Study groups are eight weeks in length, unless otherwise listed. Each study group is limited by the size of the room and the wishes of the leader, with a maximum number of 40. Study groups are held in Kirby Plaza (KPlz), AB Anderson Hall (ABAH), and Sports Health Center (SpHC). All classes are filled based on members’ priority choices. November 30 is the deadline for early registration. Oversubscribed study groups are determined, and members are notified if waitlisted. Remember to list your study group choices in priority order when you register. (Four week classes each count as one class.)
Additional registrations received after November 30 will be placed in open classes or added to the waiting lists. The UMD campus is closed on Monday, January 21, 2013 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no study group classes on this day.
Note carefully on your fee statement the starting date, time, and location for each study group.
Note special times and/or dates indicated by an *.
There are two ways to register: Register online or download a printable pdf.
Singing for Joy (001) 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Add music to your life! We will study and sing Broadway musicals, spirituals, and the classics.
Nancy Neilson is a US member and the music director at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church.
* “Strangers in the World: Gypsies” (002)
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
(3 weeks only-January 7, 14, 28, campus closed on Jan. 21)
A discussion of Gypsy history, religion, language, and culture accompanied by a slide show. The class will include a documentary about the persecution of Gypsies throughout the centuries and the controversial movie, King of the Gypsies, which, although inciting hostility against the Gypsies, also served to bring them together for the first time since their origins.
Marlene Johnson is a US member and spent several weeks last summer researching a variety of materials about gypsies.
* Awareness: Human Trafficking–Globally and Right Here in Duluth (003)
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
(Second 4 weeks only-February 4, 11, 18, 25)
This 4-week study group is part of a larger human trafficking awareness campaign in the community.
The format will include film, speakers, and discussion of the book Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd.
Jan Magree is a US member, retired social worker, and a member of the Duluth Sex Trafficking Task Force.
* Strengthening & Stretching (004)
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
(3 weeks only-January 7, 14, 28, campus closed Jan. 21)
This class will use the Stronger Seniors workout program. The Stronger Seniors program focuses on improving the body, mind, and spirit of senior citizens, and those with limited mobility or recovering from injury or illness. Members can choose to stay for one or two hours. This class is limited to 11 participants.
Dick Florey is a US member who continues to use this class and others as a tool to recover from rotator cuff and back surgery.
* Naked Eye Astronomy (005) 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
(Second 4 weeks only-February 4, 11, 18, 25)
We will learn how to identify constellations and planets using the Moon and other aids; understand the motion of the celestial objects we can see, including the Sun and the planets; and learn the relationships between the rotation and orbit of the Earth, the motion of the sky, and our time system, including the calendar. The study format will be primarily lecture with some PowerPoint shows and two trips to the UMD Planetarium, with class participation and questioning strongly encouraged. Name of textbook is Stars and Planets: The Most Complete Guide to the Stars, Planets, Galaxies, and the Solar System (Fully Revised and Expanded Edition), by Ian Ridpath & Wil Tirion.
Dan Rau has had a lifelong interest in astronomy, taught astronomy and math at UWS, and presented programs at the UMD Planetarium for two years as an undergraduate student.
The Art of the Short Story (006)
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The course will offer close readings of sixteen short stories by fourteen different authors, followed by classroom discussion. Lecturing will be minimal, primarily consisting of providing background information on the authors and their work.
Warren Howe is a US member and taught literature for 30 years.
Cuba–It’s Revolutionary Past and its Future (007) 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Cuba continues to frustrate U.S. policy makers. Since 1961 we have placed an embargo on Cuba and it still is difficult to travel to this island nation. We will trace Cuba’s rich history and its tremulous relationship with the U.S. What should U.S. policy be toward Cuba? We will use the following teaching strategies–lecture, discussion, DVDs, and individual and small group reports and simulations.
Marv Heikkinen is a retired social studies teacher and has taught several US classes in the past. In 2003 he traveled to Cuba and has always had a keen interest in U.S. and Cuban relations.
* Prep for “World Quest Trivia Competition” (008) 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
(3 weeks only–January 7, 14, 28, campus closed Jan. 21)
For two years, US has fielded teams in this Alworth Institute sponsored event. We form teams of eight and sharpen our wits with flags and capitals, world geography, current events, and people in the news. The featured country is Canada.
Clarice Roseen is a US member and a flags and capitals specialist. Other past players will also lead this study group.
* Prescription Medications (009)
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Second 4 weeks only–February 4, 11, 18, 25)
Research has shown that 40 percent of people have at least one health problem that is directly related to their medications. This class will discuss, in layman’s terms, what patients need to know to minimize the risk of side effects and increase the effectiveness of commonly used prescription products in order to achieve improved health.
Dr. Karen Bastianelli is a licensed pharmacist and has practiced in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She currently is working for the University of Minnesota-College of Pharmacy on the UMD campus.
Seated Stretching (010) 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
This seated stretching exercise class was designed to help seniors develop strength and enhance ability to function in everyday life. It increases flexibility, and strengthens abdominal and back muscles. Further information is available at www.strongerseniors.com.
Cheryl Jonason is a US member who enjoys the benefits of the workout.
* Life on the Rails (011) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
(First 4 weeks only-January 8, 15, 22, 29)
This study group will look at early days of the railroad, the stories of the Empire Builder, first class on the Northern Pacific Railroad, and summer on the North Shore of Duluth’s Railroad.
Josh Miller is a train buff and manages the train station offices and operations of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.
Ken Buehler is the executive director of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and an avid rail fan.
*Presentation Computing (012) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
(Second 4 weeks only-February 5, 12, 19, 26)
This course is for the student who desires to learn how to make better presentations for teaching classes. You must have good computer skills as this class is not for beginners. Smart board technology, PowerPoint, and Prezi will be taught along with ways to add video/pictures to your presentation using YouTube and the Internet. At the end of the class you should be able to build outstanding presentations. The classes will be taught by UMD students in the “Using Technology in Teaching” class. Class is limited to 17 participants.
Dr. Terrie Shannon directs and supervises emerging teachers who are offering personalized technology instruction through their Teaching with Technology course.
Religion and Ethics–Topics in Cinema (013) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The class will be divided into a three part format: Introduction lecture material, viewing a portion of each motion picture to be viewed in this course, and group discussion at the end of the period.
H.L. (Chico) Anderson is a retired private school teacher with degrees from the College of St. Scholastica and the University of Notre Dame.
Social Justice in America (014) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
This will be an interactive course discussing the vision for America with regard to a path of humanistic integrity. Participants will discuss U.S. successes and challenges while evaluating what has been accomplished, and what needs to be accomplished in the area of Social Justice for all Americans. We will take phrases from historical U.S. documents such as “We the People,” “Land of the Free,” “inalienable rights,” “liberty and justice for all,” and discuss our individual perception of how we as individuals can contribute to a “more perfect union.” Credible guest participants will be invited into specific sessions.
The textbook is American Soul: Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Founders (2002), by Jacob Needleman.
Dr. Paul Deputy is the former Dean (1999-2012) of the College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP) at UMD.
Tai-Chi (015) 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
During this eight-week study group, participants will practice the moves of Tai-Chi.
Hilja Nast is a US member and has been studying and teaching Tai-Chi for over 20 years. She has studied Tai-Chi in Canada under Master Moy.
Lesser Loved Animals (016) 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In this class, we will discuss attitudes that we have formed about various animals in our lives and then take a closer look at facts of these lesser loved animals.
Larry Weber has been a US study group leader for 4 years. He’s an author, and is a biologist-naturalist with 40+ years of teaching experience.
The End of Over Eating (017)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This course will address current hot topics related to local food consumption, production, use, reuse, and waste. We will discuss the reason why we as Americans tend to overeat, and how we have been marketed and manipulated based on our natural brain wiring. We will look into opportunities for more healthy and sustainable eating habits and investigate the idea that Americans health problems would vanish if people would stick to a simpler, more localized diet. We will discuss the mass production of food and what happens to the excess. Lastly, we will investigate how these movements have been institutionalized in our national policies, and what we as citizens might do to reverse the trends.
Zandy Zweibel has a master’s degree in environmental education from UMD. She has worked for Minnesota Sea Grant, addressing public education in the area of water resources, and the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) as an environmental program coordinator educating on such issues as recycling, composting, and food waste management.
Eternal Scotland (018) 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This study group will cover the early occupation of Scotland up to the present day.
David Bouschor has traveled extensively in Scotland and has researched the history of Scotland for a number of years. He is a retired district judge and founder of Clan Sinclair Assn USA. David is a member of Scottish Autiquaries.
Senior Forum (019) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Using guidelines outlined by Christopher Phillips in his book, Socrates Café: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, participants will engage in a questioning approach to explore topics of their choice, focus on productive dialog, and deepen their own philosophies. This class encourages individual participation, and participants will enjoy the exchange of ideas. Class size is limited to 16 participants.
Joe Giesen is a US member and spent 41 years in education, first as an English teacher and later as a high school principal. As a college student, he was introduced to philosophy, which sparked a lifelong interest in philosophical topics.
Superior National Forest (020) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Professional land managers such as archeologists, air quality specialists, foresters, and recreation specialists will present videos, slides, and lectures. Questions and discussions are welcome.
Sandy Skrien and Susan Alexander are the study group leaders. Eight additional resource professionals will share their knowledge and experience with public land management.
“Classical” Music Before, During, and Beyond (021) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered how to listen to a symphony concert?
• What makes music “classical?”
• What makes it great?
• How do you appreciate it?
During this study group, lectures, videos, muscial CDs, and class participation will be used—and there will be a surprise guest or two.
Judy McKim taught 22 years, first at Holy Rosary School and then at UMD. Since retiring, she has shared her knowledge and love of music with members of University for Seniors.
Strengthening & Stretching (022)
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This class will use the Stronger Seniors workout program. The Stronger Seniors program focuses on improving the body, mind, and spirit of senior citizens and those with limited mobility or recovering from injury or illness. Members can choose to stay for one or two hours. This class is limited to 11 participants.
Dick Florey is a US member who continues to use this class and others as a tool to recover from rotator cuff and back surgery.
Literature of the West (023) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
From colonial times on, the lure of “the West” has undergirded much of United States history, self-definition, and mythology. Wallace Stegner, often called the dean of western writers, said the West was “the native home of hope.” The West has been the home of possibility and freedom. Many excellent professionally-written histories enable us to relive and analyze this aspect of our national experience. However, rather than reading the professional historians, this study group will engage our western
experience through the literature left behind and still being created by the participants themselves. Literature will include traditional narratives, journals, poetry, short stories, commentary, novel excerpts, drama, recordings, videos, fiction, and nonfiction. Textbook is The Portable Western Reader, edited by William Kittredge.
Jerry Cleveland is a US member and a retired teacher.
Beginning Conversational French (024)
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
An introduction to basic conversational French and to grammatical aspects of the French language. If you are a new student with just a smattering of French, or with no exposure to the French language, this class is for you! Emphasis is on practical vocabulary and everyday conversations and real life situations, as well as on fundamental grammar. Required workbook is French in 10 Minutes a Day, by Kristine Kershul.
Martha Firling is a US member and retired high school French teacher, who taught for 30 years at Marshall School.
Great Decisions (025) 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Be prepared for group discussion and 30 minute DVD presentations at each class. Topics include rebuilding Haiti, US National Security, Horn of Africa, responding to the financial crisis, Germany ascendancy, sanctions and nonproliferation, the Caucasus, and global governance. There will be more international students and staff this term. Recommended text: A Great Decisions briefing book. Class size is limited to 15 participants.
Gerry Ralph is a US member and has chaired the SAGE (Sharing Across Generations) committee.
* Poetry: Dancing with the Past (026)
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. (First 4 weeks only-January 9, 16, 23, 30)
Join the 2010-2012 Duluth Poet Laureate Sheila Packa (author of The Mother Tongue, Echo & Lightning, and Cloud Birds) for poetry and family history. For inspiration, participants will explore the Memory Map project that is being done by Mona Smith about the Dakota culture, and will read selections from various poets who use story and history in their work. Poets include Minnesota-born Meridel LeSueuer and Joseph Kalar, plus contemporary poets Joy Harjo, Natasha Trethewey, and Li-Young Lee. Each week, we’ll consider poems in regard to metaphor, sound and rhythm, poetry forms, and publishing. We also have writing exercises to create poems using songs, letters, lists, maps, and lessons from our personal past, considered in a historical and cultural context. The last session we will allot time for a reading of poems by participants in the study group. The class is designed for both beginners and experienced writers.
Sheila Packa is a poet and an adjunct teacher at Lake Superior College. Recently, the Educational Testing Service has purchased a few of her poems for Texas’ academic testing. She has received a McKnight Fellowship for both poetry and prose. Sheila is at work on a new manuscript about her grandmother’s immigration and the Vermilion Trail.
* Foreign Films (027) 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
(Second 4 weeks only-February 6, 13, 20, 27)
This study group will view a variety of films from other countries. We will show differences in ideas and culture.
Paul Chialastri is a US member who enjoys foreign films.
A Heartwarming Conversation with UMD International Students (028) 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This study group will present perspectives of modern-day life within various Eastern European and Southeast Asian countries. A different country will be featured each week. The students will discuss geographic components, ethnic composition, political structuring, climate, religion, and other pertinent topics that create a unique identity for each country. Two students each session will be presenters and respond to class participant’s questions.
Gerry Ralph is a US member and will facilitate the students who are eager to share with US members.
Mary Olson is a US member and a retired teacher. She has always enjoyed interacting with students. Mary will also facilitate the students who are eager to share with US members.
Seated Stretching (029) 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Slow and gentle exercises designed to increase range of motion, flexibility, and mobility. This study group focuses on Functional Fitness; keeping you in shape to do all the things you do in daily life that you have come to take for granted–bending over to tie shoes or pick something up, or reaching for a teacup. The stretch program is 44 minutes in length.
Cheryl Jonason is a US member who enjoys the benefit of the workout. She says exercise is a “feel good” way to start the day and regular exercise has provided an increased appreciation of all the physical functions we expect of our bodies.
The Roots of Religion (030) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Using the lens of archeology, we will examine people and places around the world from the earliest records available as they wrestled with the ultimate questions of life and death and beliefs about the divine. We will also learn about the temple-builders, sacred landscapes, and spiritual communities. This is a class with DVDs, lectures, and discussion.
Donna Effinger is a US member and lifelong student of other cultures, with a focus on religious and spiritual history.
* Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation (031)
8:30 – 10:30 a.m. (First 4 weeks only-January 10, 17, 24, 31)
This study group will mainly consist of lectures, supplemented with videos and guest speakers, such as transplant recipients and donor family members who will share their stories. Class discussion is encouraged!
Shelly Russ, MHA, is currently employed by LifeSource—the Organ Procurement Organization for Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin—as a hospital liaison. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Medical Technology and a MHA from the Carlson School of Management.
* First Photo (032) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
(Second 4 weeks only-February 7, 14, 21, 28)
Do you consider yourself a beginner at photography or are you beyond the basics? Come and learn about digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, organizing and archiving pictures, and more. You will be taking captivating photos and showcasing them in no time!
Mike Menus is the owner of First Photo in Duluth.
Senior Forum (033) 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Using guidelines outlined by Christopher Phillips in his book, Socrates Café: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, participants will engage in a questioning approach to explore topics of their choice, focus on productive dialog, and deepen their own philosophies. This class encourages participation, and you’ll enjoy the exchange of ideas.
Margaret Cleveland is a US member and retired nurse who is forever impressed with the depth of discussions that occur in a Senior Forum.
Tai-Chi (034) 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Participants will practice the moves of Tai-Chi.
Hilja Nast is a US member and has been studying and teaching Tai-Chi for over 20 years. She has studied Tai-Chi in Canada under Master Moy.
Slavery, Lincoln, and the Civil War (035) 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Civil War was the greatest crisis, the costliest war, and, many historians say, the defining episode in our national identity. Its impact rippled through American history for more than a century, up to the present. Central to the cause of the war was the issue of slavery, and central to the execution and outcome of the war was Abraham Lincoln. This class will examine each of these three critical stories in American history. Each of them will be examined in themselves, but also in the larger context of how they reflect the development of the United States.
William K. Miller has 35 years of experience teaching U.S. and Ancient History at UMD, the College of St. Scholastica, and Lewis University in Illinois.
Shakespeare’s Sonnets (036) 11:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.
Reading and discussing the sonnets, videos on Shakespeare’s life and times, and music of Shakespeare’s time. Limited to 16 participants. Textbook is The Sonnets, edited by Rex Gibson, author is Shakespeare.
Mara Hart is a University librarian and experienced teacher, and has known and loved Shakespeare’s sonnets for many years. She holds graduate degrees in English, Librarian Science, and Creative Writing.
Al Kammerer has a BA in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy, a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design, a Master’s degree in English Literature, and a Secondary Education certificate to teach English. He is a certified Great Books Teacher, and presently teaches Poetry, Drama, and Film online through the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Humor Literature from UNO, and Short Story.
Leonore’s Operas (037) 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
If opera means over-the-top characters, vulnerable or heroic divas, heart-throb tenors, hard-to-keep-track-of-stories, dramatic excess, and spectacular visual and musical arts, then we’ll enjoy all of it in Adriana Lecouvreur (F. Cilea), Arabella (R. Strauss), II Trovatore (G. Verdi) and A Life for the Czar (M. Glinka).
Leonore Baeumler is a US member and still believes in the wonders of music.
Great Books (038) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
This course is a reading-study-discussion group. Participants are to read the selection before the assigned class discussion date. Using guidelines from the Great Books Foundation, we share perspectives, questions, insights, and surprises and become a “community of minds.” Textbook is Order and Chaos, part of the Great Books foundation 50th Anniversary Series. This volume will bring together classic works from the Eastern and Western traditions as well as timeless stories and poetry. Textbook, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, will also be needed for the final two sessions.
Kathleen Risku has a lifelong love of reading, thinking, and intellectual discussions. She has been with this group for three years.
Murder and Mayhem (039) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Study group is based on the following movie, English TV Murder Mysteries. The film will be stopped at critical moment for class discussion on “who done it?” There will be one mystery each week including a selected short subject.
John Collins has lead several different classes for US. He especially enjoys leading the Murder and Mayhem series.
Spanish (040) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Conversational Spanish for the traveler will be the focus. The format will include conversational exercises in Spanish, grammar, reading, writing, games, music, and DVDs. The required text is Spanish in 10 Minutes a Day, by Kristine K. Kershal.
Joan Varda is a US member and a retired teacher. She studied Spanish at several Universities in the US, Spain, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Cross Country Skiing (041) 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Each week we have the opportunity to be out on a different ski trail. Everyone skis at his/her own pace with other members who enjoy all that winter offers. The first day of class, we will meet in a US classroom to discuss the ski trails and plan for the term. Note: most of the ski trails require a Minnesota pass, to be purchased on your own.
Lou Anne Siefert loves being out on the ski trails, enjoying winter in Duluth, as it is one of her great pleasures!
Steinbeck (042) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This class explores John Steinbeck, the Nobel Prize writer, his novels, short stories, plays, and films with emphasis on the novel, The Grapes of Wrath. We also focus on the art of his writings and the moral and social issues of his times and their relationship to the present. Textbook is The Grapes of Wrath, author John Steinbeck.
Bill Miner is a US member with a lifelong interest in literature.
Continuing French (043) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This French class is for those who were in the “Continuing French Class” in fall 2012, or for anyone who has had somewhat of a background in the French language. We will continue to learn idioms, useful everyday vocabulary, and to constantly work on our conversational skills. There will be a strong emphasis on the verb tenses “le passé compose,” “l’imparfait,” and “le future.” The required workbook is Complete French Grammar, by Annie Heminway.
Martha Firling is a US member and retired high school French teacher who taught for 30 years at Marshall School.
* What’s the Meaning of This? (044)
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
(First 4 weeks only-January 11, 18, 25 and February 1)
Class participants will pool knowledge to discover the meanings of new words that appear in modern media at a startling pace. Be assured: you are not the only one who doesn’t get it! We will also share words that are used in our families, either drawn from various ethnic backgrounds or charmingly created by children, close friends, and favorite authors. We’ll explore modern expressions from texting and the Internet. Laptops and smart phones are cordially invited to class. This will be a discussion class with plenty of participation.
Myrna Matheson is a US member and former elementary teacher, who has been playing with words since early childhood. She has co-facilitated two word-based classes in previous years.
* Quick Bytes (045) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
(Second 4 weeks only-February 8, 15, 22, and March 1)
This course will consist of multiple single subject classes exploring new electronic technologies, such as electronic readers, Skype, smart phones, GPS, video chat, Gmail, texting, and the iPad. You can pick and choose from the weekly options or attend all of the classes. The classes will be taught by UMD students in the Using Technology in Teaching class. This course may be taken more than once.
Dr. Terrie Shannon directs and supervises emerging teachers who are offering personalized technology instruction through their Teaching with Technology course.
Art Studio (046) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Group members will work in the medium of his/her choice. Some demonstrations are being planned featuring basic fundamentals of design and technique. This class is limited to 20.
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