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Charlotte Brontë called her sister Emily’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights “moorish and wild and knotty,” a “savage” masterpiece. Readers through the years have seen it as everything from a romance (or, as Lady Gaga might put it, a “bad romance”), to a gothic classic, to an exposé of class, race, and gender in the Victorian era. In the wake of the recent film adaptation, let’s explore this famed novel together! The class will consist of lecture and discussion, and participants will be expected to read the novel and a few other selections related to it.

Each week will offer a fast, broad sweep of different eras/-ism(s) (e.g, Expressionism, Mannerism) to see what features most define each one. We won’t have time for nuance, but by the end of the class you should be able to do a rough identification of paintings you see in a museum. Class sessions will be focused on looking at and talking about paintings and some sculpture. Classes will begin with a bit of lecture about the week’s subject, with reference to representative works, followed by discussion. LIMIT 20

By now, most people have heard of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This class will dig a little deeper and explore how it works and where it can be used. We will review the various types of computing structures used, and in the case of AI, explain how neural networks have enabled the latest advances in AI technology. We will also discuss the common applications for AI and the potential economic impact of these applications, along with other common concerns associated with this new technology.

By now, most people have heard of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This class will dig a little deeper and explore how it works and where it can be used. We will review the various types of computing structures used, and in the case of AI, explain how neural networks have enabled the latest advances in AI technology. We will also discuss the common applications for AI and the potential economic impact of these applications, along with other common concerns associated with this new technology.

Take a journey in numbers that traces 4500 years of mathematical history beginning in Egypt. Last offered two years ago as a four-week class, this time we will have eight weeks and ample time for examples, discussion, and some hands-on activities. 

The U.S. Constitution is the world’s oldest surviving written charter of national government. This class will take a journey back 239 years to the crafting of the Constitution during the summer of 1787. During this journey we will discover who the framers were, as well as what the influences were on the framers, and their agreements, disagreements, and compromises. We will learn about the founding principles of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other aspects of crafting this important document. Finally, we will discuss what changes, if any, should be made to our Constitution, as well as what should never change. Questions and comments from all class members are highly encouraged.

Participants will explore films of the genre called film noir through weekly film viewings and, if time allows, discussion. Fall-term films are Criss Cross(1948), Leave Her to Heaven (1946), The Killers (1946), Phantom Lady (1944), Gilda (1948), The Blue Dahlia (1939), Hell’s Half Acre (1954), and Sudden Fear (1952).

Interested in exploring your family history? This class introduces participants to the fascinating world of genealogy. Through a mix of historical records, digital tools, and hands-on techniques, learners will gain the skills to trace their ancestry, interpret evidence, and share their family stories. This class is open to all levels of interest, beginner to advanced. 

Tuesday hikes will be gentler and often shorter than Thursday’s hikes. There will be fewer challenging sections, but we will still hike to points of interest. We will use a variety of trails throughout Duluth. Participants should be in good health and strong enough to hike up and down hills. LIMIT 22

Spiders are common critters living with us, yet most of us know little about them. In this class, we will look at spider anatomy and diversity, what is and is not a spider, and spider life cycles. We will also take a close look at their intricate webs. Emphasis will be on local species. 

What kinds of people have attracted mass public interest and attendance in the entertainment world? This class will explore the history of public and mass entertainment.
NOTE: This class begins on September 28 (Week 2) and goes for 7 weeks. Please also note the early start time.

Become knowledgeable about interior design and decoration based on the science of color and what trends are in and out of style. Learn how to update your home and get your home ready for the next stage in life and, more specifically, staging it for sale. 

Dancing is an excellent activity for both the body and the brain. Physical activity protects the brain, learning lets it grow, socialization helps it thrive, and, most of all, it is fun. Dance to music from many countries. All are welcome to join, and no partners are needed.

Participants will hear, see, discuss, and witness a presentation on the history of jazz, often referred to as America's Classical Music and one of its few original art forms. Class will consist of lectures, video, discussion, performances, and encouragement to attend jazz rehearsals and performances. 

This interactive, hands-on session will explore basic theater concepts through short scenes and improv games. No experience necessary. LIMIT 16

Short of flying over the green hills of the western counties and landing at Shannon Airport, modern Irish literature offers the best sense of what Ireland is all about. The class will focus upon the work of four writers—William Butler Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh, Seamus Heaney, and Eavan Boland--authors whose poetry lovingly conceptualizes Irish history, Irish land, Irish mythology, and Irish viewpoints. The class sessions will be largely discussion, with some supplementary background lecture. Read the assigned literary pieces, share your thoughts. LIMIT 20

Americans have been recycling for decades, yet millions of tons of waste are sent to landfills daily. We all want to do better, but it’s hard to effect change when we don’t understand the infrastructure, economics, and politics behind our global waste systems. In this class you will go behind the scenes of waste systems in our regional community and beyond. Learn the impacts of your waste, explore innovations in waste reduction, and practice new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in your own life. This virtual class will feature lecture-style presentation, interpretive videos, guest speakers, and opportunities for hands-on participation outside of class. 

Tai Chi is a slow, graceful exercise that is sometimes called a moving meditation. Its many benefits include reduced stress, increased flexibility, improved balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Whether you are new to Tai Chi or a seasoned expert, all are welcome! Members may enroll in one or both offerings of this class. LIMIT 40

Tai Chi is a slow, graceful exercise that is sometimes called a moving meditation. Its many benefits include reduced stress, increased flexibility, improved balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Whether you are new to Tai Chi or a seasoned expert, all are welcome! Members may enroll in one or both offerings of this class. LIMIT 40

Review the history of deity from the ancient Near East to the present, including how and why evil began. Critically viewing scripture, archaeological data, and history, we will determine the dominant views of the past and present through mostly lecture and discussion.

Discover the fascinating story of the Jackson Project, a New Deal homestead community that shaped Hermantown during the Great Depression. Through illustrated presentations, historic photographs, artifacts, and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of this unique chapter in local and national history. The class concludes with a field trip to the Hermantown History Center, where a Jackson Project home and personal stories from local residents bring history to life. 

Study the world-famous Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letters of Warren Buffett, the world's most successful investor. We’ll emphasize how this extraordinary businessperson thinks about global business events and applies rational insight to decision-making. Buffett's letters are insightful, educational, and entertaining. We will delve into Buffett's management style and investing philosophy — specifically how he creates an environment in which his managers can thrive, how he compensates managers to keep them motivated, and how he builds a strong corporate culture. Participants will be expected to read assigned excerpts from the shareholder letters (which are publicly available) in advance; these ideas will then be discussed in class. 

Hear insights on the diverse topics that contribute to comfort in retirement and beyond. We’ll discuss the variety of investment structures, what drives returns, inter-related risks, and how human behavior oftentimes affects outcomes. People have different goals. These can include what to do with money after someone passes, managing income, risks, and investments during retirement, and gifting. We will discuss the different vehicles that are available to help people achieve their retirement and estate planning goals. 

Take a more challenging hiking class where each hike will be up to two hours long and include steep sections and uneven ground. Participants are encouraged to be in good physical condition and ready for long walks. The locations will range from eastern to western areas of Greater Duluth, using hike, bike, and ski trails. The hikes will allow us to appreciate how the trails connect us to all parts of Duluth. LIMIT 25

We will read aloud the dramatic monologues of John Donne and Robert Browning, doing our best to capture tone, nuance, and emotion of the speaker in the poem. Poetry is meant to be heard, not merely read silently, and this focus will bring about the full impact of these remarkable monologues. Come prepared to use your voices. 

Open to beginners, intermediates, and those who just want to get together to paint while inspiring others! We emphasize fun and creativity. The weekly sessions consist of a brief demonstration, time to paint and ask questions, and the opportunity to share individual projects. Basic watercolor supplies are required. LIMIT 20

Haiku, an ancient form of poetic expression, pairs well with the more recent free verse. Did you know that some of our modern free verse "beat" poets were also Haiku poets? During this class we will learn about major writers from both genres. We also will write our own poems every class period and share our work voluntarily. 

Anyone interested in continuing the study of Spanish at whatever level should join this class. Communicating with one another is the most valuable aspect of this class. Join to improve your Spanish language conversational skills, and enjoy others doing the same. Share in the exploration and fun. LIMIT 12