![[Adult Learners Institute - ALI]](images/logo_adult-learners-institute.jpg) Adult
Learners Institute
About Us
The Adult Learners Institute (ALI) offers a diverse selection of high
quality classes and workshops,
as well as the opportunity to network and meet new friends. ALI is
a non-profit organization and is open to adults in Chelsea and the rest
of Washtenaw County.
ALI is a Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) affiliated with the Elderhostel
Institute Network (EIN), a group of 320 similar organizations,
and in cooperation with Washtenaw
Community College.
We are pleased and grateful for the large number of Chelsea-area people
who participate in ALI classes and look forward to your continued support!
![[Course Offerings from Adult Learners Institute in Chelsea, Mich.]](images/ali-photos.jpg)
Dates to Remember
- ALI Kick
Off: January 16, 2008 - Orientation and
registration. Learn more about ALI, meet our staff and instructors,
check out our Winter/Spring lineup, and be among the first to register
for our new classes.
- Winter/Spring courses begin: February 11, 2008
Course Offerings
We offer a variety of classes from literature, language,
history, nature, philosophy and more. In addition, our course catalog
is available at the Chelsea Senior Center, McKune Memorial Library, CRC
and Silver Maples. Please contact us to learn more about ALI or our upcoming
schedule.
See our Winter/Spring
2008 Courses for full details including instructors, tuition, times
and location.
ALI Course Descriptions for Winter/Spring 2008
The Crusades and Their Relevance to the 21st Century - begins
Feb 5
Although the last crusader died about 700 years ago,
the Crusades remain alive and relevant in the 21st century. Our mortal
enemy Osama bin Ladin has regularly referred to Americans as ''Crusaders.''
The president of Iran recently called Americans ''neo-Crusaders.'' Neither
of them intended to compliment the United States. This course will examine
the nine Crusades as: (1) a major cause of modern 21st century Middle
East friction; (2) a fascinating, improbable adventure story, filled
with saints, sinners, heros, villains, inspired leaders, and feckless
losers; and (3) the seminal event for Western Europe, which ended the
Dark Ages and triggered the Renaissance.
Chelsea City Government: It Belongs to YOU! -
Feb 7
City Government is your government. Learn the basics
of the City Charter. What about those property taxes and fees? Why did
the Village become a City? What does a City Council do? Just who is in
charge of what? This course will answer these questions and more.
Journeys through Western Civilization: The Renaissance
to Romanticism - begins
Feb 8
Inexhaustibly fascinating, this period from 1400-1850
has left those of us who are part of Western culture with ideas and attitudes
we can't shake. Art historian Nancy Nilsson, with her usual abundance
of slides and enthusiasm, will explain and be your guide.
Where You Spend
Your Money Matters -
Feb 11
Beyond fair trade purchases, there are many more opportunities
to impact the world, our environment, the local economy, and our health
and fitness. This class will introduce the principles of socially responsible
investing, provide an overview of the continuum of conscious spending,
and briefly review fair trade concepts. At the break of this two-hour
class, we will display samples of crafts and artwork that result from
socially responsible investing.
Fashion and Dress Over the Generations -
Feb 18
What did the French Revolution do for women's clothing?
What happened to make 1851 and 1859 landmark years in the clothing industry?
How did WWII affect fashion and dress for both men and women? As we inspect
costumes and garments from 1800 to the present, we'll take a look at
what happened in society and technological development to influence fashion
and clothing.
Creative Writing: Sharing our Stories - begins
Feb 21
Words open the floodgates of what really matters:
the stories we share with other people. In this six-week course, we will
explore literary and metaphorical forms and use them to tell stories
through poetry, fiction, and essays. Come prepared to read and write—we'll
have in-class and out-of-class exercises and even a chance to workshop
some of your work. Beginners as well as seasoned writers are welcome.
Exploring
Musical Theater - begins Mar 3
This program is designed for those of us
who like musical theater. The course consists of viewing three musical
productions: a musical comedy (Evita), an operetta (Gilbert and Sullivan's
The Gondolier), and an opera (Carmen). The instructors will introduce
each movie with a brief history of the production, information about
the director, casting problems, location decisions, difficulties to overcome,
perhaps some outtakes, and sometimes inconsistencies. After the showing,
we will have time for questions and discussion.
Why Study Huckleberry Finn? - begins
Mar 5
What are the controversial aspects of Huckleberry
Finn? Why do many, many literary critics consider this book The Great
American Novel? What are various meanings of the river? How is the book
autobiographical for Mark Twain? Why did Mark Twain put aside the writing
of the book for more than a year? Reading, preparation, lecture, and
discussion will lead us to the answers to these questions and to more
information about this widely read novel.
Buffalo Soldiers: The Untold Stories- begins
Mar 25
Learn "the rest of the story" that never
made it into our history books. African American contributions to the
development of our country are numerous, from the Revolutionary War to
the present time. High on the list of accomplishments is the involvement
of the "Buffalo Soldiers" during
the westward movement. You will meet many of the outstanding and brave
African Americans who made a difference in our history during the time
following the Civil War up until 1947, when the U.S. Army was desegregated.
This is an opportunity to learn history, including "Our Story!"
Enjoying
Music Through the Ages- begins
April 4
Together we will explore what music is and learn about
the history of western music from its earliest written examples through
the various periods to contemporary. Musical examples of these periods
will be played either on CDs or on the piano. Various styles and ethnic
and cultural influences will be considered. The meaning of musical terms
will be explained. You do not need to have taken any piano lessons or
even read music to enjoy the class; all you need is a love for music
and a desire to learn more about it.
Historic Eastern Washtenaw County:
Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, and Ypsilanti - begins
April 7
Through lectures, slide shows, and walking tours,
we will explore the history and architecture of the eastern side of Washtenaw
County. We will look at local examples of major 19th and 20th century
architectural styles as well as the area's growth and development. We
will talk about Ypsilanti, including the settlement at Woodruff's Grove,
Depot Town development, and the start of EMU. We will cover Ann Arbor,
including the University of Michigan and the Old West Side.
Women in the
Bible: Genesis to Deuteronomy - begins
April 8
The Bible is one of the central texts of western civilization.
Most of the key figures in these writings are men, but women also played
vital though often overlooked roles. We will examine these roles and
how women are regarded in the first five books of the Bible. There will
be presentations on how female and male scholars and religious leaders
and traditions view and have viewed the women of the Bible. The course
is taught through lectures, discussion, and the reading of the texts.
The Revised Standard Version is a good translation, but different translations
help us understand the original language. The best book of commentary
is The Women's Bible Commentary, edited by Carol A. Newsome and Sharon
Ringe (paperback).
The Civil War: The Years Asunder - begins
April 16
Michigan’s great historian Bruce Catton called the
Civil War “the biggest thing that ever happened to us.” This course will
explore the roots of the war, the issue of slavery, the misplaced notion
of popular sovereignty, and the results of failed political compromise.
We will explore the people behind the names in the history books and
we will discuss the battles and leaders of this most studied and misunderstood
period of American history. We will examine artifacts, uniforms, maps,
and weapons from the war. We will also explore the results of the war
and how the war is misrepresented in documentaries and the movies. Some
90,000 Michigan men served in the Civil War. This was 12% of all her
people, or 1 out of every 8 men, women, and children. Of this number,
16.5% (14,855) died. For such a small state, Michigan still supplied
31 regiments of Infantry, 11 regiments of cavalry, and 14 batteries of
artillery. We will emphasize Michigan’s role in the war along with the
general history of the conflict.
Perspectives
from Space -
May 12
Have you ever tried to imagine what it’s like to be
in space? Wondered what we’ve gained from space exploration? Asked about
the surprises encountered and practical uses in everyday life? In this
two-hour talk, you’ll hear a former astronaut’s perspectives on life
from being in space and see his “home movie” made in space. Bring your
questions and enjoy this informative talk!
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