. The course will help participants understand the issues, connect the dots, and build a framework for assessing future events and planning for them. Limit: 50R. Michael Conley, former business executive, author, and lecturerThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Lake Harriet United Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Ave. S., Minneapolis

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10008 Western Culture Art Evolutionary Odyssey The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a survey of Western Culture Art. This is Section I of the series, which will address prehistoric art and the art of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. As well as the primary subject matter, additional information such as interpreting specific masterpieces and current news from the world of art will also be covered. Limit: 40. Course Fee: $5 due at registration.Gary P. Hanson, consultant/retired business executiveThursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 12:30–2:00 p.m.Edina Senior Center, 528 Grandview Sq., Edina

21022 Snap, Crackle, Pop Culture: Analyzing Popular Media What is popular culture? How do mass media and popular culture help us make sense of our world and of identities and relationships? Do we organize our lives around media, or do media shape our lives? Do media technologies make us happier or better citizens in a democratic society? We will examine the concepts and consumption of mass media (newspapers, magazines, radio, film, photography, music, television, etc.) through (1) readings and group discussions that engage and challenge perspectives on our cultural landscape; (2) exposure to professionals working in media industries; and (3) generating questions and summary reports. Limit: 25 Ashleigh K. Shelton, doctoral student in the Department of Educational Psychology, U of M, OLLI Scholar Thursdays, Sep. 19–Nov. 7, 2:15–3:45 p.m.McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, 200 S.E. Oak St., #235, Minneapolis

10037 The Golden Age of American Illustration Improved printing technologies, rising literacy rates, and the birth of the modern advertising industry all contributed to the plethora of inexpensive illustrated materials available to Americans beginning in the late 19th century. This course will expose participants to a variety of formats and contexts, including book and magazine illustration, decorative prints, children’s illustration, advertising, and pin-ups. Specific illustrators such as Norman Rockwell, Gil Elvgren, and pioneering women illustrators will also be considered. Lecture followed by lively conversation. Limit: 30Midori Green, Ph.D in art history7 sessions, Thursdays, Sep. 19–Oct. 31, 6:00–7:30 p.m. University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis

FRIDAY

18089 The History and Performance of OperaIn this course, we will explore opera from its roots, beginning with the birth of the operatic form in Italy. We will study the development of opera starting with the Florentine Camerata around 1600 and trace it through Italian composers as well as the Italian influence upon French, Germanic, and English composers. The class will also look at the importance of opera to Italians and how opera functioned in society through the many shifts in European politics. Composers to be studied will include Monteverdi, Gluck, Handel, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. Limit: 45Zachary Colby, recitalist, teacher, and doctoral student in voice, U of MFridays, Sep. 20–Nov. 15 (no class Nov. 1), 10:00–11:30 a.m.Calvary Center Co-op, 7600 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley

10038 Meet the Art Director Each week we will meet at an art gallery to learn about its mission and about how the gallery plans exhibitions and selects artists. We will focus on the structures of galleries (profit, nonprofit, co-op, etc.) and the impact of cultural, social, and political issues on them. Among the galleries to be visited are the Veronique Wantz Gallery and Flow Art Space. There will also be a fall color trip to the Winona Marine Art Museum (a bus may be reserved for this trip at additional cost). Our first class will meet at the Concordia Art Center, 1301 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, where we will view a sculpture exhibition. A list of other locations will be sent by email or will be available at the first class meeting. Some galleries may have limited handicap access. Limit: 25Liz Dodson, video, installation, and eco artist, OLLI member; Kay Joseph, co-leader, OLLI memberFridays, Sep. 20–Nov. 8, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

22032 Namibia: Challenges and Opportunities This course will examine various aspects of Namibia’s social, economic, cultural, and environmental history. The main focus will be a close look at the historical evolution of Namibia as a country, the diverse Namibian cultural heritage, and the conundrums of wealth and poverty in a developing economy. We will also investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the country. Limit: 35Eveline Ndii Kalomo, Ph.D. candidate, U of M School of Social WorkFridays, Sep. 20–Nov. 8, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Falcon Heights City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights

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13035 Political Reform: Is It Worthwhile? There are many critics of the electoral college, campaign financing, the two-party system, the selection and retirement of judges, the qualifications for voting, and other aspects of federal and state governments. What are the alternatives to the present systems? When might the cure be worse than the illness? What are the obstacles to change? We should have some lively discussions! Limit: 35Don Ostrom, emeritus professor of political science, Gustavus Adolphus College, and former Minnesota state legislatorFridays, Sep. 27–Nov. 15, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Lake Shore Drive Condos, 6615 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield

18091 Journalism: From Colonial Printing Press to Pressing “Publish” on the InternetAmerican journalism has undergone a radical shift in the past 20 years, seen in the rise of partisan televison networks and digital methods of newsgathering. Some embrace this shift, while others wish to return to a supposed golden age of “objective” journalism, an age that may never have existed. This course asks the question, “What can we learn about the future of newspapers from the history of American news production?” We will have at least one guest speaker. Limit: 30Lisa Peterson-de la Cueva, Master’s candidate in journalism, U of M, OLLI ScholarFridays, Sep. 20–Nov. 8, 10:00–11:30 a.m.Affinity Plus Credit Union, 2730 Snelling Ave. N., Roseville

Registration FAQsHow do I find where to register? OLLIreg can be accessed by clicking the “OLLIreg” button in the right-hand column of the OLLI homepage. The OLLI homepage can be found at: www.cce.umn.edu/Osher-Life-longLearning-Institute. You may also search on the web for “OLLI MN.” The first result is usually our homepage.

I can’t remember my user name or password.If it’s the first morning of registration and you’re just realizing this, you’re in trouble. Due to the high volume of phone calls on that day, the OLLI office has volunteers answering the phones. Office staff who can help reset passwords may not be able to get back to you right away. To make sure you will be ready to register, log in NOW. Then, make sure to write down your login information. If you can’t log in, call the office (612-624-7847) or email [email protected] BEFOREAug. 27. We will provide the information or reset it to something easy for you to remember. Once you know what your user name and password is, save it someplace you will remember.

Do you have a technology question you want answered and that you think other OLLIs will benefit from?Email the office: [email protected]—subject line: Technology Question. We will be happy to answer your OLLI Registration System questions.

Executive Director Steve Benson presents a gift to past president Susan Mundale at the OLLI Annual Meeting.

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OLLI is a membership organization. Your membership must be current to register for courses.

Online: (you may pay your membership fee at any time)To join or renew online:▶ Go to the OLLI home page: http://cce.umn.edu/Osher-Lifelong-Learning-Institute/(OR Google search: OLLI Minnesota)▶ Read the instructions in the column/box labeled“Join or Renew Membership,” download the tutorial, “How to Register Online,” and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to join or renew.

By mail: Mail a check for $210, made out to the University of Minnesota, to: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55455. You may also send your credit card number and expiration date.▶ Please include your full name (as you wish to be called), address, daytime phone number, and email address. ▶ You will receive confirmation via email immediately or by regular mail within one week.

When am I due to renew? The office will notify members via email (regular mail if you do not have email) when you are due to renew. You can also find this information under your account history in OLLIreg.

To request scholarship: Please call the OLLI office at 612-624-7847 for information.

Alumni Association/UMRA/Campus Club Members: Never been an OLLI member, but are an active U of M Alumni Association member? You may join OLLI at a special introductory rate of $190. Please visit the Alumni Association website for information on how to take advantage of this offer.UMRA and Campus Club members may also take advantage of this one-time offer. Call OLLI at 612-624-7847 for details.

OLLI is committed to providing equal access to its programs. If you have vision, hearing, or mobility problems that may interfere with your full participation in our courses and/or activities, please call the OLLI office at 612-624-7847, to request accommodations.

How to join OLLI or renew your membership

How to registerRegistration starts Aug. 27 at 9 a.m.

Online:▶ Go to the OLLI home page: http://cce.umn.edu/Osher-Lifelong-Learning-Institute/(OR Google search: OLLI Minnesota)▶ Click on the OLLIreg link in the box on the far right side of the screen.▶ Follow the step-by-step directions on how to register. ▶ If you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of completing registration, please contact the OLLI office at [email protected].

By mail: Provide the following information on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper, and mail it, along with payment for any course fees, to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55455.▶ PRINT OR TYPE on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper: First and last name Mailing address Daytime phone Email address Course number and title of two LIMITED courses, and/or as many Open/Special/Bookend courses as you like Course number and title of two alternative LIMITED courses you would take, in order of preference, should your first choices not be available.

Mail-in registrations are processed in the order they are received starting at 9 a.m. the first day of registration. Failure to follow any of these directions could result in adelay in processing your registration. You may mail in yourregistration as soon as you like. Mail-in registrations will not be processed until Aug. 27.

Waiting Lists: Click on “Add to Waiting List” in the online registration system. When registering by mail, the office will add you to the waiting list of courses you don’t get into if you write “Add to Waiting List” on your letter. Check your confirmation form for this designation.

Additions/Corrections: If you have already registered, you may drop courses by email to [email protected]. You may add courses yourself online at OLLIreg (follow the instructions for Online registration) or contact the office after Sep. 1 at 612-624-7847 or [email protected].

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Course Guide Fall 2013 Sep. 16–Nov. 8

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday sunday

aM 7:30 - 9:00

17026 SP Fall Birds

9:30 - 11:00

18090 Darker Than Night (until noon)

19028 Wisdom Journey (until 11:30)

21019 SP Creating Your Legacy, St. Paul

12017 OPEN Flicks on Wed. (until noon)

10:00 -11:30

9114 SP Exploring Campuses

21007 SP Families Today

10035 SP Women-Soviet Life and Art

11001 Current Econ Issues 2.0

15082 Global History

9113 Great Decisions

9116 Italian for Tourists (until noon)

20036 MN Geology

19031 Socratic Apology

18096 BE The Bartered Bride

18079 The Musical Brain

10014 SP Art Isms

21019 SP Creating Your Legacy, SLP

22024 SP About Iceland

16039 SP Big Brother

18078 SP Nine Lessons & Carols

11010 SP Global Econ Crisis

21021 SP Intergenerational

15074 SP Legacy of MN Women

18087 BE Fool for Love

11009 Oil Industry

22031 Thailand

15052 OPEN Roosevelt

16042 Baxter Fiction

9101 Tues. w/a Scholar

15075 Thos. Jefferson

20035 SP Cosmology

13037 SP What You Should Know About Taxes

14005 SP Memory Improvement

18081 BE Les Misérables

18080 BE Proof

15005 Africa to Colonialism

15071 Maps & Mapmakers

14001 Journeywell

18086 SP Curtains Up!

9118 SP Great Books

15023 SP MN Frontier

9117 SP Nobel Conf.

9109 SP OLLI About Town

18082 BE Arabella

18083 BE Manon Lescaut

15070 Birth of Racism

19001 Christianity in Crisis

19024 Comparative Religions

18092 Fine Art Photog.

21017 Planning Sr. Living

16037 Child. Literature

20034 SP Buying a PC

21020 SP Re-Formed School (until noon)

18089 History of Opera

10038 Meet the Art Director

22032 Namibia

13035 Political Reform

18091 American Journalism

10:30 -12:00

17028 By the Harvest 15083 SP JFK Assassination (until 12:30)

20042 Birth of Quantum Physics

20037 Genes

19033 Modernity & Religions

PM 12:30 -2:00

18085 BE Good People

18095 BE Mary T & Lizzy K

19029 Better Angels

15079 The Cold War

11011 Income Disparities

15072 Lincoln’s Speeches

15076 Snapshots

19032 Wisdom Works

9102 Aft. w/Liberal Arts

12021 “All Rise” (until 3:00 p.m.)

16041 Gulag in Fiction

15073 Icons in Norway

15044 Mindplay

19030 Mimetic Theory

19033 SP Modernity & Religions

18097 BE Uncle Vanya

20038 Citizen Science

16040 Death in Venice

20039 Digital Literacies

15077 Ital. Renaissance, Pt. 1

17025 Mammals

13033 Corp. Constitution

12022 Curtains (until 3:00 p.m.)

13034 Peacekeeper

13036 Perfect Storm

20040 Quantum Devices

10008 Western Art

1:00 -2:30

16038 SP Medit. Detective Novels

9115 Tap Dancing (until 2:00 p.m.)

1:30 -3:00

17029 SP Biology of Autumn

17012: SP Hands-on Botany

14018 SP Affordable Care Act (until 3:30)

17013 SP Ecology Basics

2:00 -4:00

15081 SP Warriors

2:15 -3:45

9100 Voices from Around the World

15016 SP Lakewood

15080 Art of the Papacy

9104 Books You Don’t Have Time… St. Paul

10036 Exotic Orient

20043 Archaeology

18084 SP VocalEssence

21018 Academic Superstitions

9105 Books You Don’t Have Time… Ridgedale

18094 Music & the Brain

21022 Pop Culture

15078 BE American Nations

6:00 -7:30

10037 Golden Age of American Illustration

University of Minnesota250 McNamara Alumni Center, Suite 250200 Oak Street SEMinneapolis, MN 55455

Insights

www.cce.umn.edu/Osher-Lifelong-Learning-Institute

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Important dates Fall 2013

Fall Info Fair: Aug. 20, 1-3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Minneapolis

Fall Registration: Begins Aug. 27 at 9 a.m.

Fall Session 2013: Sep. 16-Nov. 8

Winter Party: Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m., St. Patrick’s Church, Edina

Winter Registration: Begins Jan. 7 at 9 a.m.

Winter Session 2014: Jan. 21-Feb. 28

When leaves begin to change color, it’s time for the OLLI Fall session. To find out why leaves change, you can take the course Biology of Autumn (p. 12).