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 fall. These courses are planned exclusively for Encore-eligible students.
Classes offered include Introduction to Contemporary World Religions, The Creative Process, Introduction to Fitness for the Encore Years, History of the Bible, I & II Kings, Memoir Writing: Crafting Memory for the Page, Opera…Don’t Be Afraid, Personalities in the History of Cleveland, Introduction to Sign Language, Spanish Language & Culture for Travelers, Computer for Beginners, Word for Beginners and Excel for Beginners.
Introduction to Contemporary World Religions is a comprehensive, compelling and personal approach to the concepts, systems of beliefs, rites and rituals as understood and practiced by people in today’s world. The inviting style, coverage and organization draws learners into the unfamiliar landscape where they encounter, experience and understand critical elements of other religions. The 10-week course instructed by Dr. Edley Moodley, professor of intercultural studies, will meet on Thursdays, 5-6:15 p.m., Sept. 5-Nov. 7.
Assistant Professor of Art Mary Mathias-Dickerson will be instructing The Creative Process. In this course students will explore various art-making techniques and media including watercolor, acrylic painting and collage. All experience levels are welcome from beginners to experienced artists. The five-week course will meet Fridays, 2-3:30 p.m., Aug. 30-Sept. 27.
Roxanne Tyson will lead Introduction into Fitness, a course offering a variety of fitness concepts. The classes will include a fitness assessment and instruction on stretching, cardio equipment, weight training, swimming and group aerobic fitness. The ten-week course will meet Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., Sept. 11-Nov. 13.
History of the Bible covers key issues related to the inspiration, canonization, transmission and translation of the Bible. This seven-week course is taught by Professor of History Dr. Daniel Hoffman on Tuesdays, 5-6:15 p.m., Sept. 10-Oct. 22.
Dr. Jerald Daffe, professor of pastoral studies, will be leading the course I & II Kings. This course looks at the kings of Judah and Israel with special attention given to the circumstances which resulted in God’s favor or His punishment. The role of worship will be a distinct component. The six-week course will meet Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., Aug. 29-Oct. 3.
Memoir Writing: Crafting Memory for the Page is a course seeking to explore the craft of memoir writing through a series of exercises and prompts. This course, instructed by Assistant Professor of Creative Writing Stacey Isom, pays special attention to various methods of creative research to access memory. The final class date will be a two-hour session to allow for presentations. The six-week course will meet Thursdays, 3-4 p.m., Sept. 19-Nov. 21.
In the course Opera…Don’t Be Afraid, Maestro Bob Bernhardt is back to cover everything one would want to know about opera but did not want to ask. Students should come to class with open ears and open minds. No operatic or musical experience is required, but come prepared to fall in love with opera's many joys. The five-week course will meet Mondays evenings, 7-8:30, Sept. 9-Oct. 14.
Personalities in the History of Cleveland explores Cleveland and Bradley County by focusing on key individuals who shaped the history of the city and region. The course is led by Dr. John Coats, associate professor of history, and Dr. Randy Wood, professor of humanities, and will investigate the lives of important members of the founding generation. They will look at Thomas Callaway and city leaders from the New South era, such as Joseph Harle, along with many other personalities from the area’s rich and diverse history. The final session will take place on Sunday, Oct. 27 at Fort Hill Cemetery. The six-week course will meet Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Sept. 18-Oct. 27.
Dr. Karl Beyer will lead Introduction to Sign Language, a course designed to develop functional fluency in American Sign Language using everyday situations as a context for communication. Topics such as family, housing, community, and descriptors will be taught. This course also introduces culture and communication/language issues within the deaf community. The eight-week course will meet Tuesdays, 4-5:15 p.m., Sept. 10-Oct. 29.
Spanish Language & Culture for Travelers is a course intended for travelers to Spanish-speaking countries. Both language and culture will be covered as well as common Spanish expressions useful while in these countries. Students will also be exposed to political, social and religious issues going on in some Spanish-speaking countries as a part of their awareness before travel. This five-session course led by Dr. Alexander Steffanell, assistant professor of Spanish, will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m., Sept. 10-Sept. 24.
Instructor Mike Seago will conduct three computer courses for beginners.
For complete computer novices, baffled by the strange language of computer instructions, Computer for Beginners is the perfect course. The class will start with the basics and go through the steps of sending and receiving emails, searching and surfing the internet, and using a digital camera, all without the use of “tech-speak.” The seven-week course will meet Mondays, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Sept. 9-Oct. 21.
Word for Beginners is designed for the accomplished beginner offering an introduction to Microsoft Word and its applications. Students will learn handy techniques, shortcuts and tips to become confident users of the most popular computer and word processing program. The seven-week course will meet Tuesdays, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Sept. 10-Oct. 22.
Excel for Beginners is designed for accomplished beginners, offering a practical but comprehensive study of the spreadsheet portion of Microsoft Office: Excel. The student will learn practical techniques to develop and use the software in math, finance, database and record keeping applications. This seven-week course will meet Wednesdays, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Sept. 11-Oct. 23.
Registration for Encore students opens Aug. 12. Fast Track Registration will be held in the Centenary Room of the Higginbotham Administration Building from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 and Monday, Aug. 26. At Fast Track, potential students can pay the program fee of $25 and choose up to two courses from those mentioned above or choose from a selection of traditional courses.
Students also have the option of mailing their completed application and payment to the address on the application. Registration is a convenient time to renew student IDs and parking stickers. All enrolled students will have free entry to campus concerts, plays and athletic events.
Lee University's Encore Program is a part of the institution's commitment to serving the community.
For more information about the Encore Program, contact Director of Community Relations and Encore Program Coordinator Ellie Pfahl at 614-8598, encore@leeuniversity.edu or visit
www.leeuniversity.edu/encore.