Online Seminars
Film and Masculinity
Wednesdays, Apr. 2-30, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Paul Cohen
This seminar examines the construction of masculinity in American history through the lens of five iconic Hollywood films from World War II to the 1980s.
“Please God Make Me Good, But Not Just Yet”
Three Confessions Across Time
Tuesdays, May 6-Jun. 3, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Nikolas Hoel ‘99
This seminar explores the fluid boundaries between saints and sinners in medieval religious life, examining the diverse roles of holy and heretical figures and how modern scholarship interprets these complex identities.
Why Trump? Ask Freud
Wednesdays, May 7-Jun. 4, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Paul Cohen
This seminar analyzes Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory through Freud’s Civilization and its Discontents and essays by Fintan O’Toole, exploring human drives and societal conduct.
What is Existentialism?
Wednesdays, Jul. 16-Aug. 13, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Paul Cohen
This seminar explores the enduring mystique of existentialism through key works by Sartre, Camus, and De Beauvoir.
Film and History
Wednesdays, Sep. 17-Oct. 15, 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.
Why Putin? The Russia Syndrome
Wednesdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 3, 2-3:30 p.m. | Online | Facilitator: Paul Cohen
This seminar investigates Russia’s historical resentment of the West, tracing its roots from the mid-19th century to Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Summer In-person Seminars
Adventures in Forests in Time
Jun. 15-20 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Relena Ribbons
This seminar explores the ecology, history, and human impact on the forests at Björklunden through immersive hikes, discussions, and studies on climate, ecosystem challenges, and the reciprocal relationship between humans and forests.
Saints and Sinners in the Middle Ages
Jun. 15-20 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Nikolas O. Hoel ’99
This seminar explores the fluid boundaries between saints and sinners in medieval religious life, examining the diverse roles of holy and heretical figures and how modern scholarship interprets these complex identities.
From Conflict to Peace
Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and Ireland, Past and Present
Jun. 15-20 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Tim Crain
This seminar will examine The Troubles in Northern Ireland (1969-1998), focusing on the sectarian conflict between unionists and nationalists, and the transformative impact of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
What Do You Say? Exploring American Accents and Dialects
Jun. 22-27 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Sue Hanna ‘75
In this fun course, you will explore your personal dialect—vocabulary, pronunciation, phrases, and grammar—within the context of the American dialect map, considering how your life experiences shape the way you speak.
The Door Four: Theater Seminar
Jul. 13-18 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Dan Klarer
Door County has four professional theaters producing unique works, and this seminar includes nightly theater productions, post-show discussions led by local artist Dan Klarer, and workshops at local venues.
Watercolor: A Fresh Start
Jul. 13-18 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Helen Klebesadel
This is a seminar for beginners or those refreshing their skills, offering hands-on learning of traditional and experimental watercolor techniques in a supportive environment, with a $35 materials fee.
American True Crime in Books, Docuseries and Podcasts
Jul. 13-18 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Harry MacLean
This course explores the evolution of True Crime across books, films, docuseries, and podcasts, featuring works like In Cold Blood and In Broad Daylight, while examining storytelling techniques, ethical challenges, and the genre's cultural impact.
Chemistry of Art
Jul. 13-18 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Allison Fleshman
This seminar explores the chemistry behind art, including paintings, dyes, glass, and stained glass, featuring hands-on lab activities and discussions, along with insights into pigment identification in Medieval illuminated manuscripts.
The Mindful Brain
Jul. 20-25 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Lori M. Hilt, '97
This seminar examines the secularization and application of mindfulness in modern settings, explores neuroscience research on mindfulness's impact on the brain, and combines discussions with experiential mindfulness practices.
Our Cosmological Origins: Something from Nothing?
Jul. 20-25 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Dr. Megan Pickett
This seminar explores our cosmological origins, from the Big Bang and galaxy formation to the origins of our solar system and life, with opportunities for evening sky observations.
Type 2 Diabetes: A Modern Affliction with Roots in the Past
Jul. 20-25 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Mark R. Jenike
This seminar examines the biological, social, political, and economic dimensions of type 2 diabetes, exploring its rising prevalence, systemic causes, societal burdens, and potential solutions. Note: this is not a personal diabetes management course.
Taking the Leap into Writing Poetry
Jul. 20-25 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Lauren Gatti ‘94
This seminar introduces poetry writing, blending creative practice with analysis. We'll explore diverse poems, finding inspiration in their beauty. Focusing on themes like childhood and love, we'll write our own poetry, building skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Trump II
Jul. 27-Aug. 1 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Terry Moran ‘82
This seminar examines Trump’s unprecedented return to the presidency, exploring his ability to harness voter frustration, Republican unity six months into his term, and the potential legacy of Trumpism as a transformative force in American politics.
Computational thinking is NOT just programming
Jul. 27-Aug. 1 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Keith W. Miller, Ph.D.
This seminar invites participants to learn about computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition, thinking in levels of abstraction, decomposition, and data visualization. No computer programming experience is necessary.
The Unfinished Nation
The American Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
Jul. 27-Aug. 1 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Jerald Podair and Jon Greenwald
This seminar explores how the Civil War and Reconstruction transformed the U.S., shaping ongoing debates over freedom and equality through their military, political, and social impacts.
What a Long Strange Trip: The Grateful Dead and American Cultural Change
Aug. 3-8 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Eric Mlyn
This seminar delves into the history and cultural significance of the Grateful Dead, exploring their impact on the counterculture and the music industry, while examining their enduring influence through poetry, art, film, and music.
Protecting Door County’s Wild Places: From Estuaries to Escarpments
Aug. 3-8 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Titus Seilheimer '00, Paul Senner '11, Caitlin Williamson '11
Door County’s unique natural features, including rare habitats and species, will be explored alongside the conservation efforts that protect them, through presentations, discussions, and optional field trips.
The Politics of Fear
J. Edgar Hoover, Joseph McCarthy, and the Red Scare in 20th Century America
Aug. 3-8 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Tim Crain
This seminar explores the rise and impact of McCarthyism, a Cold War-era anti-Communist movement led by Senator Joseph McCarthy that destroyed countless lives despite uncovering no actual communists. The seminar will contextualize McCarthyism within the broader landscape of American fear and Cold War tensions.
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.
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
Poets’ Circle: Reading and Writing Poems with Austin Segrest
Aug. 24-27 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Austin Segrest
This workshop will cultivate the camaraderie of a poets’ circle, guiding participants through model poems while generating new work and building a supportive, collaborative community.
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
Great Migrations: Animal Behavior Across Distance and Time
Sep. 7-12 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Bart De Stasio ‘82
This seminar explores animal migration, including Door County examples like birds and monarchs, and examines the evolutionary drivers of movement, such as food, predation, and reproduction, through discussions and field trips.
Democracy Book Club
Sep. 7-12 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Bronwyn Mauldin
The Democracy Book Club returns to Bjorklunden with a new reading list! Over five days, we will discuss five works of literature that explore civic life during troubled times, including "A Paradise Built in Hell," "Pacific Edge," "Black Reconstruction in America," "The Pyramid," and "On Freedom."
“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.
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.
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.
The power of sound all around
A hands-on exploration of audio and content creation
Oct. 19-24 | Björklunden | Facilitator: Nathan Heffel ‘02 (Fernando-Frescas)
Students will explore the power of audio and its role in media. They'll use professional equipment to create a group audio project. Students will also learn from top radio/audio journalists about gathering engaging audio, writing for a listening audience, and crafting insightful interview questions for radio/audio interviews and podcasts.
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.
-
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.