Social Studies
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A Glimpse of India
SOC1 Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8 *Starts 9/17
Tuesdays 7:15 – 8:30 pm
Held at Gruening 413
Parking is free on UAF main campus after 5 pm.
Participants in UAF Summer Sessions Oct.-Nov. 2013 trip to India are invited to attend this class without registering through OLLI. Other OLLI members should register for the class through OLLI.
Sept. 17: TBA
Sept. 24: Politics, Corruption and the Media in
Present-day India. Brian O’Donoghue, Associate Professor of Journalism at UAF, recently returned from a year in India as a Fulbright Nehru Scholar.
Oct. 1: A Secular Country: An overview of the religions as they co-exist in India. Charu Uppal
Oct. 8: A Look into the Past: Reliving India's political and cultural history. Charu Uppal was born and raised in India, she moved to the US in 2007 to pursue her Master in Communication at UAF. She currently works as the communication specialist at Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning and is pursuing an MBA from School of Management.
TED Talks
SOC2 Session I: Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2
Wednesdays 12:15 – 1:30 pm
If you have yet to discover TED Talks you are in for a treat! TED Talks are lectures by the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers who have been challenged to give the talk of their lives in 5 - 18 minutes. We will watch three or four TED Talk videos each class (there are more than 1,000 available) and have fun discussing! Videos from last year’s classes won’t be repeated, except by popular demand.
Instructor Mary Ann Borchert retired from UAF after 23 years in research and administration.
The Economic Way of Thinking
SOC3 Session I: Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2
Wednesdays 3:45 – 5:00 pm
In this class, you will participate in activities that will show you how the "economic way of thinking" sheds light on the problems society faces. We will learn “how the principles of economics make sense out of buzzing confusion, how they clarify, systematize, and correct the daily assertions of newspapers, political figures, ax grinders, and coffee shop pontificators.” (Paul Heyne)
Instructor Sherri Wall is a faculty member in the UAF School of Management and a co-author of McGraw-Hill's The Economy Today, 13th ed. She is also the founding faculty adviser for SWEET (Students Who Enjoy Economic Thinking), which hosts a lecture series, weekly discussions on economic ideas and topics, and a scholarship program.
Pension Benefits & Challenges : Bucket List for Public Employee Retirees
SOC4 Add-On I: Oct. 7, 8
Monday & Tuesday 5:15 – 6:30 pm
We will review the history of Alaska’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers Retirement System (TRS) pensions, the different tiers and major legal decisions, and discuss how our state’s past decisions, as well as stock market volatility, have created today’s fiscal crisis for its pensioners and an uncertain future for employees and their families. We’ll also review Alaska’s Long Term Care Insurance program that is 100% retiree-funded. The speakers will discuss possible remedies and/or management improvements that the State could implement now to ensure the future financial security of its pensions and delivery of services promised to its retirees.
Instructors: Frank Abegg, Dr. Ron Johnson, and Charlie Gallagher
Investing for Your Retirement
SOC5 Session II: Oct. 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4
Mondays 3:45 – 5:00 pm
What is a stock? What is a bond? How ’bout those mutual fund thingies? If you’ve never taken the time to learn the basics of investment in financial assets, this easy-going class is for you. It will explain the difference between asset classes and show the importance of diversification and allocation. The course will touch on retirement account structures, withdrawal plans, and how economic changes can affect financial markets. It’s never too late to begin learning about the rules of a system in which we all must participate.
Instructor Mark Simpson has been a broker and an investment advisor for over 20 years, working with Alaskan households, corporations and trusts. He lives with his family in Ester where he services his volunteering addiction.
Estate Planning
SOC6 Session II: Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7
Thursdays 8:45 - 10:00 am
Learn about wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and how to reduce estate taxes. The fourth class will cover options for planned giving to your favorite non-profits.
Instructors: Derek Averett is an attorney with Hompesch & Evans, practicing in wills, trusts, estate planning , and business planning . Scott Taylor works for the UA Foundation, specializing in planned giving.
I Know Just What You Mean. Not!
SOC7 Session II: Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7
Thursdays 12:15 – 1:30 pm
Communication:
Part 1: Working with others. Why is it so hard to be understood?
Part 2: Working with others. Fun and Games. Huh?
Part 3: Working with others. Deal with Difficult People...and enjoy it!
Part 4: Successfully deal with the 14 most unwanted difficult people.
Instructor Charlie Dexter, UAF professor emeritus, served as the University statewide personnel manager, director of admissions, and director of the Small Business Development Center. He continues to teach business and leadership classes.
Ghoulies & Ghosties & Things That Go Bump in the Night
SOC8 Session II: Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14
Thursdays 2:00 – 3:15 pm
The Nov. 14 class will meet 2:00 – 4:30 pm to view a film.
Explore the influence of the supernatural in American history. The course title is taken from the traditional Scottish prayer, “From ghoulies and ghosties, and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us.” We will look at beliefs and practices from colonial times such as the Salem witch trials, black and white magic, and satanic possession to present day culture war issues.
Instructor Montie Slusher’s background includes college and graduate study in sociology, philosophy, religion, and social studies. His work and volunteer experience include social work, teaching, and ministry, with the last 40 years here in Alaska.
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