Social Studies   

American Red Cross in Alaska 
SOC-07 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Join us for a deep dive of the American Red Cross and its major functions in Alaska and the world at large, including discussion of the economic impact of disasters, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the history of Red Cross in Alaska, and volunteering/community mobilization.

Instructors: Julie Swisher, Wendy Brightman, Alana Wilson.

Becoming an Elementary School Classroom Volunteer
SOC-02 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Before this course is complete, you will be paired with a teacher and become a volunteer in a local elementary school classroom. Prior to your first experience, the instructor will introduce behavioral norms expected around students and teachers, plus common features of a modern FNSBSD classroom. Please don't register for this class if you are already a volunteer, a substitute or a retired teacher. The goal is to help new folks, who want just a little support and encouragement, to get started as classroom volunteers. Enrollment limited to 15.

Instructor Tom Baring was a teacher in the FNSBSD for 10 years. After retiring in 2022, he returned to the classroom again as a volunteer.

Experiencing Yup’ik Culture
SOC-03 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Learn about the traditions and languages of the Yup’ik region of Southwest Alaska. Sessions will include traditional introductions; explanations of subsistence gathering for clothing, food, and materials; storytelling; dancing; and feasting. Materials fee $5; pay instructor at first class.

Instructors: Marty Hintz is Yup’ik from Kwigillingok/Bethel and grew up a hunter/gatherer. She came to Fairbanks in 1979 to attend UAF and served many years as a social worker. Now retired, she loves to share storytelling and her Yup’ik culture, but her favorite role is Yaya (grandmother). Other contributors will join Marty throughout the course.

Teaching for OLLI
SOC-05 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 16
Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm (one meeting)
*This class is free to take. Come help our instructor pool grow!
Do you want to give back to OLLI? Do you have some talent, skills or knowledge to share but are not quite sure how to organize and run a class? This class will take you from your idea all the way to writing and submitting a class proposal. This two-hour class will examine some aspects of putting together a great class and time to develop your ideas with the other attendees.

Instructor: Mary Burtness, a veteran OLLI instructor.

Teaching for OLLI
SOC-05-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 16
Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm (one meeting)
*This class is free to take. Come help our instructor pool grow!
Do you want to give back to OLLI? Do you have some talent, skills or knowledge to share but are not quite sure how to organize and run a class? This class will take you from your idea all the way to writing and submitting a class proposal. This two-hour class will examine some aspects of putting together a great class and time to develop your ideas with the other attendees.

Instructor: Mary Burtness, a veteran OLLI instructor.

The Influence of Identity Labeling in Human Lives: Who Are You Really?

SOC-01 (in-person)

**UPDATE: This course will start a week late and finish in Session I Add-On!
Session I: Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12
Mondays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Throughout our lives we deal with questions of identity; the identities we take on: mother, husband, man, sister, teacher, artist, realist, Alaskan, etc. All help to describe us, help us predict what we or others will or won't do, and ultimately fail to fully describe who we fully are. Understanding how labeling identities leads to fascinating discoveries. It can limit our choices, and may act to make us stuck, unable at times to make the choices that are best to make, creating confusion and even leading to identity crises. But they're also crucial to have. If these aren't, even in aggregate, who we really are, then who are we? This class will explore these interesting questions through lecture and class discussion.

Instructor Larry Moen (see ART-02)

Travelogues
SOC-04 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy virtual travel this winter! Each week different presenters will share their photos and experiences of travel. Presenters will include: Carl Triplehorn on Hiking to Japan's Temples, Ann O'Brien on Antarctica, Sue Keller on Mt Kilimanjaro and African Safari, Rich Seifert & Shirley Liss on Eastern Europe.

Facilitator: Shirley Liss

Travelogues
SOC-04-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy virtual travel this winter! Each week different presenters will share their photos and experiences of travel. Presenters will include: Carl Triplehorn on Hiking to Japan's Temples, Ann O'Brien on Antarctica, Sue Keller on Mt Kilimanjaro and African Safari, Rich Seifert & Shirley Liss on Eastern Europe.

Facilitator: Shirley Liss

Understanding the Value of “Bad” Emotions 
SOC-06 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
We label some emotions as “bad.” Anger, jealousy, envy, contempt, and hatred are among them. Why are these negative, upsetting, and uncomfortable? What purpose do they serve, such that they continue to exist despite either evolution or religion? What unexpected (and bad) results happen when we try to avoid or suppress them? The answers to these questions are surprising. Hint: reflection on the self is incredibly important to growth. Come find out why it's good to have these, and learn what to do when you or others have them. 

Instructor Larry Moen (see ART-02)

Your Noel Wien Library! Tour and Use
SOC-08 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am
Join us as we delve into what makes the Noel Wien Library so special! Learn about how to use the library catalog, online resources, and a variety of digital materials from books to streaming video. The final meeting will be a tour of the Noel Wien Public Library!
FNSB Noel Wien Public Library Reference and Adult Services Staff will lead this four week course.