KU Osher institute announces spring courses in Clay County


LAWRENCE — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas is partnering with Clay County Senior Services and William Jewell College again to bring courses to Clay County for adults 50 and older.

“The Osher Institute at KU is pleased to again offer an eclectic list of courses in Clay County this spring,” said Jim Peters, Osher director. “And thanks to the sponsorship of Clay County Senior Services, residents 60 years of age and older can enroll in courses for just $10 per course. But everyone is welcome, so review the list you’re sure to find courses that pique your interest.”

The spring lineup includes:

  • “Six Thinkers Who Changed the World” will introduce participants to the ideas of men and women who transformed the world: Rene Descartes, Charles Darwin, Karl Jung, Simone De Beauvoir, Mahatma Gandhi and Ayn Rand. The course will look at how these thinkers helped to change intellectual through, social patterns and cultural values. Instructor John Mack is an adjunct professor of history at Johnson County Community College. The course will meet from 2 p.m. t0 4 p.m. Mondays from Feb. 18 to March 4 in the Campus Center building on the Maple Woods Community College campus.
  • “Native American Art: How It Speaks to Us” explores how Native Americans developed their artistic expressions uninfluenced by Old World aesthetic philosophies. The course will examine Native American art — its form, function, construction techniques, values, design and symbolism. Instructor Gil Nichols has taught classes on Native American cultures, his lifelong passion, at William Jewell College for 14 years and at the University of Missouri Kansas City for 10 years. The course will meet from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays from March 12 to March 26 in the Campus Center building on the Maple Woods Community College campus.
  • “1863: The Critical Battles of the Civil War” examines the battles at Chancellorsville in May, Gettysburg and Vicksburg in July and Chickamauga in September and their impact on the overall conduct of the war. Instructor Tony R. Mullis teaches at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. He is the author of "Peacekeeping in the Plains: Army Operations in Bleeding Kansas." The course meets from 6:30 p.m. t0 8:30 p.m. Thursday from March 21 to April 4 in the Gano Chapel Assembly Room on the William Jewell College Campus.
  • “The Silk Road: from Marco Polo to Mao” will follow the footsteps of Marco Polo to explore the history and culture along this ancient trade route, including its re-emergence in the 21st century as an important source of energy. Instructor Nancy Hope is associate director for special projects for the Confucius Institute at KU and associate director of the Kansas Consortium for Teaching about Asia. The course will meet from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays from April 8 to April 22 in the Campus Center building on the Maple Woods Community College campus.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at KU, in partnership with Clay County Senior Services and William Jewell College develops programs for people 50 and older but welcomes lifelong learners of all ages. Clay County residents age 60 and older can enroll in courses and for just $10. In addition to Clay County courses are offered in Kansas City, Prairie Village, Olathe, Lenexa, and Overland Park.

For more information on courses at all locations or to register, visit Osher or call toll free (877) 404-5823 or (785) 864-5823.

Mon, 02/11/2013

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Jim Peters

Media Contacts

Jim Peters

Continuing Education

785-864-9142