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.
The Art and Artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe Using Colored Pencil
Sharon (Zumdahl) Asp '70, artist and retired art teacher
A new twist on a Lutherlag favorite. Join alumni artist Sharon (Zumdahl) Asp '70 for four class sessions learning 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 8"x 10" full-color pencil drawing. Past participants who wish to continue working in the larger format with oil pastels are welcome. No previous experience required. $25 materials fee includes your very own set of colored pencils. Limited enrollment; a four-part course.
Lutherlag Rips-Off 'Inside The Actor's Studio' (with apologies to James Lipton)
Eric Bunge '84, founder and current managing director of the Commonweal Theatre Company
Richard L. Torgerson, president; and Judy Torgerson, administrative assistant for study abroad
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
The founder and current managing director of the Commonweal Theatre Company warmly welcomes you to a unique evening exploring the charms of historic Lanesboro, Minnesota. The Commonweal has been delighting audiences for the past 19 years with outstanding professional theatre and down-home charm. Your evening will include a soup and sandwich dinner with dessert and an insider's tour of the Commonweal, including their new theatre. With a little luck there should be enough time for exploring the local shops and galleries. The evening will be capped off by a performance of Dale Wasserman's Man of LaMancha, with Bunge performing the lead role. Additional costs are $25 for children and teens and $40 for adults. (Commonweal season ticket holders and Million Dollar Club members subtract $10 for children and $15 for adults.) Check the appropriate box on the registration form and include payment with Lutherlag fees. A special Monday evening offering.
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.
Life on the Mississippi
Cliff English, professor emeritus of sociology
Sue English '82, community resource coordinator, Northland Agency on Aging
When Mark Twain first viewed the Upper Mississippi region he remarked, "My one regret is that I will not see this area mature." Well, it has matured and continues to change. This course will focus on the past, present, and future of the region in Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin. For three afternoons, participants will immerse themselves in the "river culture" through field trips and interactions with the people who make the banks of America's great river their home. Limited enrollment; a three-part all-afternoon course; $25 transportation fee. Class will depart earlier each day and return later than other scheduled afternoon courses due to travel times.
From Forest to Concert Hall
David Folland, violin maker
Join craftsman David Folland for an evening lecture and demonstration on his passion—creating one-of-a-kind stringed instruments for fine musicians. Follow the process of building a violin, from its beginning in the forest to making music in the concert hall, including hands-on examination of tools, wood, and instruments in progress. David has developed a reputation for outstanding craftsmanship, tonal excellence, and devotion to quality in every detail as evidenced in winning three gold medals, four silver, and one bronze, along with 16 finalists and merit certifications in major international violin-making competitions. He has built nearly 200 violins, violas, and cellos which are being played in orchestras and conservatories across the United States and Europe. Classical music magazine, The Strad, calls David, "a leading member of a particularly talented generation of American violin makers." Take a peek into the interesting world and work of this American musical craftsman. A special Sunday evening session. For more information about David and his violins go to www.follandviolins.com.
America and the Race for the Presidency
Paul Gardner, Professor of Political Science
Is the long caucus/primary campaign a good way to select presidential nominees? What impact do race, gender, and religion have on how voters decide? What will be the key issues in the fall campaign? What should be campaign issues but may not be? Political scientists write about realigning elections, such as 1932 and 1968—will 2008 be an election signaling a fundamental re-alignment of American politics? Do American presidential campaigns and elections strengthen or weaken American democracy? There are many other questions that will come up during our discussions as well. A four-part course.
Creative Movement
Jane Hawley '87, associate professor of dance
The moving body can remind us of who we are, or were, or want to be…fully alive, breathing, participants in a natural world of contour, color, rhythm, motion, and much more. Using the body as a means of expression and design reinstates us as creators and collaborators in the business of being alive. All adult women and men, couples, friends, partners, physically challenged, mentally sharp, and others interested in creative adventure and enhanced living are encouraged to participate in the four-day course.
Day 1: Creative Process: Unleashing Self-Artistry
Apply artistic concepts to daily living! The "unleashing process" is taught through guided somatic explorations allowing participants to move in their own style, to express ideas.
Day 2: Technique For A Supple Body
A workshop designed to generate awareness of one's inherent patterns of use of the body and carrying tension. Guided instruction and exploration in using the skeleton for efficient motion allow participants to gain functional knowledge and efficient use of their own body.
Day 3: Movement & Meaning: A Point of Contact
Inspire mutual support and cultivate strength and sensitivity within the body. Making connections is linked to giving, trusting, honoring boundaries, listening, and openness. Based in the fundamentals of contact improvisation, we will engage participants in creating connections between body/mind, self/others, exertion/recuperation, and stability/mobility.
Day 4: Bodystories
Let your body to do the talking. Discover how physical impulses can be expressed through movement and create stories which tickle the funny bone or ache to be told and somehow cannot manifest themselves into words.
Rifle Shooting
Jerry Johnson, director of public information and shooting sports hobbyist
Bob Skelly, shooting sports hobbyist
Learn the fundamental skills of rifle target shooting and have fun shooting paper, steel, and wood targets. The course is designed for beginners but offers instruction and practice that can benefit every level of shooter. Instructors Jerry Johnson and Bob Skelly are veteran shooting hobbyists. The course will be taught at Chase the Adventure Licensed Hunt and Gun Club, located seven miles south of Decorah. Instruction includes: 1) sporting firearms operation, handling and safety, 2) fundamental skills of rifle shooting, 3) rules and procedures for rifle range shooting, 4) one-on-one coaching on three shooting positions, and 5) a formal round of bench rest shooting. A three-part course: participants must take the course on consecutive days, $30 fee for shooting range and ammunition cost for the instruction course. Rifles (.22 caliber rimfire only) and ammunition will be provided. If you want to bring your own rifle (.22 caliber rimfire only), please contact Kirk at the Alumni Office, 1-800-225-8664, to make arrangements. Firearms may not be kept on campus. You can sign up for additional shooting sessions (with or without instruction) on Thursday, July 24, 1:30 p.m. to closing. Class will return later than other scheduled afternoon courses due to travel times.
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. $25 materials fee if you don't bring a project with you.
Morning Yoga
Susan Oertel '72, associate professor of health and physical education
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. Su 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. A light and lively three-part course.
Twilight Garden Tour and Wine Tasting at Seedsavers Exchange
Wendy (Tessman) Stevens '69, assistant professor of biology
Tour the beautiful gardens, orchard, and Lillian Goldman Visitors Center of Seed Savers Exchange national headquarters. Seed Savers Exchange is a private organization dedicated to the preservation of genetic diversity in garden crops and orchard varieties. You've never really seen a garden until you've visited this one. The Winneshiek Wildberry Winery will also offer a wine tasting of their local country wines at the gathering. You'll be able to sample their Lazy Daize Concord, Sunrise Seyval Blanc, and Rhubarb Crisp, among others, or simply enjoy an ice-cold lemonade. Bring a lawn chair and take time to relax and enjoy Scandinavian-American old-time music by the Foot-Notes and a summer's evening in a beautiful setting. $10 fee per adult; children are free. A special Wednesday evening offering.
The Path to Wholeness: Finding One’s Vocation in Forgiveness
Loren Toussaint, assistant professor of psychology
As human beings we all suffer hurt, injury, and pain at the hands of others. This grim reality does not have to mean that joy and happiness in life are unattainable. Rather, answering Christ's call to forgiveness provides a path to healing and reconciliation with others. Despite the centrality of forgiveness in Christian teaching, traditionally little, if any, "how-to" guidance has been readily available to those who choose to go down the path of forgiveness. This has begun to change, however, with growing attention to the topic of forgiveness in fields such as psychology, social work, and medicine. In fact, recently a number of self-help books have been written on the topic of forgiveness. Some of these books are based on scientifically supported methods and intervention techniques and show that forgiveness results in improved health and well-being. We will introduce participants to a strategy for achieving forgiveness and also attempt to highlight evidence that supports these methods. A four-part course.
Journals in the Real World
Amy Weldon, assistant professor of English
Personal journals can be an immediate source of joy, energy, and inspiration in your life, but they can also prompt lots of questions: How can you get into a writing routine? How specific do you have to be? How can you silence the nattering voices of self-criticism? Do you have to be a famous person for your journal to matter? How can you find the voice and style of journal-writing that are truest and best for your life, right now? Come explore these questions—and the changing roles of journals, past and present—in a friendly group, and bring your journal with you! A four-part course.
Morning Ride: Cycling in Northeast Iowa
Novian Whitsitt, assistant professor of Africana studies and English
Greg Lonning '83, director of the Nena Amundson Lifetime Wellness Program
Mike Blair, campus pastor
Join a small group of 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. Contact Kirk in the alumni office with questions at johnsonk@luther.edu or call 1.800.225.8664.
Dancing Without the Stars
Jacki Wright '75, associate professor of health and physical education
Join in the fun of basic social dance and kick up your heels in a low-key and supportive environment. Learn to swing, do the foxtrot, the two-step, and the waltz. Maybe we'll wander into country western, or whatever dance the group wants to try. We'll have the music, the lights, and all the glittery magic of the ballroom, just like "Dancing with the Stars"…except without the stars…or the fancy-schmancy costumes…or a television audience, etc.…A four-part course.