Lifelong Learning

Bryn Athyn's Lifelong Learning courses offer students the chance to experience education at Bryn Athyn without the pressure of grades and tests. Offered in cooperation with the ANC Secondary Schools and the General Church Office of Education, our not-for-credit Lifelong Learning courses take place throughout the year. Courses vary each term, ranging in subject matter from oil painting to literature studies to philosophy.

Fall Courses 2011

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Led by Janna King
Mondays, October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14 | 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton reveals the inner workings of the wealthiest social class in America's Gilded Age. The protagonist, Lily Bart, is an attractive woman with some important social and family ties, but at the age of 29, she is still not married. So what? The book is riveting, funny and heart-breaking in answering this seemingly simple question because the reader is treated to the extraordinarily perceptive observations of Edith Wharton's brilliant feminine mind.

Janna King loves to study literature with other adult minds. She brings a wide range of teaching experience with her into the Lifelong Learning classes, and draws on insights gained from pursuing her own writing and publication career.

Ensemble Percussion Experience

Led by Donna Bostock
Mondays, October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Fine Arts Building, Third Floor Classroom

Donna Bostock is a performing percussionist in multiple bands. She is a teacher at the ANC Secondary Schools and other institutions. While traveling to areas such as Cuba, Bolivia, Brazil and Spain she has been gathering a large range of cultural rhythmic material and is excited to share it with anyone who is interested. This is a “hands on” workshop format that will include playing with sticks, congas, snare drums, large bass drums, hand-bells, wooden boxes, and more. There will be something for everyone in this workshop. Beginners to advanced musicians, you will all walk away with something invaluable.

Oil Painting

Led by Lisa McQueen Knight (PA Academy of the Fine Arts)
Tuesdays, October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15 | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Fine Arts Building, Second Floor Mezzanine

An introduction to oil painting, using classical painting methods of the old masters. We’ll look at how light and dark describe forms, palettes and color mixing, painting composition, and other aspects of oil painting. Students bring their own supplies; class is open to all levels of experience.

Lisa draws her inspiration from nature and paints mostly still lifes. Samples of her work can be seen at: www.lisamcqueenknight.com.

The Ancient Church and Current Anthropology: Some Points of Contact

Led by Michael Hogan
Tuesdays, October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Swedenborg Library, Second Floor Seminar Room

Thirty-five years ago, Bryn Athyn College sponsored a conference on the Ancient Church. The current course will review teachings on the Ancient Church from the theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg, and update several topics from that conference in light of the latest archeological research. We will also utilize the New Church research framework developed in The World Transformed for some of our discussions.

Michael Hogan is an Assistant Circulation Librarian at the Swedenborg Library. He holds a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught part-time at Bryn Athyn College in the past.

The Tabernacle of Israel

Led by Rev. Kurt Asplundh
Wednesdays, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

Published in 1969 (but actually begun at least as early as 1921 when he initiated a Tabernacle model project in the Bryn Athyn Church School), George de Charms's The Tabernacle of Israel is a classic of New Church literature. Using it as a text, and looking more closely at the many referenced teachings, we will study the correspondences and symbolism of this nomadic temple. Its materials, architecture, and use reflect our individual efforts to organize and construct a spiritual life of our own. "The human mind is an instrument Divinely created to become aware of God's presence, to perceive His Divine qualities of love and wisdom. This is now the real tabernacle of God."

Rev. Asplundh has served as a pastor and has taught religion courses at the Bryn Athyn College and ANC Secondary Schools for over ten years.

The Century After Darwin

Led by Linda Simonetti Odhner
Wednesdays, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

The course will give an overview of advances in evolutionary science in the 100 years after the 1859 publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species, summarizing the most important steps that led to the Modern Synthesis in its classical form, before the era of molecular biology. We will study a few basic concepts chosen to be most helpful in making sense of current evolutionary controversies. No special biological knowledge or background is required.

Linda Simonetti Odhner is a graduate of Bryn Athyn College. She has served as the editor of Theta Alpha Journal and has published articles in The New Philosophy.

Using Parables to get Spiritual IRA's

Led by Rev George McCurdy
Thursdays, October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17 | 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

The initials IRA's mean Instruction, Reflection, and Application. These three IRA's carry with them a guarantee that will pay Eternal Dividends. Come see how the Lord’s parables can wonderfully enrich your life.

Rev. McCurdy has nearly 50 years of pastoral experience. He has taught in the Bryn Athyn Church School, the ANC Secondary Schools, and Bryn Athyn College.

Photography for the Digital SLR User

Led by Jared Alden
Thursdays, October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by August 26; $85 after October 7)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

Do you want to be a photographer? This class is designed for anyone who wants to take their photography to next level. Many people today own a nice digital SLR camera but they continue photographing using the automatic modes. To take full advantage of a digital SLR camera and to gain artistic control of a photograph a person must expose the photograph in the manual mode—this requires an understanding of shutter speed, aperture and ISO. It’s not hard to learn to operate the camera in the manual mode. Come and join us for a five class series that will teach you to expose your photography in the manual mode. If you own a digital SLR camera this is a great opportunity to take advantage of your camera’s creative potential. Are you ready to become a photographer and an artist?

Jared Alden is a graduate of the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Jared sells his photography as fine art and online stock. He also publishes images in magazines and on various websites. Jared’s photography has won competitions and has been featured on the National Geographic Glimpse website. You can see some of his work at www.jaredphotography.com.

Spring Courses 2012

Flower Painting in Watercolor

Led by Caroline Kline
Mondays, March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by January 20; $85 after March 2)
Location: Academy Secondary Schools, Fine Arts Building, Room TBD

Learn to use watercolor techniques such as washes, brush strokes, and mixed colors to paint stunning flowers on paper. Paint from real flowers in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your own painting supplies. This course is suitable for all levels of ability.

Caroline Kline is a freelance Graphic Designer and Illustrator. She has a BFA from the Tyler School of Art and has studied watercolor at The Maryland Institute College of Art and the PA Academy of the Fine Arts. She enjoys painting in nature and filling sketchbooks wherever she goes.

Basics of Musical Harmony

Led by Linda Simonetti Odhner
Mondays, March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by January 20; $85 after March 2)
Location: TBD

We will explore the most fundamental patterns of musical pitch and harmony, using vocal exercises, diagrams, and simple keyboard work in class. We will observe the ways in which the diatonic scale (the one you find on the piano) works together with triad chords to create the “common practice” harmony familiar to us in classical and popular music. To sharpen perception of pitch intervals, key sense, and harmonic overtones, we will sing modal scales and shifting vowel tones.

Linda Simonetti Odhner studied piano for nine years with Cathy Odhner and fell in love with Bach's music, which she plays with more enjoyment than skill. Bach taught her lots of things about harmony.

Book Talk 1: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

Led by Scott Daum
Tuesdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $60 ($50 if registered by January 20; $70 after March 2)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

Published in 1962 and filled with Biblical allusions, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is set in an Oregon psychiatric hospital. The story focuses on the conflict between the rebellious Randle Patrick McMurphy, who fakes insanity to serve out a prison sentence in a more comfortable environment, and head nurse Mildred Ratched, who rules the hospital ward with an iron fist. The battle between these two strong-willed individuals begins as soon as the two meet and escalates quickly with profound consequences. Nothing less than salvation is at stake!

Scott Daum taught English at the ANC Secondary Schools for twenty years before becoming the Principal of ANC Boys School. Besides his family, he loves nothing more than to discuss a good book.

Jane Eyre, and the Life of Charlotte Bronte

Led by Janna King
Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11 | 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by January 20; $85 after March 2)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBD

In some ways, Bronte’s life was more dramatic than her fiction, and that’s saying a lot. We’ll take a look at how the life experiences of the Bronte children, including Charlotte, Emily, and Anne (all novelists) are reflected in Jane Eyre.  I’ll be drawing on Elizabeth Gaskell’s biography of Charlotte.  Gaskell herself knew Charlotte Bronte, and in recent years has become increasingly well known as her own novels are made into films.

Janna King loves to study literature with other adult minds. She brings a wide range of teaching experience with her into the Lifelong Learning classes, and draws on insights gained from pursuing her own writing and publication career.

Austrian Economics: A discussion of the market economy

Led by Ethan King
Tuesdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by January 20; $85 after March 2)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBD

The Austrian School of Economics, a particular branch focused more on logic than on math and models, offers a unique approach to explaining markets and the human interactions that are ‘the economy.’ We will discuss the basic structure of the financial markets, what is really happening in the American economy today, and tools for anticipating future market conditions. We will do some reading, some lectures and lots of discussion. The leading Austrian School website is fostering a global sea-change in economic thought with powerful online strategies. For the final class I will share my vision of how the General Church and its various educational endeavors might benefit by emulating aspects of mises.org. This course requires no prior knowledge of economics and absolutely no mathematical aptitude. When you leave this course, your mind will be exploding with new financial insights and economic understanding.

A self-employed stock trader and economics enthusiast, Ethan King lives in Huntingdon Valley with his family. He holds an MBA from Temple and a BA in History from Bryn Athyn College. He contends that Austrian Economics has a complementary methodology to the New Church rational approach to discovering truth.

Using Parables to get Spiritual IRA's

Led by Rev. George McCurdy
Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12 | 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by January 20; $85 after March 2)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

The initials IRA stand for instruction, reflection, and application. These three IRA's carry with them a guarantee that will pay eternal dividends. Come see how the parables in the Bible can wonderfully enrich your life.

Rev. McCurdy has nearly 50 years of pastoral experience. He has taught in the Bryn Athyn Church School, the ANC Secondary Schools, and Bryn Athyn College.

Tai Chi

Led by Weina Toscano
Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $75 ($65 if registered by January 20; $85 after March 2)
Location: Fine Arts Building, Room TBD

Originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is now used to promote personal energy. Tai Chi includes rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help build physical strength and balance and to reduce stress. Because Tai Chi is a low impact activity, adults are able to participate at a level suitable to their age and physical ability. The class is limited to 12 people.

A native of China, Weina Toscano has studied Tai Chi and Kung Fu since she was seven years old. She is a licensed instructor in both forms in Shanghai and has been teaching the many benefits of Tai Chi since coming to live in the United States.

Summer Courses 2012

Theatrical Production with T4Y Playmakers

Led by: Heather Gregg, Jordan Cooper, and Kristin Lindsay
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, June 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20 (with optional participation during performance weekend: June 21 – 24) | 7 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $150
Location: Mitchell Performing Arts Center

This course will serve as an introduction to the theatrical production process through practical experience. Initial sessions will focus on analysis & pre-production preparation. Later sessions will coincide with T4Y Playmaker’s first summer production, The Jungle Book, and therefore provide firsthand insight and practical experience in all areas of the production. Participants will assist with lighting, costuming, props, scenery, sound, and much more. They will receive an overview of the casting and directing process and observe rehearsal in progress. Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer outside of sessions and assist during performances if they choose.

Heather, Jordan, and Kristin are all graduates of Shenandoah Conservatory, class of 2009. In 2010, they had a crazy idea to put on a show for children in only 7 days with no money. Since then, T4Y Playmakers has put on three children’s shows and is gearing up for another successful run at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in the summer of 2012. T4Y stands for Theater for Youth. The acronym comes from the Theatre for Youth program of study offered at Shenandoah Conservatory. It focuses on the power of theater in the lives of young people. T4Y Playmakers embrace this area of theater and the uses it performs in instructing a younger generation in the value of living life with the whole mind, body, and spirit.

Book Talk 2: Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Led by Scott Daum
Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 10, 12, 17, 19 | 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $60 ($50 if registered by June 1; $70 after June 29)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, Room TBA

Considered one of the most influential books written in the 1900s, Lord of the Flies focuses on a group of very young British school boys, who have crash-landed on a deserted island during an evacuation effort at the start of World War III. The boys discover quickly that they will have to care for themselves until the adult world discovers them, so they set about to govern themselves. Deeply symbolic, the novel explores the heroic and destructive aspects of human nature.

Scott Daum taught English at the ANC Secondary Schools for twenty years before becoming the Principal of ANC Boys School. Besides his family, he loves nothing more than to discuss a good book.