2015 Summer Exploration Series
A free program of courses for adults will be available this summer through the Adult Community Exploration Series (ACES), an initiative of the Community Education Council and Grinnell College.
Four courses, each two session long and taught by a faculty member, will be held on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Caulkins Room of the Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell. Refreshments will be served at each session.
The Caulkins Room is wheel-chair accessible and is equipped with an induction hearing (telecoil) loop. For more information about the courses or to request an accommodation, please contact Grinnell College's Office of Conference Operations and Events.
The Road Trip: Are We Running from Something or Searching for Something?
June 10, 17
Will Freeman
We have all felt the romance of the road trip. What attracts us to this idea? This course will explore themes of escapism and freedom, the "hero's journey" and the difference between tourist and traveler. Will Freeman, associate professor of physical education and head cross country and track coach, will teach the course.
Genetically Engineered, Organically Grown
June 24, July 1
Ben DeRidder
The town of Grinnell, situated in an agricultural area, finds itself in the middle of a breadbasket and of a growing debate over the future of food. This course will explore some of the themes of that debate, discussing the central issues concerning the power of genetic engineering and the promises of organic agriculture. Ben DeRidder, associate professor of biology, will teach the course.
What is Community Sustainability, Should We Care About It, and Can We Achieve It?
July 8, 15
Jonathan Andelson
Sustainability is currently a buzzword in business, development and academia, but what does it really mean? This course will examine the short-term and long-term problems with a lack of sustainability, and will look at communities where sustainability goals have received significant attention. Jonathan Andelson, professor of anthropology and founder of Grinnell's Center for Prairie Studies, will teach the course.
Gender and War
July 22, 29
Carolyn Lewis
Last year marked the 100-year anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, the 75-year anniversary of the start of World War II and the 25-year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This course will explore this "century of war" with attention to the role of gender in World War II. How have notions of gender shaped our experience of war? Carolyn Lewis, assistant professor of history, will teach the course.