Lifelong Learning

Courses

Asian American History

HIST 150BM | CRN 14834
Mondays, August 4, 11, 18 & 25 | 1-3p

Asian Americans include people from India, China, Korea, Japan, South East Asia, etc. They are people of different skin color and religion. What they share is a history of facing discrimination and working persistently to overcome that discrimination. Drawing on the work of Dr. Erika Lee of Harvard, this course will explore the following topics in the history of Asian Americans: anti-immigration acts that targeted Chinese in the 1880s and 1890s, the jobs available to Asians in the US in the 19th and 20th centuries, their participation in the Gold Rush and the building of the railroads, Angel Island experiences, the 1898 (first) birthright citizenship debate, treatment of Asian Americans in wartime, the role of Japanese exclusion in the treaty ending World War I, Chiang Kai Shek’s visit with Eleanor Roosevelt at White House and her signing the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act;  Supreme Court cases that banned segregating Asian children in schools,  1950s transracial adoptions and US soldiers marrying Korean brides began, the Korean and Vietnam Wars’ impact on Asian Americans, the 1965 Immigration Act,  Indians and Chinese becoming the largest groups now coming into US (3/4ths of family reunification entrants are Asian), and the problem of hate crimes and generational poverty among Asian Americans. We will also examine the achievements of Asian Americans, spotlighting people in each group.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the facts of the Asian American presence in the United States and the historical events, court cases, wars, laws, and social movements that most affected Asian Americans.
• Identify ideas, behaviors, and policies of the major parties toward Asian Americans.
• Identify and view primary source documents, snippets of documentary footage, and photographs of Asian Americas in the U.S. past.

Instructor: Dr. Gretchen Eick, Lecturer, Department of History

Geological Wonders of the 50 States

*In-person option full as of 7/15/2025*

GEOL 150S | CRN 14836
Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20, & 27 | 1-3p

The United States encompasses over 3.5 million square miles and 12 separate geological provinces each with unique characteristics and magnificent places to see. A wide range of geologic structures can be found within our nation and within each state including volcanoes, mountains, canyons, plains, plateaus, faults and caves. In this course, participates travel to all 50 states, stopping to look at some of the most spectacular and beautiful geology in the world, including many little-known locations, while learning the geologic processes which formed these special places.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the formation of geologic features using plate tectonics.
• Identify geologic features formed by hotspots and volcanoes.
• Analyze why some of the most impressive geologic structures are found along divergent and convergent plate boundaries.
• Differentiate the 12 geologic provinces found within the United States.

Instructor: Heather Merchant, Lecturer, Department of Geology

Modern Ireland: From Imperialism to Peace

HIST 150BO | CRN 14928
Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 1-3p

Ireland has continued to be of significant interest particularly to American citizens. Irishness is entrenched in American heritage and identity, often embraced with both hands by families nationwide. However, often at the interface of such explorations, we question how much we actually understand about that specific Irish familial line. In this class, we will explore the impacts of colonialism in creating an Irish diaspora, the position of Ireland under colonialism and its global effects, and the violence of union and partition through to the peace process in shaping modern Irish identity and politics.
This class will not have a in-person instructor, as Stephen will be presenting from his home in Northern Ireland. However, you are welcome to watch the scheduled live-stream at the Metropolitan Complex. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop an understanding of Irish history and a sensitivity toward the nuancing of Irish identities in Ireland and in other nations such as the United States.
• Become aware of key themes such as diaspora, imperialism, peace, and partition.
• Engage in conversation about Irish history and Irish politics within a classroom setting.

Instructor: Dr. Steven Donnelly, Lecturer, Department of History

Generative AI: Promises and Perils

*In-person option full as of 7/15/2025*

HNRS 364 | CRN 14953
Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17 & October 1 | 1-3p

The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022 took the world by storm. Today, a myriad of generative AI models are rapidly permeating nearly all aspects of our economy, our government, our education, and our personal lives. But where did this revolutionary technology come from? How does it work? Is it really a breakthrough, or just the next step in AI development (or both)? In this class we will answer these questions as we learn just why generative AI is so unprecedented, unlike any technology humans have seen before. A bulk of the class will be spent acquiring the knowledge and tools needed to engage in informed debate regarding ethical issues of this technology, in the domains of economics, world politics, bias/alignment, and the nature of intelligence and consciousness. Very importantly, we will include a discussion of the worst-case outcomes of AI development. Will we see a Terminator scenario, and if so how would it actually come about  - and can we stop it? Finally, we will review basic recommendations of how to prompt for success.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the basics of how generative AI technology works, and situate its development within the broader history of technology.
• Explore the ethical implications of the technology, including economics, geopolitics, fairness, philosophies of mind and personhood, and existential risk.
• Identify tips and tricks of how to use generative AI effectively.

Instructor: Dr. Christin Manning, Assistant Teaching Professor, College of Engineering

Shakespeare

ENGL 150F | CRN 14927
Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18 & October 2 | 1-3p

Designed for everyone – whether new to Shakespeare or well-acquainted with his work – who wants to explore his work in depth. Students read a representative sample of Shakespeare’s plays to acquaint themselves with the joys and complexities of his language and storytelling, consider some of the historical and literary influences on his work, and look at some film and stage performances of these plays to think about the ways Shakespeare’s work continues to be reimagined.

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyze a selection of plays written by William Shakespeare.
• Interpret and evaluate theatrical and filmic representations of Shakespearean work.
• Acquire content knowledge of a selection of Shakespeare’s work, their cultural and historical contexts, and their ongoing influence.

Instructor: Dr. Fran Connor, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of English

Talkin’ ‘bout my (and your) generation

*In-person option full as of 7/11/2025*

HIST 150BK | CRN 14762
Mondays, September 8, 15, 29 & October 6 | 1-3p

We hear about generational differences in the news. In this class, we go beyond the stereotypes to dig a little deeper into generational theory and why it can be controversial.  While the concepts of generations can be oversimplified, they are still useful tools to understand how and why folks from different eras think and behave the way they do. We will do this by exploring the stories of those generations that are shaping and reshaping our society today: Week 1: Silent Generation and Baby Boomers; Week 2: Generation Jones and Generation X; Week 3: Millennials and the 21st century paradigm shift; Week 4: Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

Learning Outcomes:

• Analyze key concepts and controversies surrounding generational theory to develop a critical understanding of its strengths, limitations, and societal impact.
• Compare and contrast the values, behaviors, and perspectives of different generations to better understand intergenerational dynamics in contemporary society.
• Interpret and reflect on real-life stories and experiences from various generations to gain insight into how historical and cultural contexts shape generational identities.

Instructor: Dr. Jay Price, Professor, Department of History

Hollywood vs. Broadway: Is the Relationship Symbiotic or Parasitic?

THEA 150G | CRN 14835
Wednesdays, October 15, 22, 29 & November 5 | 1-3p

Designed to explore the development of musical theatre in America and its impact on both Broadway and Hollywood. Although musicals on stage and on film have many things in common, differences evolved that sometimes seemed competitive. The class looks at this development and asks the question: is this relationship symbiotic or parasitic?

Learning Outcomes:

• Discover how the development of musical theatre impacted both Broadway and Hollywood.
• Explore the commonalities and the differences as both continued to evolve.
• Discover how historic and economic changes in the country impacted this relationship.
• Discuss how this relationship has shifted throughout the 20th century and where it stands now. 

Instructor: Linda Starkey, Retired Faculty, Lecturer, School of Performing Arts

Kansas Under Water: Geology of the Cretaceous Seaway

GEOL 150T | CRN 14903
Thursdays, October 16, 23, 30 & November 6 | 1-3p

The Western Interior Seaway, or Cretaceous Seaway, was a large inland sea that split North America into two landmasses during the Cretaceous Period (113 – 66 million years ago). This sea completely covered Kansas and was responsible for many of the rock layers and some of the most important fossil finds in the world. This course explores the geologic origins of the sea, the creatures that roamed its waters, and the sedimentary rocks it left behind.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize and analyze geologic features created and shaped by water.
• Explain transgressions and regressions of ocean waters.
• Identify fossils from the Western Interior Seaway.
• Name the Eons, Eras, and Periods on the geologic time scale.

Instructor: Heather Merchant, Lecturer, Department of Geology

Listen Up! Unlocking the Secrets of Sound

Music 150O | 14904
Mondays, October 20, 27 & November 3, 10 | 1-3p

Listen Up! Unlocking the Secrets of Sound invites you to explore the art of deep listening and discover what makes music truly move us. You’ll learn to identify elements like melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture, sharpening your ability to hear patterns, forms, and emotional nuance. Whether you’re a curious listener or a musician, this course will transform the way you experience music.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize basic elements of music—like melody, rhythm, harmony, and texture—and understand how they work together.
• Listen more deeply and notice patterns, moods, and structures in the music you hear.
• Understand why certain songs or pieces of music feel meaningful or emotionally powerful to you.
• Gain tools to enjoy music on a whole new level, whether you’re at a concert, streaming a playlist, or just listening in the car.

Instructor: Steve Hatfield, Applied Instructor, School of Music

Dreams of El Dorado: Triumph and Tragedy 

*In-person option full as of 7/9/2025*

HIST 150BN | CRN 14849
Tuesdays, October 21, 28 & November 4, 11 | 1-3p

This course examines the story of the westward movement and settlement of the United States with an emphasis on the conflict and issues involved inherent to the changing western landscape.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the issues involved in the nation moving westward and the change and displacement connected to increased population and settlement.
• Understand the geography and people groups involved in the American West.
• Demonstrate how the story of the American West makes the United States unique and quite possibly how this phenomenon still shapes our national identity in the present era.

Instructor: Ken Spurgeon, Lecturer, Department of History