Autumn 2008

get smart: Professor Patrick Allitt teaches a course examining the United States as a superpower for Emory QUEST.

Ann Borden

Quest for Knowledge

New program tempts adults back to school

What if you could take the best of the college experience—interesting subjects, in-depth learning, lively debate, and engaging professors—and enjoy it all as a grown-up, without the pressure of tests and grades?

That’s the idea behind Emory QUEST, a new program that offers the Atlanta community a chance to learn from the best of University faculty. Born of a partnership between Emory College and the Center for Lifelong Learning, QUEST is designed to challenge inquisitive adults with rigorous academic content in courses taught by Emory professors.

Topics for this fall include election politics, evolution, dinosaurs, the ancient Egyptians, Islam, U.S. history, Japanese samurai, and race in Hollywood. Many of the courses are linked to current events.

“It’s like taking a short course from your favorite college professor,” says Lynn Zimmerman, professor of biology and senior vice provost for academic programs, “but the good news is, there will be no tests and no stress associated with this incredibly rich learning experience.”

QUEST classes are open to alumni and anyone interested. “This is a way for the Atlanta community to come together with other like-minded adults and be part of what’s going on at Emory,” says Philip Wainwright, associate dean for international and continuing education. “Our goal was to line up top teachers and scholars to showcase Emory’s strengths while connecting with the community.”