A Mayborn Membership is required for course registration. Learn more about Memberships here.
In the event registration for a course fills up, a waitlist will be available on the website. Waitlisted individuals will be contacted in the order the requests are received, if someone withdraws from the course as a whole.
Head ‘em Up, Move ‘em Out
Dates: Tuesdays, January 20, February 3, 10, & 17
4:30-6:00 PM
Cattle drives from Texas to the railheads in Kansas and Colorado in the period following the Civil War had a profound effect on the economy and the myths of Texas. Moderator Dr. Don Risinger and a panel of presenters will explore the origin and explosive expansion of Longhorn cattle in Texas, and the three major cattle trails: Chisolm, Goodnight/Loving, and the Western. The focus will be on the people, the hardships, and the culture of the cattle towns including Abilene, Dodge City, and Denver.
The International Relations of the American Civil War
Wednesdays, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, & March 4
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Hear Dan Ogden examine the impact of the Civil War on international relations in the context of both the Union and the Confederacy including the diplomatic, military, economic, and political dimensions and how they affected the conduct and outcome of the war. The War between the States was not just a domestic conflict in America but also had significant international aspects involving several European states, particularly Britain and France, but also with Mexico.
The Play's the Thing
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, 11, & 18
1:00-2:30 PM
The play is the thing where people often discover a place to express themselves freely and creatively! This course invites you to explore the role of theater education, theatre history, acting training, and the process of developing characters. Current theatre teachers will also contribute their ideas and anecdotes about the value of theatre education. Lastly, course instructor Terry Castleberry will perform a brief segment of her one-woman show based on Corrie Ten Boom followed by a discussion of why theatre education is beneficial to everyone. Fun will be had by all!
Everyday Law for Everyone
Thursdays, January 22, & 29, February 5, & 12
1:00-2:30 PM
This continuation of Spring 2024 law course with Wesley Filer offers four new legal topics explored in a question-and-answer format with experts in each field. Real estate law for everyone, including new rules of engaging real estate agents; Medicaid and governmental benefits; income tax laws of general applicability, including recent government changes; and U.S. Supreme Court update with emphasis on Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Barrett opinions that may reflect new directions on the Court.
Science of Sleep
Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, & 23
12:30-2:00 PM
Michael Scullin’s expertise is in the psychological and physiological benefits of good sleep. His research looks at how sleep loss affects the brain, the changes in sleep that occur with aging and dementia, the prevalence and causes of sleep disorders in America, and scientifically validated methods for improving your own sleep. Hear his fascinating stories based on his research that can bring practical ideas to you and your family to help you get all the benefits of sleeping soundly.
Ancient Israelite Prophecy from a Cross-Cultural Perspective
Tuesdays, February 10, 17, & 24, March 3
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
James Kennedy presents an overview of ancient Israelite prophecy in relation to its historical and cultural context in the ancient Near East. Starting with a clear definition of what prophecy is, the course will delve into how Israelite prophecy compares to prophecy as practiced in Israel’s neighboring nations and cultures. Gain new information to help put current issues into a larger perspective.
The Church in the Middle Ages
Thursdays, February 12, 19, & 26, March 5
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
The Middle Ages (500-1500) represent half of the 2000-year history of Christianity. During this era the church was the major influence in European civilization by shaping thought, behavior, education, art, and music. Bill Pitts discusses four major themes/contributions of the Medieval Church including monasticism, authority of rivals, alternative Christianities, and heresy.
Dr. Bill Pitts
Dr. Bill Pitts is Retired Professor Emeritus, Department of Religion, Baylor University. He earned his BA degree at Baylor in history and religion, his MDIV at Vanderbilt Divinity School, and his PhD in Church History at Vanderbilt University. His 52-year teaching career included 43 years at Baylor University.
CANCELED- Let’s Look Into Our Incredible Night Sky
Thursdays, February 19, & 26, March 5 (3 sessions)
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Learn how to examine our night sky in a brand new way. Larry Smith will present the basics of our universe, planets, stars, and moons and explain how they are created, live, and die. Constellations will be reviewed and how they have affected mankind throughout the ages will be explained. Handouts will assist participants as they apply their knowledge. Weather permitting, telescopes will be available as well as participation in a local Star Party.
Larry Smith
A Baylor graduate with an MS degree from TCU and doctoral studies at OU, Larry Smith has taught 10 courses for Lifelong Learning/Continuing Education since 2018. Formerly a university administrator and secondary science teacher, Larry retired after serving as a National Park Ranger at Yellowstone & The Badlands National Parks.
Music that Inspires the Soul
Tuesdays, March 24 and 31, April 7, & 14
1:00-2:30 PM
Have you ever heard a song that really touched your heart? Have you wondered how that song came to be written? Music can be very powerful and inspirational, often emanating from stories you’ve never heard. Join Chris Wommack as he shares from his vast musical background a wide variety of songs, songwriters, and stories that can give us hope, strength, and joy as we walk through this life.
What’s in Waco’s Future?
Wednesdays, March 25, April 1, 8 & 15 (3 sessions at Mayborn, April 15 session in Mayborn Theater)
1:30-3:00 PM
Local experts will help us explore the dynamic future of Waco: Tom Balk will discuss the various phases of redevelopment planned for the downtown and adjacent areas; Brendan Wiley and Connie Kassner will update the current and future happenings at Cameron Park Zoo; Mike Vogelaar will share the many ways that sports are enriching Waco and building a healthier community; and Doreen Ravenscroft will unfold the future of cultural activities and entertainment in the area.
The Exodus in Story and Song
Thursdays, March 26, April 2, 9, & 16
1:00-2:30 PM
The story of the Exodus is central to the literature, theology, and biblical message of the Old Testament. Bill Bellinger will explore the story of Moses, the account of the plagues, the deliverance from Egypt, and the making of the covenant. Based on the book of Exodus and songs from the Psalms, the story is preserved for the worshipping community.
Bill Bellinger
Dr. Bellinger taught for decades at Baylor University as a Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament in the Religion Department and chaired the Department. He has published books and articles with an emphasis on the Psalms including Psalms (New Cambridge Bible Commentary, co-authored with Walter Brueggeman, 2014), Psalms as a Grammar for Faith: Prayer and Praise (Baylor University Press, 2019), and Introducing Old Testament Theology: Creation, Covenant, and Prophecy in the Divine-Human Relationship (Baker Academic, 2022).
The 1835-1836 Texas Revolution Revisited
Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, and 27
1:00-2:30 PM
Through a bloody Texas Revolution, the Independent Republic of Texas was born. However, in February 1836, the provisional government of Texas was in crisis and the goal of independence hung in the balance. The huge Mexican Army had crossed the Rio Grande and was headed north. The Texans, less disciplined and organized, pulled off an improbable victory. Bradley Bush will discuss in this course the military aspects of both armies along with their conditions and strategies.
Bradley Bush
Bradley Bush resides in Waco. He has worked in the marketing and sales of agricultural products to farmers and ranchers from 1978 until present. Education: Texas A&M University, BS in Agricultural Economics 1978, The University of Texas at Arlington, BS Biology Magna Cum Laude 2008, Norwich University MA in Military History 2016.
Unsung Heroes of Vietnam (Full)
Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28, May 5
4:30-6:00 PM
Over 58,000 members of the US military died during the 19-year Vietnam War. Some of the heroic stories from those years are still waiting to be told. Join military historian Brad Livingstone as he highlights four different Veterans of the Vietnam War with details that bring their stories alive as we remember their sacrifices.
Brad Livingstone
Brad Livingstone received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Oklahoma State while also playing basketball for the Cowboys. He had been an educator at Oaks Christian High School in southern California, served as Dean of Students, principal, and history teacher at Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, VA, and taught at Vanguard in Waco in the mid-1990s,returning in 2017 to continue teaching history with a specialty in World War II and the Viet Nam War.
This class is full. Join the waitlist here.