Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), sponsored by Bluffton University and the Elderhostel Institute Network is offering nine courses for the spring term beginning Monday, March 22, through Thursday, April 29. The $80 cost allows participants to join all of the courses offered and ILR activities. Individual courses are $25 each per person.

"Principles and Practices of Conflict Transformation" will introduce to you the theory and practice of restorative justice, while providing skills to manage conflict in a non-violent and transformative manner. Erin Ostling Burkholder, a conflict resolution specialist, will moderate the course held on March 22, 29, April 12, 19, 26 and May 3 at 10-11:30 a.m. in the ILR Classroom.

"Art as a Transformative Experience and a Vehicle for Human Development" class will discuss artists of the Paleolithic and Neolithic era, and modern works of Western artists such as Wassily Kandinsky; the spiritual visionary artist, Morris Graves and the outsider works of Adolf Wolfli. Phil Sugden, assistant professor of art, Bluffton University will facilitate the course. This class will meet March 22, 29, April 12, 19, 26 and May 3, at 12:30-2:30 p.m. in Sauder Visual Arts Building.

Discover the best tools and methods and how to use them successfully in your own personal genealogy research by taking the "Genealogy" course. The session will conclude with a field trip to the Hancock County Historical Museum. Come learn more with Mark Donnalson, accessionist, Hancock County Historical Museum from 2:15-3:45 p.m.on March 22, 29, April, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 2010 in the ILR Classroom.

Come and explore the world through cooking in the "Learning the Art of International Cooking" class. After watching food demonstrations, you may choose to be a "watcher" or try your skill. There is a limit of 24 participants and a fee of $6 per week for food supplies. The course runs 9:30 a.m. - noon on March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, at the First Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall and kitchen. The food themes include Indian: March 24; Swiss and German: March 31; Italian: April 7; Mexican: April 14; Japanese: April 21; My Favorite Recipes Potluck: April 28

Learn more about theater, religion, psychology, travel, literature and new developments at Bluffton University in the "Visits from Bluffton University" course; which we will host guest speakers from Bluffton University faculty. Join the class at 12:30-1:30 p.m. on March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, in the ILR Classroom.

Delve into a variety of subjects over the six weeks in the "How to Do Whatever," a hands-on class. Learn anything from origami to napkin art to the perfect pie crust to creating a blog and many other interesting adventures. Come join the fun at 2:15 -3:30 p.m. on March 24, 31, April, 7, 14, 21 and 28, in the ILR classroom.

Connie Rooney will use movies to lead discussion on "Marvelous Musicals and Memorable Moments" by 40s-50s musicals at 9:30 a.m.-noon on March 25, April 1, 8, 15 and 29, in the ILR Classroom.

Bring paper and pencil to Ruth Naylor's "Write On! Putting Your Words Into a Memoir" meeting March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, in the ILR Classroom at 1:30-2:45 p.m. You will be invited to reflect on your life experiences and record your thoughts and memories with new writing prompts. No previous experience is required.

Come and learn the very basics of Spanish in "Beginning Spanish: 101" with Melinda Phillis, Spanish major, Bluffton University student. This one-hour course will help you learn to count and say simple Spanish phrases. No tests, just fun on March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 25, in the ILR Classroom at 3-4 p.m. Previous Spanish training is not a requirement.

Unless otherwise noted, classes will meet each week for the duration of the term. The registration deadline is March 14. For more information or to register, contact JP Schumacher, director of ILR, at 419.358.3346 or [email protected].

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