Railpower
Winter 2009 Course Descriptions (January - March, 2009)
Energy: Fossil Fuels and Alternatives-Is there a satisfactory solution? (Seminar, 4 hours) This overview of alternative energy will cover the most likely alternatives to fossil fuels for the generation, production and storage of energy. Seminar will present an update on the global reserves of fossil fuels and prediction of how long they will last. The major categories of alternative energy sources will be discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Rick Diz, Ph.D., instructor
Classics of African American Literature (Course, 8 hours) Exploration of literary works by African American writers from fours period in American history. The Course will provide the historical and cultural background through which to view these selections, with emphasis on interpretations of African American critics. The following works will be read for the class: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Neale Hurston, and Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. Marjorie Podolsky, M.Ed., instructor
Photographic Images of Maritime History (Seminar, 4 hours) A visual presentation of Erie’s waterfront history. Seminar will illustrate content presented fall term in Roots of Erie Maritime History—the Iroquois Nation, the French voyagers, British ownership, discovery of Presque Isle, merchant schooners, canals, as well as the Lake Erie trade in iron smelting and ship building. Dr. David Frew, Ph.D., instructor
Will American Religion Survive the 21st Century? (Course, 8 hours) Course will explore provocations and dilemmas facing religion-- what does the near future hold, based on the trends of today. Course will address the questions of extreme climate variability, the growing rich/poor gap, the nature of community in a digital age, and living with the diversity of generations. How does a moderate or more complex understanding morality get a hearing in a world where extreme views get most attention? These are just a few of the dilemmas to be explored with economic, ethical, social, and, ultimately, faith questions. Very Reverend John Downey, MA, instructor
Two Shakespearean Kings (Course, 8 hours) Shakespeare’s plays, Richard II and I Henry IV (Part One) are interconnected histories. Course will follow the demise of King Richard and the ascendency of Henry Bolingbroke to the kingship of England. Shakespeare traces the horrors of the War of the Roses to the deposition of Richard II and the usurpation of the throne by Henry Bolingbroke. Richard II begins Shakespeare's presentation of history as the conflict of two individuals, which carries over to I Henry IV and introduces us to two of his most famous creations, Prince Hal and Falstaff. Dr. P. Barry McAndrew, D.L., instructor
The Art of Argument: A Look at the Rhetoric of Persuasion (Seminar, 4 hours) An argument is more than the colloquial definition of quarrel. The attempt to persuade others to accept a belief or adopt a course of action is a rhetorical structure used every day. The seminar will address Aristotelian techniques for analysis and evaluation of an argument and review classics from Thomas Jefferson, Jonathan Swift, Andrew Marvel and others. Rebecca Martin, M.A., instructor
World War II: The War Against Japan (Seminar, 4 hours) A look at the Pacific theater of World War II, from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to the bombing of Hiroshima. Dr. William Garvey, Ph.D., instructor
Acting for Teachers: Using Performance Techniques in the Front of the Classroom (Seminar, 4 hours) Designed for Act 48 professional development of educators across the curriculum. Rev. Shawn Clerkin, M.F.A., M.Div., AOJN, instructor
Lincoln: Legend & Lore (Lecture 1.5 hours) In honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, lecture will take a look at the post Lincoln legend and lore. Reference material includes Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin; Lincoln and Looking for Lincoln by Philip Kuhnhardt. Gene Dreyfus, M.B.A., instructor
Book Lecture Series (lecture, 1.5 hours) Local authors review and discuss their work, followed by book signing. January 25: The Greater Erie Trolleys by Ken Springirth; February 1: The Brewer’s Women by Mary Frances Baugh, M.A.; February 8: Conquest of the Ohio County by Pat Hart, M.Ed.; February 15: Pigs at Sea by Dr. David Frew, Ph.D.; February 22: Anthracite Lads by Atty. William Burke, J.D.
February 23: The Graduate Meet the stars and directors of the Erie Playhouse theater production of The Graduate-- appearing live on stage at the Playhouse, February 27-March 15. erieplayhouse.org
AFFORDABLE COSTS
Seminar cost is $25, with a guest $35; Course cost is $50, with a guest $60. Lectures are $10 each, with a guest $15; cost to register for full lecture series is $40, with a guest $50.
SOCIETY DISCOUNT AT ERIE BOOK STORE
The Erie Book Store offers registered Jefferson students a special Society discount up to 20% on selected books for classes and other recommended titles. Check out the January Jefferson display at the Erie Book Store, Lovell Place, 137 East 13th Street.