CommUniversity Curriculum, 2011
Contents:
Regional Studies
Public Affairs
Theology and Church Life
Personal Enrichment
Arts and Humanities
1 The Psychology and Theology of Forgiveness
Mara Adams, PhD, St. Ambrose University
What does it mean to forgive another? Is it a sign of strength,
or is it giving up? Are there situations in which we should not
forgive? This course examines forgiveness as a transformational
practice and investigates major models of forgiveness.
2 Islam: An Introduction
Cyrus Zargar, PhD, Augustana College
This class will introduce students to the basic beliefs and
practices of Islam. Muslims comprise nearly one-fourth of the
world's population, professing a faith that values scripture
and the revealed word very highly. Thus, close readings of the
Qur'an will form an important part of our learning, so bring
a translation of the Qur'an. Any translation will do, but A.J.
Arberry's The Koran Interpreted is preferred.
3 In the Beginning: Exploring the Book of Genesis
Rev. Matthew J. Marohl, PhD
The book of Genesis contains some of the best known stories
of the Bible. From Adam and Eve to Joseph (and his many
colored coat), Genesis offers stories that have been told and
re-told. This course asks the important question, "How does
Genesis continue to speak today?"
4 Celtic Spirituality: An Ancient Spirituality in
a Modern Setting
Pat Shea, PhD, Augustana College
Participants will explore the spirituality of ancient Celts and
how the Celtic understanding of the sacred can be lived in our
every day modern lives. This course will be participatory and
include guided meditations based on Celtic themes.
5 A History of Angels
Rev. Richard Sorrentino, Non-denominational
From the earliest recorded histories of our planet, legends
and lores of angels exist, giving us hope and comfort against
the chaos and destruction of world events. We will explore
why they come, examining both religious and Renaissance
literature sources, and what to expect from them in the future.
6 Images 1955-68: The Modern Civil Rights
Movement, Its People, Places, and Issues
Gene Conrad
This enlarges last year's 2-week course: From the Murder of
Emmett Till to the assassination of MLK and the hunt for
his assassin. We will discuss readings, listen to music, view
documentary and Hollywood film, and reference music that
shaped these events, highlighting key people and issues.
7 Conflict Analysis
Jessica Gosnell, PhD, St. Ambrose University
Through discussion of theory and practical exercises, this
course will examine the historical foundations of the field of
conflict analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of different
approaches to conflict resolution, and the application of
various theories of justice in a conflict resolution context.
8 Contemporary Africa: Understandings
and Misunderstandings
Todd Cleveland, PhD, Augustana College
This course explores the contemporary challenges that Africa
faces by examining the continent's recent past and common
social, political and economic misperceptions about Africa and
its people.
9 Race, Wealth and Inequality in America and
American Politics
Christopher Whitt, PhD, Augustana College
Race, wealth and inequality are the root of many problems
and questions in American politics. This course will investigate
some of the central causes and impacts of inequalities as they
relate to American politics and public policy while getting to
the roots of the racial wealth gap.
10 Advertising, Consumerism, and Cultural Identity
Stephen Klien, PhD, Augustana College
Does advertising really affect your everyday life? We will
discuss how the over 3000 ad messages you see every day
factor into a larger economic and cultural system of persuasion
that has an immense impact on human identity, cultural norms,
public policy, and potentially the future of the planet.
11 Appliqué, Penny Rug, or Christmas Stocking
Margaret Estes-Sylvester, Kaplan University
Learn the early American appliqué craft to create an appliquéd
Christmas stocking or penny rug (table mat). Create a
unique design and execute it using felt, scraps of fabric and
embroidery floss. Minimal sewing skills needed; simple
embroidery stitches taught in class.
12 Beyond the Three Chords
Jack Moody, Tri-City Musical Society
This class will help you learn how to play any tune on the
guitar. We will also learn how to transpose music, use piano
music as a guide, use chord substitution and mnemonics, and
train your ear for music. Bring a guitar and whatever experience
you have and let's go beyond knowing just three chords.
13 Strings and Paper
Belinda Holbrook
The presenter will share her passions for string figures and
origami. You will learn how to make string figures like Jacob's
Ladder and play Cat's Cradle. Transform paper into boxes,
cranes, and toys. Then share your new skills and impress the
children in your life!
14 Intuition: Increasing YOURS!
Kathleen Collins, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
We all believe we have been intuitive and we are attracted
to psychics and those who can "see." We will nurture and
strengthen your own intuitive muscles to allow you to help
others. Bring three small objects that are not yours to the first
class. Experiential!
15 Singing with Style
Sangeetha Rayapati, DMA, Augustana College
This course is a "how-to" primer about different styles of
singing. If you've ever wanted to know how to sing in jazz,
musical theater, classical, pop, or global styles, this course is
for you.
16 Beginning Genealogy
Amy Groskopf, Davenport Public Library
Have you ever wondered who belongs on your family tree?
This course will provide basic information on how to research
your genealogy. Topics to be covered include: using census
records, vital records, online resources and record keeping.
17 Irish Social Dancing
Gerry and Pat Bade
Irish social dancing, known as Ceili and set dancing, is
a relaxed form of pattern and 2-hand dances similar to
American barn dances. Some footwork is involved. The dances
are easy and fun and students can attend dances hosted by the
Quad Cities Ceili Club and St. Ambrose University.
18 Ballroom Dance Instruction, Swing and Salsa
Dennis and Sandy Scheckel, Scheckel and Co. Dance Instruction
Dennis and Sandy will help dance your winter blues away.
Gain the confidence you need to dance the night away at your
next charity event or high school reunion. These dance steps
allow you to enjoy today's popular music as well as big band.
This class is for couples at a joint cost of $25. It will run 2
weeks only (February 20-27). Students will need to wear
hard-soled shoes.
19 Beginning Photography
Dino Milani
We're back at the beginning! Learn how to use your camera.
We'll cover camera basics, portrait, landscape, and sports
photos in class and on three Saturday field trips. A digital or
film camera is required. A personal computer is desirable but
not required. Include $10 with registration for supplies.
20 Screen Printing
Alison Filley, St. Ambrose University
Create a work of art in a fun and fast process. Screen printing
or Serigraphy is a form of printmaking in which ink is forced
through a mesh stencil onto paper or fabric. Students will
learn how to design and print their own image using various
screen printing processes.
21 Digital Solutions
Heather McCarty, Creative Memories Director
Are you ready to share your digital images? This course will
teach you how to use easy software to create digital albums
you can print or share online. Include a $10 class fee for
software and bring your own laptop.
22 Bookbinding William Hannan, Black Hawk College, retired In 4 weeks you will learn the basic techniques of bookbinding. The processes are: chap book and variation, accordion book, Japanese book, portfolio box in which to keep the other books. All materials supplied.
23 Basic Spanish
James (Jay) Thornton, Muscatine Community College
This course assumes no previous knowledge of Spanish. The
course will teach some greetings, basic questions and counting,
days of the week, some conversational expressions, etc. There
will be games and activities and handouts for class use.
24 Basic Conversational Italian
Marilene McCandless
For those who plan to travel abroad or simply to converse
with Italian people. The course will teach basic Italian
expressions commonly used including greetings, shopping,
foods, driving abroad, money exchange, meeting people and at
the hotel.
25 Italian Language and Culture
Myriam Stangherlin
Taught by a native speaker, this class will take you on an
Italian adventure. You'll explore sounds, vocabulary and
grammar all the while immersed in Italy's beauty and culture.
You'll bring home a recipe, a song, a movie clip, a poem, and
always a good laugh.
26 Beginning French Conversation
Susan Weir, Central High School
Parlez-vous français, or would you like to? Contextualized
conversations with lots of vocabulary and pronunciation help
in a French-only classroom will get you planning that trip to
Paris!
27 T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Scott Caulpetzer, Great River T'ai Chi Ch'uan
T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a system of Chinese Kung-fu. These slow
motion, rounded, balanced movements are practiced by people
of all ages around the world for self-defense and to achieve
physical, mental and spiritual well being. Wear loose-fitting
clothes for this moving meditation.
28 Yoga
Jennifer Smith, registered yoga teacher
An introduction to yoga for all fitness levels. We will learn
the basics of yoga postures, breathing and meditation. Join
us to relieve stress, increase your energy and improve your
flexibility, strength and balance.
29 Yoga and Life Balance: When East meets West
Erin Phillips, St. Ambrose University
Finding the right balance in life roles can be difficult. Yoga
practice offers us ways to create both physical and mental
awareness. With a commitment to this discipline, you
can integrate these methods into daily life. No experience
necessary! Bring a yoga mat, comfy clothes, and an open
mind.
30 "Oh, Georgia": O'Keeffe and Her Art
Gloria Burlingame
Gain insight into the life and work of this famous artist. Each
class will focus on a specific subject matter or type of painting.
Draw from her inspirations-bones, flowers, New Mexico
landscapes-to develop basic skills in graphite and oil pastel.
31 Laughter Yoga
Taylor Pocopanni, Senior Star at Elmore Place
Would you like to bring more joy into your life? Would you
like to exercise and have fun doing it? Then Laughter Yoga
is for you! Laughter Yoga is a series of exercises consisting
of breathing, clapping and laughing. It is a joyous way to
exercise your body and invigorate your mind.
32 Songwriting for Everyone
Chris Dunn
The raw materials of personal experience and other stories
will be used to compose melodies and lyrics. We will use folk,
blues, and the Beatles to investigate song structures and then
create our own songs. No prior background in music required.
33 The Art of the American Gravestone
Minda Powers-Douglas, The Cemetery Club
Learn about the history and art of American gravestones
dating back to the 17th Century, including symbolism,
materials and cultural beliefs. From the early stones of New
England to the Golden Era cemeteries and today's traditions,
discover the stories our graveyards tell.
34 Irish Poetry
Patrick Connelly, PhD, St. Ambrose University
Irish Poetry will be a survey of prominent Irish poets from the
1800s to the present including W.B. Yeats and Evan Boland.
35 Poetry Workshop
Farah Marklevits, Augustana College
Welcome, poets of all levels! In this class, we'll learn together
by looking carefully at poems-your own and those written by
established and emerging poets. Join us as we celebrate words!
Text: Best American Poetry 2010/Amy Gerstler & David
Lehman/ISBN-10: 1439181454
36 Barbara Pym and Charlotte Bronte:
Two Excellent Women
Ellen M. Tsagaris, PhD, Kaplan University
Bronte was a profound influence on novelist Barbara Pym.
We will explore this influence through discussing Jane Eyre,
Excellent Women, Less Than Angels, Shirley, and other works
by both authors.
37 Egyptology
Brian Alm, Scott Community College
Hear the ancient Egyptians speak to us from the depths of
time. We'll go back 5,000 years to explore the rich treasures
of their mythology, thought, religion, art, and more. If
you're new to Egyptology, this course will give you a good
understanding of what may well be the most fascinating
culture in history. For those who were in the course last year,
we'll focus on some key topics in even greater depth.
38 Southern Gothic: An Introduction to
Tennessee Williams and His Plays
Jennifer Popple, PhD, Augustana College
This course will provide an introduction to Tennessee
Williams, his dramatic style, and indelible characters. It will
include an exploration of his three most famous plays-Cat
on a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Glass
Menagerie-on the page and the silver screen.
39 Literature into Film
David Crowe, PhD, Augustana College
This year we view Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and
Mansfield Park. In these novels, Austen combines her typical
Cinderella stories with sharp insights into economic pressures,
masculine power, feminine wiles, even moral issues such as
abduction and slavery. Buy the Penguin classic edition if you
want to read the books.
40 The Psychology of Film
William Hampes, PhD, Black Hawk College
A psychological examination of the characters in three films
who are coping with loss: "The Dead," involving a woman
reminiscing about a lost love, "Shadowlands," concerning
a man shaken by his wife's terminal illness; and "Rachel
Getting Married," about a child's death affecting a family's
relationships.
41 Alice's Adventures Underground
Karin Youngberg, PhD, Augustana College
Using biography, cultural history, the psychology and
philosophy of nonsense, recent films, and Salvador Dali
illustrations, Alice in Wonderland will be read not as a nursery
classic but as an adult fantasy exploring the chaos below the
constructed surface of our rational world.
42 It Happened in the Quad Cities
Maryan Wherry, PhD, Black Hawk College
This course will focus on several past events-some longforgotten,
some resurrected, some exaggerated-for the Quad
Cities Area and explore their influence in shaping the area.
43 A College Turns 150
Kai Swanson, Augustana College
In preparing for Augustana's 150th anniversary, a wealth of
history about the school and its people was unearthed. Join
campus historians Sarah Horowitz and Kai Swanson for the
story of one of our few local institutions founded before the
Civil War and still going strong today.