UNL Osher learning institute offers new study sessions beginning March 23

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces a new slate of study sessions starting the week of March 23 and 24, including topics on Shakespeare and on Antarctic drilling.

Participants in the Shakespearian study sessions, Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon beginning March 23, will expand their understanding of some of the famous works of William Shakespeare, looking at several Shakespearean plays and sonnets, and exploring differences between Shakespeare's English and ours. Selections for reading and discussion include "Midsummer Night's Dream," "Macbeth," "Romeo and Juliet" and the "Tempest." James McShane, UNL emeritus professor of English, brings his passion and expertise to the classroom to lead the six-week session. Participants will participate in the exhibition at university libraries on Queen Elizabeth I, England's queen for the first 40 years of Shakespeare's life.

Scientists in Lincoln will talk about their research all over the world at "Digging for Knowledge" sessions from 10-11:30 a.m. Fridays beginning March 24. Topics include drilling in the Antarctic (UNL's ANDRILL program) to reveal climate changes. Other international projects will include research on the battlefields of the 1898 Spanish-American War in Cuba, the archaeological studies on ancient cities in Turkey, as well as piracy in that region during the Roman period. Closer to home, participants will explore the Bone Lick bison site in northwest Nebraska, and the Ashfall Fossil Beds (via video) in northeast Nebraska and take a virtual field trip in Nebraska and Wyoming with future geoscience teachers.

For more information about membership, registration information and more details about the upcoming study sessions, contact the OLLI office at (402) 472-6265 or by e-mail, or visit the institute's Web site ( http://manila.unl.edu/olli).

The institute is a program of the College of Education and Human Sciences and presents special educational events and study sessions throughout the year. It is one of a national network of institutes creating programs for lifelong learners at 73 universities and colleges across the country.

CONTACTS: Deanna Aguilar, Coordinator, Osher Project, (402) 472-6265
Deanna Eversoll, Director, Osher Project, (402) 472-9891