Discover long-lost cities, explore towering pyramids, and peer into ancient tombs. Experience an archaeological adventure designed to answer core questions from the discipline. How do archaeologists know where to search? What is the proper way to excavate? How are sites dated? What information do artifacts reveal? We'll meet charismatic people, learn the tools of the trade, and wrestle with the ethics of studying past cultures. Our travels take us to exotic places like ancient Mesoamerica, imperial China, and the Nile Valley. Finally, we'll arrive back in Ohio to uncover our own region’s fascinating history.

In this seminar we explore the dangers of Christian Nationalism and related apocalyptic and end-time movements. These movements are by all reports growing and cast a dark cloud over America in this hyper-polarized political moment. Adherents to these religio-political movements have the goal of turning America into a theocracy: One nation under God; but their God and for their ends. Those associated with these movements typically see themselves as literally girding their loins for what they contend to be the final battle between Good and Evil. Scholars and social critics suggest that there are legions among us who have one unshakeable goal: To establish in the United States the Kingdom of God, one ruled by the Elect, and premised on authoritarian and patriarchal principles. Their objective is to radically remake key aspects of American government and education so as to impose their version of Christianity and morality upon the rest of us. This seminar will challenge participants to reflect on the rise of these troubling religio-political movements within contemporary American Christianity; movements that can only be viewed as a perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This seminar invites participants on a musical journey to discover the personal soundtrack of their lives. Through guided reflection and discussion, the course explores how music influences us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and how it evokes powerful memories of people, places, and formative experiences. Participants will engage in informal writing activities—such as brainstorming and freewriting—using prompts related to family, life stages, meaningful lyrics, first concerts, and music associated with transformation or healing. These reflections will help each participant select 10–12 songs that represent their unique life soundtrack. Mini-narratives about each song will be developed into a personal essay. Song lyrics and short audio clips will also be examined, encouraging thoughtful reflection on the enduring role of music in one’s life.

It’s everywhere, accessible to anyone. It offers glimpses millions of years into the past, yet is always new. Though most of it is impossibly distant to visit in person, it has been an inseparable part of human culture for millennia. It is the night sky. No previous skygazing experience, astronomy textbook, or telescope is needed, just curiosity and simple tools which I will introduce. Discover new cosmic realms and revisit familiar ones. Learn how the universe’s diverse objects are born, mature, interact, and fade away. With time, patience, and quiet night moments, you may even perceive “the music of the spheres."

In this class you will learn more Zentangle patterns using tiles of different background colors, both square and round. Expand your creativity and focus while enjoying this relaxing meditative art form. Because this is an advanced class, you must have taken a beginning Zentangle class taught by a Certified Zentangle Teacher either at UDOLLI or another location.

ADDITONAL FEE: $15 paid to the Moderator at the first meeting.