Lifelong Learners Institute
The Lifelong Learners Institute offers open courses for the community independent of Canisius College degree programs. Our instructors come from a wide range of academic disciplines to give our courses a broad cross-section of knowledge, experience, and experience. No papers or tests are given! Just much good discussion!
Classes meet weekly for six weeks and are limited to 16 students. Cost is $60. Questions? Email us at CALLICMA@canisius.edu.
Fall 2022
From Odysseus to Harry Potter:
The Evolution of the Hero
Tuesdays, October 18 to November 22
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Canisius College, Lyons Hall 122
A scholar once said, “The hero has not disappeared but is reborn phoenix-like.” This six-week seminar will trace how patterns established in classical literature, particularly in The Odyssey, have been revived and modified by writers. The course will look at ancient and modern authors, such as Homer, Willa Cather, and J. K. Rowling, and films, such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Shane, to examine how they envision forms of heroism.
Wk 1: Introduction to heroic patterns
Wk 2: Odysseus in Homer & Tennyson
Wk 3: Literature & film from World War I
Wk 4: The hero in America
Wk 5: The hero in America, cont.
Wk 6: The Odyssey & Harry Potter
Robert J. Butler, Ph. D. is a Canisius College professor emeritus of English and directed the Honors Program for 21 years. He is the author or co-author of several books that focus on American and African-American literature. Butler is the inaugural recipient of the 2008 Honors Professor of the Year Award. This award recognizes a professor who has made exceptional contributions to the Canisius All-College Honors Program in teaching, scholarship and/or service. In May 2022, Dr. Butler also earned an honorary doctorate from Canisius.

Spring 2022
Witches & Wives: Women in the Middle Ages
Kara Larson Maloney (English)

Fall 2021
A Brief History of Byzantium
Jeff Brubaker (Classics)

Spring 2021
The Plague in Medieval Literature
Johanna Fisher (English)
The Crusades
Jeff Brubaker (Classics)


Fall 2020
Arthur: The Once & Future King
Kara Maloney (English)
Tempters & Temptresses: The Medieval Romance
Johanna Fisher (English)


Spring 2020
Jesus: From Messiah to God
Rebecca Krawiec & Matthew Mitchell (Religious Studies/Theology)

Fall 2019
The Vikings
Bridgette Slavin (History)
China & The Silk Roads
David Devereux (History)


Spring 2019
Medieval Art & Architecture
Eileen Sullivan (Art History)
From Odysseus to Harry Potter: The Evolution of the Hero
Robert Butler (English)


Fall 2018
Crown, Sword, & Charter: Making the Monarchy
Julie Gibert (History)
The Seven Wonders: Ancient & Modern
Erin Warford (Classics)


Spring 2018
The Great Persian War: Ancient Greek Influence on Modern Attitudes of War
Thomas Banchich (Classics & History)