Online Seminars
Westerns and Anti-Westerns
Wednesdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 15, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Paul Cohen
This seminar explores the western through five Hollywood classics—High Noon, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Blazing Saddles, and Unforgiven—to examine how each conveys, critiques, or parodies America’s most enduring myth.
Film and History
Wednesdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 2, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Paul Cohen
This seminar examines how historians interpret films by analyzing historical dramas and documentaries from Renoir to Spielberg.
The Importance of Philosophy: Then and Now
Aug. 10-15 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Terry Goode
This seminar explores the progress and relevance of philosophy, examining how its evolving ideas address traditional problems and contribute to solving contemporary societal challenges through critical thinking and the search for truth.
Watercolor: The Expressive Medium
Aug. 10-16 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Helen Klebesadel
Watercolor seminar for all skill levels. Learn traditional and non-traditional techniques, experiment, and create individualized artistic statements. Repeat class welcome. Materials fee applies.
Seminar full. Email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu if you would like to be added to a wait list.
The Biotechnology Revolution: Building with Genes.
Aug. 10-15 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Eric Lewellyn
This course explores key discoveries and technologies in biotechnology over the past 50 years. It covers foundational concepts in molecular biology and genetics, focusing on Recombinant DNA, Plant Genetic Modification, and CRISPR-based Genome Editing. The course discusses the development of biotechnology products and explores future implications.
Ranking the Presidents: The Best and Worst of America’s Chief Executives
Aug. 24-27 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Jerold Podair & Arnold Shober
Join Arnold Shober and Jerald Podair, “The Professors” from WHBY’s Outside the Box, as they present their definitive ranking of America’s forty-five presidents, exploring the attributes of greatness, who had them, who didn’t, and who claims the top and bottom spots
Moving Through Your Day with Ease: Applying Alexander Technique
Aug. 24-27 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Kathy Privatt
This hands-on workshop teaches how to apply the Alexander Technique to everyday activities, improving posture, reducing strain, and bringing ease and efficiency to daily movements.
Fall In-person Seminars
Be present in nature and discover what nature has to present you
Sep. 7-12 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Jane Burress
This weeklong seminar offers daily guided forest bathing walks, reflective activities, creative expression, and community engagement, providing participants with a deep, immersive experience in nature to enhance mindfulness, well-being, and connection.
Democracy Book Club
Sep. 7-12 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Bronwyn Mauldin
The Democracy Book Club returns to Bjorklunden! Five new works will be explored, including "A Paradise Built in Hell," "Pacific Edge," "Black Reconstruction in America," "The Pyramid," and "On Freedom," one book per day.
Registration available for single day or full week of classes. Choose one or all books that you want to come discuss.
“Yes, You Can!” Yoga-Pilates Emersion
Sep. 14-17 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Pia Kamonsit
Five-day wellness retreat at Björklunden Lodge with Pia. Morning sessions include mat Pilates, yoga, and light cardio. Afternoon sessions offer restorative yoga, deep stretching, and guided meditation. Healthy eating is a focus. Resistance bands and Pilates balls provided.
Explore Door County’s Less Traveled Trails
Sep. 14-17 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Jane Whitney
Explore "quiet" preserves and parks in Door County. Hike through nature preserves each morning, with optional afternoon hikes. Expect 2-4 miles of walking on rustic trails. Good hiking shoes are essential.
Seminar full. Email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu if you would like to be added to a wait list.
Is Journalism Dead?
Sep. 14-17 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Melissa Wall
American journalism faces a crisis: economic decline, billionaire control, and AI disruption threaten its ability to inform the public. News deserts are expanding, while misinformation and political pressure erode trust. Journalists struggle to maintain independence and safety in this challenging environment.
Power and Intimacy: Writing Small
Sep. 14-17 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Kimberly M. Blaeser, PhD
This workshop will center on techniques to focus and render “in brief” resonant experiences, scenes, or images; meetings will include discussions of sample works, exploration of tools and techniques, prompts and practice in writing small.
Where Does Creativity Come From? The Performing Arts in the 21st Century
Sep. 21-26 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Eric Simonson ‘82
This course explores artistic collaborations during Lawrence's Door Kinetic Arts Festival. Artists from across the country create projects in a week-long residency at Björklunden. The course examines the current state of the arts and the future of artistic collaborations.
Watercolor: In the Flow Workshop
Sep. 28-Oct. 1 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Helen Klebesadel
Guided painting retreat focusing on participants' artistic goals. Workshop includes demos and open painting time. Ideal for those launching new series or completing unfinished projects. $35 materials fee upon registration.
Writing Short Fiction: From Blank Page to Last Page
Sep. 28-Oct. 1 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Holly Day
This non-competitive workshop helps writers overcome writer's block. Learn dozens of ways to get creative engines revved up, from character development to creating vivid scenes. By the end, you'll know how to start and keep writing.
Mysteries with a Medical Explanation
Oct. 5-8 | Björklunden | Facilitator: David W Hines MD ‘76
This seminar explores fascinating historical and medical mysteries involving diseases, microbes, and their unexpected impacts on world events, offering in-depth discussions and an optional wine and cheese gathering.
Understanding Color: A Painting Workshop
Oct. 5-8 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Jill Newman
This three-day workshop on color in painting helps artists of all levels deepen their understanding of color theory through hands-on exercises and lectures, culminating in a small painting that applies key concepts of hue, value, and intensity.
Improv for Life
Oct. 5-8 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Lisa Cormier
Join this 3-day workshop to enhance your communication skills through improv theatre techniques, focusing on adaptability, collaboration, and active listening in a fun and supportive environment.
John Steinbeck: Scribe of Social Conscience
Oct. 26-31 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Paul McComas ‘83
This seminar offers an in-depth exploration of John Steinbeck's works, including Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and other classics, highlighting his advocacy for the underprivileged and his timeless relevance.
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 Discount: We offer an attractive discount for current students, recent grads of Lawrence University (classes 2016-2025), and Lawrence University faculty and staff. Look for the Viking Discount option when registering.
Rates below are for 2025 seminars.
ONLINE SEMINARS $175
IN-PERSON SEMINARS
| Sun. - Fri. Seminars | Sun. - Sat. Seminar (8/10-15) | Sun. - Wed. Seminars | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,325 | $1,385 | $810 |
| Double | $975 | $1,015 | $600 |
| Commuter (includes Sunday dinner & lunches) | $575 | $575 | $355 |
| Auditor (tuition only; no meals) | $450 | $450 | $270 |
| Houseguest (single) | $975 | $1,035 | $600 |
| Houseguest (double) | $625 | $665 | $390 |
| Child Houseguest | $300 | $340 | $205 |
Please Note:
- Some seminars include additional supply fees, which is noted in the class information.
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Participants in the Sunday through Wednesday seminars may opt to add up to two additional nights stay in the lodge to extend their retreat. The cost to stay over Wednesday and/or Thursday night is $100 per night, per room. This is lodging only; there are no formal seminar classes held or meals served served after Wednesday lunch. Nearby dining options abound, and can be found here). Check out for stay overs is 11am.
Seminar Guidelines
- Each seminar participant should choose only one seminar per week of attendance. Seminars sessions generally are held concurrently 9am - noon daily.
- Class sizes are limited. Early registration helps ensure your preferred seminar options. If registration is full, you may be added to a 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 take a room at the lodge (space permitting) or commute from the area.
- Definitions: Residents staying at the lodge during their seminar; Commuters enroll in the Seminar and enjoy some meals (i.e. Sunday dinner and all lunches); Auditors pay only tuition and receive neither lodging nor meals.
- Residents and Commuters may arrive after 4 p.m. on Sunday for the opening dinner which happens at 5:30. Instructors often hold an informal “meet and greet” session with class participants after dinner on Sunday. The seminar sessions officially begin at 9am on Monday morning.
- Seminar sessions typically meet on weekday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Instructors may offer optional afternoon or evening sessions, and they 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 is not served at the lodge Wednesday evenings, and guests are encouraged to support some of the fine local restaurants in Door County.
- Sunday through Friday seminars end after Friday lunch; Sunday through Saturday seminar ends after Saturday breakfast; Sunday through Wednesday seminar ends after lunch on Wednesday.
- Participants are responsible for acquiring any seminar texts and/or materials suggested by the instructor. Seminar leaders will reach out to students with any pre-arrival preparations. Additionally, please note that some seminar instructors may assign coursework before and/or across the week.
- Participants should bring their own writing utensils, notebooks, folders, tablets, laptops, and/or other items that will aid in taking notes and organizing class materials.
- Björklunden may document seminar activities via photograph, video, or sound-based media during courses and events and may use such media for educational, promotional, advertising, and other purposes. Please notify us if you wish to opt-out of appearing in seminar documentation.
A Note About Communicable Diseases
Due to the nature of the communal experience enjoyed at Björklunden seminars and to accommodate those with compromised immune systems, please do not come if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with communicable disease (e.g. COVID, influenza). Anyone needing to cancel due to illness will be issued a full refund. Björklunden is a mask friendly campus. Masks may be worn by anyone at any time, and individuals may determine their own guidelines for their individual space and exposure.