Registration closes Wednesday, September 11! Register for in-person or online classes now!
All course work will be offered in-person and online.
In person classes will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the 49ͼ Metropolitan Complex located at 5015 E. 29th St. North.
Online classes will be available. Students who select this option will receive a link via email each week to view the class on their own device. Students can watch the the recording at their convenience.
The schedule of courses can be found below. Live in-person classes will meet from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Students who enroll in the online option can access the classes online anytime.
Mondays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26 | 1-3p ***IN-PERSON OPTION FULL as of July 10***
This course delves into the intricate and evolving nature of warfare over the past
three decades by focusing on two significant conflicts: the Bosnian War and the ongoing
conflict in Palestine. This course will examine the causes of these wars, the developments
and their lasting impacts, through which students will gain a deeper understanding
of the socio-political dynamics, international interventions and the profound human
impact of these conflicts, equipping them with the analytical skills to assess contemporary
and future conflicts.
In this class, students will...
- Identify ideas, behaviors and policies of the major parties to each of these wars
and of outside powers including the U.S. and NATO/EU nations toward the wars and those
fighting them.
- Identify the facts of these wars and the ramifications, in one case after almost
30 years and in the other yet to be determined: who did what when and what were the
outcomes.
- Learn through primary source documents, snippets of documentary footage, photographs
and lecture about these two devastating anti-civilian wars.
Instructor: Dr. Gretchen Eick, Lecturer, Department of History, 49ͼ
Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 1-3p ***IN-PERSON OPTION FULL as of July 9***
This course explores the lives and works of Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins and Winslow
Homer, focusing on the development of American art in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Students will study their contributions to printmaking, pastel, watercolor and photography,
gaining deeper appreciation through visual analysis and interpretation. The course
situates these works within their social and cultural contexts, examining the relationship
between artistic processes and underlying concepts. Optional: Students are encouraged
to view the artists’ work at the Wichita Art Museum for a richer understanding of
the course material.
In this class, students will...
- Gain a deeper appreciation of the art through visual analysis and interpretation
skills.
- Learn to situate the works of art in their social and cultural contexts.
- Understand the relationship between artistic process and a work’s underlying concept,
and where appropriate, contexts associated with the work.
- Identify and analyze the formal elements of a particular art form using vocabulary
and critique appropriate to that form.
- Demonstrate knowledge of diverse artistic traditions and materials in northern
Europe during the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries.
Instructor: Dan Kirchhefer, Lecturer, College of Fine Arts of Art, Design and Creative
Industries, 49ͼ
Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 1-3p
The history of the Earth has been divided into segments – eons, eras and periods –
to make studying and understanding our geologic past more manageable. Rocks from almost
all periods are found in Kansas, indicating a rich and active geologic history from
the formation of Earth to present-day. Find out why Kansas Rocks!, geologically speaking,
as we explore the state when it was hot, underwater and covered in ice. We’ll be making
stops along the way to see major landforms, meet some ancient creatures, learn why
we have earthquakes and find out why geology and plate tectonics are the reasons for
our state’s natural resources.
In this class, students will...
- List the eons, eras and periods of geologic time.
- Describe the theory of plate tectonics.
- Relate geologic landforms and features in Kansas to plate tectonics.
- Discuss how and why Kansas came to have the natural resources it does.
- Compare and contrast Kansas’ Permian ocean with Kansas’ Cretaceous ocean.
Instructor: Heather Merchant, Lecturer, Department of Geology, 49ͼ
Thursdays, August 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 1-3p
This course explores 20th-century narrative film genres in the United States, focusing
on those that have been forgotten in mainstream cinema. Students will engage in discussions
to define film genres versus trends and examine recent nostalgia or novelty films
that echo past genres. The course will also delve into the societal contexts and cultural
shifts contributing to these forgotten genres. Through this course, students will
gain knowledge of diverse film genres, their characteristics and specific elements.
In this class, students will...
- Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of a film genre.
- Provide examples of diverse film genres in the United States during the 20th century.
- Identify and discuss the elements of specific film genres.
Instructors: Dr. Jennifer Friend, Dean, College of Applied Studies, Wichita State
University; & Tim Friend, Instructor, College of Applied Studies, 49ͼ
Mondays, September 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 1-3p ***IN-PERSON OPTION FULL as of July 24***
This engaging course takes you on a captivating journey through the history of American
popular music. Explore how music has evolved from vinyl records to digital streaming,
uncovering iconic genres, artists and cultural movements along the way. Whether you’re
a music enthusiast or a curious learner, discover the fascinating stories behind the
songs that shaped generations in this immersive exploration of musical history.
In this class, students will...
- Trace the evolution of popular music from its early roots in the 20th century to
the present day, exploring key milestones, genres and influential artists.
- Examine the cultural and societal impact of popular music movements such as rock
‘n’ roll, punk, hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM).
- Analyze how advancements in technology, from vinyl records to digital streaming
platforms, have shaped the production, distribution and consumption of popular music.
- Identify significant musical trends, innovations and collaborations that have left
a lasting imprint on the landscape of popular music worldwide.
Instructor: Steve Hatfield, Lecturer, School of Music, 49ͼ
Tuesdays, September 10, 17, 24 & October 1 | 1-3p
This course will explore the type of musical theatre now known as the “Jukebox” Musical.
Although terminology for different types of musical theatre has evolved over the
years, the term probably became most prominent with the success and popularity of
Mamma Mia in a London production in 1999. Today’s Broadway is heavily dominated by
this form and it has evoked both criticism and praise from the theatre goers.
In this class, students will...
- Explore how and why the “Jukebox” musical developed.
- Discover its impact on today’s Broadway and why it’s so popular.
- Explore the historical context of popular music and how it was integral to the
formation of Musical Theatre, one of American’s unique art forms.
- Explore the love/hate relationship between audience members and theatre critics
concerning this art form.
Instructor: Linda Starkey, Retired Faculty, Lecturer, School of Performing Arts, Wichita
State University
Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25 & October 2 | 1-3p
What is it about the phrase “to be continued” that makes us want to read (or watch
or listen) to more? Why do cliffhangers pack such a punch? In this course, we’ll explore
the appeal of seriality through a history of serial fiction. From ancient bards and
eighteenth-century newspapers to Victorian bestsellers and WWII radio shows, we’ll
investigate the surprising flexibility and entertainment of serial storytelling. Because
serial fiction has often been brushed aside by scholars as “low brow” and “unserious,”
our course will face this critique head-on and study the enduring value of popular
literature. In doing so, we’ll study just what makes the serial form so engaging for
so many audiences.
In this class, students will...
- Develop foundational skills in literary analysis.
- Evaluate a narrative form, its aims and its methods.
- Analyze the historical development of serial fiction.
Instructor: Dr. Katie Lanning, Assistant Professor of English, Department of English,
49ͼ
Mondays, October 21, 28 & November 4, 18 | 1-3p ***IN-PERSON OPTION FULL as of August 7***
This course critically examines the theory and practice behind the communicative aspects
of modern presidential campaigns. Students will explore topics such as political persuasion,
advertising strategies, the dynamics of political debates and the significance of
political conventions. Through this exploration, students will learn how modern campaigns
for the presidency operate in the realms of persuasion, debate, advertising and conventions,
both theoretically and in practice.
In this class, students will...
- Articulate the theory and practice of modern campaigns for the presidency in the
areas of persuasion, political debate, advertising and political conventions.
Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Jarman, Professor and Director, Elliott School of Communication,
49ͼ
*No class Monday, November 11*
Tuesdays, October 22, 29 & November 5, 12 | 1-3p ***IN-PERSON OPTION FULL as of July 8***
This course delves into the dynamic narrative of Kansas during the pivotal sixty-year
period from 1870 to 1939, tracing its evolution through a myriad of changes and challenges.
From the era of Cattle Drives and town boosterism to the revolutionary advent of aviation
and the harrowing struggles of the depression and the Dust Bowl, students will explore
the rich tapestry of Kansas history. We will also identify the diverse array of people
and communities that populated Kansas in the post-Civil War era, examining how the
state navigated through droughts, legislative hurdles, technological advancements
and economic downturns.
In this class, students will...
- Identify the people and communities in Kansas in the post-Civil War era and how
Kansas evolved over the next 60-75 years through drought, legislative challenges,
technology and finally the struggles of the depression and the Dust Bowl.
- Understand the unique role of the Kansas story within the larger national context
during this evolving period.
- Examine the scholarship that already exists regarding this often forgotten period
in Kansas history.
Instructor: Ken Spurgeon, Lecturer, Department of History, 49ͼ
Wednesdays, October 23, 30 & November 6, 13 | 1-3p ***IN-PERSON OPTION FULL as of August 26***
From Aruba to Zimbabwe, this course will explore the geology of national parks around
the world. In the United States, our National Park system was established in 1872
with the creation of Yellowstone National Park. Since then, nearly 100 countries have
established National Park systems, which provide visitors with some of the most spectacular
scenery the world has to offer. Many of these parks were designated due to their inspiring
and unique geologic features and are locations of ancient and often ongoing geologic
events. Join us as we take a trip around the world to visit National Parks in Africa,
Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania, while we learn how to recognize geologic features
and interpret the story behind the scenery.
In this class, students will...
- Recognize the physical geology behind the scenery in parks.
- Explain the formation of geologic features using plate tectonics.
- Analyze why most parks are found along plate boundaries.
- Identify potential impacts of human activity on parks.
- Define basic geologic terms and processes.
Instructor: Heather Merchant, Lecturer, Department of Geology, 49ͼ
There are four ways to register.
In person classes will be held at the 49ͼ Metropolitan Complex located at 5015 E. 29th St. North, Wichita, KS 67220.
Students who are younger than 60 years of age can enroll in these courses, but will pay regular tuition and fees. If you're younger than 60 and have NOT previously been admitted to 49ͼ, you can apply here. If you've already been admitted as a student at 49ͼ, you can register for these classes through the my49ͼ portal. You will need the CRN number for the courses in which you would like to register. The CRN number and additional details for each course can be found in the course brochure. Once you are registered, all you need to do is show up at the first day of class and present a Medicare card or driver's license to validate age. In addition, you will be required to pay all fees (via check or cash only) at your first class (if applicable).
Students who choose the online class will receive a link each week by email. Click the link view the class on your own device at your convenience. You can choose to watch the class at the scheduled live time or you can watch the recording at a later date or time that is more convenient for you.
We do not typically repeat classes semester to semester. Each fall and spring brings new options for our learners. Several of our instructors teach classes each semester, so if you like a particular instructor, make sure to check back in because they might be teaching another class the next semester.
All Lifelong learning courses are lecture-based. Topics include arts, art history, history, science, literature, political science, philosophy, music and many more!
Please be aware that you will be receiving a 1098-T tax form from 49ͼ. Even though you are auditing the classes and some of the fees could be scholarshipped by the University, we are required by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to provide you with a 1098-T form. For more information regarding the 1098-T, please visit www.wichita.edu/1098t.
The information on this page applies only to the courses offered at the designated locations. For information on senior citizen audits of credit courses located on the main campus or satellite locations, please visit their registration page.
lifelonglearning@wichita.edu | 316-978-3264
1845 Fairmount Street, Box 136, Wichita, KS 67260-0136
49ͼ is committed to meeting the personal, educational, and career needs of adults of all ages.