Zoom Seminars
Is Evil really Banal?: Hannah Arendt and the Question of Genocide
Date(s): (ONLINE) Thursdays, April 4 – May 2, 2-3:30 pm
Instructor(s): Paul Cohen
Description: The current war in the Middle East has raised anew the urgent question of genocide. But what does the word “genocide” mean? When did it first appear, historically? This seminar will address these questions through a close reading of Hannah Arendt’s brilliant and controversial book, Eichmann in Jerusalem.
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The Birth of Fascism
Date(s): (ONLINE) Thursdays, May 9 - June 6, 2-3:30pm
Instructor: Paul Cohen
Description: There has been a lot of talk about fascism recently, but there is little clarity about what fascism actually means and where it came from historically. This seminar will explore fascism’s historical origins in Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany.
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Is Civilization Good for Us: Nietzsche, Freud, and their Discontents
Date(s): (ONLINE) Thursdays, July 18 - Aug.15, 2-3:30 pm
Instructor: Paul Cohen
Description: This seminar will focus on how two of the greatest thinkers of the modern age, Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud, addressed the question of what constitutes a 'civilized' or 'civil' society.
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In-Person Seminars: Summer
Jun 9 – 14
Democracy Book Club
Date(s): June 9 - 14
Instructor(s): Bronwyn Mauldin
Description: Over five days we will read and discuss five key works of literature, engaging in deep discussions exploring what we can learn from them to improve civic participation in the life of our communities today.
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Forests through Time
Date(s): June 9 - 14
Instructor(s): Relena Ribbons
Description: Together, we will learn about the history of the forests at Bjorklunden (including where all those birch trees are!), and how these forests have changed over recent human time scales.
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June 16-21
The Mindful Brain
Date(s): June 16-21
Instructor(s): Lori M. Hilt, PhD (’97)
Description: This seminar will explore how mindfulness has been secularized and utilized in such settings as schools, workplaces, hospitals, as well as in daily life. Additionally, we will explore neuroscience research on how mindfulness changes the brain. *Limited housing available in the lodge. Please contact us at bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu or 920-839-2216 to inquire about resident options. Commuter and auditor still available.
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June 23-28
Chemistry of Art
Date(s): June 23-28
Instructor(s): Allison Fleshman
Description: In this seminar, we will explore the fascinating chemistry of paintings, learn the chemical reasons dyes bond to textiles, reflect on the importance of light in the experience of art, and explore the chemistry of glass and stained glass.
*$15 materials fee
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Relief Printing: Creation and Repetition
Date(s): June 23-28
Instructor(s): Brady Nichols ('92)
Description: This seminar allows participants to discover and dive into the art of relief printing, utilizing the beauty of Bjorklunden while investigating their imaginations.
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Energy, Technology and the Environment
Date(s): June 23-28
Instructor(s): Graham Sazama
Description: This seminar examines the fundamental chemistry and physics behind conventional and emerging energy technologies, with a hands-on component to further explore their design and function.
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July 14-19
Russia and Ukraine: From Partners to Enemies
Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Tim Crain
Description: The seminar will explore the historic relationship between Russia and Ukraine, the future of the two countries engaged in conflict, and why the area is of such vital interest to the EU, NATO, and the United States.
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Shakespeare in Love: Romeo and Juliet, 1594-2024
Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Garth Bond
Description: In conjunction with the Door Shakespeare production of Romeo and Juliet, this seminar will explore Shakespeare’s iconic depiction of tragic love, a story that has become synonymous with modern conceptions of romantic love around the world.
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This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land: How Maps Shape the World
Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Arnold F. Shober
Description: We often think about maps as representing some tangible reality -- but what if maps actually create it? We'll start by looking at the difference between "location" and "place," and how maps are a political tool as much as an aid to hiking Door County.
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From Sutton Hoo to Bayeux: Anglo-Saxon England in 10 Amazing Works
Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Danielle Joyner, Katie Keene
Description: This class explores the medieval worlds of Anglo-Saxon England (c. 600-1066) by focusing on extraordinary works of art and cultural monuments. Course held in Bjorklunden's studio.
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July 21-26
Hitler’s War: The Battle for Democracy, 1939-1945
Date(s): July 21-26
Instructor(s): Jerald Podair, Jon Greenwald
Description: On September 1, 1939, emboldened by an alliance of convenience with the Soviet Union and contemptuous of the resolve of Western democracies, Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to invade Poland -- thus began the Second World War.
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Water Cycle: A journey around the science and policy of Earth’s most precious molecule
Date(s): July 21-26
Instructor(s): Peter S. Levi (‘01), Titus Seilheimer (‘00)
Description: In our seminar, we will explore the science and policy of this mighty molecule and how water availability, conservation, policy, and perception varies across communities, states, and countries.
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Fact or Fiction: Images of Schools and Adolescents in Hollywood Films
Date(s): July 21-26
Instructor(s): Stewart Purkey
Description: In this course we'll watch and talk about contemporary movies, exploring the various ways in which a range of modern Hollywood films (and the occasional foreign film) have influenced, even shaped, Americans' perceptions of schools, the kids who attend them, and the teachers who work in them.
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July 28 - Aug. 2
Resident and Commuter options are no longer available for this week; Auditor options only. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please call 920-839-2216.
The Campaign Nobody Wanted
Date(s): July 28 - Aug. 2
Instructor(s): Terry Moran ('82)
Description: As of this writing, the 2024 presidential election looks to be a rerun of 2020. Biden v Trump. And polls show most Americans react the same way to this choice: Ugh.
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*Seminar is currently full, waitlist only. To be added to the waitlist, email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu with your attendance preference (auditor, commuter, resident).
A Tour of the History of Russian Film
Date(s): July 28 - August 2
Instructor(s): Peter Thomas
Description: We will spend the week watching and discussing some of the best films made in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the post-Soviet sphere.
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The Door Four: Theater Seminar
Date(s): July 28 - Aug. 2
Instructor(s): Dan Klarer
Description: An exploration of Door County theaters with local theater artist Dan Klarer. Seminar participants will take trips to four local theaters to watch and then discuss the shows.
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Aug. 4 - 9
Resident options are no longer available for this week. Commuter and Auditor options are still available. If you would like to be added to the lodging waiting list, please call 920-839-2216 or email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu.
The Palestinians, Israelis, and the United States: Past, Present and Future
Date(s): Aug. 4-9
Instructor(s): Tim Crain
Description: The seminar will review the historic conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as how the United States became involved in the dispute, and the future prospects for peace.
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Pragmatism: America’s First (and Only!) Philosophy
Date(s): Aug. 4-9
Instructor(s): Terry Goode
Description: We will explore pragmatisms roots in 17th and 18th century European philosophy, and examine the basic theories of pragmatism, explaining how it answers in new and important ways the primary questions of philosophy in epistemology, ontology, logic, ethics and aesthetics.
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A Sky Full of Planets: Exploring the Night Sky and Our Solar System
Date(s): Aug. 4-9
Instructor(s): Megan Pickett
Description: In this course we will explore the history of our exploration of the night, particularly our home in the cosmos: our own solar system. You’ll learn about the discoveries of the latest missions, our plans for the future, and the nature of the more than 10,000 other solar systems now known to exist.
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Aug. 11 - 16
Where do we come from? Where do we go? And Everything in Between: Mythology Across Time and Across the Universe
Date(s): Aug. 11-16
Instructor(s): Nikolas O. Hoel (‘99)
Description: Across the planet, people came up with stories to help them explain earthly phenomena, including, and perhaps, most importantly death. This seminar will be an opportunity to explore mythology as it has existed in many places and amongst many individuals.
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Watercolor: The Expressive Medium
Date(s): Aug. 11-17
Instructor(s): Helen Klebesadel
Description: Participants will be a part of a creative community that invites them to experiment with a wide range of traditional and non-traditional watercolor techniques and learn to create strong individualized artistic statements.
*Seminar is currently full, waitlist only. To be added to the waitlist, call 920-839-2216 or email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu.
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Aug. 25 - 30
Be Present in Nature and Discover What Nature Has to Present You
Date(s): Aug. 25-30
Instructor(s): Jane Burress
Description: Leave the busy world behind and spend each morning immersed in nature. Join Burress, a certified forest and nature guide, for forest bathing sessions. Each session ends with local refreshments and conversation. By connecting with our senses, our imagination is awakened.
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Fun with Fungi: Wild Mushrooms and their Relatives
Date(s): Aug. 25-30
Instructor(s): Charlotte Lukes
Description: This week we will learn mainly about the many types of wild mushrooms in the county. Several PowerPoint color slide programs will be presented about the variety of mushrooms as well as ferns, lichens, mosses, clubmosses and liverworts.
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Faith Builds a Chapel: The Legacy of Winifred C. Boynton
Date(s): Aug. 25-30
Instructor(s): Marjorie Graham
Description: The Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel is the icon of Björklunden, and sits like a jewel at the edge of the forest, facing the shore of Lake Michigan. This seminar will provide an in-depth study of the chapel’s creation, carvings and murals, as well as the Viking myths, Biblical passages and personal stories behind them.
*Seminar is currently full, waitlist only. To be added to the waitlist, call 920-839-2216 or email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu.
In-Person Seminars: Fall
Sept. 8-11
Sijo: Korea's Poetry Form
Date(s): Sept. 8-11
Instructor(s): Lucy Park
Description: Delve into the fundamentals and history of sijo poetry, read pieces by Korean sijo masters, and write your own sijo poem for a chance to compete and win prizes.
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Explore Door County’s Less Traveled Trails
Date(s): Sept. 8-11
Instructor(s): Jane Whitney
Description: Become acquainted with some of the “quiet” preserves and parks throughout Door County, and see what you can find in nature.
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Sept. 15-18
Deep Looking: Exploring Empathy Through Art
Date(s): Sept. 15-18
Instructor(s): Kevin McCarty
Description: Participants will delve into art interpretation, learning to decipher the signs and symbols embedded within works to uncover rich, nuanced meanings. Discover the profound connections between art, self-awareness, and compassion. *Fall intensive, (above) "Parent Child" by Jeff Wall.
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"Tippecanoe and Trumpers Too": Presidential Election History and the '24 Campaign
Date(s): Sept. 15-18
Instructor(s): Charles B. Schudson
Description: Digging deep, into both history and today’s headlines, this seminar will explore topics including federalism and the Electoral College, third parties and plurality presidents, sex scandals and candidate character, deceit and media manipulation, and much more. *Fall intensive
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Sept. 22-27
Astonish us in the Morning: Artistic Collaborations in the 21st Century
Date(s): Sept. 22-27
Instructor(s): Eric Simonson ('82)
Description: This course, which takes place concurrently with Lawrence’s Door Kinetic Arts Festival (or DKAF), will examine daring artistic collaborations. Seminar participants will receive a free guest pass to the arts festival, which includes cocktails, workshops and performances.
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Sept. 29 - Oct. 2
Watercolor: A Fresh Start Immersive
Date(s): Sept. 29 - Oct. 2
Instructor(s): Helen Klebesadel
Description: Explore the fall at Björklunden while enjoying this opportunity to learn, or re-learn, watercolor from an artist passionate about the medium, while enjoying a supportive and friendly learning environment. *$35 materials fee, fall intensive
This seminar is now full. To be added to the waitlist, email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu with your phone number and preferred registration type, or call the office at 920-839-2216.
A Timely Trip into the Twilight Zone, That Prophetic “Fifth Dimension” of Depth and Meaning
Date(s): Sept. 29 - Oct. 2
Instructor(s): Paul McComas ('83)
Description: Late 2024 marks both the 65th anniversary of The Twilight Zone (1959–1964) and the centennial birth of its creator, Rod Serling. McComas will screen the richest, most timely episodes, analyze them, and then lead lively discussion. *Fall intensive
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Oct. 6-9
How Do Humans Survive in a World with so Many Deadly Pathogens?
Date(s): Oct. 6-9
Instructor(s): David Hines ('76)
Description: An exploration of the many infectious diseases that surround us, how we combat them, and how scientists use our genes to study them.
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Cinematic Sherlocks
Date(s): Oct. 6-9
Instructor(s): Doug Northrop
Description: This seminar will explore both how and why so many Sherlock Holmes adaptations come about, what they tell us about heroes and villains, and what values have changed in our culture.
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Oct. 13-18
Beginning Digital Photography
Date(s): Oct. 13-18
Instructor(s): Sam Elkind ('82), John Wylie ('77)
Description: This five-day course offers beginners practical guidance on the use of cameras and field experience in the beauty of a Door County autumn. Seminar offered in collaboration and assistance from the Peninsula School of Art. *$35 materials fee
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The Beauty of Sound All Around You: Hearing the World as a Radio Host Does
Date(s): Oct. 13-18
Instructor(s): Nathan Heffel ('02)
Description: Explore how radio journalists hear the world, what tools they use to quiet their minds and truly listen, and what it takes to record the sounds that create vibrant pieces of audio journalism.
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Oct. 20-25
Poetry of Spirit and Witness
Date(s): Oct. 20-25
Instructor(s): Kimberly Blaeser
Description: In this generative class, writers will read poems that meld socially conscious writing with spiritual quest, and experiment with building this complexity into their own poetry.
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Postwar Hollywood Masculinity and its Critics
Date(s): Oct. 20-25
Instructor(s): Paul Cohen
Description: Hollywood films both mirror and help fashion the gender norms at various times in American history. This seminar will focus on how masculinity was constructed in five films between World War II and the 1980s.
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Seminar Options & Pricing
There are many ways to experience Björklunden: you may choose to attend a seminar as a resident with room and board, take a class as a commuter and enjoy Sunday dinner here and lunches, or join as an auditor (no meals). Houseguests and children of seminar participants are also welcome to reside at the lodge. Each of these options is available for online registration at the rates indicated below. First preference on housing will be given to seminar participants.
Viking Decade: we offer an attractive discount for recent grads of Lawrence University. Anyone from classes from 2014-2024 is welcome to join seminars at half price.
Rates below are for 2024 seminars.
ONLINE SEMINARS $175
IN-PERSON SEMINARS
| Sunday through Friday Seminars | Sunday through Wednesday Fall Seminars | Fall Intensives: Sunday through Wednesday, 15hrs of instruction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,300 | $815 | $985 |
| Double | $950 | $700 | $870 |
| Houseguest (single) | $950 | $525 | $525 |
| Houseguest (double) | $625 | $480 | $480 |
| Child Houseguest | $300 | $200 | $200 |
| Commuter (includes Sunday dinner & lunches) | $565 | $350 | $520 |
| Auditor (tuition only; no meals) | $425 | $255 | $425 |
Please Note:
- Some seminars include additional supply fees, which is noted in the class information.
-
Participants in the Fall Sunday through Wednesday seminars may opt to add one or two additional nights stay in the lodge to extend their retreat. However, no classes will be held, or meals served, from Wednesday evening through check-out on either Thursday or Friday morning.
Seminar Guidelines
- Seminar participants choose only one seminar for each week of attendance.
- Class sizes are limited. Early registration will help ensure participants get into the seminar they prefer. If registration is no longer available for the course you would like to attend, you may call or email the office to be placed on the wait list.
- Registration is open to the general public – participants need not have a connection to Lawrence University in order to attend.
- Seminar participants may either reside at the estate or commute from the area.
- Residents (those staying at the lodge) and Commuters (those who enjoy Sunday dinner and lunches) may arrive after 4 p.m. on Sunday. Instructors may hold a “meet and greet” session with class participants after dinner on Sunday. Auditors (no lodging or meals) arrive when class convenes at 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning.
- Summer classes typically meet on weekday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, leaving the remaining time free. Instructors may offer optional afternoon or evening sessions and have the freedom to change the typical schedule if need be.
- Public events are often held at Björklunden on any given seminar week, which participants may be able to attend. Details about these events will be posted at the lodge and announced during Sunday dinner.
- Dinner will not be served at the lodge Wednesday evening, as it is our kitchen staff’s night off. Participants are encouraged to support area businesses and sample local cuisine that night. Here are links to the Peninsula Pulse Restaurant Guide as well as articles about local establishments. Please plan accordingly.
- Most seminars end Friday after lunch. Watercolor ends Saturday after breakfast, and class does not meet that morning.
- Participants are responsible for acquiring any seminar texts and/or materials and some seminars require a materials fee. Seminar leaders will reach out to students with any pre-arrival preparations. Additionally, please note that some seminar instructors may assign coursework throughout the week.
- Participants are responsible for bringing their own writing utensils, notebooks, folders, and any other items that will aid in taking notes and organizing class materials. Björklunden will not provide these items.
- Björklunden may take photographs, videos, audiotape recordings, and other images and sound-based media during courses and events and may use such media for educational, promotional, advertising, and other purposes.
A Note About Communicable Diseases
Björklunden adheres to the Lawrence University campus Mask Friendly Campus policy:
On our mask friendly campus, masks can be worn by anyone at any time on our campus but are not universally required. Additionally, individuals may determine their own guidelines for their individual space, meaning that:
- Seminar leaders may require masks in classrooms based on room capacity, air ventilation, and/or personal preference.
- Participants may require guests to wear masks in their presence.
- Staff may require masking and/or cancellation of the remainder of a seminar week if the health of the community is threatened.
Due to the nature of the communal experience enjoyed at Björklunden seminars, participants are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and boosted. We will follow CDC COVID protocols that are in place at the time of the seminar.