Lifelong Learning offers first-hand, behind-the-scenes glimpse of notorious crimes
Janel Shoun |
But this is no fantasy as of this fall when Lipscomb University holds its annual Lifelong Learning program for people of retirement and semi-retirement age. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m., Dick Garner, former chief of special operations for ATF, and Starley Carr, former special agent for the FBI, will present “Just the Facts, Ma’am,” a five-week class on the Lipscomb campus providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the hunt for notorious criminals and the day-to-day life of a federal agent.
Don't worry: These ladies are not criminals! They are enjoying Pilates at the Lifelong Learning program for retirees.
From prison riots and bank robberies to the Olympic Park bomber Eric Rudolph and Ruby Ridge, Garner and Carr, both of Nashville, have seen more than their share of high-profile crime. The pair will offer a history of the FBI, describe the daily life of a federal law enforcement officer, dispel myths, provide little-known details of nationally publicized crimes and share the human side of past tragedies.
“Just the Facts, Ma’am” is just one of 12 courses offered in two five-session, day-time classes in Lipscomb’s Lifelong Learning Program, a non-credit program designed for seniors who want to expand their knowledge and explore new ideas in an informal, noncompetitive environment.
The first session begins Sept.3 and features five seminars on topics such as World War II, the history of country music and strategies for dealing with end-of-life issues. The second session, beginning Oct. 15, features five courses including the law enforcement seminar, one on the history of modern China and a seminar on the Concord novelists.
Most Lifelong Learning classes are held at 2:30 p.m. in the Ezell Center, and take place one day a week for five weeks. Two special courses will be offered this year: an all-day travel day to Savannah, Tenn., to discuss the Battle of Shiloh on Oct. 27 and a one-week course called “Lost Civilizations,” held Jan. 7-11, 2008. A complete list of classes and a schedule follows below.Unless noted below, the cost for each class is $50, but an individual can take two courses in the same session for $75 or a couple living in the same household can each take the same class for $75.
To register for Lipscomb Lifelong Learning, print out a registration form at http://lifelonglearning.lipscomb.edu/, call 615.966.5733 or toll-free at 800.333.4358, ext. 5733, or email coordinator Patty Dugger at patty.dugger@lipscomb.edu.
Holy Spirit
Mondays, Sept. 3-Oct. 1, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Ezell Center.
Dr. Harvey Floyd, professor of Bible and Greek, will answer questions such as “What does the Holy Spirit do for the Christian?” “Can a person understand the Gospel only through the Holy Spirit?” or “Does the Holy Spirit directly inform about choices between right and wrong?”
Critical Decisions of World War II
Tuesdays, Sept. 4 –Oct. 2, 4:00– 5:30 p.m., Ezell Center
Dr. Tim Johnson, a military historian and author,will survey the Second World War with emphasis on crucial decisions that affected the outcome of the conflict.
The History of Country Music
Wednesdays, Sept. 5-Oct. 4, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Ezell Center.
John Bridges, musician, writer and historian, will use a combination of recordings and slides of the 100 most significant country artists to trace this great music genre from its earliest roots to the present.
Family Conversations
Thursdays, Sept. 6-Oct, 4, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Ezell Center
James Vandiver, director of the Resource Center on Aging at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, will teach this course designed to cover aging and end-of-life topics such as leaving your legacy, memorializing your wishes, decision-making dilemmas and caring for yourself and others.
Computer I
Fridays, Sept. 7-Oct. 5, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Beaman Library
Al Austelle, associate professor of computer science and director of the center of instructional technology, will teach this comfortable, easy-going approach to basic computer use. Topics include e-mail, the Internet, Microsoft Word, digital cameras, scanners and more.
Eccentric but Creative Concord Writers
Mondays, Oct. 15- Nov. 12, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Ezell Center.
Dr. Dennis Loyd will examine the lives and works of such writers as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and others.
Staying in Touch with God: The Discipline of Prayer
Tuesdays, Oct. 16- Nov.13 at 2:30-4:00 p.m., Center for Spiritual Renewal at Longview
Dr. Carl McKelvey will teach this course designed to assist the student in understanding the importance of daily prayer as a means of developing and maintaining a personal relationship with God.
Modern China in Historical Context: Emperors, Warlords, Bureaucrats and Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, Oct. 17- Nov. 14, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Ezell Center.
Guy Vanderpool, history professor and former U.S. intelligence officer, will review the history of China from its beginnings to its recent rise as a world power.
Just the Facts, Ma’am
Thursdays, Oct. 18- Nov. 15, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Ezell Center.
Starley Carr, former special agent of the FBI, and Dick Garner, former ATF special agent, will provide through presentations, discussions, and even some humor, a behind-the-scenes account of the life of a special agent and inside views of investigations of local, national and international interest.
Computer II
Fridays, Oct. 19- Nov. 16, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Beaman Library
Al Austelle will present a continuation of Computer I, exploring Windows, Internet searches, word processing, spreadsheets and maintenance.
Lost Civilizations
January 7-11, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Location TBA
Dr. David Lawrence will lead a study of several of the fascinating lost civilizations, such as Etruscans, Parthians, Edomites, Phoenicians, the lost tribe of Israel and the legends of Atlantis. The course will discuss how these civilizations left their mark and influenced the course of history.
Travel Day: The Battle of Shiloh
Oct. 27, 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Location to meet TBA
Cost: $85
Dr. Tim Johnson, historian, author and military expert, will host this one-day seminar combining lecture, video and on-site visits to explore the Battle of Shiloh. The group will travel to Savannah, Tenn., to visit the Cherry Mansion, the Shiloh Battlefield and eat lunch at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel.