Back-to-School Spring Class Preview - Free Various

Back-to-School Sampler Our Gift to You

Join us as we kick off the spring 2022 term and enjoy one or more evenings of these one-hour courses in nature, science, literature, psychology, culture and music for free—all taught by hand-picked experts. Take part in stimulating discussions without exams, grades, admission requirements or fees. It’s all for the love of learning—on us!

• Dates: February 28–March 3, 2022; all courses held in Mountain Time (MT). • All live presentations offered via Zoom. • Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and password. • Registration covers all lectures offered on a particular evening. • Invite a friend or relative to Zoom in with you! • Register today. Space is limited.

Mon., Feb. 28 7 pm - Topics in Neuroscience: Neurodegeneration—Mechanisms of Disease and Therapeutic Strategies - Daniel Linseman

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), among others, are exacting a serious toll on society, diminishing the quality of the lives of those afflicted and their caregivers. However, research has uncovered the etiology and pathophysiology of these disorders, paving the way for novel treatments. Join biology professor Dan Linseman as he reviews the causes and symptoms of these illnesses and introduces the latest therapeutic developments.

8 pm - Send in the Clowns: Remembering Sondheim - Betsy Schwarm

From Sweeney Todd (1979) to Sunday in the Park with George (1984) to Road Show (2008) and reaching back to West Side Story (1957), for which he crafted lyrics that Bernstein set to music, Stephen Sondheim dominated American musical theatre for two generations. His passing on November 26, 2021 at the age of 91 was an immeasurable loss, but his artistry survives. This program by music historian Betsy Schwarm explores Sondheim’s place in the field, including a healthy sampling of excerpts from his most beloved works.

ENRICH 0625 / Free

Tue., Mar. 1 7 pm - Celebrating Pablo Neruda’s Odes - Lynn Wagner

Nobel prize-winning, Chilean poet Pablo Neruda died nearly 50 years ago, but still his poems speak to us. His Elemental Odes, originally published weekly in a newspaper, celebrate air, apples, autumn and more. Join poet Lynn Wagner on a delightful tour of “Ode to the Cat,” “Ode to the Chair,” and “Ode to a Watch in the Night.” Celebrate the simple things, compare translations and maybe even be inspired to write your own ode.

8 pm - Perspectives on French Identity - Virginie Cassidy

How do history and myth meet to shape today’s notion of French identity? To get the answer to that question, join Virginie Cassidy, a professor of French, as she explains how analyzing cultural artifacts, symbols, historical events and figures can unveil not only how the French see themselves but also how others come to see the French. Come away with a fresh new perspective on our longstanding ally!

ENRICH 0626 / Free

Wed., Mar. 2 7 pm - The Pyramid of Hate: Examining How Unchecked Bias Can Grow - Scott Levin and Sue Parker Gerson

It’s been said the gas chambers in Auschwitz did not begin with bricks, but with words. To examine this idea, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has developed a tool called The Pyramid of Hate, which illustrates how bias, hate and oppression can escalate and even become normalized. Join Scott Levin and Sue Parker Gerson, ADL staff members, as they expand on the pyramid and share ways you can stop bias at its very root.

8 pm - Vivaldi and the Baroque Glories of Venice - Marc Shulgold

How did Italian composers such as Vivaldi, Corelli and Monteverdi influence the growth of instrumental and vocal music during Europe’s Baroque era? And how did Venice become a famous hot-bed of creativity for musicians? How were the concerto and chamber music brought to life there? Join music teacher and former journalist Marc Shulgold for the answers, and along the way, discover the emergence of tonality and the significance of the continuo. Sample an imagined performance by Vivaldi’s talented young ladies at the city’s legendary orphanage. Plus, enjoy a dazzling video appearance by Denver’s brilliant violinist Cynthia Freivogel.

ENRICH 0627 / Free

Thur., Mar. 3 7 pm - Flights of Fancy: Birds and Their Spring Migration - Ted Floyd

Winter is still hovering over Denver, but hints of spring are blooming in the bird world. Some are prepping for a flight north while others are already arriving from the south—and all of them have breeding on their minds. That makes it an excellent time to explore bird migration. Join birding expert Ted Floyd for this lively exposé on how area birds are bringing in the spring!

ENRICH 0628 / Free

See full courses from all our Back-to-School Sampler instructors throughout the catalog.

Three courses will be delivered on campus if minimum registration requirements are met. Returning to campus requires a few steps but is a great option for those looking for an in-person learning experience. Here are the university requirements to attend any of the on-campus classes:

1. Each week, within 12 hours before you arrive on campus for class, complete the symptom monitoring self-assessment survey online.

Only those who complete the survey will be permitted into the building for class.

2. Once you complete the survey and receive authorization via email to return to campus, you will be greeted outside the classroom building by an Enrichment Program representative for a temperature check.

3. There will only be one door you can use for building access. Information will be distributed to registrants before the lecture.

4. If fever-free (less than 100.4 Fahrenheit), you will be admitted to the building and will be asked to go directly to the classroom. Please note that all outside doors are locked and only accessible with staff assistance. If you exit the building during class, you will not be able to return.

5. Masks are required inside buildings and classrooms at all times for all visitors.

No eating or drinking is allowed in classrooms.

6. Social distance seating will be observed for all

Enrichment Program classes (6 feet apart except for those who arrive together).

7. For more information, please see the DU

COVID-19 Visitor Protocol, which is subject to change.

8. Full COVID-19 vaccination including booster shot is highly recommended for all campus visitors. The Enrichment Program offers an earnest congratulations to our many cultural partners for their resilience and creativity as they work toward returning to their in-person offerings. Back in 2003 when the Enrichment Program began, one of the first items on our to-do list was to extend our hand beyond the University of Denver campus to partner with cultural organizations in art, music, dance, theatre and many other fields to enhance our courses.

And ever since, we’ve come to appreciate just how amazing and talented these organizations are, and we know firsthand how lucky Colorado is to have each of them. They add untold richness, depth and beauty not only to our programs and courses but also to the entire state. Indeed, these past two years haven’t been easy for any of us or for organizations—especially nonprofits in the arts. But they have proven their persevering character and withstood the storm with grace and grit.

As we look ahead to the future, the Enrichment Program takes great pleasure in knowing that we will have our cultural partners by our side as we continue through these unsettling times to strengthen and improve our offerings to you— our adult learners.

To our partners in culture: Congratulations and thank you!