The University of St. Thomas Center for Senior Citizens' Education again will offer six short courses this fall on the university's campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
The popular courses are designed especially for those 55 and older and are taught by faculty members and experts from the community. The cost for each course is $60. Scheduled this fall are:
"Geographic Perspectives on Global Challenges" will be offered from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 14 to Nov. 9, in the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium on the university's St. Paul campus. Dr. Paul Lorah, a member and former chair of St. Thomas' Geography Department, will explore the changing political, economic, demographic, social and environmental processes that shape our world.
"The Language of Film: How Movies Create Meaning" will be offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays from Sept. 14 to Nov. 16 in O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium on the university's St. Paul campus. James Snapko, a producer and director who has taught film studies at St. Thomas and St. Catherine University since 2002, will discuss how films create meaning and examine the question: Why do we love movies?
"Modern Greece: Ancient Culture-Modern State" will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays in Thornton Auditorium on the university's downtown Minneapolis campus. Dr. John Mazis, an author and chair of the Hamline University History Department, will explore modern Greek history and how it compares to the evolution of modern Europe.
"Change and Reform in the American Health Care System: Coming Soon – To You" will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Sept. 15 to Nov. 17, in Thornton Auditorium on the university's downtown Minneapolis campus. Eight health-care-policy experts will discuss key changes proposed for the nation's health care system, with an emphasis on the role of the consumer. The program is offered in cooperation with the university's Center for Health and Medical Affairs.
"From Puritans to Pluralism: A Survey of Christianity in America" will be offered from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16 to Oct. 28, in O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium on the university's St. Paul campus. Dr. Walter Sundberg, author and professor of church history at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, will explore the history of American religious life – from the first immigrants seeking religious freedom to debates over the First Amendment -- and how it has helped shape the nation's cultural identity.
"Diverse Issues in American History" will be offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays in O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium on the university's St. Paul campus. Dr. George Woytanowitz, a member of the St. Thomas History Department, will take a topical (rather than the more common chronological) approach to American history on subjects ranging from war to economic crises to the Supreme Court.
"Lunch 'n Explore" Returning to downtown Minneapolis this fall are three "Lunch 'n Explore" programs sponsored by the Center for Senior Citizens' Education.
- Dr. Iraj Bashiri, from the University of Minnesota History Department, will discuss "The Divine Right of Kings and Clerics: Iran – The Current Situation in Light of Pre-Islamic and Islamic Roots" on Thursday, Sept. 24.
- Michael Dennis Browne, a poet, librettist, author and the Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of English at the University of Minnesota, will discuss "Hearing the Voices of Interfaith: What Others Teach Us About God and Living in Relationship to God" on Friday, Oct. 16.
- Dr. Michael Bellamy, professor emeritus of English at St. Thomas, will discuss "Civil Religion in America: Virtue, Vice or Necessary Stage?" on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Each luncheon program runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 201 (the Great Hall) of Opus Hall on the university's Minneapolis campus. Cost of each lunch and talk is $25.
The Center for Senior Citizens' Education also offers one-to-one peer consultation services and a program that allows senior citizens to attend regular undergraduate academic courses on a space-available basis. The fee is $25 per course.
For more information about the short courses or other programs, call the center at (651) 962-5188 or visit the center's Web site.
