Religion & Philosophy   

Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in Faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class and political and regional identity. In the first session of this introductory course, view the film “American Creed” in preparation for discussion. In the second session, we will discuss the film and learn about the full curriculum of the entire Sacred Ground series, which will begin later in Term 1 and run 11 consecutive weeks through Term 2, from September 25 through December 11. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in Faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class and political and regional identity. In the first session of this introductory course, view the film “American Creed” in preparation for discussion. In the second session, we will discuss the film and learn about the full curriculum of the entire Sacred Ground series, which will begin later in Term 1 and run 11 consecutive weeks through Term 2, from September 25 through December 11. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Learn about the history, symbolism, and mindfulness practice of walking this singular meandering path leading to a center. Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological, and spiritual transformation, also thought to enhance right-brain activity. Explore mindfulness and the benefits of the walking meditation that labyrinths invite. We intend to visit one local labyrinth as the weather allows.

Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories have recently been published by her son, Irv Lubliner, an emeritus Southern Oregon University professor and OLLI instructor. He will share excerpts from “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” shedding light on his mother’s experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors and his process in bringing the book to fruition.

A pilgrimage is a journey in major religious traditions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism as well as pagan traditions. Listen to stories of people who have undertaken a journey or are knowledgeable about specifics of pilgrimages and identify sacred locations to which the faithful are drawn. Further discussion will include how pilgrimages are viewed within the specific tradition and personal accounts or observations while making journeys to places associated with the spiritual presence of holy figures or historic events within their traditions.

A pilgrimage is a journey in major religious traditions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism as well as pagan traditions. Listen to stories of people who have undertaken a journey or are knowledgeable about specifics of pilgrimages and identify sacred locations to which the faithful are drawn. Further discussion will include how pilgrimages are viewed within the specific tradition and personal accounts or observations while making journeys to places associated with the spiritual presence of holy figures or historic events within their traditions.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions on how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

A Lightspeed Journey Through Science | 4 sessions

Science has discovered (almost) everything about the world we live in and put much of it to work in amazing ways. Yet few understand more than the science headlines, and often these are confusing and contradictory. Gain a coherent view of what it’s all about, how we know what we know, and why it matters to us all.

Fascism: A Warning from History | 4 sessions

The word "fascism" has been increasingly used to describe some modern political movements across the world. Fascism is a loose, incoherent, and conflicted collection of ideologies, myths and hatreds that is difficult to define. To understand the concept, you must understand its history. Explore its origins in Benito Mussolini's Italy, its zenith in Nazi Germany, its continued influence in Cold War-era Spain and other manifestations throughout history. The course concludes with discussions surrounding today’s political movements and assistance in helping to identify and confront any possible fascist threats - before it is too late.

100 Years of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium…. and What’s Next | 1 session

Memorial Stadium was constructed in only 90 working days in 1923….at a cost of under $500,000. The stadium just recently celebrated its 100th birthday. Through many changes/additions, Memorial Stadium has stood the test of time. Now, more renovations are being planned to move to its next 100 years and to enhance the student and fan experience. Learn about Memorial Stadium, from its humble beginnings to its foreseeable future.

A Conversation with Don Walton – Retired Lincoln Journal Star Journalist | 1 session

Don Walton, a UNL graduate, joined the Lincoln Journal-Star as a college intern and worked at that newspaper for more than 60 years covering the legislature, the governor, and Nebraska politics. Don shares his insights and perspectives of his years as a news reporter in Lincoln.

Performance Nutrition at the UNL Training Table | 1 session

Gain an understanding of what performance nutrition is and how it and hydration can provide a competitive edge in fueling and recovery for elite athletes. Discover how dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, which measure the thickness and strength of bones, can assist with determining body composition change for performance.

America’s Founding Fathers | 6 sessions

Examine the similarities and differences among 10 of the men who have earned the title of “Founding Father.” Who were they and how did their accomplishments set them apart from others who supported the movement for independence?

Black Homesteaders in Nebraska and the Great Plains | 3 sessions

DeWitty, Nebraska, later known as Audacious, was the largest and longest-lasting African American settlement in Nebraska. Settlers began arriving in 1906 attracted by the Kinkaid Act offering 640 acres of free land in the Sandhills. Black Homesteaders endured all the risks and burdens of other homesteaders, in addition to social isolation and finding eligible marriage partners. Black communities created rich cultural and civic lives to establish churches, schools, baseball teams, reading circle, musical groups. Learn the history surrounding this story of Black achievement, struggle, persistence and risk-taking.

Exploring the Amazing Diversity of Nebraska Wetlands | 1 session

The recently completed “Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education” project produced a series of products designed to increase awareness of the importance of wetlands in Nebraska and the people and wildlife that depend on them. Watch excerpts of videos of the wetland produced by the talented team at Platte Basin Timelapse.

The Lincoln, Pershing, and Mural Connection | 2 sessions

Explore the connection between General John J. Pershing, the Pershing Mural, and the city of Lincoln. The mural at the west entrance of the Pershing Center for over a 59-year period is a unique work of ceramics. The auditorium has been demolished, but the mural has been preserved and is planned for installation at Wyuka Park.

Civil Discourse | 3 sessions

One in six Americans stopped speaking to a family member or close friend after the 2016 election. This course highlights the story of Americans with opposing viewpoints, and investigates their differences, concerns and experiences that lie behind each viewpoint. Barriers to engaging in civil discourse conversations and potential solutions are discussed.

Lymphedema: Treatment and Prevention | 1 session

Lymphedema, a chronic condition, affects 3-5 million Americans. Get general information regarding the lymphatic system, the possible causes of lymphatic dysfunction, and a general recognition of early symptoms for proactive treatment and/or prevention of a chronic state.

Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and contemporary society. Examine the intersection of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions with key societal domains, including the legal system, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, economics, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and contemporary society. Examine the intersection of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions with key societal domains, including the legal system, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, economics, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sacred Ground is a film and readings based 11-week dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. The class is invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This course has a delayed registration beginning at 1 p.m. September 4 and closing on September 18. The course begins September 25 and runs straight through for 11 consecutive weeks, ending December 11. Participants will be asked to prepare for each session by reading online materials and viewing films. Most course materials are provided online; however, participants will need to acquire two books: “Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving, available on Amazon for $16; and “Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman, available on Amazon for $13. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.