ILR Course Descriptions - Winter 2025
The History of the Universe in Five Nobel Prizes
Dates: Mondays, Jan. 13-March 3, 2025
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Planetarium Rickey Science Center, Selby 144, Hybrid, in-person and Zoom
Fee: $30 (8-week class)
Presented by: Ann Bragg: Professor of Physics, Director, Anderson Hancock Planetarium, Marietta College
Description: Explore the universe through some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy and cosmology! From the detection of invisible ripples in space to evidence of the universe’s rapid expansion, this course will guide you through key ideas that have transformed our understanding of the cosmos. We’ll unravel the mysteries of the universe’s large-scale structure, travel back to the earliest moments after the Big Bang, and end with a look at what’s next for the future of cosmology. Designed for those with no prior science background, this course aims to make complex topics accessible and engaging.
Andover Again, a Deeper Dive into Salem Witchcraft
Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 14-March 4, 2025
Times: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas 124
Fee: $30 (8-week class)
Presented by: Andrew Clovis: A direct descendant of Samuel Wardwell who was executed for witchcraft, Clovis is a former instructor and Director of Theater at WVUP.
Description: “Andover, Again” delves into the final and most bizarre chapter of the Salem Witch Trials, focusing on Andover, Massachusetts. The course will explore the Wardwell, Ballard, Hooper, and Dane families and cover topics like “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” an introduction to the 1692 events; “Little Home on the Scary,” examining domestic life in Puritan Massachusetts; “Witchy Women,” on the roles of women; “The Wizard of ?,” about accused men; and “Witch, Please,” on pop culture perceptions. Other topics include “The Crucible, Fact and Fiction” and “Giving the Devil His Due,” an exploration of views on Satan and witchcraft. The class concludes with “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” examining the lingering impact of the trials. Familiarity with “The Crucible” is recommended, but no expertise is required.
Sociology of Religion
Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 15-Feb. 5, 2025
Times: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas 124, Hybrid, in-person and Zoom
Fee: $15 (4-week class)
Presented by: Ted Goertzel, PhD: Retired Rutgers University Sociology Professor
Description: The origins of religion. Religion, magic and science. Charismatic leadership. Alternative perspectives and practices of world religions. Religious wars from the Crusades to the Thirty Years War to Israel/Palestine. Religion and slavery. Conflicts, factions and schisms in religious groups, including Baptists, Methodists, Roman Catholics, Islam, Mormons, Presbyterians, Quakers, Unitarians and/or others, especially any in which class members have been involved. Religion and politics including liberation theology, Christian nationalism, the social gospel and others. Women as pastors. Religion, race and ethnicity. Religion and homosexuality, gender change, abortion and other social issues. Secularization and the future of spirituality.
“No Stinking Carrion”: Five Thousand Years of Religion in Scotland
Dates: Wednesdays, Feb. 12-March 5, 2025
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas 124
Fee: $15 (4-week class)
Presented by: Barbara MacHaffie: Professor Emerita, History and Religion, Marietta College
Description: With the coming of the Protestant Reformation, religious life in Scotland was transformed, including the practice of burial in church buildings. But the whole religious history of Scotland is the story of continual (if less dramatic) transformation. This course will explore Scotland’s evolution from prehistoric henges to Celtic Church, from extraordinary medieval cathedrals and monasteries to decline and Reformation, and finally from Presbyterian ascendency to conflict and division over the last four centuries.
Humans, Germs, and Laws: The Science of Controversial Issues
Dates: Thursdays, Feb. 13–March 6, 2025
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas 124
Fee: $15 (4-week class)
Presented by: Sara Swisher: Retired; BA Biology/General Physical Sciences; MA Science Education
Description: The De-Evolution of Science seems to be a recurrent theme throughout history from Galileo to modern history. People often reject science because of their beliefs, attitudes, and values. Often science information contradicts existing beliefs because of widespread misinformation. Political forces are powerful contributors to anti-science attitudes. By understanding the reasons for being anti-science, we can possibly understand how to target such sentiments and increase scientific acceptance. Denying evolution, climate change and the importance of vaccinations, to include Covid vaccines, endangers society and even becomes deadly. Democracies depend upon educated citizens who can make informed decisions for the benefits of individual health and wellbeing, as well as society.
Figures Don’t Lie, But Liars Figure: Use and Misuse of Data
Dates: Fridays, Jan. 17-March 7, 2025
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas 124, Hybrid, in-person and Zoom; Feb. 28 – only Thomas 113
Fee: $30, (8-week class)
Presented by: Ben Ebenhack: Professor and Chair Emeritus; Dept of Petroleum Engineering and Geology; Marietta College
Description: In our technological society, science and math are increasingly used to draw conclusions and justify positions. Calculations and graphs provide a common language with which to communicate copious information. However, they are also frequently misused and abused. Class members will be provided with examples and insight on how to spot misleading scientific claims and how to discern bias in technical reports.
Someone’s Headed Out of the Kitchen with FLOTUS: The Lives, Times, and Favorite Recipes of America’s First Ladies
Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 6, 2025
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas 124
Fee: $15, (4-week class)
Presented by: Melissa Bannister, BA, WV Wesleyan College; MALL, Marietta College Jayne Whitlow, BA WVU; MA WVU
Description: Which FLOTUS first spied her husband shaving in his underwear? Which First Lady was the only woman in her geology classes at Stanford? The answers to these questions and many more will be the focus of our class as we study seven amazing women, their lives and the times during which they lived. As an added treat, we’ll be sharing some of their favorite dishes, so join us and bring your appetites for both fact and food!