Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
The Time of Our Lives: Living with Life and Loss

Trachte adapts favorite sessions of his popular “Living with Death” course for the Keep on Learning audience. “The Human Existential Dilemma” provides insights from Ernest Becker, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his book, The Denial of Death, and psychologist/philosopher William James. “All Our Losses, All Our Griefs” focuses on life as a journey of attachment and loss; “The Challenge and Meaning of Suffering” includes a film excerpt from “Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero”; “The Time of Our Lives” considers the changing perspectives of time and thoughts of the afterlife and living in hope.

Trachte is a professor emeritus of religion at Wartburg College, where he also served as college pastor for 35 years. He is a Wartburg alumnus and earned an M.Div. degree from Wartburg Seminary, which later awarded him an honorary doctorate. He completed a master’s degree in religion and health at the University of Iowa.

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27
Alfred Hitchcock, Master of Suspense

Cawelti returns for another popular film course, this time examining four films directed by Alfred Hitchcock, master of suspense, or, as one critic called him, “architect of anxiety.” Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959), and Psycho (1960) all exhibit Hitchcock’s familiar stylistic and thematic traits, yet retain their power to engage, thrill, and even shock contemporary viewers. Analyze the sources of Hitchcock’s continuing appeal by examining each film in its entirety with discussion of specific shots, scenes, and sequences.

Cawelti is a professor emeritus at the University of Northern Iowa, where he taught writing, film, and literature courses for 40 years. He edited The Complete Poetry of James Hearst and performs 16 Hearst poems he set to music on a recently released CD, Landscape Iowa: Poems of James Hearst, Sung. Cawelti earned a bachelor’s degree in vocal music and a master’s degree in English from UNI and completed a Ph.D. in modern letters at the University of Iowa.

Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
Mindfulness and Health:The Benefits of Being Present

Mindfulness allows individuals to experience current sensory experiences, thoughts, and emotions without trying to change the content of those experiences. Through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, individuals cultivate mindfulness and develop adaptive coping strategies that have proven effective in treating physical and psychological disorders and reducing stress. Participants will learn about the theory and research related to mindfulness, assess their own level of mindfulness, learn about mindfulness practices, and share their ideas about how these concepts can improve mental and physical health.

Bane is an associate professor of psychology at Wartburg College. She has developed strong undergraduate research projects for students and was nominated for the John O. Chellevold Award for Excellence in Teaching and Professional Service. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College and master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Miami University of Ohio.

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
What Made the Big Bands Big—and Will They Ever Come Back?

Shepherd will provide a glimpse of life with a touring big band, including film footage and three recordings made during his year with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Participants will discuss name bands from the Big Band Era, the social and the financial atmosphere of the time, generation of a play list, and the “book” used in big band performances. The class will include videotapes of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey/Buddy Morrow, and Lawrence Welk, as well as recordings by the Bill Shepherd Big Band.

Bill Shepherd spent a year on the road with the Tommy Dorsey/Warren Covington Orchestra. He later founded the Bill Shepherd Big Band after joining the University of Northern Iowa faculty, where he is an associate professor of music in general studies. He has conducted the Waterloo Community Band for 20 years and founded the New Horizons Band for musicians ages 50 and up. Shepherd earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University.

March 1, 8, 15, 22
Microscopic Life: It’s as Exciting as Outer Space—and Much Closer

The microscope preceded the telescope, but scientists took a century longer to understand the significance of what the microscope revealed, including explanations for ferments, disease, and the reproduction of plants and animals. Microscopic images will illustrate the presentations, and participants will have an opportunity to see demonstrations of light and scanning electronic microscopy. Following an overview at the first class, subsequent sessions will focus on diatoms, the rest of the microscopic food web, and respecting the microbes in control, covering geochemical cycles, disease, pollution, and other issues.

Main is a professor emeritus of biology at Wartburg College. He has conducted extensive research on freshwater and marine algae and been involved for many years in studying diatoms and the ecology of wetlands, streams, and intertidal waters. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Valparaiso University and earned a Ph.D. degree from Oregon State University.

March 29, April 5, 19, 26
In Love (and War) with Shakespeare

This exploration of Shakespeare’s wit and wisdom in the arena of love centers around four comedies: Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labours Lost, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Twelfth Night. Participants will read, watch, and play with the Bard’s lofty romantic imagery and flirtatious double entendre, developing a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s breadth as well as his innate understanding of our humanity.

Ross directs the Waterloo Community Playhouse/Black Hawk Children’s Theatre, and also serves as education director. She has worked with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and performed poetry with a touring theatre company. She earned her bachelor’s degree and Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre from Purdue University and a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University.