Senior Seminars is designed to offer adult learners an avenue for continued learning of a specific topic. Topics, as well as faculty, change each semester.

COST: $25 for members; $30 for non-members

Seminars for Spring 2008:

A Medieval Experience
Tuesdays, February 19-March 25, 2008
5:00 - 7:00 pm
*Note – Sessions will not meet March 18 due to Spring Break.

Sessions will cover the religious studies, art, history, architecture and music of the Middle Ages, or the medieval period, that usually refers to a time between the fifth century (following the fall of Rome) and the fifteenth century (before the Renaissance). Often called “the Dark Ages,” it was actually an era of dramatic change and diversity, though not always for the best. On April 4th, participants will be taken to the Medieval Fair at Reaves Park in Norman.

There is no cost to attend the sessions. However, reservations are required by calling (405) 325-3488, or by mailing in the registration form for this series. Click to download brochure for complete listing of sessions and registration.

French Society through French Films
Dinah Stillman
Modern Languages and Literature
PIF 523 4808 815

Mondays, January 28-March 3, 2008
3:30-6:00p.m.

Through the lens of six directors, we see French society, urban and provincial, over the past century. An overview of the changing patterns of family, education, gender relationships, immigration, and racism will be provided. Each session will include one film screening and time for comment.

Art of Living: Using Art in Everyday Life
Kris Ice
Art
PIF 523 4808 816

Fridays, February 1-March 7, 2008
10:30a.m.-Noon

An exploration of a variety of art media to be utilized as a vehicle of self expression, problem solving, personal growth, and development. No prior art experience necessary; focus is on creativity.

The Road to the White House
Shad Satterthwaite
Political Science
PIF 523 4808 817

Mondays, February 4-March 10, 2008
9:00-11:00a.m.

This course will examine the 2008 presidential election process. We will discuss what it takes to be elected president of the United States. Special attention will be given to the media, fund raising, and the nomination process.

Memoir: The Basics in Beginning to Write and Tell Life’s Stories
Nathan Brown
Human Relations
PIF 523 4808 818

Tuesdays, February 5-March 11, 2008
1:00-2:30p.m.

This course will explore the basics in storytelling, covering these key elements: detail, description, tension, the spirit of complicity, and the critical role of brevity in a world full of words.

Communication Across Generations
Alicia Mason
Communication
PIF 523 4808 819

Wednesdays, February 6-March 12, 2008
9:00-10:30a.m.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize participants of the intergenerational and
intragenerational aspects of effective communication across the lifespan.

Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
Emily Johnson
Modern Languages and Literature
PIF 523 4808 820

Wednesdays, February 6-March 12
1:00-3:00p.m.

The class will cover Dostoevsky’s most famous novel. Although some slide presentations will be given, a great deal of time will be reserved for class discussion.

The Forgotten Music History: Sinatra, Big Bands, Musicals and More!
Kelly Haley
Music
PIF 523 4808 821

Thursdays, February 7-March 13, 2008
9:30-11:00a.m.

This course will cover the popular music of American culture. The purpose of the course is to learn how these genres have affected American culture. With videos, articles, slide shows, stories and audio clips, we will explore popular music in our culture, both past and present. Class discussion, input on topics and stories will be welcome.

Understanding Art
Stephanie Jung
Art
PIF 523 4808 822

Program Dates:
Fridays, February 8-March 14, 2008
2:00-4:00p.m.

This course will introduce various artists, art movements, and issues in art criticism.

Using Exercise and Nutrition to Turn Back the Clock
Chad Kerksick
Health and Exercise Science
PIF 523 4808 823

Program Dates: Thursdays, March 6-April 17, 2008
11:15a.m.-12:45p.m.

NOTE – This course does not meet March 20, 2008 due to Spring Break

A unified approach into the important role of exercise and good nutrition at improving health, vitality and quality of life. This course will provide information and strategies to increase strength and endurance while also discussing the important role and recommendations for carbohydrates, fats and protein as well as the common sources of necessary vitamins and minerals. Special applications will be made with all topics to suit an older crowd. Additional nutrition topics will include meal planning, healthy decision making and avoiding common pitfalls while special exercise emphasis will be made on balance and improving overall muscle function.

West African Drumming
Damon Frazier
Music
PIF 523 4808 828

Program Dates: Wednesdays, March 26-April 30, 2008
9:00-11:00a.m.

Participants will learn the history of the West African Mandinka and how West African instruments are played and their origin.

The Arts and Society
Joan Phillips
Art
PIF 523 4808 825

Program Dates: Fridays, March 28-May 2, 2008
10:00a.m.-Noon

This course will explore how the arts impact and intervene in community and social issues including loss, mental health, nature, and identity. Weekly we will view a documentary on these aspects and then discuss it.

Survey of Operetta and its Development into Musical Theatre
Susan Adams-Johnson
Music
PIF 523 4808 826

Program Dates: Mondays, April 7-28, 2008
10:00a.m.-Noon

A brief overview of operetta from its birth to the growth of musical theatre using CD’s, DVD’s, short lectures, live singers, and if possible a trip to a local performance.

The “Lesser” Movies of Great Directors
Jerry Jerman
University Outreach
PIF 523 4808 827

Program Dates: Tuesdays, May 6-June 3, 2008
5:30-8:00p.m.

Most avid moviegoers know Orson Welles’ classic film Citizen Kane, but how many have heard of, much less seen, Chimes at Midnight? Every great artist produces work that is highly acclaimed and other work that receives lesser accolades. Yet much of this “lesser” work is often just as interesting and engaging as the masterpieces. We will look at films that have been overlooked by either critics or moviegoers. We begin with Orson Welles’ only commercial success, The Stranger (1946), which remains underappreciated today. Despite tepid reviews or an underwhelming box office, some of the films we will view actually won awards and all of them contain seeds of greatness and really do merit reassessment. The other films include: Monkey Business (Hawks, 1952), Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (Huston, 1957), Mister Roberts (John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy, 1955), and (Marnie Hitchcock, 1964).

Seminar Location: These seminars will be held at Cross Main Building, 1600 South Jenkins Avenue, Room 136. (See #68 on the OU Campus Map.)

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