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MORNINGS WITH THE PROFESSORS
Friday, September 27 , 9:30 am – 11:30 am CDT
September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1 (Fridays) 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Attend in person at ISU’s Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal
OR
Watch Online via Zoom
FEES:
$35 for Senior Professional members (includes all six sessions)
$45 for non-members (includes all six sessions)
For in-person participation, pricing is per person.
For Zoom participation, pricing is one registration per household.
Price includes:
Six 2-hour sessions (one Academy of Seniors class).
$15 single-session option available for in-person attendance (pay at door).
Register online at seniorprofessionals.illinoisstate.edu or call (309) 438-2160.
Zoom participants will receive a Zoom link a week prior to the start of the class(es) and again on the day of each session.
Reimagining Living: Navigating Life in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
September 27
This session will explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and humanity. Roy Magnuson will examine the transformative potential of AI as well as the ethical, social, and moral questions adopting this technology brings. How will recent advances in AI technology affects human interaction? Discover current uses of generative AI technology, increase your AI knowledge, and learn about some challenges and benefits of AI, as well as what to anticipate in the future.
Roy Magnuson, Associate Professor of Music Composition, ISU
Biography and Colonial History: How to Responsibly Write the History of the British Empire
October 4
By the end of the 19th century Britain ruled over the largest empire in the world. How did this happen, and how should we write and remember this history? Oftentimes, history is told through the lives of famous politicians, important activists, or cultural leaders. But what about the everyday people who made empire possible? This lecture considers the complexities of telling history through a different kind of biography—the stories of ordinary men, women, and families who shaped and were shaped by history.
Taylor Soja, Assistant Professor of History, Affiliate Faculty in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, ISU
Election 2024: Is American Democracy at a Precipice?
October 11
Is the fate of democracy on the ballot? What are the races, issues, and trends to watch? These and related questions will be examined in what is being dubbed an “election for the ages.” As American voters face a hotly contested presidential election and intense battle for Congress in 2024, come learn of factors that will shape the context for the upcoming election and the future of our nation.
Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus, Politics and Government, ISU
McHistory: The Podcast Partnership of the Past
October 18
How does the history museum staff go about selecting topics and readings for each McHistory installment? What are some common challenges faced when tracking down sources and highlighting stories? Bill Kemp will look back on some of his favorite characters and subjects featured over the decade-plus run of McHistory.
Learn how McHistory was conceived, methods of production and audio editing, the creation of narrative flow without a reporter inside the story, and music selections. Charlie Schlenker will share clips from a couple of his favorite episodes.
Bill Kemp, Librarian, McLean County Museum of History
Charlie Schlenker, Senior Reporter, WGLT
A Morning with Skeletons
October 25
The field of Forensic Anthropology has gone mainstream with shows like Bones and books such as The Body Farm, but what can you actually learn from a human skeleton? During this lecture, you will be introduced to the biological profile which includes assessing age, sex, ancestry, and stature of an individual. Driscoll will also discuss trauma, pathology, and estimating the postmortem interval.
Kathryn Driscoll, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology, ISU
Harmonie and You
November 1
Perhaps you have not thought about Harmonie or Harmoniemusik. Why should you? Have you ever watched a football halftime show and enjoyed the marching band? Have you played in a marching or a concert band? If you answered yes to either question, then you will enjoy delving into Harmonie which has everything to do with the development of our modern bands. Take a look back in time to the beginning of the 18th century and learn about the development of wind instruments and wind band music until the present day, including the music of several composers.
Michael Dicker, Professor Emeritus of Bassoon, ISU
