Alumni College 2008 Course Descriptions

The Book of Revelation – Carl Schultz (’53)

A challenging, confusing, controversial book – is it a puzzle to be solved, a list of future dates to be charted, a scenario to be depicted in novels?  What purpose does this book serve for us today?  Various interpretive options will be explored.

Week-long class

Trail Development – Matt Dougherty (’01)

Through hands-on field work, participants will develop interpretive, meditative, recreational and other trails to complement the existing trail system.  Participants will connect the science of environmental sustainability with the development of environmentally sustainable recreation opportunities.

Week-long class

Fitness – Trini Rangel and Dave Lewis

This class will focus on various fitness-related issues, including how to create a personal exercise program and how to use heart rate monitors to enhance the effectiveness of your workouts.  It will also examine concepts of stretching, flexibility, and core strength development.

Week-long class

Alumni Choir – Brandon Johnson and Amanda Cox(’01)

Remember how Houghton people can sing?  Now is your chance to join an Alumni Choir and share your vocal talents at Friday Vespers.

Week-long class

Religion in the Modern West – Peter Meilaender

The 21^st century clash between militant Islam and the West has prompted many to revisit questions of religion’s influence in shaping Western modernity.  Recently, several prominent thinkers have offered significant analyses of this question, and this course will examine three of them, focusing on the writings of Mark Lilla, Charles Taylor, and Pope Benedict XVI.

Week-long class

Reading Biblical Poetry – Betty Tutton (’47)

Houghton College alumna Betty Tutton will guide this class in a look at how biblical poetry works, with examples from Psalms, Job, and the Prophets.

Two-part lecture

Mysteries of Collecting – Brad Wilber (’91)

Do you have any old Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew books lying around the house?  Did you ever wonder how much they are worth, or consider building a few odds and ends into a systematic collection?  Let Houghton library director Brad Wilber, who collects many of the iconic Stratemeyer Syndicate mystery series (Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Cherry Ames), share all his tips to make you a savvy online bibliophile.

Two-part lecture

New York and Houghton History – Tim Nichols (’81)
Houghton, New Netherlands, 14744: This lecture will take re-examine the role and influence of the Dutch in the establishment of New York State. When Henry Hudson inadvertently explored and lay claim to the New York region for the Dutch, a course and series of events was set in motion that would have long-lasting repercussions for New Yorkers, even up to the present day.

For the good of the world and glory of God: This lecture will examine the backdrop and the circumstances of the founding of the Houghton Wesleyan Methodist Seminary in 1883. Additionally we will discuss and celebrate some important aspects of the Houghton story on the occasion of our 125th anniversary celebration. (Two-part lecture)

Two-part lecture

Any Way to Choose a President? – Peter Meilaender

A discussion of how the current presidential campaign reflects historic changes in how we choose presidents and think of executive leadership, with consideration of possible weaknesses of our current selection system.

One-time lecture

Living and Serving in a Multicultural World – Marcus Dean

A look at key cultural dynamics and differences, which can enable us to better interact with individuals from other cultures.  Emphasis is placed on building friendships and meeting people from their perspective rather than one’s own.

One-time lecture

Watercolor Painting – Ted Murphy

Brief examples of watercolor techniques will be used to get people started in the process of working from the landscape around the college (weather permitting).  The instructor will paint with you as you experiment with this delicate and beautiful medium.  Some supplies will be made available, although it is best to have some of your own.  Emphasis will be on control of materials, seeing the subject matter clearly, and understanding basic color theory and application.

Week-long class

The Digital Wave: Gadgets, Google and God – Connie Finney (’78)

This course consists of two lectures, the first being a brief overview of technological “gadgets” available today, especially those that might be found in schools, and the second an examination of the impact of  Web 2.0 on identity, learning, and communication.  Participants will be encouraged to increase hands-on familiarity with the tools of technology.

Two-part lecture

Selling War – Doug Gaerte

In order to gain public support at home and provide justification to the broader world community, national leaders typically explain their reasons for going to war.  This course examines the discourse of war, focusing particular attention on the two world wars and the present war with Iraq.  We will identify the main lines of argument that tend to recur in war rhetoric, and explore whether or not the war in Iraq differs in any way because of its preemptive nature.

Two-part lecture

Star Gazing – Gary Stith