Class Offerings - Lifelong Learning
We look forward to seeing you this semester!
The Lifelong Learning courses for Fall 2024 run from Sept. 3 through Nov. 21. In the Fall 2024 Classes section below, click the + icon in the tabs to expand each day to see details of our class offerings.
Register Online - Fall 2024 Classes Printable Registration Form
*Note: Current and retired Lipscomb faculty and staff are eligible for a 50% discount off certain in-person/Zoom classes and the video-only class when registering using the downloadable registration form above. Discount does not apply to Special Gatherings or the Adult Beginning Piano Class 1 events. If you prefer to register online, please contact amy.hamar [at] lipscomb.edu (Amy Hamar) for the discount code.
Class Offerings - Fall 2024
Mondays
America’s Civics Lesson: Election 2024
September 9, 16, 23, 30 | October 7, 21, 28 | November 4, 11, 18
- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. CT
- Zoom Only
- Cost: $150
Instructor: Linda Peek Schacht (’72), Lipscomb University Faculty (Retired)
America’s Civics Lesson returns this fall as Linda Peek Schacht brings her Washington experience, political and communication expertise, and historical perspective to a weekly look at current affairs with special guests from media and politics.
What does it mean to be an informed, engaged and active citizen during this election? What is our responsibility to public discourse and in our individual conversations? This course’s goal is to give you the understanding of the issues, politics and stakes of this election and the tools to critique both the media and the candidates so you will be better informed and help inform others.
History and the theories and reality of presidential and political communication will be our foundation each week as we consider the actions, communication and coverage of the Presidential candidates. We will look at state races that will determine control of the House and Senate. What about the validity of polls and the impact of election interference, domestic and foreign? What are the ads, campaign visits, and get out the vote efforts in key swing states where a few thousand votes can determine a presidency? How do we navigate the changes in the information ecosystem and more sophisticated propaganda methods vying for our attention? When influencers on TikTok and YouTube, and primetime hosts on Fox News and MSNBC are sources for siloed voting segments, where do we find what Kathleen Hall Jamieson calls “consensual fact”? How are the candidates responding to a world where storytelling trumps rhetorical argument?
These and other questions will take us through one of the longest general election campaigns in history, with our final classes after election day. Suggested viewing and reading provided throughout the semester.
Paul’s Mission in Greece and John’s Seven Churches in Turkey
October 21, 28 | November 4, 11, 18
- 10-11:30 a.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Instructor: Scott Sager, D.Min., Vice President of Spiritual Development & Church Services, College of Bible & Ministry, Lipscomb University
Join us for this biblical journey through Greece and Turkey as we travel along with Paul and John. We will begin with Paul on his missionary journeys in Acts, then jump over to Revelation to tag along with John in a visit to the Seven Churches of Asia. Each class will be filled with images from the biblical sites as well as a biblical explanation of the culture, the challenges and the insights. This class will be a blessing to anyone but especially all those interested in traveling to Turkey, Greece and Italy on a future Lifelong Learning travel adventure.
Tuesdays
Earth’s Changing Climate: The Science, Psychology and Politics
September 3, 10, 17, 24 | October 1
- 10-11:30 a.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Instructor: Jim Arnett, Ph.D. (’67), Lipscomb University Professor of Biology (Retired)
This class will attempt to present a primer on climate change, covering it as a historical, global event with scientific, psychological, political, economic and moral dimensions. Arnett’s training as a biologist rather than a climate scientist—along with the enormity of the subject—will necessarily limit the complexity and depth of class content and discussions. But his research and selected coverage will hopefully permit a treatment that is reasonably understandable for an interested lay audience.
Given the serious implications of the topic in terms of Earth's living conditions for current and coming generations, Arnett’s goal is to provide accurate information along with hope for the future. He also will present actions—collective and individual—that we can take to help avoid the most negative outcomes.
Adult Beginning Piano Class I
September 3, 10, 17, 24 | October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | November 5
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Piano Lab, McMeen Music Building, Lipscomb University
- Cost: $265 includes materials
- Capacity: 10
Instructor: Jackie Edwards-Henry, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Piano, Mississippi State University; Adjunct Instructor and Collaborative Pianist, Lipscomb University
In collaboration with Lipscomb University’s School of Music, Lifelong Learning offers a series of 10, one-hour evening classes for adults who wish to avoid traffic congestion and de-stress by learning to make music and play piano at a relaxed pace. Adult beginners are defined as those who are 25 or older and have little or no prior experience with piano.
Only 10 spaces are available, and they will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the program includes the method books.
Why are Americans So Divided—The Real Story of Modern American Politics
October 22, 29 | November 5, 12, 19
- 9-10:30 a.m. CT
- In-Person & Zoom
- Location: Fellowship Hall, Church of Christ in Green Hills; 3805 Granny White Pike
- Cost: $80
Instructor: David French, J.D. (’91), Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Policy, Lipscomb University College of Leadership and Public Service
If you talk to any person who closely studies American politics, they'll tell you that it is dominated by anger and fear. They have a term for it—"negative polarization." That means that people support their party not because they necessarily love their party or its politicians, but because they hate or fear the other side.
Polling tells us that partisan animosity is greater than any time in generations, and some fear that we're more divided than we've been since the Civil War. How did this happen? Why did we reach this terrible impasse? In some ways, our division has little to do with the Democratic Party or Republican Party and a lot more to do with geography, mobility, isolation, and technology. This class will explore the true reasons for American division, and the best path out of the darkness.
Music at the Mansion
October 22, 29 | November 5, 12, 19
- 2-3:30 p.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Facilitator: Janet McMahan (’75), Performing Artist, Writer and Producer
Back by popular demand, Music at the Mansion returns on Oct. 22. Join us for five fun-filled Tuesday afternoons of toe-tapping, hand-clapping and brain tickling tunes. From the celebratory to the cerebral you'll be entertained, educated and enlightened the sounds, the history and the very essence of a broad spectrum of genres. Bring your curious heart, your adventuresome spirit and get ready to feel soothed, energized, encouraged and inspired … all the things music does best. In a recent article from Johns Hopkins, the writer stated, "If you want to firm up your body, head to the gym. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to music.”
So do your brain a favor and join us for Music at the Mansion!
Wednesdays
Research of the Lanier Center for Archaeology: The Inside Scoop!
September 4, 11, 18, 25 | October 2
- 2-3:30 p.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Instructor: Steve Ortiz, Ph.D., Director, Lanier Center for Archaeology
This course will be two-fold: 1) participants will be exposed to the recent research and excavation results from the Lanier research and field projects; and 2) a selection of Ph.D. students will present their research and implications for reconstructing the historicity of the biblical text.
Ortiz will present an overview of the research projects with a special emphasis on Ancient Israel. This also provides an opportunity for our young scholars to present their research to a receptive audience. Our projects in the foothills of Judah (e.g. Tel Gezer and Tel Burna-biblical Libnah) will be featured this semester.
This is a great opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge of the impact archaeology has on the history of ancient Judah and the expansion of the monarchy, while also supporting our Ph.D. students.
Nashville Media: An Examination of Its History, Its Impact and Its Future
October 23, 30 | November 6, 13, 20
- 2-3:30 p.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Facilitator: Elizabeth Owen (’70), Retired from Careers in Government, Politics, Consumer Protection and Public Relations
Remember waiting till the end of the day to catch up on the TV news? Leisurely reading the daily printed newspaper for local news? The world has changed, and now we can keep up with news as it happens right on our phones. The future of the press is here now—not only has the way we get our news changed, but the sheer amount of news available to us can be overwhelming. Convenient? Yes, but that presents challenges. Who can you trust? Is it fact or opinion? Does it affect me locally? Perhaps most important—what is happening to the media here in Nashville?
Each week we will talk with professionals from all aspects of the Nashville media—people whose names and faces you will recognize, knowledgeable insiders and newcomers who are working to keep our news sources viable and trustworthy. Their expertise and years of experience will help guide us as we navigate the ongoing changes.
Join us for lively and informative conversations about the history of the Nashville press, changes happening right now and predictions for the future. This is a class to learn and share, so bring your questions and opinions.
Thursdays
Cooking & Southern Hospitality
September 5, 12, 19, 26 | October 3
- 10-11:30 a.m. CT
- In-Person Only.
- Location: Avalon House
- Cost: $80
- Capacity: 16
Instructor: Mary Nelle Chumley (’53), Lipscomb University Alumna & Special Event Hostess
Meet with Mary Nelle Chumley for another opportunity to find out about cooking the “easy way.” You will be able to watch demonstrations for making food from a different food category each week. You will also learn shortcuts in planning, cooking and serving meals. Best of all, at the end of each class we will “eat what we learn!” Different recipes are highlighted each semester.
The Birds and the Bees: Using Native Plants to Benefit Wildlife
September 5, 12, 19, 26 | October 3
- 2-3:30 p.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Instructor: Paul Prill, Ph.D., Retired Lipscomb University Professor (Retired); Certified Master Gardener of Davidson County and Certified Tennessee Naturalist
Winter is actually the best time to plant a native garden—although it sounds counterintuitive, especially after the hard freeze of this past winter. During these five weeks, we will learn why native plants are so important to a healthy yard and community, what native plants work well in middle Tennessee, how to think about landscaping your space for maximum utility, how to get ready for winter and early spring. We will also talk about how plants “communicate” with each other and with the insects that pollinate them.
- Session 1 - How a diversity of native plants restores the balance of nature
- Session 2 - What are native plants and how do I use them in the garden?
- Session 3 - What plants know
- Session 4 - Landscaping with native plants
- Session 5 - What to do while you wait for spring
Early American Fiction
October 24, 31 | November 7, 14, 21
- 10-11:30 a.m. CT
- In-Person Only
- Location: Longview Mansion
- Cost: $80
Instructor: Willie Steele, Ph.D. (’95), Lipscomb University Professor of English; Co-Editor, NINE: A Journal of Baseball History and Culture
In "Early American Fiction," Willie Steele, professor of English, will lead an exploration of early American fiction. In this class, we will explore the lives and stories of four of the most prolific writers from 19th century America: Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain. This course is designed to provide an overview of early American literature and will examine why it took so long for American writers to publish fiction and how these writers helped establish a uniquely American voice in literature. The format will include both lecture and discussions on at least one piece from each author.
Video-Only Course
The Philosophies of the American Foundings
The Philosophies of the American Foundings
- 5 Video-recorded sessions of the 2024 spring semester course
- Cost: $80
Instructor: David French (’91) J.D., Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Policy, Lipscomb University College of Leadership and Public Service
The best way to think of the American experiment is that it truly had two foundings. The first took the moral clarity of the Declaration of Independence and translated it into a Constitution that was both revolutionary for its time and also contained a fundamental flaw that almost destroyed our new nation. The second founding—the "new birth of freedom" promised by Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address—is what truly transformed the character of our young republic and created the nation we know today.
Using the video-recordings of French's five classes from his spring 2024 course, we'll walk through the philosophical and moral origins of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Civil War Amendments. What did the founders think of human nature? Of the role of government? What did they get right? What did they get wrong? And we'll end with a challenging question: As Americans grow increasingly alienated from each other, and the bonds of civic fellowship are strained to the breaking point, do we need yet another constitutional revolution to preserve the American experiment?