Lee University's Encore Program, which offers residents 60 years of age and older the opportunity to take university courses, has a new slate of specially-designed mini-courses for the spring. These mini-courses are planned exclusively for Encore-eligible students.

Classes offered include Introduction to Fitness for the Encore Years; More than Western Movies; French for Fun!; America in the Post-War World; Hand Built Ceramics; The Book of Habakkuk; Our Appalachian Heritage; Blogs and Blogging, Estate Planning 101; and Computer for Beginners I, II, III, IV.  

Introduction into Fitness is a 10-week course that offers a variety of fitness concepts. The classes will include a fitness assessment, instruction on stretching, walking, cardio equipment, weight training, group fitness, spin class, self-defense, hiking, and swimming. This course, instructed by Adjunct Professor Janah Owens, will meet on Wednesday evenings, Feb. 20 - April 24.

More than Western Movies will explore the spectrum of film director John Ford’s genius, perhaps the greatest director of the golden era of Hollywood. This eight-week course taught by Professor of English Dr. Arden Jensen, will meet Tuesday afternoons, Jan. 22 – March 12

French for Fun! is a five-week course taught by Dr. James Wilkins, professor of French. This course will give an introduction to the basic French language. Students who attended the fall 2012 Vive la fran?ais course are also welcome. The class will meet on Tuesday afternoons, Jan. 15 - Feb. 12.

America in the Post-War World will focus on the history of the United States in the years immediately after the end of the Second World War. Special attention will be given to how the war impacted American society. Distinguished Professor of History Dr. Robert Barnett will guide students through the history of the United States during the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, and the politics of the period through Watergate. Class will meet for six weeks on Tuesday evenings, Jan. 22 - Feb. 26.

Hand-Built Ceramics is an introductory course covering coil and slab methods. Students will learn how to glaze and fire their work to create finished pieces. No experience is required and the course is open to any skill level. John Simmons, assistant professor of art, will teach this course on Tuesdays, Jan. 29 - March 19.

The Book of Habakkuk: Finding Faith in the Face of Evil will be taught by Professor of Pastoral Studies Dr. Jerald Daffe. This course will explore the dilemma Prophet Habakkuk experiences when calling for God’s intervention in the nation of Judah and then not agreeing with His plan. Special attention will be given to defining faith and its application in difficult settings. This five-week course will meet Thursday evenings, Jan. 10 - Feb. 7.

Join Professor of English Dr. Donna Summerlin as she explores the culture and history of the Appalachian region though music, film, and story in Our Appalachian Heritage. Experience life in a turn-of-the-century mountain cabin with James Still’s “River of Earth” or in a one-room schoolhouse through Jesse Stuart’s “The Thread That Runs So True.” Enjoy the rich heritage of music, crafts, and storytelling as these are depicted in the writings of men and women who have lived most of their lives in the mountains. This six-week course will meet Monday afternoons, Jan. 14-Feb.18.

In an ever-changing world where everyone seems to have a voice it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Associate Professor of English Dr. Rachel Reneslacis will be teaching a writing course designed to help students learn how to start and maintain an online blog.  The five-week course will discuss how to find and follow quality blogs, develop a theme for your own blog, basic techniques of blog writing, and how to publish and publicize your blog. Class will meet Thursday afternoons, Jan. 31 - Feb. 28.

Planning your estate is easier than you think. In this introductory course, Estate Planning 101, students will learn simple but effective estate-planning strategies. Students will complete a will, durable power of attorney and a living trust. This five-week course taught by Dr. Jerome Hammond, vice president for University Relations, will meet every other Monday Feb. 11 - April 8.

Instructor Mike Seago will conduct four computer courses for beginners.

Computer for Beginners I is designed for the computer novice, those baffled by the strange language of computer instructions, by avoiding “tech-speak” throughout the course. The class will allow the student to become confident in using the computer for emailing and accessing the internet. Computer for Beginners I will meet Tuesday afternoons, Jan. 29 - Feb. 26.

Computer for Beginners II is a continuation of Computer for Beginners I. The course is a hands-on, jargon-free program for people who know the basics, but would like to learn more. Find better ways of searching the web, make better use of your email, use your digital camera and download your photos. This five-week course will meet on Tuesday afternoons, March 12 - April 9.

Computer for Beginners III is designed for the accomplished beginner, offering an introduction to Microsoft Office and its applications. Students will learn techniques, shortcuts and tips to become confident users of the most popular computer and word processing programs. A textbook has been developed exclusively for this course. This is an eight-week class and will meet in the Science & Math Complex on Wednesday afternoons, Jan. 30 - March 27.

Computer for Beginners IV is designed for accomplished beginners. New to the computer offerings, this eight-week class offers a practical but comprehensive study of the spreadsheet portion of Microsoft Office:  EXCEL. Students will learn practical techniques to develop and use the software in math, finance, database, and record keeping applications. This class will meet in the Science & Math Complex on Wednesdays, Jan. 30-March 27.

Students may choose up to two courses from the list of traditional courses and special lecture topics. All enrolled students will have free entry to campus concerts, plays and athletic events with their student ID card.

Fast Track Registration will be held in the Centenary Room of the Higginbotham Administration Building from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 14. Participants can drop-in and complete registration in one step during these times.

Lee University's Encore Program is a part of the institution's commitment of service to the community.

For more information about Encore, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/encore or contact Ellie Pfahl at 423 614-8598 or epfahl@leeuniversity.edu.