January 28 – February 29 Session A
Course Descriptions
Basic Meteorology: Weather, the Most Talked About Subject (S8A1)
Day/Time: Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dates: January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25
Location: Hiner Room, Memorial Hall
Description: This course includes discussion of atmospheric processes, air masses, frontal systems, jet streams, moisture advection, and non-atmospheric phenomena that can affect the weather. The objective of this course is to promote an understanding of weather and its unpredictability.
Course Leader: George Hirschmann is a graduate of LaSalle University in Philadelphia and Mississippi State Broadcast Meteorology Program. He is currently the chief meteorologist at WHSV-TV.
PC (NOT for MAC Users) Computer Software Maintenance and Operation (limited to 12 participants) (S8A2)
Day/Time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Tuesday, Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. THIS CLASS IS FULL
Dates: January 28, 30, February 1, 5, 7 (note different schedule)
Location: Blue Ridge Hall, Room 334
Description: The PC Computer Maintenance and Operation Course will touch on a little of everything including computer hardware, setup and normal operation. However, the main emphasis will be on computer applications used to maintain optimum performance. The course is geared toward enabling users to better customize their personal computer, understand fundamentals of how your computer works, and maintain your computer in optimum running order. Additionally, we will cover how to setup and best manage e-mail connections (i.e. Outlook Express and Outlook). The curriculum may be extremely diversified (depending on questions asked by the students)...this course is flexible in that regard to hopefully provide answers to the student’s questions.
Course Leader: Kenton (Mac) E. McMillen began his training in computers while serving in the United States Navy. After retiring from the U. S. Navy, he was employed by two defense contractors. In September 2002, Mac joined the Information Technology team here at JMU and is currently employed as a Computer Support Technician for Technical Support East Campus (TSEC).
Looking Back Is Easy: Battles of WWII in the Pacific – Part 1 (S8A3)
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dates: January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Location: Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park Participants may take either Part 1 or Part 2, or both
Description: In this first half of the course, we will start by reviewing the political and economic situation in Japan leading to Pearl Harbor. Was Emperor Hirohito the instigator and aggressive war leader or a “rubber stamp” botanist? We will start with the rise of the Japanese Empire (1904-1937) and go on to the last days of peace (war plans and Pearl Harbor (1938-1947). Next we will consider Japan’s “Strike South” at the U.S. and the loss of the Philippines (1941-1942). Then, we will examine the rampage through Malaya and fall of Singapore (1942). Finally, we will look at the turning point of the Pacific war, Coral Sea and Midway. Besides some key battles, such as Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guadalcanal, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa, we will explore the role of significant personalities from the Japanese and American military including what they did and what they tried to do. We will even look at a beautiful Chinese spy. The classes will include brief video clips of battles, material from Japanese diaries translated as late at the 1970’s, and will encourage discussion about the disastrous first months of war against Japan, and what that meant to our continuing efforts in the Pacific.
Course Leader: LLI member Richard J. Lorette graduated with a B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, received an M.B.A. in Engineering Administration from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Business and Government Relations from the Harvard Business School, Harvard University.
Inside the News (S8A4)
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 pm.– 3:00 p.m.
Dates: January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Location: Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park
Description: Ever wonder what to believe, or what might be missing, from a news report, or how and why it was produced… or whether it’s worth your time? In this course we will look at trends and issues in journalism including ethics, “objectivity”, “spin”, investigative reporting, the role of “the personal”, consideration of ownership, and characteristics of traditional “gatekeeper” media (newspapers, radio, TV) versus the Internet. How has journalism changed in our lifetimes? What do we want from news? Does democracy depend on a free press… and what makes it “free”? Group exercises will include comparing coverage of an event, preparing for hypothetical interviews, selecting the headlines you would place on a front page, and exploring controversies. You’ll be encouraged to read, watch and listen to media sources that are new to you, and share your findings.
Course Leader: LLI member Chris Edwards has worked for nearly 20 years in print journalism (reporting and occasional editing). Having served on the staff of two newspapers – first a weekly, later a daily – she switched to freelance writing in 2000. She currently writes for JMU’s Madison magazine, EMU’s website and the local eightyone. She earned a B.A. in English from Hollins University.
Suggested Reading: Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect, by Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel, Crown Publishing, 2007 paperback: $13.95.
Watercolor: Basic Landscapes (limited to 16 participants) (S8A5)
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
Location: Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park
Description: This class is designed for the beginning watercolor student as well as more advanced students wanting a refresher. We will review basic techniques of washes, brush techniques, masking, composition, linear, and aerial perspective. Materials to be bought by participants: small sketchbook, pencils, eraser, sponge, watercolor paper, brushes, palette, water container, masking or gummed tape and watercolor paints. Suggested colors are: raw sienna, cadmium lemon, cadmium yellow, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber, light red, alizarin crimson, Winsor red, Payne’s gray, cobalt blue, Winsor blue green shade, Winsor blue red shade and French Ultramarine. We will be using the book Watercolors in a Weekend (landscapes) by Frank Halliday. It might be available at the Book Fair, but there will be several copies in class for you to refer to as needed.
Course Leader: LLI member Peg LaRosa has a BFA from Stratford College, a M.Ed. from Madison College (JMU), and began teaching in 1969. She taught art at Elkton High School from 1972-1980 and taught art at Spotswood High School from 1980-1999. She was the Assistant Principal at Spotswood from 1999-2002, and retired in 2002. She is enjoying her days in the Shenandoah Valley, drawing and working on her art.
From Aristotle to Bill O’Reilly: A History of Rhetorical Traditions (S8A6)
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
Location: Hiner Room, Memorial Hall
Description: The course offers a series of investigations into the history and traditions of rhetoric, most broadly defined as the art of persuasion. Course participants are invited to explore some of what has been written about rhetoric during the last 2,500 years. The course is organized by historical eras that are in turn defined by social and cultural conditions which have influenced the development of the art. The Classical Greek Heritage –Gogias to Aristotle, The Classical Roman Heritage – Cicero and Quintillian, The Middle Ages and the Renaissance – St. Augustine to Francis Bacon, The Enlightenment through the Nineteenth Century – Locke, Vico, Blair, The Twentieth Century – Philosophers vs. Ideologists.
Course Leader: Elisabeth Gumnior is an Associate Professor in Writing and Rhetoric Studies at JMU. During the fall of 2006 she has taught “Making Muggle Magic: Exploring the World of Harry Potter” for the LLI. Currently, she continues to explore that world through her academic lens. In addition, she teaches courses in first-year writing, literacy studies, and rhetoric in the public sphere.
Five World Religions (S8A7)
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
Location: Augusta County Government Center Training Room, Verona, VA
Description: This course will examine the historical foundations, major ideas, and practices of five non-Western spiritual traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam. We will also explore the impact of each on current world affairs.
Course Leader: LLI member Edward Piper received his Ph.D. in Psychology and Religion from the University of Chicago (1975). He is presently serving as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro. He previously held positions as Professor of Psychology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Dean of Academic Services at Mary Washington College.
Suggested Reading: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the World’s Religions (3rd ed.) by Brandon Toropov or The World’s Religions, by Huston Smith.
It Only Began with Darwin: Understanding Evolution (S8A8)
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (note different time)
Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Hiner Room, Memorial Hall
Description: The evolutionary process is scientifically documented but socially controversial. Science doesn’t have to be scary; this class will examine key topics with minimal jargon. Topics will include the nature and philosophy of science, basic, molecular and population genetics, mutation, natural selection, speciation, the fossil record, and causes of ancient and modern extinctions, as well as questions of interest to the class members.
Course Leader: Sarah Swank is Emerita Professor of Biology at Bridgewater College. She completed a B.S. at Madison College (now JMU), M.A. at the University of Virginia and Ph.D. in the Ecology and Evolution program of the University of Southern California. She has taught Evolution at Bridgewater College for the past 20 years and has taught field courses in Tropical Ecology in the Americas and Africa.
A Stitch in Time: The History of Old Order Mennonite Quilting in Rockingham County (limited to 10 participants – lottery class) (S8A9)
Day/Time: Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. THIS CLASS IS FULL
Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park
Description: The dominant folk art tradition of our county’s Old Order Mennonite women has always been quilting. Today, it is still taught to virtually every young girl through instruction in parochial schools and homes. This class will address the meaning of quilting to women, the church influences, quilting parties, the role of men in quilting, patterns, fabrics and frugality. The class will take two or three field trips to the Dayton area to visit a little-known quilting supply shop, and to interview the two most influential quilters in the Old Order community today.
Course Leader: Betsy Eggleston received her M.S. in Art from JMU, and a M.A. in The History of American Decorative Arts from the Smithsonian Associates/Parsons School of Design. She was formerly the Curator of Decorative Arts at Belle Grove Plantation, a National Trust for Historic Preservation property located in Middletown, VA.
The Mormons: History, Theology, Community (S8A10)
Day/Time: Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dates: February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 210 South Ave. Harrisonburg
Description: This course will discuss the history, theology, and community life of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the fourth largest religious denomination in the United States, which is better known as the Mormons. Topics will include major events in 19th century Mormon history: the founding of the church, the coming forth and content of the Book of Mormon, migrations under pressure from New York to Missouri to Illinois to Utah, and the practice/discontinuance of polygamy. What Mormons call “the plan of salvation” will be discussed, along with related theological topics such as Mormon Christology. Contemporary community life – how the average Mormon lives today – will be reviewed. The course will also touch upon the role of faith in the lives of prominent Mormon politicians such as Mitt Romney and Harry Reid.
Course Leader: Val Larsen has undergraduate degrees in English and Philosophy from Brigham Young University, an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in Marketing from Virginia Tech. He has taught at Virginia Tech, Truman State University, and James Madison University. He is a fifth generation Mormon.
