Study Groups
What are OLLI study groups?
OLLI study groups are member-organized, member-led, and are designed to appeal to those who enjoy active participation. Each group may be composed of up to 20 OLLI members who come together on a regular basis to exchange insights in a common search for knowledge. Study groups are free and open to all OLLI members.
Groups may focus on any subject area, such as: literature; creative arts; history and government; philosophy and theology; science and technology; and contemporary issues. There are no academic pre-requisites, exams or grades. Depending upon the topic, groups may meet for a few sessions, or for a full semester. Study group participants determine the time frame.
Are you interested in starting a study group?
Each study group is led by a volunteer coordinator who kicks off discussion. No expertise is required since this is a mutual learning experience. OLLI staff members are available to provide advice and assistance.
Groups accepting registration
Are you interested in starting a study group?
First Step:
Contact OLLI at Iowa with your study group idea. Either call 319-384-4222 or email coa-osher@uiowa.edu.
Next Steps:
- Once approved by the Curriculum Committee, the proposed study group will be posted on the OLLI Web site. Notices will also be sent out via OLLI Newsletters.
Members can express interest via the Web site or by calling the OLLI office.
At least six members must be interested in the topic for the study group to move forward.
If there is sufficient interest among members, OLLI staff contacts the member who wishes to facilitate the group to discuss study group logistics.
Meeting dates and times are communicated to interested Study Group participants by OLLI staff.
Study Groups Accepting Registration
What you sow, so you reap
Facilitator: Subhash C. Jain
Dates and Times: To Be Determined by Group
Description: Every person has to bear the consequences of her or his deeds. There are metaphysical models that explain the relation between deeds and consequences. I would like to explore one of the metaphysical models with the group.
Session 1: The answer to the question 'Why am I here?' depends upon the interpretation of the question, as different interpretations would lead to different answers. The question has four words and each word can have different meaning or interpretation. The meaning of these words will be clarified in the first session. The interpretation will lead to set of presuppositions that will be used to develop the metaphysical model.
Session 2: It will be argued that the Karma doctrine can provide the answer to the question. The argument is based on the premise that no two living beings are alike and perform identical deeds. Our deeds determine what we are. The doctrine implies that every deed has its consequences and we have to bear the consequences of our deeds. Two types of consequences, termed intrinsic consequences based on natural laws and extrinsic consequences based on man-made laws, will be identified. The doctrine deals with the intrinsic consequences only. It will be argued that the relation between the deed and its consequences is eternal and universal: hence the consequences are universal and eternal.
Session 3: The consequences that are eternal and universal will be identified. These consequences affect the qualities of the soul and matter that constitute the living beings. The qualities of the soul and matter will be discussed. A group of subtle particles, termed krotons, will be identifed which serves as a material carrier of the consequences. A metaphysical model will be developed using deeds, consequences and krotons.
Session 4: The metaphysical model will be put to the test by applying it to examples from everyday life. The question of freewill and determinism, good and evil deeds, purpose of life etc. will be discussed.
Session 5 : Do the consequences of other's deeds affect us, If yes, how it can be reconciled with the Karma doctrine.
Session 6: Question and answers related to the topic.
Other Information: Subhash C Jain is Professor Emeritus in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of UI. Since retiring five years ago, Subhash has studied this topic. Subhash has developed a metaphysical model to explain the doctrine, is working on a book on this topic and can provide a preliminary version.
If interested in joining this group, please email coa-osher@uiowa.edu or call 319-384-4222.