Lifelong Learning Institute

Courses

Extreme Weather: Floods, Drought, Heat Waves, Cold Waves and Blizzards

When weather takes a turn for the worse, everyone is affected. We will visit a wide range of events that span the entire year-floods, drought, heat waves, cold waves and blizzards.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019, WDC*D124

Eight Books that Changed the World -Video Lecture

This video lecture will unveil the mysteries of the Bible, Homer's?Odyssey, Dante's?Divine Comedy, and Shakespeare's? Hamlet? then closer to today Virginia Woolf's? To the Lighthouse, Ralph Ellison's? Invisible Man, Harper Lee's? To Kill A Mockingbird? and Joseph Heller's? Catch 22.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

An Introduction to Voiceovers

In this introductory class, you'll learn about different types of voiceovers and the tools you need to find success. The facilitator is a working voice actor who will take notes as you read a real script, and offer some coaching to improve your delivery

Thursday, August 15, 2019, WDC*D123
Thursday, November 14, 2019, WDC*D123

Christmas at Old Orchard

Don't miss out on this popular annual trip! Explore the beautiful open-air setting at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, the premier shopping destination in Skokie, on Chicago's North Shore. Highlights of the season can be found at the anchor stores of Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Macy's.

Friday, December 6, 2019

Decorative Mesh Witch Hat

Scare the ghosts and goblins away with this fun, witch hat door hanger. Create a beautiful decorative Halloween piece to hang on your door to welcome visitors or little monsters. We will use mesh and ribbon to create a one-of-a-kind hanging wreath.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019, WDC*D151

Group Guitar

This is an introductory course to playing guitar in a group setting, intended for students without prior knowledge of the instrument. You'll learn music notation and tablature for guitar, fingering for basic open chords, interpreting basic chord symbols, right hand strumming techniques and styles, playing simple song melodies, use of chords as accompaniment, and right hand picking technique.

September 23, 2019 to November 11, 2019, WDC*D124

Playing the Ukulele

Get started with the ukulele by learning basic chords and strum patterns at a pace designed for first-time players. This class is for those who have never played an instrument before. You'll learn the basics of chords, strum patterns, finger picking, music notation and songs.

September 23, 2019 to November 11, 2019, WDC*D124

Turning 65: Medicare Made Easy!

A community educator and licensed insurance representative will discuss Medicare Parts A and B, and Medicare Supplement Plans. Come learn about eligibility, enrollment, and the benefits of Medicare and Medicare Supplements.

This course contains no sessions
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Basic Spanish Conversation

This eight-week course is designed to bring an English speaker to a beginning level of communication in Spanish. This class provides a strong base for you to have fun while you expand your mind.

September 9, 2019 to October 28, 2019, NEC*N101

1968: The Extraordinary Events of a Memorable Year - Video Lecture

Take a tour of 1968 through this video lecture to understand the Sixties generation -- and who we are as a nation -- it is essential to journey through 1968 and see how that seminal year shaped and influenced our history.

This course contains no sessions
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19th Century Presidential Elections

This class examines the presidential elections between 1832 and 1856. This era of American History is fraught with sectional tensions; when political parties were created and then abandoned; and when campaigning as we know it today was altogether different. But was it politics as usual?

Friday, October 4, 2019, WDC*D123

3D Printing Basics

Whether you are considering a 3D printer in the future or you would just like to experience this exciting technology in action, this class is for you. You will learn where to find 3D files and how to create your own 3D models for printing.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

3D Printing Basics - Adult & Child Class

Whether you are considering a 3D printer in the future or you would just like to experience this exciting technology in action, this class is for you. You will learn where to find 3D files and how to create your own 3D models for printing. This class is perfect for parent and child or grandparent and grandchild.

This course contains no sessions
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An Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure

In this fast-paced two hour session, participant will explore what Parliamentary procedures is and isn't.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Analyzing the Federal & Confederate Congress

This class will examine the accomplishments and failures of the 37th Congress (181-1863), the 38th Congress (1863-1865), and the three Confederate Congresses.

Friday, September 20, 2019, WDC*D123

Christmas in American Culture

This class highlights those Christmas traditions and explores the history of the holiday. We will discuss the origins of December 25th, the commercialization of the holiday, along with exploring carols, cards, Santa, and other Christmas symbols.

Friday, December 6, 2019, WDC*D123

Civil War in the Western Frontier

This class analyzes how the western frontier was critical to both the United States and the Confederacy; the notions of civilized and honorable warfare; how fighting Native Americans differed from the armies, and battles occurring between both armies and Indians.

Friday, October 18, 2019, WDC*D123

Create a Wreath - Book Folding Art Project

While books are wonderful to read, books are also becoming home décor. This course introduces you to how to create decorations and unique gifts from books. We will take old book pages to create a beautiful wreath that can be decorated for every holiday all year long.

Friday, September 20, 2019, WDC*D151

Current Event Discussion Group

Discussion of current events in a relaxed setting between individuals from diverse walks of life with the purpose of understanding what is happening in our country.

This course contains no sessions
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Decorative Mesh Poinsettia Wreath

Welcome all of your holiday guests with your custom made mesh poinsettia wreath. In this class, you will create a beautiful holiday wreath from decorative mesh to hang on your door or your wall.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019, WDC*D151

Desertion in the Civil War

This class examines desertion among the ranks of both the Union and Confederate soldiers in order to understand the reasons for their individual choices.

Friday, November 1, 2019, WDC*D123

Dynamic Governance for Non-profit Boards

This course will explore the ways in which volunteer board members ensure they are doing the best job possible for the organizations they serve.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, WDC*D151

Experience 3D Printing

Designed to serve as an introduction to 3D printing technology, this four-week workshop will provide you with the opportunity to print your own simple 3D project. Learn about the software involved in 3D printing, internet resources and experience the KCC Innovation Lab in this hands-on class.

This course contains no sessions
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Fresh Floral Design: Christmas Planter

This planter centerpiece will add Christmas cheer to your home. Learn how to make this holiday arrangement from a variety of Christmas greens, pine cones and holiday embellishments. This class will teach basic floral techniques through hands-on instruction.

Thursday, December 5, 2019, NEC*N114

Fresh Floral Design: Mixed Vase Arrangement

This classic American design is the number one seller in Flower Shops. Knowing this simple formula will enable you to take any collection of flowers and turn them into a beautiful design.

Thursday, October 24, 2019, NEC*N114

Our 5 Greatest Presidents and our 3 Worst - Video Lecture

Take an insider's look at the polls by leading historians that rank the presidents, and share some stories behind the greatest (and failed) presidents.

This course contains no sessions
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Fresh Floral Design: Roses

This class will not only teach you how to professionally arrange roses, but will give you tips on how to purchase and care for them too. You will learn floral techniques through hands-on instruction, and will take home your completed floral project.

Thursday, September 26, 2019, NEC*N114

Halloween Jack-O-Lantern - Book Folding Art Project

This course introduces you to how to create decorations and unique gifts out of hardback books by simply folding the pages of the book to make beautiful designs. You will learn how to take an old book and turn it into art by simply folding the pages and following a pattern. This class will create a jack-o-lantern just in time for Halloween.

Friday, October 18, 2019, WDC*D124

A Grand Tour of Italy - Video Lecture

Join award-winning author, teacher, and Italian scholar Joseph Luzzi as he leads participants on a video lecture tour of Italy's "greatest cultural hits," as we explore the fascinating world of Italian art, music, film, and literature. Participants will learn how Italy has been a "grand tour" travel destination for centuries as we discover the fine art of living Italian style.

This course contains no sessions
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Ethical Dilemmas and Modern Medicine - Video Lecture

This video lecture discusses medical technologies that have brought us miracle drugs and unprecedented longevity are also forcing us to confront increasingly difficult ethical dilemmas.

This course contains no sessions
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Climate Change, Nature, and the Environment - Video Lecture

In this video lecture, Professor David Helfand carefully distinguishes facts from fictions, and physics certainties from feedback uncertainties. Every planet's temperature is controlled by a simple balance between the energy it receives and the energy it radiates back into space. We will examine each of the main factors affecting this balance.

This course contains no sessions
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Future of Digital: Amazon, Apple, Facebook & Google - Video Lecture

In the race for digital dominance, there will be winners and losers. Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google are the four horsemen leading the race. This video lecture's provocative perspective will have students rethinking their assumptions about where the world is headed next, as the instructor shares insights on who will thrive or die in a digital age.

This course contains no sessions
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How the 1960's Shaped American Politics - Video Lecture

We may not wear bell bottoms and tie-dye t-shirts anymore, and let's not talk about what happened to our hair. But even though it's been half a century since the 1960s, it's a decade that continues to reverberate in our society, politics, culture, and institutions to this very day.

This course contains no sessions
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The Art of Aging - Video Lecture

No matter how old you are, you're aging. You started aging from the moment you were born, and you'll continue aging until the moment you die. That's the brutal, universal fact. But people age differently, as you've noticed if you've looked around and compared yourself to your peers. Are you aging better than they are? Worse than they are? In what ways and for what reasons? In this video lecture we'll review what biological, psychological, and social research has taught us about growing older.

This course contains no sessions
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What Makes Great Movies Great? - Video Lecture

This video lecture discusses the one thing great film directors have in common--lofty artistic ambitions. They take on the toughest issues and most provocative themes of their day hoping to eloquently bring them to life on screen.

This course contains no sessions
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Women of the American Revolution - Video Lecture

This video lecture puts to rest another of the remarkable myths of the American Revolution: that it was an all male affair. Really? An eight-year home front war and American women didn't notice it? In fact, the politicization of women in the 1760s and 1770s is one of the most striking consequences of the rebellion against British rule.

This course contains no sessions
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Introduction to Laser Engraving

Learn how to use a laser engraver and practice engraving wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, leather and more. This class will cover creating digital files compatible with a laser cutter. Each student will have the opportunity to create a small project as they learn the laser cutting process from start to finish.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Introduction to Reading Tarot

This course is designed to introduce you to a standard tarot deck and some basic spreads for readings. Students will learn a simple meaning for each card, both in the upright and reversed positions.

October 3, 2019 to November 21, 2019, WDC*D212

Jingle All the Way - Book Folding Art Project

Start the holiday season by creating a Christmas themed book art. This course focuses on the more complex cut-and-fold patterns. Participants will learn how to take their book folding to the next level. This class also teaches the differences and nuisances to reading cut and fold patterns.

Friday, December 6, 2019, WDC*D124

Menu Planning Featuring Instant Pot Meals

If you struggle with the daily question of 'what's for dinner?' then this presentation will surely make it easier for you to answer it. We will discuss the reasons for menu planning and how-to menu plan. We will talk about different options or choices for menus that will make your life easier.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019, WDC*D151

Tap into Your Intuition with Tarot Cards

In this two-hour session you will be introduced to a way of relaxing, clearing your mind, tuning in, and creating an open dialogue to become more enlightened about your future through a tarot deck.

Thursday, September 26, 2019, WDC*D123

Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece - Book Folding Art Project

This class will take a hardback book and transform it into a centerpiece for the holidays while incorporating two styles of book art. Come learn how to make this unique centerpiece.

Friday, November 15, 2019, WDC*D124

The 19th Century Rural Cemetery Movement

This class examines how America Embraced cemeteries as cultural institutions and how rural cemeteries transformed the ways in which Americans thought about death and nature.

Friday, September 6, 2019, WDC*D123

Turkey and Thanksgiving: A History

Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey. This class discusses the true history of thanksgiving, the turkey as a cultural symbol and the center of the dinner table, as well as presidential turkey pardons, turkey raffles and turkey drives.

Friday, November 15, 2019, WDC*D123

Music and Art: A Beautiful Couple

The relationship between music and art can be seen in the influences of all artists. Willie Dixon will lead a discussion in art and music through history. Does art chase music or music chase art? He will discuss folk, contemporary and classical paintings to jazz, Dixieland and classical music.

This course contains no sessions
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Congress: Can an 18th Century Model Work? (Video Lecture)

We will discuss the nature of federal power; the role of political parties, ideology, and diversity in a democracy; and expected vs. actual power of each branch of government. We'll examine the nature of the federal-state relationship, with a focus on what founders believed.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019, ATEC*T205

Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness (Video Lecture)

Learn about cutting-edge research from the field of positive psychology on factors that do (and do not) predict happiness. You'll learn practical ways to increase your own psychological well-being.

Thursday, August 8, 2019, ATEC*T205

A Christmas Tree Extraordinary Tour

Join fellow LLI members in a wonderful Christmas winter wonderland at the home of Doug Latta followed by dinner at Uptown Grille. Doug began collecting Department 56 Christmas pieces in 1988. Today his collections encompasses Pipka Santas, Hallmark ornaments and Department 56.

December 18, 2019 to September 18, 2019

Amerindian Myths

Tales from various American Indian tribes explaining where we come from, how we got here, explanations of behaviors and nature, what happens after we die, where we go. Presented in story format--some sad, some funny, some scary but all interesting.

This course contains no sessions

Basket Weaving: Autumn Cross Stitch Basket

Join us for an evening of basket weaving. Weave a fall basket that features a cross stitch pattern woven onto it.

Thursday, September 26, 2019, WDC*D151

Leaders in Local History

Join us on Friday's this fall as we create new memories about historic leaders from our local past.

September 13, 2019 to November 22, 2019, WDC*D123

Share a Book/Share an Author: Exploring Science Fiction

Are you a science fiction buff or want to be? Come join us for a discussion of this interesting genre. Share your favorite book or author and go home with a new list of authors and books to enjoy.

Friday, October 4, 2019, WDC*D123

The Periodic Table of Elements

This year if the 150th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev's periodic table. We will explore the history of the ideas of elements, atoms, and molecules, and how these ideas provide for our understanding of the physical world, from stars to modern genetics.

Thursday, September 12, 2019, WDC*D123