The Bucket Courses

Beginning in February 2026, the bucket courses will be held in the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion at Renfrow Hall and coordinated through a group of great volunteers. Many thanks to the Drake Community Library for hosting over the past several years.

What is a “bucket course?” The name is meant to evoke the wish that many people have to "fill their bucket" and learn more about things they may or may not have learned about earlier, from physics to history to music.

This series of weekly courses, held on most Wednesdays during the academic year, explore specific topics taught by experts in their fields, including 51�Թ� professors, medical professionals, and career scientists. Topics have included history, psychiatry, music, science, biotechnology, philosophy, theatre, astronomy, religion, and classics.

Open Book

Feb. 4 at 10–11 a.m.

In partnership with Humanities Iowa and CultureALL, Open Book invites participants into small-group conversations centered on real Iowans sharing meaningful life stories. This facilitated program fosters empathy, understanding, and connection through listening, reflection, and respectful dialogue.

Fighting Food Waste, Feeding Community

Feb. 11 at 10–11 a.m.

Presented by Volunteers of the 51�Թ� Food Recovery Network

Every week, dedicated volunteers with the 51�Թ� Food Recovery Network rescue surplus food from campus dining and local partners, redirecting it to community organizations that serve those in need. Learn how this student-led effort tackles food waste, supports food security in 51�Թ�, and connects neighbors through the simple act of sharing meals. Volunteers from the local chapter will share stories of their work and the impact it has made right here in our community.

Science and Politics in the 1790s

Feb. 18 at 10–11 a.m.

51�Թ� Professor Michael Guenther explores how scientific ideas, institutions, and networks intersected with politics during the revolutionary 1790s, revealing how knowledge and power shaped one another in the early Atlantic world.

51�Թ� Area Arts Council

Feb. 25 at 10–11 a.m.

Join the 51�Թ� Area Arts Council for an update on current programs, partnerships, and upcoming arts initiatives in 51�Թ�. This session will highlight how the arts continue to enrich community life and create opportunities for creativity, connection, and engagement.

51�Թ� School of Music

Mar. 4 at 10-11 a.m.

Executive Director Erin Bustin will provide an update on the 51�Թ� School of Music, highlighting its mission, sharing more about their programs, and role in enriching music education and performance opportunities for all ages in the 51�Թ� community.

Venus

Mar. 11 at 10–11:30 a.m.

Presented by Dr. J.R. Paulson, this engaging talk explores the planet Venus, what makes it unique, why it’s often called Earth’s twin, and what scientists are still discovering about our closest planetary neighbor.

Hazards in Your Home: 10 Dangers to Things You Care About

Mar. 18 at 10–11 a.m.

Presented by Bethany Hewlett, director of the 51�Թ� Historical Museum, this session teaches about the 10 agents of deterioration and how they can damage the things you care about: everything from wood flooring to personal health.

Preparedness, Service, and Community Resilience

Mar. 25 at 10-11 a.m.

Ashley Sorensen, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator for Poweshiek County, will lead this session focused on personal and community preparedness in the event of a disaster, offering practical guidance on how individuals and communities can plan ahead. The class will also include information about RSVP and local volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Iowa, highlighting ways to stay engaged and support 51�Թ� before, during, and after times of need.

A Tutorial on Iowa’s Literature

Apr. 1 at 10–11 a.m.

Come learn about the past, present, and future of our state through a sampling of its literature. Embracing a generous definition of the term literature, we will explore a range of writing, such as folklore, travel narratives, poetry, memoir, legal documents, and contemporary prize-winning fiction. Attendees will come to appreciate that every place, including Iowa, has a rich literary history just waiting to be enjoyed. Presented by Phillip Jones, associate professor humanities librarian and coordinator of research services.

YIDDISH MUSIC 101

Apr. 8 at 10-11 a.m.

As a child, Abe Goldstien would spend Sunday morning’s listening to the Jewish Hour on a local radio station in Rochester, NY.

Fifty years later, he rediscovered the music of his parents and grandparents and began playing Yiddish music on his accordion and with his band, The Java Jews. Yiddish 101 will introduce you to many of the songs and interesting stories behind them. You’ll learn how Irving Berlin came up with “God Bless America,” how a Yiddish tune is connected to Chunky candy bars, and how the Andrew Sisters, who weren’t even Jewish, had an international hit with a song from the Yiddish theatre. Yiddish Music 101 will celebrate Abe’s joy (with an emphasis on the “oy”) of Yiddish music.

Fish Stories from the Great Lakes, Part 1: Vampires of the Great Lake

Apr. 15 at 10-11:30 a.m.

The Great Lakes hold over 1/5 of the entire fresh-water on the planet. Formed 10,000 years ago, they are a miraculous ecosystem of almost unparalleled scope, richness, and beauty. Yet over less than 100 years it has been transformed multiple times due to either intentional or non-intentional interventions by man. Coming from a city on one of the lakes, I have experienced and witnessed many of these changes and will share them with you throughout these classes. The lessons are widely applicable to all. Presented by J.R. Paulson.

Fish Stories from the Great Lakes, Part 2: Shells from Hell

Apr. 22 at 10–11:30 a.m.

This class will explore other AIS’s, or aquatic invasive species. Many of these have had an even more detrimental effect on ecosystems and have spread with incredible rapidity. Part 2 will answer the question, “Why should I be concerned about what happens in the Great Lakes?” What have been the social, economic, and political consequences? Presented by J.R. Paulson.

Fish Stories From the Great Lakes, Part 3: Lessons Learned, or... Ignored

Apr. 29 at 10–11:30 a.m.

The rise of more and more invasive species around the world have put even more pressure on ecosystems, people, and governments to do something. But to do what? Do we have a wide enough view and understanding of the distant effects and ramifications of our interventions to help and not actually hurt the situation? What are the real costs of action or non-action? Finally, who should decide what we do to our planet? Presented by Dr. J.R. Paulson.