From the discovery of fire to the rise of artificial intelligence, this course explores the 'What, Who, Why, When, Where, and How' (5W1H) behind the most significant inventions and discoveries in human history. Students will examine the forces that drive human ingenuity and the lasting impact these breakthroughs have had on civilization.

Want to learn to draw and paint in a beautiful, but in an easy to set up/clean up medium? Pastel may be for you! Pastel is not just light colors, but pure pigment in stick form. It is well suited for landscapes but can be used for many subjects. This class will begin at a very basic level. Supplies suggested are a box of pastels, a drawing surface and charcoal pencils. Examples of supplies from Amazon: a box a Mungyo soft pastels (Not oil pastels!) 64 for under $15; a pad of either Canson multimedia paper or pastel paper for about the same. Instructor will supply paper the first session for students to see what they prefer. $2 copy fee included in course fee. 

Do you have a computer question? Can’t figure out how to get to your emails. Confused by the cloud. Want to learn more about the App Store? Bring your computer questions to open office hours, and I will try to answer them. Bring any questions related to computers, cell phones, or even iPads. Mac or Windows, iOS or Android, no matter how big or small - all questions are welcome. This is a drop-in service. No FLI tuition is required.

With gentle, flowing movement Tai Chi promotes calm mental focus and active relaxation while building strength, stability, and balance. In this beginner/sampler class, we will learn a few basic moves and a mini adapted Tai Chi Fundamentals form that can be done standing or seated. This practice can stand alone as a daily moving meditation. It may also inspire you to explore more Tai Chi. Mary Hagen amd Kevin Cawley co-teaches.

Does your name affect your income? Are rich people more or less generous than poor people? Was there an unexpected cause for the decrease in American crime in the 1990’s? Why did Spanish Treasure ships sink 3 times more often than Portuguese ones? We’ll discuss some of the work of The Chicago School of Economics, including that of Stephen Levitt and Nobel Prize winner Richard Thayler. 3 sessions, July 8th, 15th, and 22nd

A flexible, discussion-based introduction to a classic of adventure and intrigue. Any version/translation of the book, The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, is acceptable, including audiobooks and abridged versions. No movies or TV series included. $2 copy fee included in course fee.

It seems that nations around the world are rapidly pivoting away from yesterday's military equipment and embracing the new realities of modern warfare. In this course, we will explore the new ways wars are being fought — and likely will continue to be fought for some time to come. Covered will be drones (air, sea, submarine, and land-based), drone interceptors, GPS-guided missiles, laser air defense, space warfare, hypersonic missiles, stealth, cyberattacks, autonomous and humanoid armies, and more. Military strategy changes during Russia-Ukraine and Persian Gulf conflicts will be presented.

This welcoming, beginner-level course helps learners build confidence using provided computers, smartphones, and essential online tools. Over 10 weeks, students will learn how to use devices, set up accounts and manage passwords, send and receive email, navigate the internet safely, use social media, complete online forms, shop and bank online securely, and access helpful digital resources. Smartphone basics such as texting, calling, and using apps are also included. A skills checklists will guide learning and assess progress. Students who successfully complete the course may check out a computer from the FLI Lending Library for home use. This course is free due to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. This class meet twice a week on Wednesday and Thursday.