KU’s Osher Institute, Kansas State University announce fall courses


LAWRENCE — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas in partnership with Kansas State University and Meadowlark Hills will offer six courses in Manhattan this fall and a special discount for alumni association members. Most courses are offered off campus at locations chosen for ease of parking and accessibility. The noncredit, enrichment short courses are offered as two-hour sessions, generally for three consecutive weeks.

“The Climate Challenges of Kansas” began Wednesday, Sept. 4 and continues Sept. 11 and 18, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Meadowlark Hills Community Room.

Using the history of weather observations and climatology in general, this course places Kansas in the world context and covers evolving methods of monitoring weather. It will explore the changes that have been detected in Kansas over time, as well as models of the future and the challenges of adapting to a highly variable climate, with its social, agricultural and economic concerns. The course will be taught by Mary Knapp, state climatologist for Kansas.

“World War I: A Century Later” will be presented Tuesdays, Sept. 10, 17 and 24, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Crestview Christian Church, taught by Robert Smith, director of the Fort Riley Museum.

This course examines the origins, history and lasting effects of one of the most destructive and world-changing conflicts in human history. It covers the origins of the war, the Western Front from 1914 to 1917, the global nature of the war—with its campaigns on far-flung fronts as well as at sea, America's entrance in 1917 and its impact on the war and on the home front.

“The Lost Gospels of Early Christianity” meets Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9 and 16, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Meadowlark Hills Community Room and is taught by Barry Crawford, professor of religious studies at Washburn University.

Crawford will ask provocative questions such as: Did Jesus have a wife? Was Judas a hero rather than a villain? What are we to believe about the life and teachings of Jesus now that hitherto unknown gospels have come to light? What accounts are to be trusted? Do any narratives of Jesus’ public career contain reliable historical information? This course will examine selected early Christian gospels, both within and outside the New Testament to learn something of their literary character, their purpose and the varied images of Jesus they present.

“Kansas State University: 150 Years and Counting,” is offered Thursdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, taught by Cliff Hight, the university archivist since 2011.

As KSU concludes its 150th anniversary celebration, this course will help participants better understand the university’s unique history. The three class periods will address some of the highlights of K-State history that start with its first term and cover milestones in research, instruction, service, athletics and student life.  

“The Custer Brothers in Kansas” will be presented on Mondays, Oct. 14, 21 and 28, 2-4 p.m. at Crestview Christian Church by Roy Bird, author of “The Better Brother: Tom & George Custer and the Battle for the American West.

The Custer brothers were among numerous legendary western characters who inhabited Kansas immediately after the Civil War, contributing to the nearly mythical era that made the Wild West so wild. This course will examine George, the “Boy General” and the romance with his lovely young wife, Libbie, and the dubious reputation of the two-time Medal of Honor winner, George’s brother, Tom. Plus, the course will delve into the brothers’ pivotal roles in the Indian Wars as they follow their five-year-long trail through Kansas.

“The Golden Age of the Jazz Vocalist” will take place Mondays, Nov. 11, 18 and 25, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., at the College Avenue United Methodist Church. It will be taught by Paul Hunt, professor of trombone at KSU and a jazz musician who has performed with major artists from Aretha Franklin to Sarah Vaughan.

This course will trace the rise of the jazz vocalist, looking at and listening to the contributions of some of the great jazz vocal stylists and close-harmony singing groups. The course will begin with the recorded artists of the 1920s and work its way through the golden age of the jazz singers of the 1950s and ‘60s. Finally, it will look at some of todays’ best jazz singers.

The season concludes with a special event, a Manhattan Holiday Lights Trolley Tour, Thursday, Dec. 12, which begins at Mr. K’s at 6 p.m. The hour-and-a-half trolley tour will go through neighborhoods in northwest and central Manhattan, Candlewood, Cico Park and Sharingbrook. A second tour, starting at 7:30 p.m. will be added, if necessary, to accommodate as many Osher members as possible. The fee is $18, and advanced reservations are required.

“This fall our theme is ‘Learning Is an Ageless Adventure,’” said Jim Peters, the Institute’s director. “And to insure that, we have placed the broadest, boldest and best lineup of courses and events within reach of every person in Manhattan, Northeast Kansas, Greater Kansas City and five communities in South Central Kansas.”

Members of the alumni associations of KU and KSU are eligible for a $10 discount on the first course fee of $40. Other participating alumni associations include Washburn University, Ottawa University, Hutchinson Community College and Hesston College.

A unit of KU Continuing Education, the Osher Institute develops enrichment programs focusing on those 50 and over but welcomes lifelong learners of all ages. The Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco selected KU in 2004 as a site for this nationally acclaimed program to share the rich resources of the university with the general public. In 2010, KU and KSU announced a historic collaboration between the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at KU and the Division of Continuing Education at KSU to extend Osher courses to the Manhattan area.

The institute now has more than 2,700 members statewide.

For more information including fees and discounts, or to enroll, visit www.osher.ku.edu or call toll free (877) 404-5823. 

Wed, 09/04/2013

author

Jim Peters

Media Contacts

Jim Peters

Continuing Education

785-864-9142