Film classics starring Humphrey Bogart, life in Civil War Tennessee, aging and sexuality, and politics in a polarized polity are among diverse topics offered during winter 2012 by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt. Other courses will focus on the future of medicine, human development, classic television shows starring an “antihero” and the United Nations.
The non-credit classes are intended for older adults who want to pursue lifelong learning with the stimulus of lectures and discussions in an informal and relaxed environment.
The following classes have been scheduled:
- “The Antihero from Bret Maverick to Jim Rockford,” taught by Charles Hambrick, professor of religious studies, emeritus, at Vanderbilt. This is a television/film course focusing on 11 episodes of Maverick and The Rockford Files, both of which starred James Garner. This class meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon for six consecutive Mondays, starting Jan. 9, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Road.
- “The Other UN,” taught by Mary Pat Silveira, retired United Nations official. This comprehensive course will cover non-peacekeeping/peacemaking activities carried out by the United Nations, many of which focus on economic, social and humanitarian programs to help the world’s poorest nations. The class meets from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for six consecutive Tuesdays, starting Jan. 10, at The Temple, 5015 Harding Road.
- “The Journey through Aging and Sexuality,” taught by Ginger Manley, associate in psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical School and certified diplomate of sex therapy. Sex education for older adults is an emerging field and covers physical, emotional, relationship and lifestyle issues that affect all older persons, whether partnered or single. The class meets from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for six consecutive Tuesdays, starting Jan. 10, at The Temple, 5015 Harding Road.
- “Politics in a Polarized Polity,” taught by Marc Hetherington, professor of political science at Vanderbilt, and co-author of Authoritarianism and Polarization in American Politics. The class will discuss such topics as the fall and recovery of American political parties as important political institutions, the increasing divide between liberals and conservatives on U.S. foreign policy and how changes to the presidential selection process have affected the presidents that voters elect. The class meets from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays, starting Jan. 11, at The Commons Center, 230 Appleton Place.
- “Medical Advances,” presented by Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty, will focus on what the future of medicine holds. The lectures include Advances in Heart Care by Dr. Keith Churchwell, Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. William Petrie, Personalized Medicine by Dr. Dan Roden and Stroke Prevention by Dr. Howard Kirshner. The class meets from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays, starting Jan. 11, at The Commons Center, 230 Appleton Place.
- “Shades of Gray and Blue: Reflections of Life in Civil War Tennessee,” taught by Celia Walker, director of special projects, Jean and Alexander Heard Library; and Susan Knowles, post-doctoral fellow, Center for Public History at Middle Tennessee State University. The course will take an in-depth look at what happened to those Tennesseans who stayed at home during the Civil War, as seen through the lens of the objects that were part of their daily lives. The class meets from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for six consecutive Thursdays, starting Jan. 12, at The Commons Center, 230 Appleton Place.
- “A Window into Human Development and Disabilities,” presented by faculty affiliated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Topics will include how brain development is guided by genetics and environment, social and emotional development, support for families affected by disabilities, and disabilities and aging. The class meets from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for six consecutive Thursdays, starting Jan. 12, at The Commons Center, 230 Appleton Place.
- “Bogey and Bacall,” taught by Gil Campbell and Ginny Thigpen, instructor in film at Volunteer State Community College. Several of Bogart’s classics including Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon and The African Queen will be viewed and evaluated during the class. In addition, the class will discuss Bogart’s marriage to Lauren Bacall and the effect it had on their careers. The class meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon, for six consecutive Fridays, starting Jan. 13, at the Belcourt Theatre, 2102 Belcourt Ave.
Benefits of membership in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which is open to all older adults for a $10 annual fee, include the opportunity to attend classes, take part in special events including field trips and enjoy monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions.
Members can sign up for one to three classes for $80 each term. Additional classes are available at $10 per course. For more information, call Norma Clippard, the director, at 322-5569 or email norma.clippard@vanderbilt.edu.