July 25, 2002

BOISE STATE’S RENAISSANCE INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES FALL SCHEDULE

Renaissance Institute, a program aimed at learners aged 50 and beyond offered by Boise State University’s Division of Extended Studies, has announced its second season of lectures and seminars.

Working in conjunction with community organizations, the Renaissance Institute offers short-term seminars and a current-issues lecture series designed to meet the needs of mature adults who don’t want to commit to a traditional semester-long class.

By partnering with community agencies such as the Idaho Humanities Council, The Flicks Theatres and Boise State Radio, the Institute is able to offer events in off-campus Boise venues that enhance the experience, such as the seminar on Basque history and politics held at the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.

Joyce Harvey-Morgan, dean of Extended Studies, said the first season was very successful. Treasure Valley residents enjoyed the intellectual stimulation as they socialized with like-minded individuals, she said.

The Fall 2002 Seminar Series includes three options:

"Boise Through Its Built History," 
4-6 p.m. Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Jim Hopper of Preservation Idaho will direct this seminar, which includes a look at the city’s history, character and culture through its architecture. A walking tour will be part of the first two sessions. Idaho State Historical Museum, 610 Julia Davis Dr.

"Modern China," 
10 a.m.-noon Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Boise State history professor Shelton Woods will discuss major social, political and religious changes in China through the 19th and 20th centuries. The Flicks, 646 Fulton St.

"Basques of Boise and Beyond," 
6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 13, 20 and Dec. 4. A variety of presenters will discuss the history and politics of both the European Basques and their local counterparts. Includes exposure to Basque language, music, dance and food. Basque Museum and Cultural Center, 611 Grove St.

The Fall 2002 Lecture Series includes:

"Japanese Internment Camp at Minidoka: A National Monument for Idaho," 
10 a.m.-noon Sept. 17 at The Flicks, 646 Fulton St. Presented by retired Boise State history professor Robert Sims, who is currently working with the National Parks Service to provide historical interpretation for the monument.

"Sacagawea," 
7-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy Reception Hall, 516 S. 9th St. Sponsored by the Idaho Humanities Council Speakers Bureau and presented by Sara Edlin-Marlowe, Morning Edition host for Spokane Public Radio.

"Meriwether Lewis," 
10 a.m.-noon Oct. 11 at The Flicks, 646 Fulton St. Sponsored by the Idaho Humanities Council Speakers Bureau and presented by Tim McNeil, an actor, writer, historian and woodworker who enhances his presentation with artifacts and carved models.

"Artists, Art Galleries and Art Lovers,"
 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Stewart Gallery, 1322 W. Main St. Presented by Stephanie Wilde, an active self-taught artist specializing in print-making. She and her husband opened the Stewart Gallery.

Renaissance Institute Membership is $50 ($35 for a second family member) for fall and spring. Memberships purchased last spring will also be honored through the end of the spring 2003 season. Membership includes free admission to lectures, a periodic electronic Institute newsletter and an annual Institute reception or social event. Seminars cost $40. Non-Institute members may attend one lecture in the lecture series at no charge and pay $10 for each lecture thereafter.

Scholarship assistance is available. For more information or to register, call the Division of Extended Studies at 426-1709.

Kathleen Craven
Boise State communications and marketing
426-3275