Current Classes | Senior College

Monday Morning Lectures

picture of explorer of the Nile Spend your Monday Mornings exercising your mind. All Monday Morning Lectures (MML) will be on Monday at 9:30 am at the Kearney Public Library.

Starting September 15th and continuing every Monday morning through October 20th we will present a special lecture on a unique topic of interest. There are two options for registration - pre-registration through the Senior College website for the entire series OR pay at the door (cash/check/credit card) for each individual lecture. The Lectures are open to Senior College members and their guests.

Click here to download the list and descriptions of Monday Morning Lectures.

Reading Faulkner - As I Lay Dying

Faulkner wrote a variety of works, most always in the modernist style. That means we, the readers, are sharing in the experience. Faulkner called As I Lay Dying his ‘tour de force,’ saying if he had to risk his reputation on just one work, it would be this. Sometimes referred to as the first novel of the Great Depression, it places a macabre funeral journey into the contexts both of rural Depression-era America and the mythic journeys of ancient literature, asking us, the readers, for both our sense of irony and deep compassion as well as inviting discussion. Along the way, Faulkner the Southwestern humorist emerges! Join us in the journey!

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A History of Religion in Ten Objects

This class is designed to introduce many major aspects of the world’s religions and their fascinating history using ten objects as our entry point. Some of these objects will be instantly recognizable while others will at first likely be completely strange. But, by the end of the class, we will have discovered that the historical study of familiar objects might carry us into strange and unfamiliar territory while the objects first considered strange will transform into something more familiar.

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Cancer - Character Sketch of a Disease

Forty percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. This course will cover the fascinating science and often fierce human drama entailed in these diseases. You will come away with a better understanding of the nuts and bolts of the disease and everyday oncology practice. Hopefully, you will be better prepared to navigate the medical system if necessary. The classes will cover cancer biology; causes, prevention, and screening of cancer; evaluation of the cancer patient; progress in cancer treatments; case studies of the evaluation and treatment of some patients; and reflections on the timeless principles of patient care applied to cancer patients. Enjoy this expertly presented class on a serious topic.

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Is There a Moral Basis for Capitalism?

This class offers thoughtful questions and time to reflect on the moral basis for capitalism as well as how capitalists respond to the basic economic questions all societies encounter. You will build on a shared vocabulary in defining morality and in recognizing the difference between positive and normative economics. The goal is NOT to reach a group consensus on the issue. The goal is to give you an opportunity to develop your own thoughtful position.

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Don’t Leave Your Kids Guessing: Wills and Trusts 101

If you have, or even if you haven’t, heard of someone fighting over grandma’s antique china set, this class is designed to spare your loved ones that fight! Collin will help you understand how to create clear wills and trusts that actually work, ensuring your wishes are carried out without turning your funeral into an episode of Family Feud. He’ll cover the basics of estate planning to semi-advanced strategies for keeping your greedy uncle’s hands off your assets. By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to leave behind a legacy of love, not lawsuits.

Movie Music Magic

Are you listening? Let’s explore how the cinema composers help us feel the fear (Psycho), drama (Dunkirk), noble adventure (Apollo 13), clandestine thrills (Mission Impossible) and religious fervor (Mission). There are SO MANY! What are the tools that Morricone, Zimmer, Williams, Elfman, and others use? And, how can we further our interests through their connections with the rich history of classical music (for example, the above composers used styles from Mozart, Elgar, Wagner, and Prokofiev)? Also, bring your requests so we can explore the movies you keep humming!