Fairfield University's Summer Institute for Lifelong Learning to offer study of the economy, philosophy and music | Press Releases

The Summer Institute for Lifelong Learning, a program of University College at Fairfield University, will offer a thought-provoking week of study and discussion led by Fairfield University professors about the economy, philosophy and music. The program will take place on the Fairfield campus from Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8.

The philosophy of the Summer Institute for Lifelong Learning mirrors that of University College in that it encourages lifetime learning, and aims to enrich people intellectually and personally. It is a sister program of the Institute for Lifelong Learning, which takes place September through May. It is a membership of like-minded people who participate in broadly-based monthly symposia led by distinguished members of the Fairfield University faculty. People can explore the world of arts and humanities by auditing a wide range of courses, and attending special interest programs. Membership is open to the intellectually curious over 50.

The program begins at 9 a.m. each day and concludes at 3 p.m. The course schedule is as follows:

"Middle Eastern Philosophy," 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Barbara Amodio, who teaches philosophy, will lead a discussion on Middle Eastern philosophy, focusing on key philosophical concepts, religious and mystical anthropology, and socio-political issues. Participants will learn how to decode aesthetic symbols in artifacts and works of art.
"Storytelling in Romantic Music," 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Laura Nash, assistant professor of music, will explore the art of storytelling through music in classic ballets and operas. Among the ballets and operas that will be studied are "Le Corsaire," "Sleeping Beauty," "Aida," and "Ring of the Niebelungen." The poetry, staging, choreography, and characterization of these ballets and operas will be discussed, and Nash will offer social commentary about them.
"The American Economy," 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will discuss macroeconomics and microeconomics with Edward J. Deak, Ph. D., professor of economics. On the list of topics to be examined are the Federal Reserve and monetary policy; markets and global warming; as well as the current condition of the United States economy and the housing market.

For more information and to register, please call (203) 254-4307 or visit www.fairfield.edu/uc_lifetimelearn.html. Tuition is $196. A festive buffet dinner on June 7 is included in the fee. Members may bring guests to the dinner for an additional charge of $38 per person.