The Tragic and Brilliant Life and Work of
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Presented by Brian Railsback

This lecture will explore Fitzgerald's fatal personal flaws and his almost flawless fiction, from the triumph of "The Great Gatsby", the descent that lead him to shoot a hole in the ceiling of his room at the Grove Park Inn, to his nearly miraculous come-back attempt in Hollywood at the end of his life.

Dr. Brian Railsback is a Professor of English and Dean of the Honors College at Western Carolina University.

Thursday, May 22, 2008   3:00 - 5:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Smoky Mountain Brass Band
Directed by John Entzi

The Smoky Mountain Brass Band has been providing a unique concert experience for a quarter century. Founded in Haywood County in 1981, the band performs using standard brass instrumentation which originated in England during the Nineteenth Century. Playing cornets rather than trumpets and tenor horns rather than French horns, as well as other familiar brass instruments, the band performs marches, orchestral transcriptions, hymn settings and original music composed specifically for brass band instrumentation.

Dr John Entzi, director of the Smoky Mountain Brass Band, is also the director of bands at UNCA.

Sunday, June 1, 2008   3:00 - 6:00 pm
Auditorium
Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Italian Renaissance
Presented by Jan Clanton

Everyone has heard term "Renaissance" but have you ever questioned what it really means? This interesting and informative class will explore the total concept of "renaissance" as participants examine painting, sculpture and architecture of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Participants will see the humanist development in three cities, Florence, Venice and Rome. Come and experience this cultural revolution. Explore the glories of the likes of Masaccio, Brunelleschi and Donatello and the masters Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael.

Presenter Jan Clanton is the Orlando Museum of Art's Associate Curator.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The French Impressionists
Presented by Jan Clanton

The superstars of art history are the Impressionists, aren't they? Their art was fresh, alive and depicted "real" life. They initiated a new style with rich, lush brushwork. Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens, Velazquez, Hals, Rembrandt and Goya are all forerunners. Even in their own century, Corot and Turner helped to push the frontier of painting towards Impressionism. As much as we love the Impressionists for their color dynamics and their sensuous scenes, their art was modern and concrete. They effectively threw out the rule book of art and opened the door for all experimentation. This class will reflect on the influence of masters from the past as we see the Impressionists push towards modernism

Presenter Jan Clanton is the Orlando Museum of Art's Associate Curator.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008   2:00 - 4:00 pm
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Timeless Tips for Landscape Design
Presented by Mary Palmer Dargan

Discover how to create timeless landscape designs for outdoor perfection to fit one's lifestyle and be an extension of one's home. This lecture will present ways to apply a unique master plan approach to any size garden or outdoor living space. With amazing photographs of design work throughout the United States, Palmer Dargan will show examples of how a garden can be transformed into a timeless work of art.

Mary Palmer Dargan, ASLA, has been designing gardens for over 30 years.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

What You Always Wanted to Know About the Middle East, But Were Afraid to Ask
Presented by Sandra Mackey

The Middle East, from Lebanon to Iran, has become both increasingly complex and increasingly central to U.S. economic health and security. After building a framework of the forces currently in the region, Ms. Mackey will open the floor for a discussion with the audience on the issues most relevant to those in attendence.

Sandra Mackey is a veteran journalist and award winning author of multiple books on the Middle East.

Thursday, June 19, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Landscape as Destiny: The Role of Place in Fiction
Presented by Ron Rash

This lecture will explore the importance of place in fiction, especially how landscape helps shape and influence the lives of characters. One myth that will be addressed is the notion that "regional" writers are somehow not as important in the canon of American literature. The argument is that regional writing - in the hands of such authors as William Faulkner, Phillip Roth, Flannery O'Connor and Alice Walker - is not a limitation but a way towards the most universal works.

Ron Rash holds the Parris Endowed Chair of Appalachain Studies at Western Carolina University

Friday, June 20, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Wetland and River Restoration: Environmental Savior or Scientific Failure?
Presented by Rob Young

Restoration of wetlands and rivers has become big business in the United States. Certainly the goal of environmental restoration is an admirable one. But a growing number of scientists are voicing concerns over the efficacy of these projects. This lecture will explore the science and politics of restoration from the Everglades to Cullowhee Creek, North Carolina.

Dr. Rob Young is a Professor of Geology at Western Carolina University and Director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Plight of the Eastern Hemlock
Presented by Sean O'Connell

Eastern hemlocks offer essential and unique ecological functions in the Southern Appalachains. From shading and cooling trout streams to providing food and shelter for many animals, these evergreens are a keystone species of our forests. However, hemlocks are threatened by an exotic species that has devastated similar forests in the north and time is of the essence in understanding the Eastern Hemlock and protecting it.

Dr. Sean O'Connell teaches at Western Carolina University and his research involves the microbial diversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Monday, July 7, 2008   3:00 - 5:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Tracking the Wild Begonia
Presented by Rekha Morris

Dr. Morris will recount her explorations to India and Mexico to search for and preserve unidentified species of begonias. She has documented about 100 begonia species from India, Mexico and Central America. Four species from Mexico appear to be "new" and over 15 specimens from India are unidentified as of this year. The dwindling wilderness in the eastern Himalayas of India and the eastern Sierra Madre Mountians of Mexico continue to yield new species and new adventures for dedicated conservationists like Dr. Morris.

Dr. Rekha Morris is a renowned horticulturist with a particular interest in begonias.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Presented by Debra Burke

The composition of the justices of the Supreme Court has changed with recent appointments to the Court. This lecture will discuss the composition of the Court and how appointments may affect its decision-making. Dr. Burke will review the resolution of key cases this term in the areas of individual rights, criminal law and business law.

Dr. Debra Burke is a Professor of Business Administration and Law at Western Carolina University.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Beethoven's Influence on Chamber Music
Presented by Richard Prior

This lecture will focus on the tremendous influence that Beethoven's music had on subsequent composer's chamber music compositions with special focus on his works for two instruments. Beethoven transformed the duo sonata from a rather one-sided genre into a virtuosic interplay by bringing full equality to the two instruments. Demonstrations by cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio and pianist William Ransom will complement the lecture.

Dr. Richard Prior is Director of Orchestral Studies at Emory University and conducts the University Symphony Orchestra and the Emory Youth Symphony.

Friday, July 11, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Auditorium
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

John Milton's Places of Hope
Presented by Mimi Fenton

In early modern culture and in John Milton's poetry, the concept of hope is intrinsically connected with place and land, with a sense of belonging, with stewardship and responsibility. Dr. Fenton discusses 17th century sources ranging from emblems, legal treatises and prayer manuals to illuminate Milton's politics, poetics and theology.

Dr. Mary (Mimi) Fenton is a Professor of English at Western Carolina University.

Friday, July 18, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Civility By Any Other Name
Presented by Katherine Brown

Protocol, manners, etiquette ... is a hot topic across the United States. One can hardly select a major newspaper or journal without encountering a clever title - "Top 11 Dinner Fouls" or "Simple Faux Pas Can Sink You". This lecture will address tried and true protocol vs "ever changing" protocol. You will refresh your skills and enjoy the humor of protocol tales. Participants will also test their Protocol IQ.

Katherine Brown is a certified instructor of protocol/civility and is the founder and director of The Bloombury Protocol Institute.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Alternative Energy: Myths and Reality
Presented by William Hartman

This lecture will put into perspective the energy issues facing the global economy over the next half century. The speaker will discuss energy utilization today both from primary sources such as oil, natural gas and coal as well as hydro, wind, nuclear, solar and others; projections of future global energy requirements; estimates of remaining supplies of primary sources; projections of which alternate energy candidates can contribute to the shortfall of future energy requirements; and description of the "Buck Rogers" candidates which may evolve to meet the needs in the distant future.

Dr. William Hartman holds degrees in Electronics, Aeronautical Engineering and Engineering Physics.

Thursday, July 24, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Modern Art Hits America's Shores
Presented by Martin Dewitt

"That's not art!" proclaimed President Theodore Roosevelt, after viewing New York's Armory Show in 1913. Martin DeWitt shares the radical images and ideas of the "International Exhibition of Modern Art". Better known as the Armory Show, the exhibition that opened in New York City's 69th Regiment Armory, introduced astonished New Yorkers to over 1000 Impressionists, Fauvist and Cubist works of art created by over 300 avant-garde European and American artists.

Dr. Martin DeWitt is Director of the Fine Arts Museum at Western Carolina University.

Friday, August 8, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

The Origin of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains
Presented by Steve Yurkovitch

This presentation will focus on the plate tectonic model that has been proposed for the formation of the southern Appalachain Mountains of Highlands and the region. It will also explore the changes that have likely occurred to these mountains since their formation. Plate tectonics has revolutionized our understanding of why volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur in specific areas around the world.

Dr. Steve Yurkovich, a Professor of Geology at Western Carolina University, is involved in the mapping of metamorphic terrain in the region.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Other Ways to “See” a Film
Presented by Terry Nienhuis

This course will introduce participants to the analytical tools that apply to a film. Learn the usually unnoticed work of the director and cinematographer. We will introduce some film viewing terminology and then illustrate, through the viewing of a film, how these concepts can greatly enhance your viewing pleasure. Learn what a "shot" is and how films juxapose shots to create impressions in the viewer's mind. Next we will analyze camera position and camera movement, very powerful factors in the film experience. The course should enable participants to watch their favorite films, or new films, with greatly enhanced pleasure or, at least, never again in the same way.

Dr. Terry Nienhuis is a Professor of English at Western Carolina University and a professional actor.

Thursday, August 14, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

A Shakespeare Workshop - Henry IV
Presented by Terry Nienhuis

This interactive workshop will show participants how to read Shakespeare with more ease, pleasure and insight. From "how to handle Shakespeare's early modern language" to "how to visualize his text as a dramatic performance", we will walk through issues like character, dramatic structure and theme. More advanced topics will examine Henry IV to Shakespeare's other plays, its theatrical history and how the text is a case study of Shakespeare's "comic vision".

Dr. Terry Nienhuis is a Professor of English at Western Carolina University and a professional actor.

Thursday, August 14, 2008   3:00 - 5:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Animal Rights and Animal Wrongs
Presented by Hal Herzog

The use of animals as subjects in biomedical research has become a contentious socal issue. Animal research has been criticized on ethical and practical grounds, researchers have been harassed by animal rights activists, and polls indicate that nearly half of Americans object to the use of animals in science. The roots and present status of the animal research debate will be discussed. We will examine how animal ethics committees make decisions about whether to approve or reject specific experiments involving animal subjects.

Dr. Hal Herzog is a Professor of Psychology at Western Carolina University whose research focuses on the relationships humans have with other species.

Monday, August 25, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Elderhood: A New Vision of Aging
Presented by Rex Toothman

We are living in a time of a demographic revolution that has no precedent in history and in a culture of avoidance and negativity about being old. In this workshop designed for people over 65, direction will be provided for the rest of your life that is creative, realistic and meaningful. In preparation for the "third act" of life, you will design your own personal map - mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Rex Toothman is a retired professor of adult education and now works as a Life Coach.

Thursday, September 4, 2008   10:00 - 2:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Digital Photography: Put Pizazz in Your Fall Photos
Presented by Cynthia Strain

How do the pros get such gorgeous color and compelling photos of autumn scenery? This workshop will help digital photographers learn how to use white balance, filters and camera settings to better record what they see. In addition, it will cover composition, lighting, and shutter speeds plus some tips on places to shoot good Fall photos.

Cynthia Strain has been studying photography and making photos since 1987.

Monday, September 15, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Digital Photography: Put Pizazz in Your Fall Photos
Presented by Cynthia Strain

How do the pros get such gorgeous color and compelling photos of autumn scenery? This workshop will help digital photographers learn how to use white balance, filters and camera settings to better record what they see. In addition, it will cover composition, lighting, and shutter speeds plus some tips on places to shoot good Fall photos.

Cynthia Strain has been studying photography and making photos since 1987.

Monday, September 22, 2008   10:00 - 12:00 Noon
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com

Pencil Drawing
Presented by David Knott

This class will be a basic course in pencil drawing. Participants will be taught technique as well as learning why an artist must appreciate details, and how to capture those details with your eyes and your pencil. Students need only an interest in art to participate.

David Knott is a self-taught artist who uses his art to connect with the natural environment and capture its fine detail in his graphite pencil drawings.

Thursday, September 25, 2008   10:00 - 1:00 pm
Downstairs
Registration and fee required. Contact CLE at 828-526-8811 or CLEhighlands@yahoo.com