Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute will enroll members for its fall term starting Thursday, Aug. 14. Classes run from Sept. 29 through Nov. 14...
Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute will enroll members for its fall term starting Thursday, Aug. 14. Classes run from Sept. 29 through Nov. 14.
Thursday’s opening day registration for BULLI, a 15-year-old member-driven program, is scheduled at 4 p.m. at Thurmond-McRae Auditorium, which is adjacent to the Brenau Trustee Library on Academy Street. BULLI members also will elect officers for the 2008-09 academic year.
Subsequent registration continues on Friday, Aug. 15, and Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 18-20 at the organization’s headquarters building at 406 Academy St., next door to the Northeast Georgia History Center.
Late registrations will be accepted, but will not guarantee course selection. Kathy Amos, director of the program, says the most popular classes fill up quickly.
The annual membership enrollment requires attendance; there is no email-in or online membership enrollment or course registration.
Membership fee for the 2008-09 academic year is $130, and the cost for each course is $25 with no limit on the number of courses any individuals take. In addition to having access to classes, members can also use other university facilities, including the library and fitness center, and receive discounts on meals at the cafeteria.
Spain as well as art in Gainesville; local history, restorative yoga, a survey of Broadway musical theater and beginning bridge.
Here is a complete list of fall term classes:
ARTS AROUND TOWN – What do you know about the “arts scene” in Gainesville? Convening in a different place each week, students will learn the “whats, wheres and how-it-came-to-be” of such organizations as the Blue Angel Gallery, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, Quinlan Art Center and others. We will also meet local artists and watch them at work. Monday, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., BULLI members Anne George, Roberta Eaton and Helen Outler will facilitate the class.
FINDING HISTORY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD – Do you like to explore the past? Prepare yourself to pass on the stories of the place where you grew up and the places you’ve lived. Learn how to use resources such as postcards and publications, photographs, organizations and the local library to craft the story of your history for your family. Monday, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Dr. Steve Gurr is retired Dean and Executive Vice President of Gainesville College and State University and was acting director of the Northeast Georgia History Center.
THE ART OF SPAIN AND SPANISH INFLUENCE – Spanish artists such as Velasquez, Goya, Picasso and Gaudi evoke the particular passions of the Spanish people for the everyday and spiritual worlds in their work. Art influenced by the Spanish colonial period in Mexico by such artists as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera reveals similar passions for both private and public subjects. Come explore the passions of Spain and Mexico in this survey of the art history of this exciting Mediterranean country, and its influence carried to the New World. Monday, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m., Mary Beth Looney is chair of art and design and teaches art history at Brenau.
MAKING THE BEST OF YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA – Taking great photos will be a snap once you understand the “bells and whistles” on your digital camera. Learn terminology and what the icons on your camera mean and how to compose a variety of settings, from people to places. Learn how to download, crop and enhance your photos on your computer. Bring your own camera, as there will be hands-on instruction. Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Bev Hall is a retired Hall County teacher and expert photographer.
THE SHORT STORIES OF GENESIS – This course will cover the Patriarchal stories from the book of Genesis; including the cycles of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah; Jacob and Rachel and the Joseph narratives. Emphasis will be given to the drama, history and the theology of the texts. Tuesday, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Dr. Bruce Morgan was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Griffin, GA for 30 years and has taught numerous BULLI courses.
GROWING UP SOUTHERN – Growing up in the South after the Civil War created a New Southerner. Some eked out an existence on poor soil, some left the South and others just tried to get by. Examine the New South through the eyes of contemporary Southern authors, Rick Bragg, Harry Crews, Edward P. Jones and Lee Smith Tuesday, 1 p.m. –2:30 p.m., Kathy Amos has taught literature for BULLI and Elderhostel and is the BULLI Director.
UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM’S REALITY – You hear it mentioned in the news all the time, but what, exactly, is terrorism and should we be concerned about it? This course will help you understand the history and philosophy of terrorism. Why and how it is financed and employed? Find out how tactics, focus and strategy are changing. Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Ted Oglesby is a retired Air Force Reserve Colonel and has attended the National War College. He currently writes for the Gainesville Times.
LET’S LEARN BEGINNING BRIDGE – This course is a fun, relaxed way to learn contract bridge. It is intended for either those who have never played or who have not done so for some time. Emphasis will be on the basics, such as learning to count points, basic bidding and the play of the game. Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Jeanne Para has played bridge for many years and enjoys teaching the game to beginners. She has taught previously for BULLI.
FORENSIC SCIENCE AND SOCIETY – What is forensic science? From trace evidence and toxicology to arson investigation and skeletal anatomy, this course will use case based investigation as an introduction to the science and societal issues involved in forensic science. Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m., Dr. Gale Starich is Dean of the School of Health and Sciences at Brenau and has taught previously for BULLI.
BEGINNING COMPUTER – If you don’t know a gig from a mouse, are afraid of the computer, but more afraid of being left behind in this technological age, then this course is for you. In a supportive environment, you will learn the basics of computer and Microsoft Word 2007. Find out how email works and set up your own email address! You can join the technology generation – come and learn how! Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., Kathy Amos is BULLI Director and has taught computer to mature adults for 14 years.
RESTORATIVE YOGA – This yoga course is designed for all ages, body types and activity levels. Restorative poses bring awareness to deep breathing, relaxation and stress release, with an emphasis on holding poses for a longer time in a supported way so as to increase a deep release in the muscles. You will need to bring a yoga mat, yoga blocks and a blanket. Relax and renew! Thursday, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Emilie Cook is a certified Hatha yoga instructor with special training in restorative yoga.
WORKINGS OF WEATHER: A COMMON-SENSE LOOK AT METEOROLOGY IN THE SOUTH - Tornadoes in 1936. More in 1988. A twister running a swath through Helen, GA in 2004. Are we in a tornado alley? The Carolina coast: five hurricanes in three years. A hurricane alley? These questions and many others are answered in a fashion that’s easy for non-scientists to understand. Practical weather related tips for home owners are also included Thursday, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Dr. Rudi Kiefer is a professor at Brenau and writes a column for the Gainesville Times.
BROADWAY MY WAY! – Join us for a musical journey down the Great White Way. Learn about the composers, lyricists, choreographers, directors, and other colorful characters that created the Broadway musical. From Cohan and Romberg through the modern musicals of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber, we’ll examine some of the history making productions that entertained millions. You’ll be treated to the works of great artists such as Gershwin, Porter, Berlin, Kern and Rogers who have made the musical comedy America’s gift to the world. Thursday, 1 – 2:30 p.m., BULLI member Bob Johnson has had a lifelong love affair with the great Hollywood musicals.
For more information about BULLI and its activities, call the Center for Lifetime Study at Brenau: 770. 538.4705, send an e-mail to Amos at kamos@brenau.edu, or visit http://www.brenau.edu/academics/bulli/.