Good Ideas 2008 GENERAL SESSIONS   9 - 10 AM

Tuesday - January 8

Odd Wisconsin: Doing Public History in a Digital Age

Michael Edmonds, Wisconsin Historical Society

Mr. Edmonds will discuss how one of the nation's oldest and most respected research institutions is adjusting to changes caused by the Internet. The Society, which operates the country's largest American history library as well as historic sites and museums around the state, is trying to "turn itself inside out" by sharing its collections on the Web. Edmonds will describe how the power to reach an enormous popular audience has altered traditional programs and spawned new ones, such as the blog, newspaper column, and book, Odd Wisconsin. A graduate of Harvard and an adjunct faculty member at UW, Edmonds joined the Society in 1982 and is in charge of the digital collections and services of its Library-Archives Division.

 Wednesday - January 9

Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven & Schubert at the Fortepiano

Trevor Stephenson

Stephenson began piano studies at age ten, and at twelve decided upon a life in music. Following degrees in piano performance from the University of Missouri and University of Illinois, he received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Historical Performance of Eighteenth-Century Music from Cornell University. In 1990 he moved to Madison, WI where, with Norman Sheppard, he began rebuilding and customizing a series of keyboard instruments ranging from Italian Renaissance harpsichords to Victorian pianos. In 1994 he founded the Light & Shadow concert and recording company and has issued twelve recordings on that label. Since 2004 he has served as harpsichordist and Artistic Director of the Madison Bach Musicians. He tours throughout the United States regularly giving concerts, lectures, and masterclasses.

 Thursday - January 10

Wisconsin Field Trips

Camille A. Zanoni, Natural Resources Foundation

   Discover what the Natural Resources Foundation has been doing statewide since 1986 to promote the knowledge, enjoyment and stewardship of Wisconsin's natural resources. Learn about the Field Trip Program. NRF field trips provide opportunities for participants to learn about natural resource conservation and management issues throughout the state. Trips are led by DNR experts who share their love and knowledge of Wisconsin’s natural resources. Past trips have included banding ospreys on the Turtle Flambeau, Outdoor Digital Photography, Wolf Howl and hiking the Wisconsin Dells State Natural Area. (More than 1800 people took 90 field trips in 2007, and more than 100 field trips are planned for 2008).

Morning Classes, 10:30 AM - 12 noon

1. Language and Culture: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology

    Language as much as anything makes us human. You’ll look at the origin and evolution of languages, their inherent similarities, their usefulness in prehistoric studies, their use in denoting social status, how they affect our ability to think, how children acquire language, what is non-verbal communication, the history of English and more topics of interest.

Ron Lippi, UWMC Professor of Anthropology, has taught at UWMC for 18 years and has taught for Good Ideas for 17 years. Never underestimate the power of language and remember that most language is non-verbal. You have his word on it.

2. Modern American Theatre on the Tensions Between parents and Their Adult Children

One of the challenges facing us later in life is refiguring our relationships with our sons and daughters when they "leave the nest" In this class you will consider how key American playwrights--including Lillian Hellman, Tony Kushner, Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams--have dramatized these tensions.

     Sarah Rudolph, UWMC Professor of Communication and Theater Arts, is a veteran of “Good Ideas.”

3. Gardening 101 

This will be a hands-in-dirt learning class.  You will learn about interesting plant propagation techniques, organic gardening and disease control. Get your plant questions answered and have fun.

Darla Zastrow is an Associate Lecturer in Biology at UWMC

4. Strength Training

     Expand your fitness horizons. Learn how valuable this training is for the aging human body. You’ll learn about specific strength tests, nine safety essentials, many age- appropriate exercises and how to develop a workout plan that works for you. Those who complete this course will receive a temporary pass to the UWMC fitness center for the balance of the semester and be eligible for future use of the fitness center. Dress for a workout!

     Paula Inger is a Lecturer, UWMC Physical Education, and Recreation Specialist, UWMC Athletics Program

AFTERNOON CLASSES, 1:00 - 2:30 PM

5. The Origins of Islam and the Rise of the Arab Islamic Empires

In this course you will learn about the role that the physical and cultural environment played in the origins of Islam. Discover how a small band of desert outcasts created a short-lived imperial tradition and one of the most successful cultural traditions in world history. At each step, emphasis will be placed upon the origins of various aspects of Islam, Islamic government and Islamic culture.

     Jeffrey Leigh, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of History at UWMC. His areas of concentration are East European,   

    Russian/Soviet and Middle Eastern histories.  

6. Shakespeare’s Othello on Film and at the Opera

     Examine the various adaptations of Shakespeare’s Othello including various film versions and the opera based on the play. Come meet Shakespeare’s greatest villain – Iago – and watch a terrible tale of jealousy unfold. No prior knowledge of the play is necessary.

     Karley Adney, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of English at UWMC. She has taught at Lifelong Learning Institutes and Elderhostels for the past three years 

7. Biotech World

 Gain an overview of how advances in genetics research and biotechnology can be applied to people’s health and everyday lives.

Kristine Prahl is a Lecturer in the Biology Department at UWMC and previous Good Ideas instructor

8. Keeping Healthy: a Series of Women’s Health Topics

Explore how to beat heart surgery and maintain good breast health, hormonal health and wellness. This series will have a different presenter each day.

Full Lunch Menu

January 8

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Egg Salad on Whole Wheat Bread, Fruit, Dessert Bars, Beverage

January 9

Chili, Ham & Swiss Cheese on Wheat Kaiser Role, Relish Tray, Cookies, Beverage

January 10

Old-fashioned Bean Soup, Sliced Turkey on Petite Croissant, Fruit, Spice Cake, Beverage

REGISTRATION FEE: $35 - FREE for members of the College of the Emeriti

FULL LUNCH: $25    Soup, Relish & Beverage only: $15