Original Query from Martin J. Zonligt, MICL (Modesto Institute
for Continuing Learning), Modesto Junior College, Modesto, CA
We have members who have enjoyed "Great Decisions", as one of
our 2 hour classes, and propose planning additional classes based on structured
subject areas with supporting readings. Is anyone aware of programs which
are structured in a similar manner to "Great Decisions" which
we could incorporate into our curriculum offerings? Thank you in advance
for your advice.
From Stephen Appel, ILR, University of Cincinnati, OH
While not quite the same as your "Great Decisions" program,
we have a couple of programs that might be of interest. 1. "Hot Off
the Press" required readings are the latest TV and newspapers. The
objective is to discuss critical current issues; with no holds barred.
Our discussion leader has been conducting this seminar for many years,
we assign an 80-seat classroom to him, and the class is always filled.
2. "Supreme Court Update" is a relatively small seminar conducted
by a retired lawyer. Here the focus is on specific cases being brought
before the Supreme Court, with particular emphasis on the historical,
political, and ethical issues involved.
From Ara Rogers, Senior Programs, University of South Florida,
Tampa, FL
LIR (Learning in Retirement) at USF-Tampa has conducted Great Decisions
groups here for several years -- in fact we are offering GD 2003 as a
part of our upcoming Spring term. We have has also had lots of recent
success with the 'Great Books' curriculum. This is a standard adult ed
curriculum, of course, so you may already be aware of it. They have diversified
their offerings over the past few years to cover an enormous range of
themes, and diverse authors http://www.greatbooks.org/home.shtml
One I have known about for years and we are looking into a little
more closely here is the Study
Circles curriculum, info at www.studycircles.org.
Study Circles use a discussion format similar to Great Decisions, but
tend to focus on domestic issues like juvenile justice, education, crime,
etc. I don't know that the discussion guides give quite the amount of
background that Great Decisions does. Another fabulous resource for discussion
groups is the National Issues Forum, at http://www.nifi.org
Both of these have ready-to-go moderators' guides at a great price
(free!) and very inexpensive participant guides. We are always on the
lookout for such 'canned curricula' so I'd love to hear what others might
have found in this area!
From Mary Quinn Burkhart, AUALL, Auburn University, AL
We have had success with Great Decisions, Great Books and National Issues
Forum materials. We are member-led, so having a book or stimulus materials
is a big help. Our group has offered "Civilization," with Kenneth
Clark, based on the BBC videos (available through PBS), "Birds,"
BBC videos with David Attenborough, also purchased from PBS Videos.
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