OLLI Discussion Groups
- Unexpected Economics: A Fascinating Look at the Hidden Role of Economics
- The World Was Never the Same: Events that Changed History
- The Thursday Morning Book Club
- How to Listen To and Understand Opera
- Living Well for Older Adults Health Series
Enjoy participating in stimulating conversation! Discussions are conducted in conjunction with a lecture series on DVD and facilitated by a discussion leader/s.
Unexpected Economics
A Fascinating Look at the Hidden Role of Economics
"Drawing on everything from psychology, history, and political science to philosophy, statistics, and game theory, these lectures are an enjoyable and rewarding way for you to learn how economics is rooted in seeking to understand not just trade and finances but the essence of how and why human beings make actual decisions."
Come join Mary Cruise and Jeffrey Jones in discussing this very relevant topic. Once again we have gone to The Great Courses and selected a DVD set that illustrates the essence of today's economy. We have broken the course into two sections. The first section covers 12 lessons and will be presented in six sessions. Just to name a few: The World of Choices; Selling a Kidney; Prediction Markets - Windows on the Future; and Pathways for Crime and Crime Fighting.
Teaching in a friendly style, Professor Timothy Taylor, Macalester College, offers numerous examples of the hidden role of economics--with its constant dance of incentives and tradeoffs. Professor Taylor is the consummate guide for this fresh perspective on the relationship between economics and our world. In a world in which each of us is constantly seeking to balance our wants and needs, the key elements of the economist's worldview are always with us--and always worth noticing.
Facilitators: Mary J. Cruise and Jeffrey Jones, OLLI members
6 Mondays: February 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18
10 a.m. - noon
Extended Education classroom Building, EE-1205
Fee: $15
NLLL 256 Section 01, Course No. 22678
The World Was Never the Same: Events that Changed History
Come join the discussion group as we go down memory lane with Professor J. Rufus Fears, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma. The DVD set by The Great Courses is a selection of key events that impact the world and definitely should not be forgotten.
"History is made and defined by landmark events--moments that irrevocably changed the course of human civilization." While many of us are taught that
anonymous social, political, and economic forces are the driving factors behind events of the past, acclaimed historian Professor J. Rufus Fears believes
that it's individuals, acting alone or together, who alter the course of history. These events have given us:
- spiritual and political ideas
- catastrophic battles and wars
- scientific and technological advances
- world leaders both influential and monstrous
- cultural works of unparalleled beauty
Without them, human history as we know it today would be shockingly unfamiliar. In short, because of these events, our world would never be the same.
Professor Fears takes us back to 1750 B.C., Hummurabi issues a Code of Law, and up to September 11, 2001, Terrorists attack the United States of America. Despite all the scientific/technological advances we have made, human nature remains the same.
A sampling of events covered is:
- Jesus - The Trial of a Teacher (A.D. 36)
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech (August 28, 1963)
- Moses and Monotheism (1220 B.C.)
- Columbus Finds a New World (1492)
- Charles Darwin takes an Ocean Voyage (1831)
Perhaps the greatest reward of these lectures is that they provide fuel for further thought and discussion.
Facilitators: Mary J. Cruise and Jeffrey Jones, OLLI members
6 Mondays: February 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Extended Education classroom Building, EE-1205
Fee: $15
NLLL 256 Section 02, Course No. 22679
The Thursday Morning Book Club
A reading and discussion group
Free to OLLI Members
The Thursday Morning Book Club offers four books for your reading and discussion pleasure this spring. Discussion, of course, may go in many directions, and will be left to the interest of the group. However, some questions that may peak interest are: How well has the author made her/his point(s), What surprised you about a character(s) or the ending, How does the story relate to today’s ideas and life in the United States?, etc.
In order for you to have time to access the books and read, we begin in February and end in May. We talk over light refreshments (bring your favorite beverage and the OLLI discussion leader will bring a snack) from 10 am to 12 noon. We look forward to your joining us.
Medicus by Ruth Downie
Thursday, February 28, 10 am - noon
Discussion Leader, Janice Champion, OLLI Member
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Thursday, March 21, 10 am - noon
Discussion Leader, Eleanor Van Natta, OLLI Ambassador
The Ghost Writer by Robert Harris
Thursday, April 18, 10 am - noon
Discussion Leader, Mary Cruise, OLLI Ambassador
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Thursday, May 16, 10 am - noon
Discussion Leader, Valerie Dingwall, OLLI Member
4 Thursdays, February 28, March 21, April 18, and May 16
10 am - noon
Extended Education Building, EE-1205
Fee: Free to OLLI members. Registration required.*
NLLL 154 Section 01, Course No. 22665
*OLLI needs your registration for grant awarding purposes.
How to Listen To and Understand Opera
What is Opera? Is it music or a play? How long has it existed, and how has it changed throughout its lifetime? What are the different periods, and what makes each period different from the one before and the one after? Why do opera singers sing loudly? Was this always the case? These are some of the things we have tried to answer during earlier sessions of the series. This spring we come to the conclusion of our opera DVD series. We have had questions, answers, lively discussion, and beautiful music. We have shared learning about and appreciation for Opera. The last four meetings will have this format: One DVD will be viewed, and discussion will follow.
Facilitator: Rodger Hamrick, BA History (Music Minor); MBA
4 Mondays: April 8, 15, 22, and 29
10 am - noon
Extended Education building, EE - 1205
Fee: $15
NLLL 152 Section 01, Course No. 22664
Living Well for Older Adults Health Series
OLLI continues this healthy living series designed to enhance the lives of older adults by focusing on The Great Courses series distributed by The Teaching Company (2010). Professors Anthony A. Goodman, MD, Cornell Medical College, Montana State University, and Roberta H. Anding, MS, Louisiana State University, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, provide 30-minute DVD lectures on topics across the spectrum of nutrition and aging in the human body. Also, OLLI is pleased to have a local expert in the field of Nutrition and Health join us for a presentation this spring.
The Physiology of Nutrition; Healthy Choices in your Daily Life
Thursday, February 14, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Infectious Diseases - General Introduction; Viruses
Thursday, February 28, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Eating Culture Reform is Critical to Health Care Reform, Continued (emphasis on special diets)
Joy Jurema, Registered Nurse, OLLI/Omnilore Member
Thursday, March 7, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Not all Carbohydrates are Created Equal; Protein - An Indispensable Nutrient
Thursday, March 14, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Fat, Fat Everywhere! Vitamins - Spotlight on C
Thursday, March 21, 1:30 to 3:30pm
The Role of Vitamins; Role of Supplements
Thursday, March 28, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Facilitators: Eula Slater, OLLI member & Registered Dietitian and
Mary J. Cruise, OLLI member & Emeritus faculty, Nursing
6 Thursdays, February 14, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28
1:30 - 3:30pm
Extended Education Building, EE - 1205
Fee: $15
NLLL 355 Section 01, Course No. 22684