About fees
Your Lifelong Learning Institute membership gives you access to all of LLI classes and programs, most without any additional costs. There are some classes or programs, however, which require additional fees. Where there are additional fees, those fees must be paid to be registered. Fees can be paid by check or cash, or online. If paying by check, please clearly indicate the classes or programs being covered.
Midlothian, VA. 804.378.2527
History and Science- Spring 2012
Lifelong Learning Institute
of Chesterfield
Not a LLI member? Join here now. It's easy! 
Course: HS121003
Current Events
Wednesday Feb 8, Mar 14, Apr 25, May 9
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Fred Nelson
Each class begins with a short introduction by the moderator, who will suggest current event topics of international, national, state and local importance. Attendees will determine the choice of topics for a round-table discussion in which everyone's viewpoint is important and during which we all respect differing viewpoints.
Course: HS121081
World War II Round Table
Friday Feb 10, 24, Mar 9, 23,
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Tom Tokarz
The World War II Round Table of Central Virginia is committed to preserving the accomplishment of the Greatest Generation who are passing on at an average of 1000 to 2000 per day. Topics will vary by session, including the experiences of a B-24 pilot shot down twice in two missions and a discussion between youngsters at the time, one growing up in England and one in Germany.
Course: HS121087
Global Cultural Geography‐Asia, India, Mideast
Monday Feb 27, Mar 5, 19, 26
1:30‐3:00
Instructor(s): William Seay
Having previously explored general world geography and modern Africa and Asia it is now time to lower the microscope lens and dig deeper into Asia. This session we will journey into China, India, and the Middle East.
Course: HS121102
Bald Eagles on the James River
Tuesday May 8
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Captain Mike Ostrander
The James River runs through it ... through the City of Richmond. And just minutes downriver is an incredible opportunity to see bald eagles year round! This tidal river takes you into the midst of an ecosystem rich with wildlife, abundant in history and overloaded with beautiful scenery. Learn about the majestic bald eagles and the conservation success story of the bald eagles on the James River, a part of the massive Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Course: HS121123
Counter Intelligence
Tuesday Feb 7, 21, Mar 6, 20
9:30‐10:30
Instructor(s): Al Hahn
In Part II of Modern Intelligence we will review in four sessions the strategy of keeping weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and related technology from falling into the wrong hands; protection of the secrets of the U.S. Intelligence community; protection of the country's critical assets , and countering the activities of foreign spies. A selected bibliography will be furnished.
Course: HS121089
Great Decisions in Depth
Tuesday Feb 7, 28, Mar 6, 20, Apr 17, May 1, 15, 29
1:30‐3:00
Instructor(s): Tom Kiener
Each year, the Great Decisions editorial board selects eight of the most pressing global issues and regions that will be the focus of the briefing book, television programs and online resources. The Great Decisions 2012 topics include:
MIDDLE EAST REALIGNMENT - The popular revolts and upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East. What lies ahead for the Middle East's transition to democracy? What are the prospects for the governments that have held out in this new order? With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?
PROMOTING DEMOCRACY - The U.S. has had a history of advancing and supporting democracy around the world. What place does democracy promotion have in U.S. foreign policy today? With a choice of tools
ranging from economic aid to military force, what are the appropriate yet effective methods that the U.S. should use to promote democracy?
MEXICO - Mexico's border with Central America, as well as the
border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods , crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these trans-border challenges? What is the future of Mexico's
relations with its northern and southern neighbors? How will Mexico's foreign relations affect its domestic politics?
CYBERSECURITY - The securitization of cyberspace has caused a sea change for both governments and the private sector, faced with new threats, new battlegrounds and new opportunities. Faced with challenges such as international cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks, how will the U.S. and its democratic allies approach the cyber frontier? How does this new domain figure in U.S. strategic interests?
EXIT FROM AFGHANISTAN & IRAQ - Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations? How can the U.S. continue to achieve the counterterrorism goals? What is the role of the U.S. in the future of the Middle East?
STATE OF THE OCEANS - The world's oceans are essential to life on earth and are tremendously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems? How can the U.S. and its international partners address the emerging challenges to this shared resource?
INDONESIA - Having emerged from authoritarianism in the last 15 years, Indonesia has made remarkable strides politically, economically and socially. Yet the new, democratic Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. How can Indonesia continue its path of growth, reform and prosperity? What is Indonesia's role in the global community?
ENERGY GEOPOLITICS - The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Moreover, developing countries like China are becoming bigger energy consumers, while energy producers like Russia see the opportunity to widen their influence. In this changed landscape, how will the U.S.'s energy needs affect its relations with other nations?
Course: HS121124
Ancient Phoenicians
Wednesday Feb 8, 15, 22, 29
9:30‐11:30
Instructor(s): Glenn Markus
In spite of recent advances in historical and archaeological research, the story of the Phoenicians remains an elusive one. The broad geographical spread of their civilization, which extended throughout the
Mediterranean basin and beyond, makes any synthesis of the subject difficult. This problem is further
compounded by the paucity of written and archaeological evidence of their existence in ancient Phoenicia. With only few exceptions, none of the primary Phoenician coastal sites have been systematically
excavated below Roman period occupation levels. This course examines the Canaanite pre-historical period which sets the stage for the 13th century BC emergence of the literate Phoenician culture in the Levantine East to the 2nd century BC when Phoenicia in the west Mediterranean (i.e., Carthage) was ultimately destroyed by Rome at the conclusion of the Third Punic War. A syllabus is provided.
Museum of the Confederacy Series *Register for each class individually – listed below
The Museum of the Confederacy is the international center for the study of the role of the Confederacy in the American Civil War. For everyone from school children to their teachers, from the history buff to the professional historian, the Museum of the Confederacy’s unparalleled collections provide a unique resource. The Museum has been sponsoring lectures on Confederate and Civil War history since its earliest years. Using this as a basis, their professional staff has developed a variety of materials to assist those interested in discovering a rich history in the people and the events surrounding the Confederate States of America. The Museum of the Confederacy is proud to offer a wide variety of programs that are designed to educate and entertain. Join us for these unique opportunities where the Museum comes to us!
Course: HS121125
Jefferson Davis before the Civil War
Tuesday Feb 28
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Dean Knight
Most people are familiar with the legacy of Jefferson Davis during the Civil War but do not know that he was a well-known politician and war hero long before he became the President of the Confederate States of America. Come hear about the years when Davis was a recognized public figure and Lincoln a relative unknown.
Course: HS121126
Captivating Details: Selected Quilts from the Museum's
Tuesday Apr 17
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Catherine Wright
The Museum of the Confederacy is a repository for approximately 30 Southern quilts and blocks that span the 19th century. Each one provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the citizens who made and used them. Learn about quilt construction, period fabrics, and the unique stories behind many of the museum's quilts using new information easily observed in high-resolution digital photography.
Course: HS121127
Exhibits at the Museum of the Confederacy Appomattox
Tuesday May 1
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Waite Rawls
Through the use of PowerPoint, this presentation will walk participants through the exhibits at the
Museum of the Confederacy's new site in Appomattox, highlighting the last days of the war and showing off the key artifacts used to tell the story.
Course: HS121128
Astronomy
Wednesday Apr 18, 25, May 2
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): James Calpin
Astronomy 1, 2, & 3 includes three topics: Our Solar System, the origins, similarities, and the differences between earth and the other planets sharing our same sun; The Night Sky, Naked eye astronomy and recognition and placement of the constellations in our night sky; The Big Bang, who, what, when and how it all began and how we are all made of "star Dust", the chemistry of the stars.
Course: HS121129
Spring Walk in the Woods
Tuesday Apr 24
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): John Clatterbaugh
Come for a walk in the woods to observe spring wildflowers, trees and shrubs. See what is blooming, leafing out or bearing fruit. Determine what insects, animals and other creatures are active in nature this time of the year. Wear comfortable shoes to walk the paths in Midlothian Mine Park or an area to be determined.
Course: HS121130
Our Nature Connection
Thursday Feb 9
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): John Clatterbaugh
Do we have a connection with nature? Does communing with nature lead to better health and happiness? These and other questions about nature will be looked at to determine our nature connection. We will look at some of the theories and programs that could help us satisfy our nature deficit disorder. We will look at Richard Louv's THE NATURE PRINCIPLE, Catriona MaGregor's PARTNERING WITH NATURE and Japan's Shin-yoku (forest bathing) concept. Find out about some of our nature connections you probably are not aware of.
Course: HS121131
The History of America to 1620
Wednesday May 16
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Billy Kornegay
“The History of America to 1620” will cover the period from the explorations of Erickson in about 1000 AD to the landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620. This will include a brief mention of the reported explorations of Prince Medoc in
1170, the various trips of Christopher Columbus in the late 1490s, plus the Spanish, French and English explorations in the late 1500s, and of course the landings by the English in 1585, 1602 and 1607, to include the unsuccessful landing in New England in 1607 as well as the various landings at Jamestown between 1607 and 1620. The flags flown by the various countries will also be mentioned to reflect the religious affiliations of the major nations of the era and the impact of religion on our history.
Course: HS121132
African Americans in the Civil War
Wednesday Feb 22
9:30‐10:30
Instructor(s): Eugene Johnson
This course will provide a brief review of African Americans in this Nation's Civil War. We will look at the many roles and their impact on and off the battlefield. *February is National Black History Month. Come celebrate this important piece of Black American History and learn one small piece of the wonderful contributions made to our nation.
Course: HS121133
Mali Lecture Series
Tuesday Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Robin Poulton
Discover Richmond's new Sister City of Segou beside the Niger River, and the glorious medieval Empire of Mali. This class will be a series of 4 lectures. Lecture one: Africa, Mali, Macky Tall and the Lion King. Lecture two: Malian Griots - what makes us Humans. Lecture three: Segou, Richmond and the Mayor of Segou. Lecture four: Richmond revises its African connections.
Course: AD121082
Recognizing Symbolism in Art
Monday Feb 6, 13, 27, Mar 5
11:30‐12:30 Instructor(s): Sarah Holljes
See Art, Music, Drama and Dance for complete course description and registration
Course: EF121061
History of Presidential Elections and the Stock Market
Thursday May 17
9:00‐10:00
Instructor(s): James E. Davidson, JR.
See Economics and Finance for complete course description and registration.
Course: HW121072
Parkinsons, Tremors, Dystonia and Deep Brain Stimulation
Thursday Mar 15
2:00‐03:00
Instructor(s): Dr. Matthew Boyce
See Health and Wellness for complete course description and registration.
Current Events
Wednesday Feb 8, Mar 14, Apr 25, May 9
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Fred Nelson
Each class begins with a short introduction by the moderator, who will suggest current event topics of international, national, state and local importance. Attendees will determine the choice of topics for a round-table discussion in which everyone's viewpoint is important and during which we all respect differing viewpoints.
Course: HS121081
World War II Round Table
Friday Feb 10, 24, Mar 9, 23,
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Tom Tokarz
The World War II Round Table of Central Virginia is committed to preserving the accomplishment of the Greatest Generation who are passing on at an average of 1000 to 2000 per day. Topics will vary by session, including the experiences of a B-24 pilot shot down twice in two missions and a discussion between youngsters at the time, one growing up in England and one in Germany.
Course: HS121087
Global Cultural Geography‐Asia, India, Mideast
Monday Feb 27, Mar 5, 19, 26
1:30‐3:00
Instructor(s): William Seay
Having previously explored general world geography and modern Africa and Asia it is now time to lower the microscope lens and dig deeper into Asia. This session we will journey into China, India, and the Middle East.
Course: HS121102
Bald Eagles on the James River
Tuesday May 8
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Captain Mike Ostrander
The James River runs through it ... through the City of Richmond. And just minutes downriver is an incredible opportunity to see bald eagles year round! This tidal river takes you into the midst of an ecosystem rich with wildlife, abundant in history and overloaded with beautiful scenery. Learn about the majestic bald eagles and the conservation success story of the bald eagles on the James River, a part of the massive Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Course: HS121123
Counter Intelligence
Tuesday Feb 7, 21, Mar 6, 20
9:30‐10:30
Instructor(s): Al Hahn
In Part II of Modern Intelligence we will review in four sessions the strategy of keeping weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and related technology from falling into the wrong hands; protection of the secrets of the U.S. Intelligence community; protection of the country's critical assets , and countering the activities of foreign spies. A selected bibliography will be furnished.
Course: HS121089
Great Decisions in Depth
Tuesday Feb 7, 28, Mar 6, 20, Apr 17, May 1, 15, 29
1:30‐3:00
Instructor(s): Tom Kiener
Each year, the Great Decisions editorial board selects eight of the most pressing global issues and regions that will be the focus of the briefing book, television programs and online resources. The Great Decisions 2012 topics include:
MIDDLE EAST REALIGNMENT - The popular revolts and upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East. What lies ahead for the Middle East's transition to democracy? What are the prospects for the governments that have held out in this new order? With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?
PROMOTING DEMOCRACY - The U.S. has had a history of advancing and supporting democracy around the world. What place does democracy promotion have in U.S. foreign policy today? With a choice of tools
ranging from economic aid to military force, what are the appropriate yet effective methods that the U.S. should use to promote democracy?
MEXICO - Mexico's border with Central America, as well as the
border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods , crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these trans-border challenges? What is the future of Mexico's
relations with its northern and southern neighbors? How will Mexico's foreign relations affect its domestic politics?
CYBERSECURITY - The securitization of cyberspace has caused a sea change for both governments and the private sector, faced with new threats, new battlegrounds and new opportunities. Faced with challenges such as international cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks, how will the U.S. and its democratic allies approach the cyber frontier? How does this new domain figure in U.S. strategic interests?
EXIT FROM AFGHANISTAN & IRAQ - Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations? How can the U.S. continue to achieve the counterterrorism goals? What is the role of the U.S. in the future of the Middle East?
STATE OF THE OCEANS - The world's oceans are essential to life on earth and are tremendously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems? How can the U.S. and its international partners address the emerging challenges to this shared resource?
INDONESIA - Having emerged from authoritarianism in the last 15 years, Indonesia has made remarkable strides politically, economically and socially. Yet the new, democratic Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. How can Indonesia continue its path of growth, reform and prosperity? What is Indonesia's role in the global community?
ENERGY GEOPOLITICS - The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Moreover, developing countries like China are becoming bigger energy consumers, while energy producers like Russia see the opportunity to widen their influence. In this changed landscape, how will the U.S.'s energy needs affect its relations with other nations?
Course: HS121124
Ancient Phoenicians
Wednesday Feb 8, 15, 22, 29
9:30‐11:30
Instructor(s): Glenn Markus
In spite of recent advances in historical and archaeological research, the story of the Phoenicians remains an elusive one. The broad geographical spread of their civilization, which extended throughout the
Mediterranean basin and beyond, makes any synthesis of the subject difficult. This problem is further
compounded by the paucity of written and archaeological evidence of their existence in ancient Phoenicia. With only few exceptions, none of the primary Phoenician coastal sites have been systematically
excavated below Roman period occupation levels. This course examines the Canaanite pre-historical period which sets the stage for the 13th century BC emergence of the literate Phoenician culture in the Levantine East to the 2nd century BC when Phoenicia in the west Mediterranean (i.e., Carthage) was ultimately destroyed by Rome at the conclusion of the Third Punic War. A syllabus is provided.
Museum of the Confederacy Series *Register for each class individually – listed below
The Museum of the Confederacy is the international center for the study of the role of the Confederacy in the American Civil War. For everyone from school children to their teachers, from the history buff to the professional historian, the Museum of the Confederacy’s unparalleled collections provide a unique resource. The Museum has been sponsoring lectures on Confederate and Civil War history since its earliest years. Using this as a basis, their professional staff has developed a variety of materials to assist those interested in discovering a rich history in the people and the events surrounding the Confederate States of America. The Museum of the Confederacy is proud to offer a wide variety of programs that are designed to educate and entertain. Join us for these unique opportunities where the Museum comes to us!
Course: HS121125
Jefferson Davis before the Civil War
Tuesday Feb 28
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Dean Knight
Most people are familiar with the legacy of Jefferson Davis during the Civil War but do not know that he was a well-known politician and war hero long before he became the President of the Confederate States of America. Come hear about the years when Davis was a recognized public figure and Lincoln a relative unknown.
Course: HS121126
Captivating Details: Selected Quilts from the Museum's
Tuesday Apr 17
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Catherine Wright
The Museum of the Confederacy is a repository for approximately 30 Southern quilts and blocks that span the 19th century. Each one provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the citizens who made and used them. Learn about quilt construction, period fabrics, and the unique stories behind many of the museum's quilts using new information easily observed in high-resolution digital photography.
Course: HS121127
Exhibits at the Museum of the Confederacy Appomattox
Tuesday May 1
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Waite Rawls
Through the use of PowerPoint, this presentation will walk participants through the exhibits at the
Museum of the Confederacy's new site in Appomattox, highlighting the last days of the war and showing off the key artifacts used to tell the story.
Course: HS121128
Astronomy
Wednesday Apr 18, 25, May 2
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): James Calpin
Astronomy 1, 2, & 3 includes three topics: Our Solar System, the origins, similarities, and the differences between earth and the other planets sharing our same sun; The Night Sky, Naked eye astronomy and recognition and placement of the constellations in our night sky; The Big Bang, who, what, when and how it all began and how we are all made of "star Dust", the chemistry of the stars.
Course: HS121129
Spring Walk in the Woods
Tuesday Apr 24
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): John Clatterbaugh
Come for a walk in the woods to observe spring wildflowers, trees and shrubs. See what is blooming, leafing out or bearing fruit. Determine what insects, animals and other creatures are active in nature this time of the year. Wear comfortable shoes to walk the paths in Midlothian Mine Park or an area to be determined.
Course: HS121130
Our Nature Connection
Thursday Feb 9
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): John Clatterbaugh
Do we have a connection with nature? Does communing with nature lead to better health and happiness? These and other questions about nature will be looked at to determine our nature connection. We will look at some of the theories and programs that could help us satisfy our nature deficit disorder. We will look at Richard Louv's THE NATURE PRINCIPLE, Catriona MaGregor's PARTNERING WITH NATURE and Japan's Shin-yoku (forest bathing) concept. Find out about some of our nature connections you probably are not aware of.
Course: HS121131
The History of America to 1620
Wednesday May 16
10:00‐11:30
Instructor(s): Billy Kornegay
“The History of America to 1620” will cover the period from the explorations of Erickson in about 1000 AD to the landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620. This will include a brief mention of the reported explorations of Prince Medoc in
1170, the various trips of Christopher Columbus in the late 1490s, plus the Spanish, French and English explorations in the late 1500s, and of course the landings by the English in 1585, 1602 and 1607, to include the unsuccessful landing in New England in 1607 as well as the various landings at Jamestown between 1607 and 1620. The flags flown by the various countries will also be mentioned to reflect the religious affiliations of the major nations of the era and the impact of religion on our history.
Course: HS121132
African Americans in the Civil War
Wednesday Feb 22
9:30‐10:30
Instructor(s): Eugene Johnson
This course will provide a brief review of African Americans in this Nation's Civil War. We will look at the many roles and their impact on and off the battlefield. *February is National Black History Month. Come celebrate this important piece of Black American History and learn one small piece of the wonderful contributions made to our nation.
Course: HS121133
Mali Lecture Series
Tuesday Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
9:30‐11:00
Instructor(s): Robin Poulton
Discover Richmond's new Sister City of Segou beside the Niger River, and the glorious medieval Empire of Mali. This class will be a series of 4 lectures. Lecture one: Africa, Mali, Macky Tall and the Lion King. Lecture two: Malian Griots - what makes us Humans. Lecture three: Segou, Richmond and the Mayor of Segou. Lecture four: Richmond revises its African connections.
Course: AD121082
Recognizing Symbolism in Art
Monday Feb 6, 13, 27, Mar 5
11:30‐12:30 Instructor(s): Sarah Holljes
See Art, Music, Drama and Dance for complete course description and registration
Course: EF121061
History of Presidential Elections and the Stock Market
Thursday May 17
9:00‐10:00
Instructor(s): James E. Davidson, JR.
See Economics and Finance for complete course description and registration.
Course: HW121072
Parkinsons, Tremors, Dystonia and Deep Brain Stimulation
Thursday Mar 15
2:00‐03:00
Instructor(s): Dr. Matthew Boyce
See Health and Wellness for complete course description and registration.
Lifelong Learning Institute Sessions
Spring: Feb thru May. Summer: June-July-August. Fall: Sept thru Dec.
You may enroll and register for classes at anytime.
Gift certificates are available for LLI classes and programs. Email info@llichesterfield.org for details or call the office at
804-378-2527.
LLI now follows the Chesterfield County School winter weather closings.
If schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, LLI is also closed.
If the schools have a "delayed opening," LLI will open at 10 am.
If schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, LLI is also closed.
If the schools have a "delayed opening," LLI will open at 10 am.