Topics ranging from brain function and dysfunction to the joy of opera, along with Spanish cuisine and Antarctic exploration, are all included in the 2014 fall term of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt.
“Class registration is now open to all those 50 and older for these non-credit courses that are taught by Vanderbilt professors and others in a relaxed, welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment,” said Norma Clippard, program director.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will speak at the Sept. 9 fall kick-off and reception, where prospective students can meet the professors and learn more the classes and other benefits of institute membership. Registration is requested for the kick-off, which will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blair School of Music. There is a $20 charge per person.
The fall schedule at a glance:
“The Transformations of Consciousness on Film,” taught by Jeffrey John Stein, author of Life, Myth and the American Family Unreeling, screenplay writer and founding faculty member of the Watkins College of Art and Design Film School. The class meets for six Mondays, starting Oct. 6, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at St. George’s Episcopal Church.
“An Introduction to Islam,” taught by Howard Miller, associate professor and chair of History, Politics and Philosophy at Lipscomb University. The class meets for six Mondays, starting Oct. 6, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Belle Meade United Methodist Church.
“The Joy of Opera,” led by Ed Young, music enthusiast and institute member. The class meets for six Tuesdays, starting Oct. 7, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at the Temple.
“The Poetry of George Herbert,” taught by Mark Jarman, Centennial Professor of English, poet and critic. The class meets for six Tuesdays, starting Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Temple.
“Film, Fantasy and Food: Spanish Cuisine and Culture,” taught by Clint Hendrix, senior lecturer in Spanish and Portuguese. The class meets for six Wednesdays, starting Oct. 8, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Commons Center.
“From Neurons to Perception: Insights into Brain Function and Dysfunction,” taught by physicians from the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, spotlights ongoing research in six Vanderbilt neuroscience laboratories. The class meets for six Wednesdays, starting Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at The Commons Center.
“Exploring Antarctica,” taught by Dan Morgan, senior lecturer in Earth and Environmental Sciences, covers the history of Antarctic exploration from its discovery to current investigations. The class meets for six Thursdays, starting Oct. 9, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Commons Center.
“Looking for Camels on the Silk Road: A Tale of Funny Money, A Dark Web, and Chinese Laundry,” will be team-taught by Mark Zimmerman and Greg Thomas with the Regional Organized Crime Information Center and Josetta McLaughlin, professor emerita, Roosevelt University. The class meets for six Thursdays, starting Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at The Commons Center.
“To Make a World: Exploring Self, Love and Loss through Spiritual Storytelling,” will be taught by Cody Case, an interfaith health care chaplain and mediation instructor. The class meets for six Fridays, starting Oct. 10, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at Belle Meade United Methodist Church.
“An Analysis of U.S. Tax Reform Proposals,” led by Don Bishop, an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute member, will focus on the details of several plans under consideration in the U.S. Congress and the business community. The class meets for six Fridays, starting Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at Belle Meade United Methodist Church.
Special offerings this term include a writing seminar and a hands-on class on the Osher Steel Drum Band. An $80 class fee enables participants to take three classes, with a $10 fee for each additional course. The fall term registration deadline is Sept. 15.