Lifelong Learning Program Spring Kick-Off and Registration
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
Ezell Center, Paul Rogers Boardroom (Room 147)
Join us Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Ezell Center as we introduce the faculty and class schedule for the Spring 2020 Lifelong Learning program.
Lipscomb offers a full slate of affordable and eclectic learning opportunities for our senior alumni and community neighbors each year. This semester, the lineup is diverse and interesting. Two five-week sessions will be offered this spring, and classes typically meet for one and a half hours in the daytime once a week.
The cost is $80 per person for each class or $120 to enroll in two or more classes in one session. Some courses may require the purchase of a textbook. All suggested and required textbooks may be purchased in the university bookstore or at registration.
You can register online for spring 2020 classes or download a registration form to print and submit. For more information about the program, contact Laura Tywater at laura.tywater [at] lipscomb.edu or 615-966-5733, or visit Lifelong Learning & Travel.
Here are the classes featured in the upcoming spring sessions:
Spring Session I: Feb. 10 to March 12
Lipscomb’s Lifelong Learning program is offering several interesting courses in spring 2020.
Innocents Abroad
Instructor: Dennis Loyd, retired English professor, Lipscomb University
With the American Revolution a success, many citizens of the new country could not forget their heritage. They continued to cast their eyes to Europe and other parts of the globe. Were they attempting to ensure their own place in the world? Numerous prominent American writers felt especially drawn to other cultures, experiences and themes. Writers as diverse as Benjamin Franklin, Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, Mark Twain, Henry James, Robert Frost, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and others made up that unique assortment who still wanted to know how the rest of the world lived and what they wrote. We will survey experiences and works influenced by their travel.
Astronomy: Overview of our Solar System and Galaxy
Instructor: Justin Myrick, retired Lipscomb professor and former dean of the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering
In Session I, our astronomy course will focus on our solar system and the Milky Way galaxy. For a Christian, the wonder of God’s creation is evident. We will look at the history of astronomy, the oldest of the sciences, and look at the impact of astronomy on the Renaissance. We will explore the 21st century astronomers’ views of how our sun and planets were developed, as well as the amazing discoveries in the last 100 years made possible by increasingly improved ground- and space-based telescopes. We also will study the sun and the diversity of the planets and moons in our solar system. Of particular importance are contributions from spacecraft, which have explored the planets. Practical demonstrations, including operation of a telescope and astro-photography, will be included. “Backyard astronomy” will be demonstrated.
America’s Civics Lessons: 2020 Edition
Instructor: Linda Peek Schacht, founding director, Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, Lipscomb University
Veteran political communication and leadership expert Linda Peek Schacht, founding director of Lipscomb’s Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, will bring her White House, U.S. Senate and national media experience to a robust discussion of the current events shaping our lives in 2020. We will cover all things 2020 presidential: the White House, the race for the Democratic nomination, the issues dominating the national discussion and more. We will analyze the 2020 race through the lens of theories of presidential leadership and communication, and consider the impact of social media and our own vulnerability to disinformation. In a spirit of civility and bipartisanship, we will look at just how all of this matters in the everyday lives of Americans, particularly those of us in Tennessee. There will be suggested reading and viewing throughout the class.
The Lifelong Learning program is a great opportunity to learn something new while connecting with peers. Bonus: There are no exams or grades!
Real Women of the Bible
Instructor: Elizabeth Coker, portrayal actress and historian
She’s back! This class will feature dramatic and witty presentations that are sure to encourage a more in-depth study of God’s Word by making familiar stories come alive. This time the wit and humor of Elizabeth Coker will transport you back in time to meet a few of the feisty females God chose to change the course of history. A costumed, first-person portrayal of five women from the Old Testament will entertain as well as enlighten, and open your eyes to a fresh interpretation on just how their choices have affected and influenced us today.
The Story of Jesus, Part I: The Birth, Ministry and Mission of Jesus
Instructor: Scott Sager, vice president of church services and adjunct professor, College of Bible & Ministry, Lipscomb University
Experience Freshman Bible from one of Lipscomb’s own Bible faculty as Scott Sager presents Part I of his “Story of Jesus” course for Lifelong Learning. The course will take a look at all four of the gospels, understanding how each functions in the overall story of Jesus. Sager will share maps and other resources as well as pictures from the locations where the story actually unfolded. Difficult topics will be addressed, and the course includes weekly reading and writing assignments (optional for Lifelong Learners, of course) from The NIV Harmony of the Four Gospels, Second Edition, The New International Version by Orville E. Daniel.
Spring Session II: March 26 to April 30
The Story of Jesus, Part II: The Final Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Instructor: Scott Sager, vice president of church services and adjunct professor, College of Bible & Ministry, Lipscomb University
Experience Freshman Bible from one of Lipscomb’s own Bible faculty as Scott Sager presents Part II of his “Story of Jesus” course for Lifelong Learning. The course will take a look at all four of the gospels, understanding how each functions in the overall story of Jesus. Sager will share maps and other resources, as well as pictures from the locations where the story actually unfolded. Difficult topics will be addressed, and the course includes weekly reading and writing assignments (optional for Lifelong Learners, of course) from The NIV Harmony of the Four Gospels, Second Edition, The New International Version by Orville E. Daniel.
Lifelong Learning students engage in interactive classes on a variety of fascinating topics.
Astronomy: Our Amazing Universe—What is Beyond Our Milky Way?
Instructor: Justin Myrick, retired Lipscomb professor and former dean of the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering
Session II will focus on galaxies and the dynamic nature and makeup of the universe. The universe has a multitude of mysteries. We are now truly in the Golden Age of astronomy because of the exponential improvement in tools to study the stars. We will look at a wealth of internet pictures now possible because of the work of astronomers, both professional and amateur. We will also look at Einstein’s theoretical contributions, including space-time, and discuss the implications. (Session II can be taken without taking Session I.)
Nashville Baseball Beyond Sulphur Dell
Instructor: Skip Nipper, Nashville author and historian
Nashville’s first baseball teams were organized in the mid-19th century to allow for healthy exercise and competitive spirit. They began a legacy that includes amateur and professional clubs, Tom Wilson and Sulphur Dell ballparks, sandlot games at Shelby and Centennial parks, and many baseball stars. Some aspects of Nashville’s economic, cultural and social growth were direct results of the interaction between baseball fans, players and owners.
Join Skip Nipper as he takes you through our city’s history of the national pastime, with stories, pictures and events that allow us to hold onto and expand our treasured memories of local baseball.
Five Great British Prime Ministers
Instructor: Jerry Gaw, Lipscomb University history professor
The British prime ministry started 300 years ago. It became more important than the monarchy, which had signed its power away in the English Bill of Rights. This course will highlight five of the best who held the office: William Pitt the Elder, Earl Grey, William Gladstone, David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. Their domestic reforms and/or foreign policies improved the lives of people and defended freedom throughout the world.