Based on the new biography of Charles Curtis, historian Deb Goodrich shares the first remarkable story of the first person of color to serve as Vice President of the United States. As a mixed blood man in the 19th century, his life was filled with challenges and compromises. His Kaw and Osage ancestors had met with presidents and signed significant treaties; how would he respond to the issues facing his Native American cousins? 

Instructor Bio: Deb Goodrich, the host of the TV show "Around Kansas," and the Garvey (Texas) Foundation Historian in Residence at the Fort Wallace Museum, chairs the Santa Fe Trail 200. She has appeared in many documentaries including "The Road to Valhalla," "Aftershock," and "American Experience" on Jesse James, and the series, "Gunslingers" on AHC. She wrote and produced the docudrama, "Thof's Dragon."

J.R.R. Tolkien, the greatest fantasy writer of the 20th century, drew profound inspiration from medieval northwestern European literature for his works, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This course explores the ancient literary influences on Tolkien, such as "Beowulf," the Icelandic "Njal's Saga," the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, the Irish epic "The Táin," and "The Romance of Tristan and Iseult." We'll also delve into Tolkien's life, his fascination with languages, his WWI experiences, and themes like riddles, runes, vows, curses, valkyries, and quests. Familiarity with "The Hobbit" or "The Lord of the Rings" is helpful but not required, as we'll use audio excerpts and videos to understand the legends that inspired Tolkien's work.

Instructor Bio: Vic Peterson is the author of "The Berserkers" (Hawkwood 2022/Recital 2023), set in a fictional Nordic country. He worked as a business executive and now divides his time between Lawrence, Kansas, and Northport, Michigan.

Before appearing in Disney movies and "The Lord of the Rings," trolls, dragons, elves, and dwarves were part of Norse folklore from medieval Scandinavia, a diverse region from present-day western Russia to Greenland. This rich tradition inspired memorable figures in children's literature and contemporary fantasy. Topics include runes, symbols, divination, mythical beings, wandering magicians, classic fairytales, and modern adaptations by Disney and Marvel. No prior knowledge is needed; we'll use audio excerpts and videos in class. 

Instructor Bio: Vic Peterson is the author of "The Berserkers" (Hawkwood 2022/Recital 2023), set in a fictional Nordic country. He worked as a business executive and now divides his time between Lawrence, Kansas, and Northport, Michigan.

The poets in question are Emily Dickinson, Marianne Moore, and Elizabeth Bishop (with maybe a few "guest appearances" by others). We will be setting a larger context for each of these poets, dealing with their biographies and the critical reception each of them received. But mostly we'll be looking closely at the texts, discussing the very individual ways these artists celebrate the art of poetry. 

Instructor Bio: Max Westler earned his Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and his doctorate from Columbia University, where he worked with the poet Kenneth Koch. He has taught at Columbia College, Hunter College, and Northwestern University, where he taught both graduate and undergraduate courses. For 38 years, he supervised the Creative Writing Program at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. His poems have appeared in The Minnesota Review, Poetry East, The Sycamore Review, Artful Dodge, The Greensboro Review, Religion and Literature, among others. His chapter book "Civil Defense" was published in 2011.