Main Sessions:

February 5 — Instructional Strategies, Presenter:  Nancy Ryan

February 26 — Memory, Presenter:  Ted Bryant

March 26 — Building the Lecture, Presenter:  Rob Myers

April 16 — Instructional Strategies, Presenter:  Susan Karrer (along with a few graduate students)

OLD ORDER AMISH AND HEALTH CARE;  A LOOK AT THE HISTORY AND HEALTH CARE OPTIONS OF THIS UNIQUE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN CULTURE

The Old Order Amish were persecuted and displayed nonresistant behavior during the Protestant reformation. In their journey to America and transition to the life styles of the new world, the Old Order Amish clung to religious beliefs and practices of the old world. The traditional life style and closed system of the Amish pose a challenge to the modern world of health care.

This lecture will:

• Review the history of the Old Order Amish Religious Culture.
• Examine current life ways.
• Distinguish between health care beliefs and options of the Amish people.
• Identify approaches to the Amish in the health care setting.

Karon Schwartz, Ph.D. Interim Dean of Nursing, Graduate Nursing Program Director. Dr. Schwartz completed her doctoral studies at Wayne State University. Her dissertation was: “Breast cancer health care beliefs, values and practices of Amish women.” She has cared for Amish families as a nurse and a friend for over 30 years. She has presented this lecture to leaders in both Amish and non-Amish communities.

WHAT IS EDUCATION FOR? HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE LIBERAL ARTS

From its beginning in the colonial era, the idea of a liberal arts education has been contested. American educators have responded to a series of challenges associated with the need for specialized vocational training, preparation for professional or graduate studies, and loss of confidence in the ideals and worth of a liberal education.

• How has the liberal arts been defined?
• What makes it attractive to generations of American educators and students?
• Is such an education useful?
• Should it be a mandatory part of every undergraduate curriculum?
• If so, what is it attempting to accomplish?

These are some of the questions that have challenged American higher education. Dr. Haas will explore questions in his presentation.

John H. Haas, Ph.D. Associate Professor of History

John Haas has taught at Bethel College since 1999. Prior to receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, he received the Th.M. from Princeton Seminary , the M.Div. from Reformed Episcopal Seminary and his B.A. from Temple University. His academic work has been in American cultural, intellectual and religious history.