Institute for Mature Learning
900 N Benton Ave
Springfield, MO 65802
Office: (417) 873-6952
iml@drury.edu
Course Schedule for Spring 2012
First Quarter 2012 – IML Courses
1st Tue each Month - Meet at 12:30 for lunch at Findlay Student Center
Feb 7 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
12:30 PM Meet at Commons for Lunch
“Gandhi’s Hinduism”
This discussion will be led by Dr. Jack Llewellyn, MSU Chairman of Religious Studies. Because he managed to successfully lead India to independence from British rule, Mahatma Gandhi became the most famous Hindu of the twentieth century. This discussion will explore ways he was typically Hindu.
Feb 14 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
Great American Novels
Dr. Randy Fuller, Drury University English Professor will lead this discussion. Since the 19th century, critics have discussed and debated the Great American Novel. Two candidates for the prize go to “Moby Dick,” by Herman Melville, and “Invisible Man,” by Ralph Ellison. We’ll learn about both these novels during this week and next week.
Feb 21 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
Continuation of discussion about Great American Novels
Dr. Fuller will continue his discussion.
Feb 28 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
The European financial crisis: What it means for America
Dr. Tom Wyrick, MSU Professor of Economics, will lead this discussion of financial troubles in the Euro-zone and the impact it will have on employment and investments in the USA.
Mar 6 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
12:30 PM Meet at Commons for Lunch
Generational Issues – How we are different and how we are the Same
Don Harkey of Galt Consulting will lead this discussion. For the first time in the history of mankind, there are 4 distinct generations in the workforce at the same time. This is making the differences between these generations really apparent. What are the differences? How do the different generations think? More importantly, what are the traits of people that transcend generations?
Mar 13 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
“Evil Eye Superstitions”
Paul Gill, MD retired and a member of Mature Learners will lead this discussion about superstitions.
Mar 20 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
Running the U. S. Medical Center – An Institute Built to Last
Juan Castillo, Warden of the U. S. Medical Center here in Springfield, will talk about the problems associated with running the program here in Springfield. The USMCFP’s long tradition of correctional healthcare excellence is, in large measure, due to their unwavering dedication to public service and loyalty to our great nation.
Mar 27 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
The Missouri Mormon War of 1836
Todd Wilkinson, Instructor of History at OTC and Drury, will discuss this little known war that occurred in Missouri in 1836.
Apr 3 – Meet at 2:00 PM at the Nature Center in Springfield, MO
12:30 PM Meet at Commons for Lunch
Field trip to the Nature Center
Linda Chorice, Nature Center Manager, has set up a meeting for us to view a film about Aldo Leopold and his connection with Missouri. Her staff will lead discussions about it after the film.
Apr 10 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
The Marketing of American Politics: A Review of What We Know and Some Ideas on What We are seeing in 2012
Dr. Brian Calfano, MSU Political Science Professor will continue the discussion which he started on September 27th at Mature Learners.
Apr 17 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Reed Auditorium in the Science Center
Stem Cell Research and What it Means for the Future
Drury Professor Dr. Roger Young will meet with us again to discuss Stem Cell Research. He has promised to make it more on our level this time. This is an extremely important topic for discussion and holds a lot of promise for our future and our descendant’s future.
Apr 24 – Meet at 2:00 PM in Olin Room of Olin Library
“True Stories of Christian County”
Wayne Glenn, renowned radio host and historian, will present this topic. Christian County was established in 1859 and in its early years, many bloody events occurred revolving around bushwhackers and baldknobbers.