Registration begins on December 20, 2012. Online registration ends January 18, 2013.

Natural & Social Sciences

Mathematics Then and Now

Diane Burrell

Thursdays, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Todd Building, UM

This course will trace the evolution of mathematics from its earliest development to how it affects decision-making today. Learn how ancient systems for counting and recording numbers influenced how different societies used mathematics. From mystical investigations of prime numbers to attempts to gain an advantage at medieval gaming tables to the logical structure of geometry, mathematics has grown to influence nearly every aspect of modern decision-making. This class assumes no prior knowledge of mathematics beyond a curiosity about how mathematical concepts permeate our world in unexpected and innovative ways.
About the instructor: Diane Burrell has published numerous articles during her 30-year career as a mathematics teacher in Missoula. She was a recipient of the Montana Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and was twice named a Tandy Outstanding Teacher. Since retiring from active teaching, she has written curriculum materials and has served as a math consultant and trainer.

The New North: The Changing Arctic

Anna Klene

Fridays, 9:00 am-10:30 am, Todd Building, UM

Textbook: New North: The World in 2050 by Larry Smith
The current and future impacts of climate change on the Arctic are widely discussed by the media. Larry Smith’s recent book broadens that discussion and looks at the combined impacts of climate change, population growth, globalization, and industrialization (oil, gas, and mineral resource development) on the region today and over the next several decades. In this course, we will use his popular-press book as a framework to review the current situation, look at slides and photos from around the Arctic, and discuss numerous issues arising from these geopolitical and environmental changes.
About the instructor: Anna Klene, Associate Professor in The Department of Geography at The University of Montana, has done research in northern Alaska for 15 years on permafrost (perennially frozen ground) and climate interactions in natural and urban settings. She serves on the Board of the interdisciplinary Minor in Climate Change Studies and has traveled in Arctic regions of the U.S., Canada, Norway and western Siberia.

Montana Before History: 11,000 Years of Hunter-Gatherers in the Plains and Rockies

Douglas MacDonald

Fridays, 9:00 am-10:30 am, Todd Building, UM

Textbook: Montana Before History by Douglas H. MacDonald 
*The first 20 people registered for this course will receive the textbook free of charge, courtesy of the instructor.
Montana Before History will teach MOLLI students the prehistory of Montana, from 11,000 to 300 years ago. Course participants will learn about the best Native American archaeological sites in the state and learn about Native American cultures that were present in Montana long before European-Americans. Students will follow along using the companion book of the same title, as authored by the instructor, an archaeologist at The University of Montana.
About the instructor: Douglas MacDonald is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UM. He holds MA and PhD degrees in Anthropology from Washington State University. Doug has conducted archaeological fieldwork across much of the United States. His current research is in Yellowstone National Park.

Activity, Vitality and Longevity

Brian Sharkey

Fridays, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, Todd Building, UM

The American Medical Association (AMA) asserts, "Exercise is medicine". Ever wonder why regular moderate physical activity confers health benefits and how fitness training enhances those benefits? We will explore the ways aerobic and muscular training prompt specific physiological adaptations, and consider the influence of genetics. We will discuss "meaningful" activity, and the intrinsic motivation needed to keep active throughout life. Course participants will learn how attainable life span is enhanced, what research says about exercise and fitness, how to fuel the active life, and the risks of exertion. Students will also discover that it is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle.
About the instructor: Professor Emeritus from The University of Montana, Brian Sharkey directed the Human Performance Laboratory, conducted research, worked with athletes, and devoted 45 years to the health, safety and performance of wildland firefighters. He authored twelve books, published numerous research papers, worked with the U.S. Ski Team, the NCAA, and the Forest Service. In addition, Brian served as president of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Language Myths

Leora Bar-el

Fridays, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, Todd Building, UM

Textbook: Language Myths by Laurie Bauer and Peter Trudgill (eds.)
Are some languages more beautiful than others? Does TV make people sound the same? Do some languages have no grammar? The goal of this course is to discuss, question and challenge commonly-held ideas about language. By exploring several language myths, we will reveal the ways in which linguists’ beliefs about language differ from beliefs about language that are prevalent in the wider community.
About the instructor: Leora Bar-el is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at The University of Montana. Her research interests include the grammar of tense and aspect, linguistic field methodology, North American Indigenous languages, Montana dialects of English, and issues in language endangerment and revitalization. In April 2012, she received the UM College of Arts and Sciences Helen and Winston Cox Education Excellence Award.

Everything is Infectious: The Past, Present and Future Impact of the Microbial World on Human and Global Health

George Risi

Fridays, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Todd Building, UM

As the relationship between microbes and their mammalian hosts continues to be explored, surprising findings and implications for human and global health are discovered. This series will discuss important diseases that have affected humans, animals and altered the course of history. The future for control of infections is bright but the very definition of “control” must be restructured. As the importance of living with our biological flora is realized, discovery and management of emerging diseases gain increasing importance.
About the instructor: George Risi is a physician in private practice in Missoula. He is board certified in Infectious Diseases and holds a Master’s degree in the Immunology of Infectious Diseases. Between his 22 years in clinical practice and 8 years as the Clinical Advisor to the Rocky Mountain Labs in Hamilton, George has developed a strong appreciation of how infectious diseases are at once local and global. He notes that everyone has a stake in both understanding how diseases emerge, and how the control of disease requires a well-educated public.

Winter 2013 Refund and Cancellation Policy

Course tuition costs may be refunded on a case-by-case basis on or before the third week of the Fall term. Refunds may be applied as a credit towards a future MOLLI course. Refunds are not granted after the third week of the Fall term. Membership cost is non-refundable. If paying by check, social security numbers must be provided to the MOLLI office to receive a refund and may take up to six weeks. Social security numbers are not required for refunds processed from credit card payments.