Senior Learning Programs

Monday, May 10, 1–2:15pm
Virtual Event
Dr. David Brodnax, professor of history

Cost: $10 for SALT Members; $15 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by May 1

History Professor Dr. David Brodnax will lead a discussion on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ recent book, The Water Dancer. A Los Angeles Times’ book review describes The Water Dancer as “a spellbinding look at the impact of slavery that uses meticulously researched history and hard-won magic to further illuminate this country’s original sin” in which “Coates envisions the transcendent potential in acknowledging and retelling stories of trauma from the past as a means out of darkness.” The book and discussion are relevant for the historical issues of race and slavery but also for the contemporary practice and lasting effects of racism and racial discrimination today.  This discussion will take place online via Microsoft Teams. A link and complete instructions will be sent out by email a few days prior to the event.

Thursdays, March 18, 25, 1-2:15 PM
Virtual Event
Dr. Kyle Dieleman, professor of history

Cost: $20 for SALT Members; $30 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by March 10

Living in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is unique but, despite our frequent use of the term, not unprecedented. In these two sessions we will learn about the deadliest pandemic in recorded history—the Black Death, also known simply as The Plague. We will explore the causes, spread, symptoms, treatments, and preventions related to the Black Death in Europe during the 1300s and beyond. In particular, we will read and discuss Christian understandings of and approaches to the Black Death pandemic. Our learning will also allow us to reflect on commonalities and differences between the Black Death and our own pandemic and, by doing so, allow us to consider what it is to be human and to live together as a society. This course will take place online via Zoom. A link and complete instructions will be sent out by email a few days prior to the event.

Wednesdays, February 24 & March 3, 10, 3-4:15 PM
Virtual Event
Dr. Dennis Connelly, professor of criminal justice

Cost: $30 for SALT Members; $45 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by February 15

Ever wonder what cop shows cops watch? Here is the opportunity to learn about the television heroes of yesterday like Lee Marvin in M Squad and Sergeant ‘Just the facts, ma’am’ Friday’ from Dragnet, to later shows, such as, Hill Street Blues. This class will discuss the television shows that accurately attempt to depict policing, such as, Police Story, to those that are not as accurate. We will view and discus scenes from the  selected shows while discovering how the shows were developed, discussing technical advisors, and learning interesting facts about television and the police force.  This course will take place online via Zoom. A link and complete instructions will be sent out by email a few days prior to the event.