Buffalo Grove Countryside

Harper College calendar

Updated: March 19, 2013 3:35PM

Lifelong Learning Institute

Harper College’s Continuing Education Department offers courses for adults 55 and older through its Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI). Courses are available to members and nonmembers. Fees vary by course and are listed with the individual course descriptions. Classes are held on Harper campuses in Palatine and Prospect Heights and at partner sites in Barrington, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Palatine and Schaumburg.

Register for classes by calling (847) 925 to 6300

Truth and the Powers That Be

Jim Tye will help you discover who might be the so-called powers that be. You will then analyze how to determine if what they say is true. You will identify, evaluate and discuss cases where there has been significant deception of the public by governmental, economic and doctrinal powers in society. You will also review notions of truth, truth models, evidence and certainty in the western world beginning with the Greeks. Practical, narrative, coherent, correspondence and personal truth models will be assessed. Finally you will apply what is learned of the different meanings and models of truth to become a more enlightened and critical consumer.

Fees: $45, Harper College Northeast Center in Prospect Heights, Jan. 17 to Feb. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Building A Classical CD Library

Finding your way through the almost unlimited amount of classical masterworks can be a challenge. How do you choose from the many titles? What are the great starters for any classical music library? What are the essentials for building a distinguished collection of classical recordings to grace your home? Let composer and music researcher Jim Kendros create a path through the retail offerings and show you the building blocks to starting your own classical music library. Kendros will show you all the essentials from the main hits to the must-haves. The class includes an essential classics list as a resource to further enhance your listening experience while saving money.

Fees: $15, Harper College in Palatine, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

World War I: The Great War

World War I, from the perspective of the soldiers, was made up of battles full of carnage and atrocities of great savageness. Gary Midkiff will examine the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, the event which created a chain reaction around the world and precipitated World War I. The confusion that followed, fueled by new technology, old national animosities and conflicting political philosophies, will then be reviewed. You will consider what happened to make Woodrow Wilson and Congress abandon their position of non- to intervention and why the U.S. waited three years to declare war. Finally, you will learn why at the end of World War I the victorious allies chose to punish their enemies and create the animosities that set up World War II.

Fees: $60, Harper College in Palatine, Jan. 18, Feb. 1 to Feb. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Piano Revival Continued

As a continuation of Piano Revival, Lavonne Mrozinski’s class will cover mastering basic piano skills of technique, musicianship and repertoire in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The class is limited to eight students to ensure plenty of personal attention. If you have not taken Piano Revival, you may enroll in this class with instructor approval.

Fees: $70, Arlington Heights Senior Center in Arlington Heights, Jan. 18 to March 8, from 9:15 to 10:05 a.m.

Financial Planning for the Unthinkable

CFP Theresa Harezlak will provide financial and personal information, strategies and ideas for couples or individuals preparing for the unthinkable: The Widow Epidemic. Discover the steps to take before and after the event, and gain the courage and confidence to move ahead. Harezlak will provide guidance for those who have already experienced the death of a spouse or those who have divorced. You will develop a blueprint and reference guide to help you prepare and thrive. Harezlak will discuss cash flow and tax changes, how to find a trusted advisor, and how to complete the estate plan you and your spouse put in place.

Free, Palatine Township Senior Center in Palatine, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Passing Assets to the Next Generation

How much will you really leave your heirs? You will learn that all assets are not created equal when passing them to your heirs in the program “Heirs vs. Uncle Sam.” You will gain an understanding of how your assets will be taxed, tips for which assets are best to pass down, and which you should spend. For example, a stretch IRA can be a great strategy to lessen the tax burden. You will also discuss the pros and cons of estate planning techniques, such as wills, trusts, direct beneficiaries and joint ownership. CFP Theresa Harezlak will show you how to maximize the amount your heirs will enjoy and learn ways they can maximize their inheritance.

Free, Palatine Township Senior Center in Palatine, Jan. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Amazing Azores

The story of the Azores, a group of islands off the coast of Portugal, begins with volcanoes and their power to destroy and to create. The Greek writer and philosopher Plato believed that the lost city of Atlantis was located in the Azores. Join Lisa Didier for a virtual tour of all nine islands and discover the history, the people and the traditions of the amazing Azores.

Fees: $10, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Jan. 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Lake Shore Drive

The magnificent lakefront highway in Chicago follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan for 19 miles. There is widespread agreement that Lake Shore Drive is an incomparable urban roadway. It wanders through four parks, past five major museums and a zoo. It is enhanced by the signature architecture of Chicago, boasting some of the most prestigious addresses in the world. Neal Samors and Bernard Judge will tell you why Lake Shore Drive visitors are awed by it and locals never tire of its beauty.

Free, Arlington Heights Senior Center in Arlington Heights, Jan. 30, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Astronomy and Ancient Civilizations

For millennia, cultures around the world have had important relationships with the sun, moon and stars observed with the unaided eye. The field of cultural astronomy investigates these connections through archaeological, astronomical, ethnographic and documentary records. Lee Minnerly, an anthropologist and archivist at the Adler Planetarium and Museum, will show you some of the rich cultural astronomy of the Americas as expressed in architectural alignments, time to keeping systems, decorative art, world views and religion. You will first learn about the cultures of the Mississippi Valley, Great Plains, desert Southwest and Mesoamerica. Then you will explore sites in South America, Cahokia, Chaco Canyon, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Chankillo, and the Nacza Lines.

Fees: $45, Harper College Northeast Center in Prospect Heights, Feb. 1 to Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

History of Mystery

Explore the types of tales that make up the mystery genre and the development of mystery stories. Join Jodie Draut and meet others who enjoy the same kind of intrigue that you do. What are your favorite mysteries? You will discuss why those stories appeal to you. Bring in the names of some of your favorite mysteries and the class will compile a reading list. Bring your own lunch for this out to of to the to box discussion.

Fees: $10, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon

Music in the Films of Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock was a genius at using music to create suspense. In the chilling “Vertigo,” there was more music than dialogue. Dorothy Andries, Pioneer Press’ retired music critic, will discuss how Hitchcock used the music of Bernard Herrmann, John Williams and Henry Mancini, and she will tell you which collaborations did not go well. You will discuss “Vertigo” as well as “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” a film that used the work of three composers.

Fees: $10, Addolorata Villa in Wheeling, Feb. 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Travel to Hawaii: Aloha

Our 50th state entices you with the promise of paradise, swaying palm trees, the blue Pacific and mountain vistas. You imagine all of these to be part of the relaxed Aloha spirit. Then you snap back to reality and tell yourself that Hawaii is out of your reach. How do you navigate a state that consists of islands? How do you travel to Hawaii without spending a fortune? LLI member Marge Sala will explain how to stay on budget and maximize your experience. She will explain the differences between the islands and what each offers, how to optimize your time and dollars spent for major attractions, and tips about hotel locations. The Aloha spirit is more obtainable than you may think.

Fees: $10, Harper College Northeast Center in Prospect Heights, Feb. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Mystery And Suspense On The Silver Screen

Black and white motion pictures have a rich history dating back to the silent film era. Special visual effects technician and film enthusiast Franklin Stevenson will explore cinematic elements that made three Academy Award nominated films legendary. Each was recognized for directing, screenwriting, cinematography, acting, and art direction. First we will explore the beautiful silent classic, “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” (1927). Next comes the comic, romantic murder mystery “The Thin Man” (1934), starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. Finally, the series will conclude with the haunting “Laura” (1944), by Otto Preminger, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. A group discussion will follow the screening of each film.

Fees: $35, Harper College in Palatine, Feb. 11 to Feb. 25, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

A Tribute To Abraham Lincoln

You know that he was born in a log cabin and that he was considered to be one of our greatest presidents. But what else do you know about the man? Was he mentally ill? What kind of father and husband was he? Did he save the nation or precipitate an unnecessary war? Joyce Haworth will provide an interesting discussion about our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.

Free, Arlington Heights Senior Center in Arlington Heights, Feb. 11, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.





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