Two-year curriculum partnership with Fisk University continues
Cities and their soundscapes, a harmonica learning lab, nutrition and health, and the history of Fisk University are among the topics offered in June and July by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt.
“Summer, with its generally less hectic pace, is an ideal time for many of our students to be in the classroom, so we are delighted to offer these intellectually stimulating topics in a relaxed and supportive environment,” said Norma Clippard, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt. “In addition, our partnership with Fisk University —with two classes taught by Fisk faculty on their beautiful, historic campus—is a wonderful benefit for our lifelong learners.”
These noncredit classes are open to all those 50 and older, and interested individuals can register online (click + sign by each class in which you wish to enroll). Some courses have a limited number of spaces.
The following classes are offered for the summer term:
“Art and Power: The Visual Arts as Expression and Instrument of Power,” examining many important works of painting, sculpture and architecture in the Western tradition, dating from the time of the Egyptian pharaohs to the 1950s; Marcia Levine, a retired teacher from University School of Nashville, leads the six-session class, which begins June 17 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the First Amendment Center.
“The Principles of Tai Chi and Daily Movements,” a four-week workshop with discussion and experiential learning on the Tai Chi principles; Cindy Hui-Lio, an instructional systems designer and usability researcher, teaches the course, which is scheduled for six Mondays, beginning June 17. Students will gather from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine.
“Nutrition and Health: Issues and Insights,” a six-session course on a variety of timely topics, including key components of health diets and the role of diet in disease prevention; Jamie Pope, assistant professor for nursing, teaches the six-session class, which begins June 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Scarritt-Bennett Center.
“Exploring Digital Storytelling through Scalar,” a workshop to learn a platform for creating online materials that incorporate multimedia content and offer multiple narrative pathways for readers to explore; Mickey Casad, executive director of the Center for Digital Humanities, leads the single-session class on June 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The location is 344 Buttrick Hall (Center for Digital Humanities).
“OLLI Steel Drum Band – Advanced,” taught by Alli Puglisi, for six Sundays, beginning June 23; The class, in which students learn several songs each session, focuses on proper technique and the subtle nuances behind playing the steel pan. The class will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Blair School of Music.
“OLLI Steel Drum Band — Beginner,” taught by Mat Britain, for six Sundays, beginning June 23; Students will be placed according to their desire to learn a particular instrument and their individual strengths. The class will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Blair School of Music.
“Music for Seniors Beginners Harmonica Learning Lab,” led by Bronson Herrmuth, a multi-talented instrumentalist and vocalist, and Charlie McCoy, a renowned harmonica virtuoso and Nashville Cat honoree; Students will learn and practice effective techniques for holding and playing the harmonica, with no prior experience required. The class will meet for six Tuesdays, beginning June 25, at the Scarritt-Bennett Center.
“Tickling Your Taste Buds with Nashville’s Latino Cuisines,” taught by Cynthia Wasick, senior lecturer in Spanish and Portuguese; Students will be explore the diverse Latino culinary communities of Nashville, including those from Peru, Honduras, Cuba and Brazil. The class meets for eight sessions, beginning July 8 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The location is the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center.
“The Original Fisk Jubilee Singers, Their Tour and Their Music,” exploring the early history of the renowned ensemble; Paul Kwami, associate professor of music at Fisk University, teaches the course, which meets for six sessions, beginning July 9, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Fisk University’s Jubilee Hall.
“A History of Fisk University,” exploring the institution’s role in the post-Civil War South through the U.S. civil rights movement; Reavis Mitchell, professor of history and dean of the School of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences at Fisk University, teaches the course. Students meet for six sessions, starting July 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The location is Park Johnson Hall on the Fisk campus.
“A Day of Mindfulness Practice,” led by Cameron Gordon, associate professor of psychology, Middle Tennessee State University; and Kendall Hinote, founder, Mindfulness in Nashville Education; The one-session class offers instruction in mindfulness meditation with a focus on experiences common to people at all levels of this practice. Students will meet July 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West End United Methodist Church.
“Music Cities: A Study of Musical Sounds and Spaces,” exploring the connection between urban land and soundscapes. Cites and their identifiable soundscapes, including Nashville, will be studied. Robbie Fry, senior lecturer in music history and literature, is the instructor. The five-session class begins July 22 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Blair School of Music, Room 2190.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is housed within the Division of Government and Community Relations. For more information, email Norma Clippard or call 615-343-0700.