CommUniversity Curriculum, 2009
Contents:
Regional Studies
Public Affairs
Theology and Church Life
Personal Enrichment
Arts and Humanities
2-Week Courses
1 Quad-Cities HerstoriesDr. Maryan Wherry, Black Hawk College
This course looks at the lives and accomplishments of several
famous and not-so-famous women from the Quad Cities area, ranging
from Margaret Davenport and Annie Wittenmyer to Isabel
Bloom and Kathy Krischbaum.
2 Davenport & LeClaire: Partners in Town BuildingRegena Schantz, independent scholar
In this course we will examine the two primary founders of
Davenport to see how their strong personalities and personal ambitions
worked together promoting both individual and joint business
interests.
3 Digging into the Past: Our CemeteriesMinda Powers-Douglas, Epitaphs magazine
Discover the history, art and culture of our cemeteries and the roles
they play in our communities. Learn about symbolism, styles, traditions,
and the importance of remembrance. This enjoyable class will
offer insights into the fascinating world behind the cemetery gates.
Please include $15 with your registration fee for supplies.
4 It’s Always Something: Emerging and Re-emerging
Infectious DiseasesDr. Dara L. Wegman-Geedey, Augustana College
By now you probably have a pretty good idea of what HIV is and
how AIDS can be prevented. But what about SARS, Ebola or the
H5N1 flu? Why have whooping cough, TB and mumps returned?
Is “mad cow” gone? In this course, we’ll examine a variety of
infectious diseases and the factors that affect their emergence and
re-emergence.
5 Civic MediaMelissa Coulter, Quad-City Times
The Internet gives everyone the opportunity to make and report
news. Learn about citizen journalism, social networking, and how
to navigate the blogosphere. Class members will create a blog to
report news from their communities. Students will need access to a
home or local computer with internet service. Digital camera
recommended.
6 Advertising, Consumerism, and Cultural IdentityDr. Stephen Klien, Augustana College
If no one pays attention to TV ads, why are so many millions of dollars
spent on them? And so what? This course will examine commercial
advertising: how it persuades consumers, and how its representations
of social identity (including race, gender and sexual
orientation) have dramatic impacts on our culture.
7 Introduction to Hindu ScripturesDr. Jacob Rayapati, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (ret.)
This course introduces students to Hindu Scriptures known as
Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavadgita, Ramayana and Mahabharata in
English translation. The course will identify philosophical ideas of
Hinduism and their similarities and differences with Christian ideas.
8 Introduction to the New TestamentRev. Dr. Matthew J. Marohl, Augustana College
Whether you read the Bible daily or have never opened one, this
course will provide a concise and fascinating overview of the New
Testament. You will not only hear the words of the New Testament
in new ways, you will feel as though you visited the first-century
Mediterranean world. Please bring a bible to class.
9 Exploring Celtic SpiritualityDr. Patricia Shea, Augustana College
Participants will learn about various aspects of Celtic spirituality
and how the ancient understandings of the Celts can enhance and
enliven their own spirituality today. This will be an experiential
exploration in which participants will take part in discussions,
reflections, and spiritual exercises. All and non-denominational
affiliations are welcome.
10 Loneliness and FaithDr. Anette Ejsing, Augustana College
Why does faith not heal loneliness? We read texts about loneliness
to understand what loneliness is, what causes loneliness, how we
respond to loneliness, how we can use loneliness as a source of personal
growth, and then we ask ourselves what difference Christian
faith makes when we struggle with loneliness.
11 We are One People: Judaism, Christianity, IslamFr. Joseph DeFrancisco, St. Ambrose University
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are recognized as three distinct
religious traditions, each developed from various geographical
regions, cultures, time periods, and social/ethnic foundations.
These differences are too often exaggerated and overstated. But all
three religions are monotheistic and ascribe to One and the Same
God, Creative Force of the Universe. This course intends to develop
these commonalities and introduce shared theology, spirituality,
morality, culture, geography and ultimate aspirations.
12 Theology after the HolocaustRabbi Michael Leo Samuel, Tri-City Jewish Center
This new series will explore how Jewish and Christian theological
thought have changed as a result of the Nazi genocide of the Jews.
What are the theological implications of a God who is absent when
evil runs amuck in the world? How is prayer possible or even
meaningful in the face of senseless suffering? How do Jewish and
Christian post-Holocaust thinkers grapple with these issues? What
kind of lessons may we learn from each faith tradition? Please
include $15 with your registration fee for supplies.
13 YogaJennifer Smith, yoga practitioner and instructor
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. Students
will need to bring a yoga mat to class.
14 T’ai ChiScott Caulpetzer, Great River Tai Chi Ch’uan
Tai Chi Ch’uan is a system of Chinese Kung-fu. These slow motion,
rounded, balanced movements are being practiced by people of all
ages around the world to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual
well being as well as for self defense. Wear loose-fitting clothes for
this moving meditation.
15 How Can I Keep From Singing?Larry Peterson, Augustana College
This is a participatory singing course. We will take a look at different
genres of choral music each week and actually rehearse them.
Then at the last session we will perform all the works learned.
Guests will be invited to the final “performance.”
16 The Shamanic JourneyKathleen Collins, licensed mental health counselor
This experiential workshop introduces core shamanism, the universal
method for entering non-ordinary reality for problem solving, wellbeing
and healing. This “journey” is accompanied by drumming,
which alters our brain waves to allow for incredible experiences
and insights! You may meet your power animal! You may find your
dormant spiritual abilities coming eagerly to life! Students should
bring a blanket, eye cover and notebook to class.
17 Digital DilemmaHeather McCarty, Creative Memories Director
Do you have a digital dilemma? Do you have hundreds—even
thousands—of digital images on your memory cards, cameras and
computers? This course will teach you how to get them off your
camera, organize them, enhance and either print them out or design
digital albums. Please include $10 with your registration fee for
software and supplies.
18 Exploring PhotographyDino Milani, professional photographer
This course explores digital and traditional camera techniques for
landscape, sport, and portraiture. You will learn about digital editing
with an emphasis on aesthetics, color, forensics, and fakery.
Field trips and classroom exhibits included. Bring your camera,
notepad, and an expectation to enjoy something different this winter.
Please include $10 with your registration fee for software and supplies.
19 Dancing at the Crossroads: Irish Social DancingRagene Gwin, Pat Harrington, Gerry Bade, Quad-Cities Ceili Club
An introductory workshop focused on the dances and music of
Ireland. Participants will learn the traditional 3‘ s and 7’s along with
easy Irish ceili dances, set dances and waltzes. Historical aspects,
dance posture, and footwork will be emphasized along with the
physical and recreational benefits of dancing as a lifetime activity.
20 Introduction to Writing PoetryFarah Marklevits, Augustana College
Sarah J Gardner, St. Ambrose University
In this course, we’ll read, discuss, write, and revise poems in four
class sessions. We’ll spend the first two sessions discussing and
writing poems inspired by other poets. In the final two sessions, we
will share and consider feedback as we look to revise what we have
written. Come ready to read, write, and surprise yourself.
21 “Better a Shrew than a Sheep?” Shakespeare’s
Taming of the ShrewDr. Karin Youngberg, Augustana College
Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies because
it raises provocative questions about the relationship between individual
and community. Using class discussion and film, we will
read the play both as an Early Modern text and also as an instance
of modern role psychology. Please include $5 with your registration
fee for supplies.
22 Songwriting for EveryoneChris Dunn, professional musician/songwriter
The class will focus on lyric writing and melody. Writing focuses on
stories (fiction and non-fiction) and accessing one’s inner life.
Various techniques will be used for melody composition, including
the exploration of different forms and styles. Participants will share
their efforts with the group. The ability to play an instrument is not
required.
23 Trifles on the Prairie and Scribbling Angels of
the House; the Writings of Susan Glaspell, Laura
Ingalls Wilder, and their Poet SistersDr. Ellen Tsagaris, Kaplan University
We will explore how writing and poetry enhanced women’s lives in
the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Works studied will
include Trifles, the Little House books, women’s chapbooks, their
modern counterparts, Zines, and poetry and writings by Emily
Dickinson, Emma Lazarus, Frances Ellen Harper, Lucy Larcom,
Sarah Orne Jewett and others.
24 Europe Between the WarsDr. Charles McKinley, St. Ambrose University
Covering European History from 1914 –39, we will look at key
events through lecture and literature, such as the First World War,
Russian Revolution, Great Depression, the rise of Fascism, Spanish
Civil War and the outbreak of the Second World War. Students will
read three memoirs from the period: All Quiet on the Western Front,
10 Days that Shook the World, and Homage to Catalonia.
25 A Sprint through Irish LiteratureDr. Joseph McDowell, Augustana College
A quic k intro to Irish Literature through brief “snapshots” of its major themes and historical phases. We will finish with John
Huston’s film version of Joyce’s The Dead.
26 Literature into FilmSarah K. McDowell, Augustana College
This year we will watch two films adapted from the works of A.S.
Byatt and discuss how her delicate, detailed prose translates into
this other medium. We’ll start with Angels & Insects (book 1993; film
1996) and finish with Possession (novel 1990; film 2003). Readings
are optional, but highly encouraged; any edition will do.
27 A History of the Arab-Israeli ConflictDr. Arthur Pitz, Augustana College & St. Ambrose University
We shall sketch a history of this conflict from its origins in the late
19th century to the present. We shall use some video to help tell this
story. In our last class, we will explore future scenarios.
28 US Presidents and FriendsRobert F Miller, Marycrest College (ret.)
The course uses four case studies to probe a rare, often misunderstood
relationship—friendship. Adams and Jefferson together nourishing
a new nation, Lincoln and Seward mutually committed in a
collapsing union, Roosevelt and Churchill collaborating in defense
of Western civilization, Helen Keller and teacher Annie Sullivan coauthoring
a miracle. Friends, adroit manipulators or duplicitous
exploiters?
29 Art History: Renaissance to the PresentDr. Margaret Morse, Augustana College
This course will trace the history of art from the Renaissance to the
present day by focusing on key artistic movements and styles
through the examination of reproductions of works of art housed in
museums throughout the world, as well as original works in the
Figge Museum of Art.
30 Intro to QC Arts SuperAuthors 2009Hedy Hustedde and Dr. Erskine Carter, Black Hawk College
An introduction to the lives and works of contemporary authors
James Loewen (nonfiction) and Chris Crutcher (fiction; autobiography)
who will overlap their visits to the Quad-Cities in April. Books
to be discussed: Lies My Teacher Told Me, Whale Talk and Deadline.
31 The Psychology of FilmDr. William Hampes, Black Hawk College
A psychological examination of the personalities, relationships and
character development in three films with wilderness themes:
Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man, a documentary about naturalist
Timothy Treadwell; Deliverance, based on the novel by James
Dickey; and Into the Wild, based on the book by Jon Krakauer.
32 Bookbinding Second LevelWilliam Hannan, Black Hawk College (ret.)
This course will show different binding methods from ones shown
in classes before. No special skills or knowledge is required and all
materials and instructions are furnished by the instructor.
33 Contemporary Africa: Understandings and
MisunderstandingsDr. Todd Cleveland, Augustana College
An introduction to the lives and works of contemporary authors
This course explores contemporary Africa and also its recent past.
We will explore the historical roots of Africa’s successes, challenges
and failures and also examine the ways that Africa is perceived in
the West, what shapes these perceptions and how the many misperceptions
of the continent originated and are reinforced.
2-WEEK CLASS MEETS FEB. 1, 8
34 The European Union 50 Years On: How Did It Get
Here? What Does It Mean?Donald E. Welzenbach, CIA (ret.)
This course will begin with a survey of the history of French-
German animosity from 1797 to 1939. It will then examine the
extra-ordinary efforts of a small coterie of men dedicated to ending
war in Europe and finding a viable method of bringing economic
cooperation to the Continent.
2-WEEK CLASS MEETS FEB. 15, 22
35 Swing/Cha-Cha Dance ClassDennis B. Scheckel, Scheckel & Co. Dance Instruction
Dance your winter blues away. Gain the confidence you need to
Cha-Cha your way through a charity event or swing through a high
school reunion. These dance steps allow you to enjoy today’s popular
music, as well as some of the nostalgic sounds of the Big Band
Era. Students will need to wear hard-soled shoes.