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2009 Lutherlag Course Descriptions

Welcome to the Lutherlag and “Sense Of Vocation” Church Leader Retreat course descriptions. We hope you will find our selections for 2009 wide-ranging and interesting to you and your family, and we invite you attend Lutherlag this summer. If you know someone who might enjoy receiving information about Lutherlag please contact the Alumni Office at 1.800.225.8664 or send an e-mail to alumni@luther.edu.

Grownups with Crayons: The Art and Artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe

Sharon (Zumdahl) Asp '70, artist and retired art teacher

Learn to draw in the style of artist Georgia O'Keeffe. The course will include an introductory session on the life and work of O'Keeffe, color theory, textural techniques, and all-around composition, followed by three days of one-on-one coaching and encouragement in a highly creative atmosphere. Bring your own fresh eye—and you can borrow the enthusiasm from your instructor! The end result will be an 18" x 24" full-color pastel floral image drawing. No previous experience required. $25 materials fee includes your very own set of 30 oil pastels. Limited enrollment; a four-part course. .

 

A New Class of Plant-Based Plastics

Bradley Chamberlain, associate professor of chemistry

Professor Chamberlain recently received a $100,000 award from the Grow Iowa Values Fund to fund a project titled “A New Class of Plant-Based Plastics Derived from Soybean and Corn Oil.” One of Iowa’s recognized polymer scientists conducting research, Chamberlain understands the benefits of developing biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources. Biodegradable polymers offer sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions for meeting the demands for thermoplastic materials, and bioplastics development can help Iowa’s economy. Along with Chamberlain, Luther student researchers Julia Schiefelbein ’11, Michael Sinnwell ’11, Michael Pettengill ’10, Brad Foresman ‘10, and Amy Ekland ’09, will present the project, one of several in the state focusing on agriculturally based commodity materials for biomedical and engineering applications.

Beyond the commercial applications, Chamberlain believes the greatest potential benefit of the project is the education, training and motivation it provides the Luther undergraduate research students conducting the research with him. “One of the primary goals of my scholarly activities is to build and inspire the next generation of scientists,” Chamberlain says. “Specifically, this project’s research will train a set of environmentally-conscious scientists with an eye to solving pressing, real-world problems with resources found close to home.” This is also an opportunity to see, up close, the college’s new state-of-the art Sampson Hoffland Laboratories and renovated Valders Hall of Science. A special one-session Wednesday evening offering.

 

Commonweal Theatre Performance

Robert Larson, professor of theatre; and Marilynn Larson

“The Commonweal Theatre Company is one of the leading rural professional companies in America.” – Joe Dowling, Guthrie Theater

“For actors, theatre fans, and Lanesboro residents alike, the Commonweal is a dream come true.” – Tom Weber, Rochester Post-Bulletin

 

On Thursday evening we will offer an optional trip to the Commonweal Theatre performance of The Odd Couple. Felix Ungar (played by founding artistic director Eric Bunge '84), neurotic fusspot news writer, and Oscar Madison, slovenly sports journalist, attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies while trying to rekindle their social lives. In this classic comedy, Neil Simon gives us the story of a friendship that defies all odds. Tickets for the performance, including motorcoach transportation to Lanesboro, are included in the package price. (More information about the evening can be found in the course descriptions). Additional costs are $25 for children and teens and $35 for adults. (Commonweal season ticket holders and Million Dollar Club members subtract $10 for children and $20 for adults.)

Introduction to Pottery: The Life Cycle of Clay

Dawn Deines-Christensen '82, liturgical artist, teacher

An introduction to working with clay: reclaiming (recycling), creating (wheel throwing and hand building), firing, and glazing. Work in the air-conditioned Center for the Arts pottery studio and take clay from a "squishy" greenware stage to a finished "rock hard" glazeware piece. Participants will take home at least one finished piece. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty! Returning pottery-class alumni are invited to bring their pots back from past years for glazing and firing. Limited enrollment; a four-part course. $20 materials fee.

The Ways of Norway: Past, Present and Future

Birger Eide, visiting lecturer from Lillehammer, Norway

(Birger teaches the Paideia Capstone course "Ethical Issues in Norway and
Scandinavia" for students in Luther's "Scandinavia and the Baltic"
semester abroad program in Lillehammer).

Decorah, with its Norwegian roots and traditions, enjoys a long relationship with Norway. In turn, Norway shares a special relationship with the U.S.A. and has been "Americanized" to a greater extent than the other Scandinavian countries. In this course, we will look to Norway's past to understand its present. Are there any signs or tendencies pointing in a special direction? Have we, the Norwegians, reached the peak of complacency? What are the differences and similarities between our two countries? We will examine Norway's economic, political and social welfare system, as well as social issues: immigration, rights of minority groups, gender equality, crime, religion, education. Bring your interests and questions, and be prepared to have active dialogue about what it means to be an American... a Norwegian... or both. A four-part course.

Tuesday: A New Paradigm for Sustainability and Social Justice

Craig Mosher, associate professor of social work

Dramatic changes are happening to our world. Industrial societies are exploiting the earth and its people. Less privileged people are especially vulnerable to the resulting toxic pollution, escalating energy costs, and global climate change. The traditional modern scientific, individualistic, reductionist paradigm drives many of these destructive activities. Individualism and domination have come to characterize human relations in America, resulting in violence, warfare, and great disparities in wealth and access to the necessities of life. But there is a new “whole systems” paradigm that is driving hundreds of thousands of grass roots groups around the world to solve their own problems using mostly local resources – such as Wangari Maathai’s Green Belt Movement. Participants will be invited to critique and refine the description of this new paradigm and the role it can play in moving toward a more sustainable world. A one-part course.

Wednesday: Creating Vibrant and Sustainable Communities in Northeast Iowa -- Building a Local Food System

Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative Leaders

Moderator: Dale Nimrod, professor emeritus of chemistry

Unhealthy eating habits and physical unfitness are readily apparent to all in our culture. But changing disturbing aspects of culture is a daunting undertaking, even when there is agreement on its need for change. However, a major effort of a broad coalition of people and organizations, with major financial backing, just might be finding the key to turning this undesirable trend around in Northeast Iowa. Our local five county region is on the ground floor of a movement to improve the policies, practices, and systems that determine how food arrives on our tables and how Northeast Iowa communities really might accomplish positive change in physical activity for all. The Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative is one of nine projects nationwide supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to be models of change for our nation in the next ten years. Learn about this project, its goals and potential. For more information on this unique program go to www.iowafoodandfitness.org

Clay Target Shooting

Jerry Johnson, director of public information and shooting sports hobbyist

Bob Skelly, shooting sports hobbyist

Learn the fundamental skills of shotgun target sports and have fun shooting clay target games. The course is designed for beginners but offers instruction and practice that will benefit every level of shooter. Taught by shooting sports enthusiasts Jerry Johnson and Bob Skelly. Instruction includes: 1.) Sporting firearms operation, handling and safety, 2.) Fundamental skills of shotgun shooting, 3.) One-to-one coaching during an instructional round of clay target shooting, 4.) A formal round of trap or other clay target game. A three-part course; participants must take the course on consecutive days. $30 fee for shooting range and ammunition cost for the instruction course. Target shotguns and ammunition will be provided. If you want to bring your own shotgun and/or ammunition, please call Kirk at the Alumni Office, 1-800-225-8664, to make arrangements. Firearms may not be kept on campus.

Cool from Below: The Cold Water Springs of Winneshiek County.

Kevin Kraus, professor of biology

If you are Luther alumni or a frequent visitor to Decorah, you very likely visited Dunnings and Twin Springs.  But did you make it to Siewers,  Malanaphy, Falcon, Coldwater or Blue?  They're all here and more, each with it's cold rush of water, delightfully chilling the air on even the warmest of summer days.  They create peaceful microclimates at the base of  limestone bluffs where certain insects and plants thrive, and humans come to gaze and listen, relax and think.  Or sometimes just to rest after the hike or bike or canoe that it took to reach these sometimes remote spots. This course is for the adventursome. Bring a bike (and helmet) if you have one, or we'll find some local bikes to borrow. A three-part all-afternoon course that will leave early after lunch at 1:00 p.m. and return later than the other scheduled courses each day. (We might even pack a bag lunch one day and leave at 12:00 noon!)

Whole Brain Golf

David Lester, cash operations manager, women's golf coach

Is your golf game stuck in a rut? Would you like to play with more confidence and precision? Would you like to add more distance to your shots and improve your concentration? Whole Brain Golf will get you on your way to lowering your scores and make the game of golf a more enjoyable experience. During play, the left hemisphere of the brain analyzes the game and the swing mechanics. The right hemisphere experiences the process of golf...when both hemispheres are activated at the same time, the sense of trying is replaced with a sense of natural, comfortable performance. This is accomplished by doing a few specific movements that "turn-on" both halves of the brain and open the player up to a new experience. We will also focus on the short game and other key shots that can shave strokes off your game. The instructor was given a sawed off 4-wood by his father at age 3 and has loved playing ever since. His golf career has included four Iowa Section Junior PGA Section Qualifying Championships, and four varsity letters the Millsaps College men's golf team. Limited enrollment; a three part course. Participants can golf a complete round with the instructor on Thursday afternoon for the cost of greens fees. The group will have a shortened lunch time each day (early afternoon departure at 1:00!) to maximize the time on the driving range—that's how seriously important this game is!

Super July Quilt Retreat

Jean Murray, quiltmaker

Come to our Luther Quilt Retreat. Bring your current project and work as long and hard as you want. We will provide the space, the view, the tea, the snacks, some prizes, and a demonstration or two. Jean will be there each morning to give you technical and artistic support. Bring your machine (in good working order please), your scissors, rotary cutter, thread, fabric, books...whatever you are using for your next masterpiece. If you are a novice and don't have a project, just contact Jean at (563) 382-8642 or jandtmurray@gmail.com and you can make arrangements to join in the fun and take home a small top or the first blocks of a large top along with the information to finish the project. If you have anything in particular you would like demonstrated, please call Jean with the suggestion. Limited enrollment; a four-part, all-morning-long course.

Morning Yoga

Kristen Olson, Yoga Alliance RYT

Start your day off right with a healthy and relaxing dose of yoga from 6:45 to 7:45 each morning. No previous yoga experience is expected or required. Classes are open to adults of all ages and all abilities. Kristen will use the hatha style of yoga. Class will include warm-up stretches, asanas (movements and postures), breathing practices, and "quiet mind." Participants should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, avoid eating a large meal before class, and have water for after class. Come experience the many benefits of yoga! Open to all.

Birdwatching in the Oneota River Valley

Larry Reis '78, Winneshiek County naturalist

Join area naturalist Larry Reis each morning for a beautiful walk among our feathered friends in some of Decorah's beautiful parks. The River Trail near Dunning's Spring, Twin Springs, Roslien Woodlands, and Malanaphy Springs will be among our destinations as we stalk the elusive songbirds, game birds, and waterfowl of the Oneota Valley. Participants will receive a copy of Peterson's A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America in order to start their "life list," checking off the birds that they have seen and identified. Experienced and novice birders are welcome. Bring a pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x50 work well), a good pair of hiking shoes or boots, and clothes for the weather. A four-part course starting early (at 8:15) each day.

The Blues Had a Baby (and They Named it Rock N' Roll)

James Ronan, music promoter, Matousek Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, 2007 Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame Inductee

With a background in radio broadcasting, live music promotion with D.A.S.Y. Productions, and involvement with the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association, James will continue with this third installment of the History of Rock N' Roll, tracing the roots of rock from the Mississippi delta and Memphis to Chicago and beyond.  Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton are just a few of the many highlighted artists. Join us for another educational and fun class with lots of visual and audio recordings. Participants will receive a copy of the book, The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Blues by David Evans. A light and lively three-part course.

 

Beyond the Magnifying Glass: Exploring Detectives in Fiction and Film.

Erika Strandjord '06, visiting instructor in English

From the coolly scientific Sherlock Holmes to the hard-drinking Philip Marlowe, detectives and their stories have fascinated readers since the 1800s. We will explore classics in detective fiction as well as contemporary works, including stories by Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, and Tony Hillerman. Questions that we consider will include: Who is considered a detective? How have detectives changed over the years? Why are detective stories some of the most popular fiction and film today? Come prepared to read, share your thoughts, and spend time with people who enjoy mysteries as much as you do. An evening showing of The Maltese Falcon will supplement the readings from The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction. A four-part course.

Morning Ride: Cycling in Northeast Iowa

Novian Whitsitt, associate professor of Africana studies and English
Laura Cleaveland, assistant professor of environmental studies
Greg Lonning '83, director of the Nena Amundson Lifetime Wellness Program
Mike Blair, campus pastor

Option 1 (for the dedicated “roadie”): Hit the road with local riders for a daily morning road ride on some of the most beautiful road routes in the upper Midwest. Chase the peloton and take on the hills of the Bluffton blacktop north of Decorah to the Minnesota border, or cruise the less-traveled country roads from Ridgeway to Spillville. Enjoy good conversation, coaching, and encouragement from local riders on the loops, and have fun drafting—and pulling—the group. A tuned-up, good-quality road bike and helmet required.

Option 2 (for the casual cyclist): Join recreational cyclists each morning for fun and fitness in and around Decorah. We have some excellent around town routes and the new Trout Run Trail will be open to the State Trout Hatchery at Siewers Springs. Bring a tuned-up good quality comfort bike, cross bike or mountain bike for this daily venture and explore some of the most beautiful local routes available anywhere. Adults and teens only. Helmet required.

A quick, light breakfast (granola and fresh fruit) and snacks for the road will be available for members of both groups at the start of the ride. Local bike rentals available. Contact Kirk in the alumni office with questions at johnsonk@luther.edu or call 1.800.225.8664.

 

 

 

 

 

• Registration Brochure (PDF)