Lifelong University
Fall 2008 Courses
Finding Purpose in Narnia: A Journey with Prince Caspian
C.S. Lewis wrote the beloved collection “The Chronicles of Narnia” more than 50 years ago, but the children’s stories still resonate with readers young and old. This course will examine Lewis’s personal letters, popular writings and his autobiography, as well as his journey from an atheist to one of the most prized authors of Christian-themed fiction. Participants will use the book “Finding Purpose in Narnia: A Journey with Prince Caspian” (Paulist Press) for discussion and personal reflection.
Dates: September 4, 11, 18
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Tuition: $30
Instructor: Gina Burkart, instructor, English language and literature and author of “Finding Purpose in Narnia: A Journey with Prince Caspian” (Paulist Press) and “A Parent’s Guide to Harry Potter.”
*Note: Participants will need to purchase and read “Finding Purpose in Narnia: A Journey with Prince Caspian,” available at Barnes and Noble or University Book & Supply or online from Paulist, Amazon, Target and other sites. Participants may also want to read “Prince Caspian” or see the movie.
Why do people vote: The view from political and social psychology
This course examines citizens’ voting behaviors. Rather than voting based purely on the details of public policy, people tend to vote using cleverly designed decision making shortcuts. For some voters, candidate appearance and their personal traits determine the vote; for others, social pressure from neighbors or peers affects voting behavior; while still others vote simply based on emotional appeals they see on television or hear on the radio. Understanding these heuristics can help us to understand why some candidates, who on paper would make great elected officials, fail to gain much support.
Dates: Sept. 16, 23, 30
Time: 1:30-3 p.m.
Tuition: $30
Instructor: Chris Larimer, assistant professor, political science
The Founding Fathers and the birth of the modern world
Elections come and go, but the Founding Fathers are always with us. They serve as an abiding point of reference in our national life. Arguably, they are the “greatest generation” of political thinkers and doers in American history. They gave birth to our Revolution, wrote our Constitution and ran the nation when it was newly born. This course will discuss what made these men great, how their reputations changed and how they changed and redefined the course of modern history.
Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Tuition: $50
Instructor: Hal Wohl, emeritus professor, history
The Real Count Dracula
Looking for a great workshop to sink your teeth into for the Halloween holiday weekend? Learn about the history and mystery of the real Count Dracula or Vlad Tepes de Dracul. Catherine Zeman has been working in the Transylvania Region of Romania since 1997, working with a variety of health and environmental issues in that region -- one issue being blood disorders in children. Get to know the real Count Dracula, a historic Romanian Prince. Sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction!
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Tuition: $15
Instructor: Catherine Zeman, associate professor, Health Division and Recylcling, Reuse, Technoloy Transfer Center
Class size will be limited to 25 participants.
Enron: What really happened
The rapid crash of Enron Corporation in 2001 sent shock waves throughout corporate America and led to substantial changes in the regulation and practice of business. Was it tragedy, disaster, scandal or a combination? What really happened, and what was the impact? Participants will explore these questions through witness reports, business ethics research and the film, “Enron: Smartest Guys in the Room.”
Dates: November 5, 12, 19
Time: Wednesday, 1:30-3 p.m.
Tuition: $30
Instructor: Donna Wood, professor, management, philopsophy & religion
Registration Policies
Full refunds will be granted prior to the first day of each class. No refunds are allowed once the class has begun.
Minimum class size must be attained to hold class. If a class is cancelled because of low enrollment, a refund will be granted.
You will receive a letter indicating which class(es) you are enrolled in. The letter will verify your registration and remind you of the day, time and location of your class.
UNI Severe Weather Announcements
Public announcements regarding cancellation of classes and/or reduced university operations are made via local radio and TV stations, and the UNI home page, www.uni.edu. The local TV stations also list closings and delays on their Web sites.
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For More Information
Call University Events Coordination at 319-273-6899.
The University of Northern Iowa is an equal opportunity employer and educator. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Compliance and Equity Management, 319-273-2846 or www.uni.edu/equity.