NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Current foreign policy dilemmas, the future role of the United Nations in international affairs and a woman’s view of American history are among the wide-ranging topics offered for the spring term of Retirement Learning at Vanderbilt March 3 through April 21. The cost is $60 for any or all courses, and Retirement Learning is open to all interested persons, regardless of age or previous education.
Classes take place at Branscomb Quadrangle in the Rec Room unless otherwise noted. The following classes are now open for enrollment:
·"Great Decisions, 2003: Foreign Policy Discussion Group", for eight weeks at St. George’s Episcopal Church. Topics include Afghanistan, U.S.-Saudi relations and European integration. Retirement Learning member Ben Adams will lead the discussion.
·"Masterworks of 20th Century Music", taught by Douglas A. Lee, professor of musicology, emeritus, at Vanderbilt, with a focus on the modern orchestral music most frequently performed in the 1990s.
·"The United Nations: Past, Present and Future", led by Joe Sills, a retired career employee with the United Nations, looks at the significance of the UN throughout history and its important role for the future.
·"Moral Dimensions of World War II", taught by Vanderbilt Associate Professor of History Michael Bess, looks at the key moral choices faced by soldiers who fought in the war and the statesmen who shaped it.
·"A Dostoyevsky Duet", which focuses on two works by the famed existentialist: "Notes from the Underground" and "The Double". The course will be taught by Victor Judge, editor of "The Spire", the alumni publication of Vanderbilt Divinity School.
·"Rocks, Fossils and Geologic Time", taught by Leonard Alberstadt, associate professor of geology and department chair at Vanderbilt.
·"One Writer’s Adventures", with author and former copywriter John Perry.
·"A Women’s View of History", taught by Carole S. Bucy, associate professor of history and department chair at Volunteer State Community College.
·"History in Real Life: Understanding Your Ancestors through Genealogical Research" will show how a study of one’s ancestors can bring history alive in new ways. The class, taught by Charles Sherrill, director of the Brentwood Library, will meet at the Martin Center of Senior Citizens in Brentwood.
·"Cultural Astronomy: The Relevance of Ancient Science to Modern Custom & Love", taught by writer Marc Stengel, examines theories of ancient attempts to understand time and space, such as the likely role of astronomy in creating systems for navigation, architecture and making calendars. The class meets at the Martin Center of Senior Citizens.
To receive a brochure, call 322-5569. More information is also available on the Retirement Learning website at www.vanderbilt.edu/publicaffairs/community/progg.htm Media contact: Ann Marie Owens, 615-322-NEWS, annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu