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 mini-courses are planned exclusively for Encore-eligible students. 

Classes offered include Introduction to Fitness for the Encore Years; Classical Music’s Greatest Hits; French and the Francophone World; Social Media; Art Exploration; The Book of James; History of the South; and Computer for Beginners I, II and III. 

Introduction to Fitness offers a variety of fitness concepts. Located in the DeVos Recreation Center, classes will include a fitness assessment, instruction on stretching, walking, cardio equipment, weight training, group fitness, spin class, self-defense, hiking, and swimming. Students will need to wear the proper attire such as clothing that can be moved in easily and footwear that is comfortable to walk in. The ten-week course, instructed by Janah Owens, will meet on Wednesdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 5–Nov. 7.

Artist-in-Residence Bob Bernhardt will lead the Classical Music’s Greatest Hits course, which covers the history of symphonic music with a quick and light-hearted approach. Musical selections will range from the 18th Century to present and will explore the lives and times of music’s great master composers. No musical experience is required–just a love for music, an open mind, and a desire to learn about the classics, the personalities, eras and styles. Located in the Science and Math Complex, the six-week course will meet on Mondays, Oct. 1–Nov. 26, 7–9 p.m.

Vive le Fran?ais! French and the Francophone World is an introduction to basic French used in a variety of contexts, including travel, culinary arts and fashion.  Participants will be guided by Professor of French Dr. James Wilkins as they explore the French-speaking world through a variety of internet, film, magazines, and advertisement resources. Materials provided will enable participants’ further exploration of the course topic. Purchase of the book, “Sixty Million Frenchman Can’t Be Wrong” by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow, is recommended. The six-week course meets on Mondays, Sept. 10–Oct. 15, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Vest building. 

Social media is no longer just for kids; one of the largest, growing demographics is that of Americans 55 and older.  Dr. Megan Moe, associate professor of communication, will lead the class in the examination of older forms of social media, such as Facebook, the more current Pinterest, and the recent, So.cl, and how these platforms change the communication landscape.  Students will create accounts and profiles for various sites and learn how to contribute to these online communities. Due to course content, students should be comfortable with basic computer skills such as word processing and internet searching. The five-week course meets Mondays, Oct. 1–29, 4-5 p.m. in the Humanities Center.

Assistant Professor of Art Mary Mathias-Dickerson will teach various art-making techniques and media including watercolor, acrylic painting and collage in The Creative Process: Art Exploration course. Students will study the many benefits of strengthening the creative side of the mind. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced artists. The five-week course meets Mondays, Oct. 29–Nov. 26, 8-9:15 a.m. in the Mayfield Annex.

Professor of New Testament and Greek Dr. William A. Simmons will teach The Book of James: A Path to Discipleship, a devotional approach to studying the Bible, committed to spiritual formation during this twelve-week study. It will be necessary to purchase the workbook, James: A Pathway to Discipleship, from Pathway Press.  This text guides the student through the Book of James with homework lessons and exercises that prepare the student to contribute in class discussion.  The twelve-week course meets Tuesdays, Sept. 4–Nov. 20, 2:30–3:55 p.m. in the School of Religion.

Is the American South a distinct region?  What has made it so?  If so, who and what is a Southerner?  Themes in the History of the South explores questions related to Southern identity, providing a survey of major themes in Southern history from colonial days through the beginning of the 21st century.  Class participants are encouraged to bring questions and share their stories during the sessions.

Drs. John Coats, associate professor of history, and Randy Wood, chair and professor of humanities, will be joined by guest lecturers on the history and culture of the American South. This six-week course meets Tuesdays, Sept. 18–Oct. 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m. 

Instructor Mike Seago will conduct three 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 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.

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.

Located in the Walker Memorial Building, Computer for Beginners I meets Tuesdays, Sept. 4– Oct. 2, 3–4:20 p.m. Computer for Beginners II meets Tuesdays, Oct. 9–Nov. 6, 3- 4:20 p.m. Computer for Beginners III will meet Wednesdays, Sept. 5–Oct. 24 in the Humanities Center. 

Fast Track Registration will be held in the Centenary Room of the Higginbotham Administration Building from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23 and Monday, Aug. 27. At registration, potential students can pay the program fee of $25 and choose up to two courses from those mentioned above. Registration is also 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, epfahl@leeuniversity.edu or visit www.leeuniversity.edu/encore.