Bluffton University's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retirees, is offering nine courses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this fall from Sept. 17-Nov. 8.
Cost to take three or more courses is $100. Individuals may take one or two courses--whether four or eight weeks in length--for $35 each. Registration and, if applicable, course fees are due at the time of registration. All classes will meet in the ILR classroom, located in Shultz Hall of Riley Court on campus.
To register or for more information, contact Janet "J.P." Schumacher, ILR director, at 419-358-3346 or [email protected].
Fall courses include:
Encountering God in Narnia: A Theology of Discipleship in C.S. Lewis' Classic Children's Fantasy Series
Mondays, Sept. 17-Nov. 5, 9-10:30 a.m.
R. Kevin Mohr, pastor of English Lutheran Church in Bluffton, will moderate discussion of theological themes that Lewis wove into "The Chronicles of Narnia," his seven-book series. The course will begin with a look at the author and his journey to faith.
Great Decisions
Mondays, Sept. 17-Nov. 5, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, and the title of an annual publication of the Foreign Policy Association. The book, which can be ordered at registration, outlines eight foreign-policy challenges facing the United States. Introduced by guest presenters, this fall's topics are Exit from Afghanistan, Middle East Realignment, Indonesia, Mexico, Promoting Democracy, Energy Geopolitics, Cybersecurity and State of the Oceans.
War and Christianity
Mondays, Sept. 17-Nov. 5, 1:30-3 p.m.
Led by Dr. Robert Cecire, a former pastor and now an adjunct faculty member in history at Bluffton, attendees will reflect on Christian values and teachings as they relate to war.
Movies
Wednesdays, Sept. 19-Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-noon
The first four weeks will feature true, inspirational films about sports--football, basketball and baseball--while "Movies that change our lives" will be the focus during the final four weeks.
Dulcimer 101
Wednesdays, Sept. 19-Nov. 7, 1:30-3 p.m.
For beginning and intermediate dulcimer players, the class is limited to 12 students. Dulcimers will be provided at a rental cost of $15 for the eight weeks.
Money, Money, Money
Thursdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 11, 9-10:30 a.m.
Exploring the history, use and dangers of money will be teacher Lynn Miller, a former stewardship theologian for Mennonite Mutual Aid and author of three books about stewardship.
Consider The Lion and Lamb ...
Thursdays, Oct. 18-Nov. 8, 9-10:30 a.m.
This four-week course will draw from programs and resources from The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center at Bluffton to focus on themes of peace, cultural understanding and nonviolent responses to conflict. Incorporating literature, nature and the arts, moderator--and Lion and Lamb director--Louise Matthews will lead discussion of the broad dimensions of peace, possibilities for life application and finding peace in the midst of turmoil.
Revolutionary Century
Thursdays, Sept. 20-Nov. 8, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
A consideration of 19th-century Paris--the birthplace of modern art--will include a look at some of the city's social and political aspects, and review of classical and romantic traditions in painting. Focus will then move to the second half of the century, a time marked by the career of Manet and others connected with the revolutionary Impressionist movement. The aftermath of the revolution, especially the explosion of Expressionism, will be addressed if time permits.
Colloquium
Thursdays, Sept. 20-Nov. 8, 1:30-3 p.m.
Among the topics will be inclusive faith communities; the Bluffton Icon, an online news site; the Ironman Triathlon, completed by recent competitor Andy Chaffee of Bluffton; the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal bicycle route, traversed by Lawrence and Louise Matthews of Bluffton this summer; and Iceland, experienced by Bluffton students who went there in May.
