What is a Napier Course?

Since 2012 the Napier Initiative has been partnering with the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges to offer intergenerational courses related to fostering justice for all people, caring for the earth, or nurturing peace and reconciliation. The courses provide a platform for bringing theory and practice together, enrolling undergraduate students with an interest in learning more about justice issues and how to bring their knowledge to bear on making real world change. Retirees from Pilgrim Place and local communities may enroll as fully participating co-learners.

 

Napier Courses Aim to:

 

1. Maximize the mutually rewarding possibilities unleashed by collaborative learning between elders and undergraduates.

2. Develop intergenerational interactions that encourage undergraduates to form and act upon vocational and avocational commitments to leadership in a variety of arenas for justice oriented action.

3. Provide opportunities for transformational learning through participation in real world change-making.

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Elders and Professor share their enthusiasm about Napier Courses: 

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“I was totally enriched by the experience.” - Class elder

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“Elders in the class bring unique perspectives to class discussion…..as they bring a lifetime of experience and achievement to what would otherwise be simply intellectual discussions.”   - Professor

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“…undergraduates were curious about older adults and open to questions and additions to class discussion from the elder students.”   Class elder

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Click here to link to an article, by David Mann, about a Napier course."

 

Napier Courses Offered for Spring Semester 2025:

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For more information, or to apply, contact.

There will be an information meeting in early October 2024

Pilgrim Place:  David Mann -- davidthepotter@gmail.com  

Mt. San Antonio Gardens/Philosophy of Feminism:  Paula Hui - huihouse@gmail.com

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Feminism and Science:  taught by Professor Sue Castagnetto at Pomona College

 

Human Centered Design:  taught by Professor Fred Leichter at the HIVE

 

Community Organization:  taught by Professor Tomas Summers Sandoval at Pomona College

 

The Political Economy of Food:  taught by Professor Nancy Neiman at Scripps College

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The Napier Initiative courses are open to students at all five Claremont Colleges.