CLIR classes are offered in two formats: single classes (one 90-minute class) and multi-week classes (two or more classes scheduled in successive weeks). To attend these classes, you can become a CLIR member by registering - note that there is a $40 registration fee per session. 
  • Spring session is January-May
  • Fall session is September-December
All classes will be held at the Vernon Cottage on the Mansfield Depot Campus at the University of Connecticut. Please email CLIR@uconn.edu if you have any questions.  

Cancellations

Notice of class cancelations will be posted to the website Home page; please be sure to check the website prior to attending class. In case of bad weather, CLIR follows either UConn or Mansfield Public Schools policy, announced on local radio and TV stations: If they cancel, we cancel; If they have a late opening, we cancel morning class; If they have early closing, we cancel afternoon class.
Please email clir@uconn.edu if you would like a PDF version of the Class Flyer for the current session.

Memoir Group

Thursdays mornings, 10:15 to 11:45, April 7 to June 11

Write your memoirs to share in class. These can be short, unrelated pieces or part of a larger work. New members are welcome.
Facilitator: Cathy Belanger

Spring Classes

June

Homo Homini Lupus:  the Philosophy of Schopenhauer

“A man becomes a philosopher,” observed Arthur Schopenhauer (1778-1860), “by reason of a certain perplexity, from which he seeks to free himself.”  Contemplating the world, Schopenhauer was struck by the fact that much in nature and human life is positively terrible; and, also, people in general are not particularly admirable.  Indeed, both the record of history and the experience of everyday life, more often than not, lead one to the conclusion that “man is wolf to man” (homo homini lupus). In short, Schopenhauer was perplexed by the hellish character of the human condition.  He thought that the world as we know must surely be a cruel mistake.  What evidence do we have that the God of Christianity is merciful and loving?  Schopenhauer’s pessimist philosophy is a salutary rejoinder to all optimistic viewpoints.   Schopenhauer invites us to think through the harrowing questions posed by our existence. We cannot turn away from his answers because they make us uncomfortable.  In short, we have to take seriously the idea that metaphysical evil is both real and everlasting. Jerry Phillips, Department of English, UConn Friday mornings of June 5 and June 12, from 10:15 to 11:45 ____________________________________________________________________________________