Co-facilitator: Llona Steele

For the first time in 175 years the Bureau of Indian Affairs has recognized a Native American reservation in the state of Illinois. Being our new neighbors, participants will learn about the history of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and why the Shabbona area in DeKalb County is where the new reservation is located. And we will review the process that led to the State of Illinois giving the Shabbona Lake State Park to that tribe. We will also learn about the 21st Century Potawatomi and their plans for the future here in our area.

Co-Facilitator: Susan Foody

In this hands-on Lab activity, participants will explore green chemistry by creating a biodegradable plastic using common kitchen ingredients. This course will introduce the concept of bioplastics (plastics made from renewable resources like plants, instead of petroleum) and encourage discussion on how chemistry can support sustainability. Location: SciTech in Batavia

The land on which we live (geography) has always shaped us...the wars, the power, politics and social development (history) of the peoples that now inhabit nearly every part of the earth. Geopolitics looks at the ways in which international affairs can be understood through geographic features...terrain, climate, demography, cultural regions and access to natural resources.

Tim Marshall's 2nd book, Power of Geography, includes maps and topics covering 10 new regions including Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, The United Kingdom, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain, and Space. These Countries and Regions are defined through geography, history and geopolitics for future generations. This course is a continuation of Part 1, "the Prisoners of Geography". Part 1 is not a prerequisite for this course.

Book: The Power of Geography by Tim Marshall ISBN 978-1-9821-7863-5 REQUIRED

Participants will read one book per month and join in lively discussion with your peers. Discussion leaders may differ each month. (Class will be the second Thursday of each month) Topics include: An Inspirational Salem Witch Trials and Edwardian-Era Time-Travel Historical Romance, a 500-mile pilgrimage along the Way of St. James in Northwestern Spain, a 1907 automobile trip from Rhode Island to New Hampshire, and finally a humorous telling by chickens of world-wide Christmas traditions.

Sept. 11: For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

Oct. 9: Two Million Steps: BAND-AIDS, COCKTAILS, AND FINDING PEACE ALONG SPAIN'S CAMINO DE SANTIAGO by Patrick Devaney

Nov. 13: Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted

Dec. 11: A Chicken Was There at Christmas: Throughout History and Around the World, When the Sun Rose on Christmas Morning, A Chicken Was There by A. A. Davenport 

ALL BOOKS ARE REQUIRED

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Peggy Noonan wrote Ronald Reagan's speeches. Her new book is a celebration of what America has been, is, and what it can be. For 25 years she has been thinking aloud about America in her column. You do not have to agree with her all the time to admire her writing.

Book: A Certain Idea of America: Selected Writings by Peggy Noonan - NOT REQUIRED

Co-facilitator: Jerre Henriksen

James Loewen wrote Lies My Teacher Told Me to examine how misinformation about history is used as a weapon against us. We will explore how and why this happens and consider the climate around teaching history in the past and today. Our author insists that simplified history prevents us from learning critical thinking skills and exploring complex human behavior. Like on Facebook, a picture of our history reflecting a great nation always and only getting better is to deny the rich tapestry of our American experience with all its complexity and humanity. We progress through honest evaluation, not by denying reality. Let’s do that. The U.S. Naval Academy just banned this book. 

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen REQUIRED

The three acceptable book editions are: Original adult level (362 dense pages), Young readers edition (I.E. High School) with some photos (245 pages), or Graphic novel adaptation comic book style (262 illustrated pages)

Co-faciliators: Karen Christensen and Donna Sue Blankenship

An understanding of the world's wisdom traditions can be an invaluable tool as we navigate through life. This course presents a thoughtful and engaging exploration of world religions: their histories, beliefs, practices, and unique aspects. Various spiritual and philosophical perspectives will be discussed. Participants will gain a greater appreciation of how global cultures and religious traditions play an important role in our contemporary lives.

Required book: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained by John Bowker; ISBN 978-0-7440-3475-2 

The epic journey of Tiger Woods has been recreated throughout the centuries. From King David in Scripture to Martha Stewart, we can witness the seeds of self-destruction in the unfolding of the success of these once "heroes." Great icons were celebrated, even revered by many…and then, and then. Fallen from grace they were reviled, judged and shamed. Machiavelli forewarned us 200 years ago; "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." But wait! There’s more. By some mysterious grace, fortune or mistake, the journey becomes a celebration. As life-long learners, together we will explore history and remember others who have been on similar epic journeys. What lessons can we learn from the past? Is it possible to forecast the future?