The Lewiston Auburn Senior College’s fall semester will begin Sept. 23, but classes will have staggered start dates. Because of the ongoing pandemic the college will continue with its Zoom format for all classes and Food For Thought presentations.
College membership fee will continue to be $25. Its one-day courses will continue to be free of charge and its multi-week courses will be $25. Zoom does provide the staff with fewer scheduling restraints and can provide various length courses in all semesters and more flexibility in scheduling its Food For Thought program.
To view the complete class schedules, instructor bio’s and suggested reading lists for courses, visit usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege.
The LA senior college will join other senior colleges across the state in using CourseStorm for its registrations. Students can access registration from its homepage. To register in CourseStorm the first time, students must create an account with a password. Registration will begin Sept. 1. Those who have questions can call the Senior College at 207-753-6610 or email laseniorcollege@gmail.com.
Brief descriptions of fall 2021 classes:
Science of Evolution
With a powerpoint presentation, narrative and class discussion we will explore the scientific evidence of evolution. Topics include Earth history, geologic time, the fossil record, natural selection, biogeography, animal and plant breeding, comparative anatomy,genetics, DNA and molecular biology. Contemporary problems of habitat destruction, widespread extinctions, and loss of biodiversity; the emergence of bacterial resistance and pandemic viral variants.
Instructor: Dr. Richard Fortier
You Can Learn A Lot of Art From the Flowers
This online studio art course focuses on flowers, in all their glory. We will try out a variety of techniques, and look at botanical art from artists through time and around the world. We will also spend time sharing our work, tips, and struggles with the class.
Instructor: Judy Hierstein
Alfred Russel Wallace, co-discoverer of Evolution
Alfred Russel Wallace is often thought of as being in the shadow of Charles Darwin however, he was a greatly respected scientist in his own right during most of the 19th century. In this course we will look at Wallace’s career and contributions to science. We will briefly review natural selection, evolution and some of the ideas of Wallace and Darwin.
Instructor: Thomas Hamilton
The Goodness Paradox
A curious fact about our species: We have a rare and perplexing combination of moral tendencies. We can be the nastiest of species, and also the nicest. How to understand this? Evolution science provides a way, so does religion. The Big Q: Might the balance be shifted away from nasty, in favor of nice?
Instructor: Steven Piker
Dignity in Public Discourse: Finding new ways to move beyond conflict and get things done.
Through readings and discussion, students will learn about dignity theory, explore the role it plays in public debates over controversial issues, and learn best practices for supporting dignity and moving forward together. In addition to reading about dignity and related topics (such as trust, communication, leadership, and sources of conflict), we will analyze press and online materials through a dignity lens, and apply new approaches.
Instructor: Dr. Tora Johnson
Why It Should Be Isabella and Ferdinand NOT Ferdinand and Isabella
Isabella was usually overshadowed by Ferdinand, but she was exceptional and in this class you will see that she was the personality behind Iberian unity.
Instructor: Diane Parker
The Founding and Refounding of the United States of America
The United States is a country with strong founding ideals,but that founding has happened several times and with important differences among those ideals. We were founded in 1776 and refounded in 1787. Or was the first founding really 1619? And how about 1865? Or 1933? Where do we look to find our bearings? Where do our worst practices, like slavery, fit in this? This course will look at our finding moments, our divergent ideals, and the conversation we are having among them.
Instructor: Doug Bennett
Thinking About Inequality
Social inequality poses a dilemma for American society, pitting the ideology of equal opportunity and the American Dream against the uncomfortable reality that it is harder to get ahead in the U.S. than in other western industrialized societies. This course will examine the social mechanics that lie behind the facts of inequality.
Instructor: Jean Potuchek
Writing Your Life Story
We’ve all got stories. This informal class will get you on the road to writing about your life, from the mundane to the marvelous. Inviting all non-writers to join, this will not be a critique of your writing style or grammar. Take a chance on finding out that you’ve lived a pretty interesting life after all.
Instructor: Connie Jones
Card Making
Explore your creativity in learning various techniques in making cards. No more searching for the right card with the right verse. You can unleash your creativity and learn to make your own. This course will give you card making ideas with the tools and skills to make your own cards for every occasion. Imagine giving a card to a loved one who will cherish it forever. Card making supplies not provided.
Instructor: Nancy Duplisea
Civil Discourse on Current Issues
In this era of hyper-partisanship,many of us long to return to a time when policy disagreements could be discussed in a civil and respectful manner. In each of four sessions, two former Maine state senators, John Cleveland, representing the progressive perspective, and Tom Saviello, representing the conservative perspective, will participate in a moderated panel discussion. Over the four weeks the topics will include the following:
• The proper role of government;
• Providing quality healthcare to our citizens;
• A reasonable approach to deal with climate change; and
• An effective and humane way to regulate immigration.
Moderator: Bill Frayer
Seasonal, Local, Global Eats
The ingredients may come from nearby, even some from Paul’s own garden, but the recipes he prepares will come from around the world. Each week, we’ll tackle one or two global recipes, based on (relative) ease of preparation, availability of ingredients, and fantastic flavor. It’s a virtual class, so only Paul (and Jane) get to taste. Sorry. Recipes and plenty of comments are provided, questions are expected, and everyone is strongly encouraged to cook for themselves.
Mr. President, What Will You Do for Woman Suffrage and Equality?
This is a three-class course that examines suffrage history in Maine and nationally, as well as the Equal Rights Amendment. Lectures are accompanied by slideshows with historic photos.
Instructor: Ann Gass
Western Philosophy of Morality
This course will examine the history of thought in morality from the ancient Greeks to modern thinkers. It will also ask the students to examine their own thinking about the thinkers and their own moral principles.
Instructor: Anita Denis
Mongolia: From History’s Greatest Empire to Today’s Democracy
Mongolia is a modern-day nation with a landmass the size of Europe and a population less than 4 million. Yet, Under Genghis Khan in the 13th Century, it created history’s largest empire, stretching from Siberia to India and Korea to Hungary. Now, it is also the only true democracy across the expanse of Central Asia between South Korea and Eastern Europe. What accounts for this extraordinary culture and its achievements?
Instructor: Mark Minton
Abstract Art
Judson will use his own art to illustrate and talk about what abstract painting means.
Instructor: Judson Pealer
The First Thanksgiving 1621
The first Thanksgiving was quite different then what many were taught in schools. Join Alan to discover what Pilgrims were really thankful for.
Instructor: Alan Elze
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