January 20, 2005

Boise State Renaissance Institute Offers Spring Courses

The Renaissance Institute at Boise State University will present four courses this spring that delve into the history of blacks in the West, ethics and public policy, Idaho’s desert lands and back yard landscape and design.   In its third year, the Renaissance Institute brings mature learners together to expand their intellectual horizons and enrich their lives. The program serves the adult community with continuing learning opportunities through college-level lectures and short courses chosen to stimulate intellectual discussion and deepen understanding. In addition to the courses, the spring 2005 Renaissance Institute lineup includes a series of two-hour lectures. For a complete schedule, visit www.boisestate.edu/extendedstudies/renaissance.   The spring 2005 courses include:   Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 History of the Blacks in the West. Experience the cultural pride of a significant people as you explore the contributions of black cowboys, railroad workers, educators and elected officials during this class taught by Mamie Oliver, author of Idaho Ebony which chronicles Afro-American life in Idaho from the late 1800s to the present. Oliver is a professor of social work at Northwest Nazarene University and a gospel music enthusiast. A field trip is planned to the Black History Museum. The class will be held at 3000 Esquire Drive, Boise. 10 a.m.-noon each Tuesday. Parking is available adjacent to the building.   March 1, 8, 15 and 29 Ethics and Public Policy. Patty Fredericksen, associate professor in Boise State’s Department of Public Policy and Administration and the Department of Political Science, will lead this course that explores compelling traditions of moral philosophy through application to topics such as violence, deception, liberty, security and social morality. The Flicks Theatres, 646 Fulton St., Boise. 10 a.m.-noon. Parking is available adjacent to the building.   April 4, 11, 18 and 26 Principles of Landscape Design and Native Plants. Need help with an existing landscape or plan to build a splendid Butchart Garden in your backyard this spring? This course will focus on basic landscaping principles, effective color usage and water conserving techniques. Ada County Extension Division classroom, 5880 Glenwood, Boise. 10 a.m.-noon. Parking is available adjacent to the building.   April 25 Desert Migrations. Todd Shallat, director of the Center for Idaho History and Politics at Boise State, will discuss rock art, fire making, tool making, homesteading and more in this one-day course on 10,000 years of desert history in Idaho’s remarkable classroom, Celebration Park. Participants are limited to 40. Bring a sack lunch and dress for the desert with dark glasses, sun screen, walking shoes and a hat. Working in conjunction with community organizations, Boise State University’s Division of Extended Studies offers the Renaissance Institute. Annual membership is $50; $35 for a second family member. One-season memberships are also available for $30. Membership assures seating at the lectures in the lecture series. Because of the added costs to the Institute, there is an additional fee of $40 for each spring course. A scholarship program is available that provides potential members with annual membership fees and half the cost of classes. For additional information or to request a scholarship application, call Extended Studies at 426-1709 or visit www.boisestate.edu/extendedstudies/renaissance.   -30-   Contact: Ellie McKinnon, Extended Studies (208) 426-2047, emckinno@boisestate.edu  Media Contact: Sherry Squires, communications and marketing, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu