HUM B53 - My Kind of Town
Course Description
A lecture series focused on the past, present, and future of Chicago and surrounding areas, My Kind of Town features expert speakers who present topics in history, politics, the arts, current events, and more.
For Summer term lecture and speaker descriptions, please see our brochure at Emeritus Summer Schedule.pdf
Course Outline
Wednesday, July 10 Chicago Landmarks and the Names Behind Them Dan Ryan, Jane Byrne, Bessie Coleman, and Casimir Pulaski— we hear these names almost every day. Yet, who were these people and why do they hold such a place of honor on Chicago’s landmarks? Historian Jim Gibbons will explain just that and more about Chicago’s most well-known landmarks and the famous names behind them.
Wednesday, July 17 The Marx Brothers: A Legacy of Laughter Go behind the scenes of classic Hollywood history with film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as you learn about the lives and legacies of the legendary Marx Brothers comedy team. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips and captivating stories.
Wednesday, July 24 A Virtual Walk Through Chicago’s Architectural History Chicago’s rich architectural history has flowed through six distinct eras—pre-Chicago Fire, beaux arts, art deco, midcentury modern, postmodern and contemporary. Chicago Architecture Center docent Bob Sutter will walk us chronologically around and through legendary structures that best exemplify each of these eras. In addition to presenting a portfolio of photographs, Sutter will regale us with tales of the achievements and personalities of the architects and business people who earned Chicago’s well-deserved status as “The City of Architecture.”
Wednesday, July 31 First Ladies: Style Icons First Ladies Mary Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Frances Cleveland, and Nancy Reagan have been admired for many reasons. For some, their sense of style defined their image. Valerie Gugala will discuss how some first ladies influenced fashion trends and defined the style of their time.