Diverse Seminars at Bjِrklunden

From July 6 until July 11, Lawrence University’s Björklunden is offering these seminars: “Collision: The Conquest and Colonization of Latin America” with Jake Frederick and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game: The Mythology, Allure and Evolution of the Game We Love” with Steve Landfried.

At the end of the 15th century, peoples from the Americas, Africa and Iberia collided in the most dramatic encounter in human history. This collision would create the New World. In “Collision,” participants will survey four-and-a-half centuries, from before the initial encounter, though the conquests of the Americas, up to the birth of culturally and racially mixed, independent nations.

Frederick earned a Ph.D. in colonial Latin American history from Penn State University. He is currently completing a book, Riot: Community and Conflict in 18th-century Papantla, Mexico.

If you have ever loved baseball as a child or an adult, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is for you. Each day will explore different dimensions of baseball. Informative resources such as vintage photographs, classic radio and TV broadcasts, spellbinding films, evocative articles and popular music will enrich daily discussions. If enough people bring along baseball gloves, some time can be found to play catch in the afternoon.

A partial season ticket holder of the Milwaukee Brewers for nearly 10 years, Landfried played for Team America in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series in 2012.

Seminar classes meet weekday mornings and some evenings at Björklunden’s lodge, just south of Baileys Harbor. For complete course descriptions, fees, and registration dates call 920.839.2216 or visit lawrence.edu/s/bjorklunden/bjorkseminars.