The University of St. Thomas Selim Center for Learning in Later Years has announced its fall schedule of educational programs and short courses that are tailored for those 50 and older.
The programs range from lunch discussions to six-session short courses. The programs are designed to be affordable, with fees ranging from $15 to $80.
The center will observe its 40th anniversary with an Oct. 10 reception, dinner and talk by Don Shelby. The center first began offering programs in fall 1973. It was founded by Dr. Mohamed (Mo) Selim; he retired in 2004 after a 45-year career at St. Thomas, including 21 years as chair of the Economics Department.
Here’s an overview of the offerings:
Short Courses: These lecture programs begin in September and October and most meet once a week for six weeks; they are taught by faculty and community experts. Topics and speakers are:
- “Science and Theology in Dialogue: Big Bang, Evolution, Creation and Christ” with Dr. Phil Rolnick.
- “Obamacare and the Future of Health Policy in the United States” with Dan McLaughlin.
- “The Civil War, Year 3: 1863” with Dr. Joseph Fitzharris.
- “Athens and Rome: Parallel Lives of Two Classical Cities” with Dr. Ivancica Schrunk.
- “History of the Middle East (622-1991)” with Dr. Hasan Karatas.
- “The Search for God in 20th and 21st Century Film” with Father Michael Joncas.
- “What is Judaism?” with Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman.
Lunch’n Explore: Dr. David Schultz of Hamline University will lead an Oct. 4 discussion on “American Politics in the Age of Ignorance: Why Lawmakers Choose Belief Over Research,” and Dr. Kenneth Goodpaster of St. Thomas will lead a Nov. 8 discussion on “Tenacity: The American Pursuit of Corporate Responsibility.”
Bus Tour: Minnesota historian Dr. Annette Atkins will lead an Oct. 11 bus tour to Stillwater and speak on “Walking Through Our Past: History on the Ground (the Water?).”
Wednesday Evening Literature Sessions: English professors from St. Thomas and St. Catherine University will lead discussions on Hemmingway and British and Native American literature on Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13.
Go-to-College program: The Selim Center coordinates a program that allows those 50 and older to attend regular undergraduate academic courses on a space-available basis. The fee is $80 per course.
For more information call the center, (651) 962-5188, or visit the center's website.
