Academy of Seniors

1. ENACTMENTS OF THE HOLOCAUST IN LITERARY NARRATIVE, THEATRE AND FILM

February 19, 21, 26, 28 (Mondays/Wednesdays)
1:30-3:30 pm

An Introduction to the Holocaust: Historic and Personal

February 19

Gain an understanding of the historical events leading to the Holocaust with discussions of the personal impact on both presenters. Audience participation will be encouraged.

Alvin Goldfarb, Professor and President Emeritus, Western Illinois University
Roberta Seelinger Trites, Distinguished Professor of English Emerita, Illinois State University

Theatrical Performance During the Holocaust

February 21

Learn of theatrical activities that met the dual roles of sustaining the culture and functioning as acts of resistance.

Alvin Goldfar

Anne Frank: The Diary of the Young Girl

February 26

Discover the backgrounds and ultimate fates of Frank family members and other residents of the Secret Annex, as well as identifying the literary qualities of Anne Frank’s diary revisions.

Roberta Seelinger Trites

Representing the Holocaust on Stage and Film 

February 28

Hear about depictions of the Holocaust in performance media, using the 1959 film The Diary of Anne Frank as one example.

Alvin Goldfarb with comments by Roberta Seelinger Trites

2. CHANGES IN JOURNALISM: FROM DISRUPTION TO REINVENTING THE NEWS

March 19, 26, April 2, 9 (Tuesdays)
1:30-3:30 pm

Over the past decade, more than 2,000 weekly and daily newspapers nationwide have closed. Thousands of others have turned into "ghost papers" – newspapers with few or no reporters. In fact, editorial staff nationwide at newspapers have been reduced by nearly two-thirds and the evidence of the cuts in staff is clear in central Illinois.

Based on the book Changing Models for Journalism, this course will recount what has happened to American journalism in the 21st Century but quickly move to how news is being reinvented by independent journalists, how technology and open data are being used for better journalism and how to find newsrooms and journalists you can trust. Learn ways to keep up with constant changes in news.

Brant Houston, Professor and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Chair in Investigative and Enterprise Reporting, College of Media, University of Illinois

3. MEMORY, COGNITION AND AGING: WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE TELL US?

March 25, 28, April 1, 4 (Mondays/Thursdays)
1:30-3:30 pm

Some lapses in memory are a normal part of aging. Recall of new information may begin to decline as early as the sixth decade of life even though intelligence and problem solving remain as strong as ever into advanced age. However, aging is the single greatest risk factor for developing many of the neurocognitive disorders. What are the best ways to identify a potentially serious problem and then finding the best resources for treating a temporary problem or diagnosing and managing a chronic condition? Discover the evidence-based 4Ms* framework being used nationwide to improve the care of older adults, including those issues relating to cognitive well-being.

*What Matters, Mentation, Mobility, Medication

The Importance of Cognition in Conversations About Health

March 25

Brenda Johnson, Associate Professor Emerita, Mennonite College of Nursing, ISU

Preventing, Detecting and Acting Upon Delirium

March 28

Mary J. Dyck, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Mennonite College of Nursing, ISU
Brenda Johnson, Associate Professor Emerita, Mennonite College of Nursing, ISU

Evidence-Based Strategies of Care for Living with a Chronic Cognitive Disorder

April 1

Michele Shropshire, Associate Professor, Mennonite College of Nursing, ISU 
Susan Hovey, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois-Chicago (Springfield Campus)

Evidence-Based Strategies to Maximize Cognitive Health into Advanced Age

April 4

Teresa Novy, Assistant Professor, Mennonite College of Nursing, ISU 
Sandra Nielsen, Undergraduate Program Director, Mennonite College of Nursing, ISU

4. COLONIAL MEXICO: THE CREATION OF A NEW SOCIETY IN SPANISH NORTH AMERICA

April 11, 18, 25, May 2 (Thursdays)
1:30-3:30 pm

Spanish officials based in Mexico City ruled for three centuries over territory that stretched from Florida to the Philippines. This class looks at the conquest years, the creation of new cultural and economic patterns in the Americas, the rebellions and religious competitions, and the violent independence wars of the 1800s.

Janice Jayes, Instructional Assistant Professor of History, ISU