Lee University’s Encore Program, which offers individuals age 60 and over the opportunity to take university courses, has a new line up of mini-courses being taught for the spring semester. The mini-courses are planned exclusively for Encore students and are available along with traditional courses.
The cost to sign up is $25. Students may choose up to two courses from the list of traditional courses and mini-course topics. All enrolled students will also have free entry to campus concerts, plays, and athletic events.
The following mini-courses will be offered: Introduction to Painting, Fitness for Encore Years, Joint Conditioning, The American Revolution, The “Grantchester Mysteries” in Post-War England, The Gospel of John, John’s Use of Ezekiel, iHows in the iWorld: A Guide to the iPhone and iPad, Basic Computer, Word and Excel for Beginners, Tennessee in Tennis Shoes: A Traveling History Course, Southern Literature, People Like Us: Kin, Couples and Singleness in our Families, and The Music of Christian Hymnody, Scotland: Then and Now.
Introduction to Painting is a beginner painting class that will introduce students to a variety of media including pencils, oils, and watercolors, among others. They will learn color-mixing and become familiar with a variety of brushes, knives, and other tools. Students will explore textures and composition over the course of the class. All levels of experience are welcome. The six-week course will be taught by guest artist Bob Grayson and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30–7 p.m., March 14-April 20.
Fitness for Encore Years is a physical education course involving seated and standing exercises. The class will focus on major muscle groups which help students enjoy an active lifestyle. Roxanne Tyson, part-time faculty, will teach the class. The 10-week course will meet on Wednesdays from 1–1:50 p.m., Jan. 11-March 29.
Joint Conditioning, also taught by Tyson, will teach different techniques to help students strengthen and regain movement in their joints. The class will include various stretches and breathing techniques to help with relaxation, flexibility, agility, and strength. The course will include seated and standing techniques. Students should wear proper athletic attire and comfortable walking shoes. This class will take place on Wednesdays from 2–2:50 p.m., Jan. 11-March 29.
The American Revolution will examine the revolutionary origins of the American Republic. The course will look at the war fought to secure independence from Great Britain, major figures and moments, and the consequences and legacy of early America. The five-week class will be taught by Dr. Drew Bledsoe, assistant professor of history, and will meet on Tuesdays from 4-5:50 p.m., Jan. 10-Feb. 7.
The “Grantchester Mysteries” in Post-War England is the second installment of this course. The class will read the second and third James Runcie novels televised on PBS about Sydney Chambers and Geordie Keating. The course will examine English manners and language from the era and the mystery genre. Dr. Christopher Coulter, associate professor of English, will teach the five-week course on Wednesdays from 4:15–5:30 p.m., Jan. 18-Feb. 15.
The Gospel of John will focus primarily on the narrative themes and theology of the Gospel of John as it relates to Jesus, the disciples, and the author. Dr. Michael Fuller, professor of biblical studies, will teach the four-week course on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5–6 p.m., Feb. 6-March 1.
John’s Use of Ezekiel will seek to introduce students to the uniqueness of the Gospel of John by showing the parallels with the book of Ezekiel. Dr. Brian Peterson, assistant professor of the Old Testament, will teach the six-week course on Tuesdays from 4–5 p.m., Jan. 17-Feb. 21.
iHows in the iWorld: A Guide to the iPhone and iPad is a hands-on introductory course that will acquaint the students with the world of modern technology. The class will cover the basics of navigation, settings, email, FaceTime, and using the camera. The students will learn how to share pictures with friends and family through messaging, emails, and Facebook. Students will also be taught how to navigate the web and media such as Facebook and using the iPhone and iPad. Dr. Bill Jaber, professor of computer information systems, will teach the five-week course on Thursdays from 5–7 p.m., Jan. 19-Feb. 16.
Basic Computer will teach the basics of computers, how to send and receive emails, search the internet, and keep in touch through social media. Students are encouraged to bring a 2GB flash drive to class. Rhonda Graham will teach the five-week course on Tuesdays from 5:15–7 p.m., beginning Feb. 28.
Word and Excel for Beginners will introduce students to the basic concepts of the programs. The goal is to provide each student with the knowledge to create simple documents and spreadsheets. Students are encouraged to bring a 2GB USB flash drive to class. Graham will also teach this five-week course on Thursdays from 5:15–7 p.m., beginning March 2.
Tennessee in Tennis Shoes: A Traveling History Course is a class for the active learner. The course will visit five historical sites in Tennessee, and students will be able to choose which trips they want to take. Travel costs and admission fees apply. David Altopp will teach the five-week course, and the first and only class meeting will be on Tuesday, March 14.
Students in the Southern Literature course will read novels and poems by distinguished Southern authors. Students will discuss how the writers portray, critique, and reflect on Southern history, culture, and religion. The class will host Pulitzer-winning author Robert Olen Butler during the final class meeting. Dr. William Woolfitt, assistant professor of creative writing, will teach the five-week course on Thursdays, 2:35–3:25 p.m., Jan. 26-Feb. 23.
People Like Us: Kin, Couples and Singleness in our Families will look at the changes and challenges in the American family. The course will examine the public family, considering the kaleidoscope of family patterns, and the economics and social bonds of family life. The class will also look at the private family and consider family dynamics, including male and female patterns of interaction, becoming single, dating again, the complexities of blended families, and the importance of grandparents. Dr. Karen Mundy-Judkins, a professor of sociology, will teach the five-week course on Mondays from 4:30–5:45 p.m., Jan. 23-Feb. 20.
The Music of Christian Hymnody will examine the wide range of Christian hymns. Topics to be covered include the relationship between text and music, style in historical context, and strategies for thoughtful criticism and appreciation. Dr. John Wykoff, assistant professor of music theory and composition, will teach the six-week course on Mondays from 5–6 p.m., Jan. 16-Feb. 20.
Scotland: Then and Now will look at the highlights of Scotland’s long and rich history. Beginning with the origins of the Scottish people and exploring a few of the individuals and incidents that have set this small country apart such as William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots, the Highland Clearances, and the calls for independence. The course will focus on bringing the sights and sounds of the Scottish Isles to the classroom. Dr. Timothy Lay, adjunct instructor of history, will teach the five-week course on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4–5:15 p.m., Feb. 6-March 15.
Registration will take place on Jan. 5, 6, and 9 in the Communication Arts Building, Room 113, from 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Registration will then be moved to the Higginbotham Administration Building, Room 214, from Jan. 10–24. The final day to register is Jan. 24.
Fast Track registration will not be offered this semester.
Lee’s Encore Program is a part of the university’s commitment of service to the community.
For more information, visit http://www.leeuniversity.edu/encore/ or contact Community Relations at communityrelations@leeuniversity.edu or by calling 614-8598.