History. Philosophy. Art. Beer. Community.
What is a Lyceum?
"A Lyceum is a place for adults to come together to think, learn, and talk with their neighbors, to explore the deep questions about what it means to be human. We host speakers and conversations on the things we're all curious about. This is not a dry academic lecture or seminar. Lyceum events are a chance to make friends around food, beer, and big ideas."
For more information, head to www.lyceummovement.org.
Itasca Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce that we will be bringing the Lyceum to Itasca County. These events will take place on the Fourth Monday of every month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Rapids Brewing Co. Please let us know if you have any questions, or if you'd like to get involved. Keep scrolling to see the themes listed in chronological order.
The Six Habits
1. Read our neigbor's words in the best light.
2. Talk for the sake of truth and understanding, not victory.
3. See ourselves as fundamentally on the same team, even with those who disagree.
4. Acknowledge what we don't yet know.
5. Talk for the sake of building up community.
6. Look for something to love in every person.
The Four Questions
1. Do we understand it?
2. Is it true?
3. Have we seen it in our life?
4. How does it relate to our community?
September: Self Transcendence
This month's topic is about what it means to live a good life. Self-transcendence means making our lives about something besides ourselves. How do we find meaningful things to give our lives to, what are the habits that can bring us to a flourishing that is focused on others?
Speaker(s): Patrick Mathias, ICC Foundation Board Member and ICC English Faculty Emeritus.
Date: Monday, September 26th, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
Link to Register: THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED!
October: The Importance of Physical Work
More and more of our economy is dominated by "knowledge work." What are the shortcomings of this kind of work, what do we miss out on if we don't work with our hands? How can we support young people in pursuing technical professions and crafts?
Speaker(s): Dave Cook, Career Counselor at JET Jobs // Josh Kostiuk, Area Manager for The Boldt Company
Date: Monday, October 24th, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
Link to Register:THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED!
November: Religion and Democracy
Religion has always played a significant role in our democracy, but today, more people are unaffiliated with a faith than ever. This month we will discuss the role of faith in public life. What are the ways in which people fulfill religious desires today and what effect does that have on society? What new forms are religious impulses taking? What are healthy ways of living in a society with many faiths?
Speaker(s): Bryan Boone, Lead Pastor at Bigfork Assembly of God & Mayor of Bigfork
Date: Monday, November 28th, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
Link to Register: THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED!
January 2023: How is Modern Media Changing the Way We Think?
The fast-paced, endless scroll of TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, the flood of cable TV news clips, and the constant stream of articles and headlines now fill our quiet moments. Whether in line at the store, between tasks at work, or lying awake at night, our experience of the world has been changed by modern media. The media critic Neil Postman famously argued that the way we receive information changes the way we think. How has modern media changed our own patterns of thought and behavior, for better or for worse? What should be our response to it?
Speaker(s): Heidi Holtan, News and Public Affairs Director, KAXE
Date: Monday, January 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
Link to Register: THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED!
February 2023: Can We Have Heroes?
We are living in a time when so much is documented that we know the foibles and faults of all the people who are in the public eye and many of our historical figures have come under greater scrutiny. Can we still have heroes when we know so much of the faults of human beings? Do we need to have heroes? Why or why not?
Speaker(s): Joe Dasovich, Itasca County Sheriff
Date: Monday, February 27th, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
March 2023: Do We Have Culture?
We use the word “Culture” in all kinds of ways. We talk about pop culture, workplace culture, political culture, culture war, and so much more. But what about the stories, artworks, songs, food, and more that make up our daily life? Do we feel like we have a rich local culture and identity? Why or why not? What is it like, what defines it? This will be an opportunity to hear from local cultural producers and for the community to talk among itself about what our own local culture really is.
Speaker(s): Keith Turner, Co-Owner of The Promise is You
Date: Monday, March 27th, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
Link to Register: THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED!
April 2023: Why Democracy?
Almost a hundred years ago, our predecessor, the Public Forum Movement, hosted an event with the title “Are We Done with Democracy?”. It was a historical moment in which many were reassessing the American democratic tradition. Communism, fascism, and other ideologies presented live alternatives to liberal democracy. It is always a question worth contemplating for Americans. Why democracy? What are the benefits and risks of our system? What kind of culture is necessary for democracy to work well?
Speaker(s): Will Floersheim, ISD 316 Social Studies Teacher (World History, Economics, and Government)
Date: Monday, April 24th, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Location: Rapids Brewing Co.
Link to Register: THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED!
May - August 2023: CANCELLED!
In order for Itasca County residents to enjoy every summer evening they get, we are postponing the Itasca County Lyceum until September 2023! Have a great summer!
