SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The new eight-week spring 2020 Lifelong Learning at Wofford College session will begin Monday, March 9, and run through Friday, May 1; the registration deadline for courses is Friday, Feb. 21.
The spring session will include weekly courses on topics ranging from drawing and photography to iPads and iPhones to food, healthy balance, history, music and more. “We have nearly two dozen weekly courses, covering all kinds of topics to appeal to a wide range of adult learners,” says Morgan Jordan, director of Lifelong Learning at Wofford.
A “no tests, no homework, just fun” philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the program. Classes feature hands-on learning activities, audiovisual presentations and small class sizes to create interactive, fun learning, Jordan says.
Each class is taught by local or regional experts, providing the same high standard of instruction expected in a regular Wofford course. “It’s top-notch teaching in an atmosphere of variety and culture,” Jordan says.
Membership in Lifelong Learning at Wofford allows you to register for classes, receive newsletters and mailings from the program, and register for one-time presentations, workshops, seminars and field trips available exclusively to members. A yearly membership is $50 per person; the membership year runs from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31.
Members then select the course or courses they wish to take at $40 per course. Special events, workshops and trips may be free of charge to members or available at a minimal price, depending on the materials needed.
To join Lifelong Learning at Wofford and to register for classes, go to wofford.edu/lifelonglearning. For information, contact Tracey Southers, administrative assistant for the program, at 864-597-4415.
Classes are held in various locations, noted in the schedule; those with the abbreviation CUMC are held at Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29306.
Here are the course offerings for the spring 2020 session:
Old Testament Theology
James Ellis Griffeth
Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., Upper Room, CUMC
Explore the development of Old Testament theology from the time of Abraham and the patriarchs to the contributions of the Pharisees in the decades before the birth of Jesus. Learn about the historical context in which new theological understandings were developed. At the end of this lecture-style class, students will have a better understanding of the Jewish theology out of which the Christian church emerged in the 1st century CE. The instructor recommends that students bring to class a contemporary translation of the Bible, such as the New Revised Standard Version or the Common English Version. Griffeth has been studying the Bible and Christian theology since the 1960s and has served as a pastor and hospital chaplain. He has taught multiple Lifelong Learning courses.
iPhone for Tech-Savvy Senior Citizens
Bill Vicary
Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
Back by popular demand, this interactive class will teach students how to use iPhones more effectively. Students will navigate on their own phones during class. Typical topics include email, text, phone, Facetime, calendar, clock, camera, phone scams, emergencies, apps, Wi-Fi and more. Students must have an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 13 and updates installed. Vicary is an experienced instructor in Lifelong Learning classes. He has taught hundreds of older adults to be more proficient and confident in using technology.
Women in Their Environment
Dr. Ana María Wiseman
Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., Garrett Room, CUMC
This course will be a study of selected recent fiction about women (and men) and their attitudes toward the environment and technology. In exploring the works of contemporary American writers, the class will consider gender and culture as lines of definition that have important implications for the themes and structure of the literature itself and for the world in which the protagonists live. The class will have open discussions, and participants are encouraged to share their diverse experiences. A tentative reading list includes novels such as “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver, “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan, “Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier and “Watershed” by Mark Barr. Wiseman served as dean of international programs and associate professor of foreign languages at Wofford College. She has taught multiple courses with Lifelong Learning at Wofford and currently teaches at the School of Spanish at Middlebury College.
Tin Can: Workhorse of the U.S. Navy During World War II
Ben Lineberry
Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., Spartanburg American Legion Building, 94 W. Park Drive, Spartanburg
During WWII, the “workhorse of the U.S. Navy” was a sleek, agile, fast warship known as a destroyer or destroyer escort. The sailors aboard these warships called them “tin cans.” Class members will explore the important role these ships played during the war. The instructor will offer short lectures on WWII naval warfare and show film clips, and all class members will be welcome to participate in tabletop warfare with key ships and aircraft. Lineberry graduated with degrees in history and social studies from Wofford College and Converse College after serving as a yeoman third class in the U.S. Navy. He has been teaching for 37 years. During that time, he taught a military tabletop class, which now fuels his Lifelong Learning classes.
Topics in World Affairs
Dr. Joe Dunn
Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m., Upper Room, CUMC
Eager for in-depth discussion of current issues in world affairs? This class includes topics such as terrorism, conflicts in the Middle East, North Korea, Russia and more. Dunn is the Charles A. Dana Professor of History and Politics and the department chair (for 30 years) at Converse College. He has been a college professor for 49 years and has published six books and lectured at colleges and universities across the nation.
The First French Revolution
Dr. Dennis Wiseman
Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
The uprising known as the “French Revolution” was in fact only the first in a series of turbulent events in French history in which government in its many forms was overthrown and replaced. Students in this class will look at foundational documents and cultural manifestations in art and literature (Montesquieu, Rousseau, Beaumarchais, Diderot, Fragonard, Greuze, Chardin) that led France to the explosion of July 14, 1789. The class will study some of the myths and myth-making of the revolution and try to finish with a clearer sense of what this moment was and was not. The course is intended to be a discussion among participants, and class members will share and learn from one another. Wiseman completed his doctorate in French at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on the cultural origins of the French Revolution of 1789. He was a professor of French at Wofford College and concluded his career as provost.
Don’t Fear the Reaper: An Exploration of Modern Death
Dr. Garrett Snipes and Lisa Mowry
Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m., Garrett Room, CUMC
Note: This class will begin on March 9 and conclude on April 6.
Death is a difficult topic to think or talk about, but it’s a necessary one if we or our loved ones are to have the best possible end-of-life experience. This five-week series will look at death and dying from a global perspective. Participants will be encouraged to discuss and interact with each other to explore what they can do to make this phase of life the best it can possibly be for all involved. This series is relevant for adults of all ages. An advance care planning workshop will be included during the last class session. Snipes is the medical director for Spartanburg Regional Hospice. Mowry, BCST, SEP, LMBT, offers specialized support for all stages of the dying process.
A Matter of Balance
Julie Ward
Mondays, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, CUMC
This interactive, gentle movement course is designed to improve posture and balance, build muscles and increase bone and core strength through exercises that are possible and painless. Participants will discuss overall body health before engaging in multiple movement exercises that may be done sitting down or standing up. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome. Movements will be tailored individually to each learner’s comfort level. Loose, comfortable clothing is encouraged along with a pair of sturdy shoes. Ward has taught fitness classes for adults throughout the Upstate. She has been teaching classes with Lifelong Learning at Wofford for five years.
The Boys from NUC: Composers and Lyricists Who Changed a Nation
Jim Nicholson
Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Upper Room, CUMC
This course will be a musical exploration of a few “boys from NYC” who became powerful figures in music throughout the world. Taught in four sections, this course will explore “The Old Timers” (Kern and Berlin), Rodgers and Hart and Hammerstein and Rodgers, “The Outlier” (Porter) and “The Brothers” (Gershwins). There will be memories and music. Whether there is dancing is up to those in the class. Nicholson retired to South Carolina from a career in finance in New York City. He has instructed in Lifelong Learning programs at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Furman University and Clemson University.
It’s Not Over Until the Fat Lady Sings: A History of Opera
John Roche
Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
Explore the development of opera from its roots in the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Music enthusiasts and opera-curious members are encouraged to enroll. Roche graduated from Boston University and received his master’s degree from Converse College. He has directed multiple operas and serves as director of archives and special collections at Converse College.
Modern Cryptology: Keeping Information Secure
Dr. Lee Hagglund
Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Garrett Room, CUMC
One of the most powerful methods for keeping messages or data secure is called the RSA algorithm. Surprisingly, the algorithm depends only on simple arithmetic for its strength. Participants in this course will learn how RSA works and see it in action. Anyone who can add, subtract, multiply and do long division with a calculator is eminently qualified to attend. Hagglund retired from Wofford College. While teaching at the college, he initiated a course in cryptology for undergraduates. He has studied mathematics, German and German literature. He also has a lifelong passion for music.
Beginning Bridge
George Russell
Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall, CUMC
This course is designed for those who have never played bridge or have not played in a long time. Classes consist of a short lesson followed by bidding and playing lesson hands. Everyone in the class will have a workbook and handouts for reference. Russell has played in and directed Spartanburg duplicate bridge games for over 40 years. He has played in many sectional, regional and national tournaments and has earned the rank of gold life master.
Patriot’s Blood: A Look at the Lives and Contributions of Union and Confederate Generals of the American Civil War
Dr. Maxine Appleby
Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Upper Room, CUMC
Take a look into the beliefs and actions of Union and Confederate generals in the American Civil War. The class will compare their concepts of patriotism in light of their choices and actions, both at home and on the field of battle. Appleby’s education is extensive and includes studies at Winthrop University, the University of South Carolina and Washington University. She has been an educator since 1962 and has a lifelong interest in U.S. history with specialties in Appalachian studies and the American Civil War.
iPad Basics
Katherine Wakefield
Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Garrett Room, CUMC
Enjoy guided help in learning to use the iPad more effectively. Topics include iPad and app updates, the basics of apps such as Pages and Notes, organization, multitouch functions, web browsing using multiple and split screen tabs and more. The last class will be an open class during which students may ask questions about material not covered in class. All students must have an iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad mini with iPad OS 13.2.3 and updates installed. Wakefield has been in the tech world for 36 years. During that time, she has taught computer skills and provided IT support to many older adults. She also has taught herself coding languages and built websites. When she is not in the tech world, she enjoys kayak fishing.
Europe: 1848 to 1900
Dr. Jeff Willis
Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Upper Room, CUMC
Explore European history at what was a critical time in defining the next century. Discuss Napoleon III and the second French empire, the unification of Italy, Bismarck and the unification of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II, the emperor Francis Joseph and the Austrian Empire. Although the class is lecture-based, the instructor welcomes class participation and discussion. Willis was educated at the University of Virginia. He has taught in lifelong learning programs for over 20 years and has taught European history for 44 years.
African Americans in Cinema Post-1940
Dr. Omanii Abdullah
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
Study the image and emergence of African Americans after the stereotypical caricatures of African Americans in film. Students will watch and discuss significant films, including “Purlie Victorious,” “Pinky,” “Imitation of Life” and “Native Son.” Abdullah is a poet, performer and educator. He is an emeritus professor from Morrisville State College and Syracuse University. His teaching and performances have taken him from Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, to King Abdul-Aziz University in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Sharing Food in Literature
Dr. Susanne Kimball
Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Upper Room, CUMC
The ritual of sharing food is fascinating. Seemingly minor details can reveal a lot to the trained eye. Food can be a catalyst for the most profound, even disturbing, insights, as James Joyce shows us in “The Dead.” What happens when food is withheld in Doris Lessing’s “The Old Chief Mshlanga?” When does food become pure magic? We find out in Laura Esquivel’s story “Like Water for Chocolate.” Other works as well as various passages from “The Odyssey” also will be discussed. Participants should be prepared to read weekly assignments. Kimball has an extensive history in teaching and currently teaches courses at Blue Ridge Community College. She harbors a passionate interest in literature and culture and enjoys sharing that passion with others.
Women in the Bible: Heroines and Harlots
Sue Perrin
Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Garrett Room, CUMC
This six-week class will explore how various women in the Bible impacted not only their world but world history as well. Participants in this class will read stories, discuss gender roles and historical influences, and reflect on each woman’s individual strength. At the end of each session, class members will discuss and reflect on the concept of courage. Participants should bring their preferred translation of the Bible to class. Perrin has been ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church but has retired from active parish ministry. She currently serves as minister of ritual and celebration for Sacred Traditions and Rituals (S.T.A.R.), a nondenominational and interfaith creation-centered community in Spartanburg.
International Film Festival III
Dr. Omanii Abdullah
Wednesdays, 1:30-3:45 p.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
Watch and discuss groundbreaking international films with emphasis on time and place. Some films may be rated R. Films will include, but are not limited to, “The Joy Luck Club,” “Smoke Signals,” “Like Water for Chocolate” and “The Full Monty.” See bio under African Americans in Cinema Post-1940.
Trowel and Error
Mary Snoddy
Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Upper Room, CUMC
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this gardening class. New and experienced gardeners are welcome to explore topics such as home landscapes, growing bulbs, propagation, container gardening, water-wise gardening and more. Classes will be taught with multiple lectures, except for portions of the propagation section of class. Snoddy is a South Carolina native and certified master gardener. Her experience spans vegetables, ornamentals and woodland plants. She is the finance director for Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve in Spartanburg and an adjunct in the Clemson Extension Master Gardener Program.
Biology, Politics and Beliefs about Vaccination
Dr. Robert Moss
Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
Note: This class will not meet on April 2.
Participants in this class will study the history of vaccination from the 14th century to modern times, the biology that makes vaccination possible and the political aspects of vaccination. Topics include the history and biology of the flu vaccination, polio, the current measles epidemic, vaccine liability and current laws, vaccine development, and social and political inhibitors. Class questions and discussion are welcome. Homework will include watching a few 20-minute videos prior to classes, which the instructor will send to everyone via email. Moss completed his doctoral degree in cellular biology at Harvard University. He is a professor of biology at Wofford College and teaches a variety of courses, including immunology and an introduction to public health.
Improve Your Photography Skills
Paul Halphen
Thursdays, 10-11:3 a.m., Garrett Room, CUMC
Whether you like to photograph family members, people, scenery, landscapes or any other subject matter, you can learn how to take better, more interesting and more creative pictures with whatever camera you own. Participants in this class will cover the fundamentals that influence images. This is not a class to learn how to use a camera; this class is designed to teach the functions of cameras that owners can learn to control. All cameras, even cameras on cell phones, are welcome. Bring your own camera and camera manual. As weather permits, field trips will provide opportunities to take pictures outdoors. Halphen is a longtime casual photographer. After he retired, he took a number of courses and workshops to improve his skills. He has won several photography awards and is heavily involved in local photographer organizations.
Revealing Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon
Dr. Matthew Hermes
Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Upper Room, CUMC
Share the discovery of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon through examinations of original 19th century documents, maps, art and photographs. Students will study the same maps and images that drew Americans of the Gilded Age to understand the West. With YouTube videos and Google Earth, the class will build the transcontinental railroad, climb Mount Washburn to see the heart of Yellowstone and ride the rapids of the Colorado. Finally, the class will reach the North Rim of the canyon at Point Sublime, where, in the words of geologist Clarence Dutton, “What was grand before has become majestic, the majestic becomes sublime, and the sublime … passes beyond the reach of our faculties and becomes transcendent.” Hermes is a research scientist and inventor with 32 U.S. patents. He has led an extensive career in government, technology and art curation, and he currently teaches in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Furman University.
Cosmic Evolution: Our Journey
Dr. Greg Boeshaar
Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Shepard Room, CUMC
Why are we here? Where do we come from? These are questions that resonate with most humans. Over the past few decades, an exciting perspective has emerged that emphasizes the universe as not just a place but a process. Cosmic evolution sees humans as an integral part of the flow of creation from the first stars through the origins of Earth, life and all of human culture. This course will trace an epic journey through deep time and the series of astronomical events crucial to our existence. Boeshaar has taught astronomy at many colleges and universities. After retiring from a career in space science engineering with the Hubble Space Telescope, he began teaching in the physics department at Wofford College.
Open Art Studio with Bailie
Bailie of Bailie Studios
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 128, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, Wofford College
Explore a medium of choice, including graphite, colored pencil or white charcoal, while learning to draw without lines and draw in reverse. Examples of Bailie’s work may be found on his website, bailiestudios.com, on the “Arts Education” page. For questions about the class or supplies, call 864-542-2580 or email bailiestudios@gmail.com. Bailie is an experienced artist, teacher and muralist. He is on the South Carolina Arts Commission roster of approved artists in education, a former resident artist at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind and an instructor for the Spartanburg Art Museum Art School.
Roundtable Discussions
Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m.-12:50 p.m., Fellowship Hall, CUMC
Free to members and guests.
Join discussion leader Jim Badger as he invites educators, leaders, innovators and speakers this spring for roundtable discussions and lectures. Discussions typically include topics that range from politics and culture to history and our local community. Lunch will be available at each session for purchase at the door. Members also may bring their own bagged lunches.
Special events, free and open to the public:
Johnny Grandelsman
7 p.m. Friday, March 13
Richardson Family Art Museum, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, Wofford College
Treefalls Music will present Johnny Gandelsman for a solo performance. Gandelsman, a Grammy-winning violinist, a founding member of Brooklyn Rider and a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble, will be performing a mixture of old and new — movements from Bach’s Cello Suites and pieces by living composers. A reception will follow after the performance.
Gallery Talk: Peter L. Schumunk: Photographs 2010-2020
7 p.m. Thursday, April 16
Richardson Family Art Museum, Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, Wofford College
This gallery talk by Dr. Peter Schmunk will accompany a retrospective exhibition of his photographic work over the past decade. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Schmunk is currently in his fourth decade as a professor of art history at Wofford and will be retiring from full-time teaching at the conclusion of this academic year. His interdisciplinary research on the influence of musical culture on 19th-century painting has produced articles on Van Gogh, Corot, Whistler and Redon, and a book, “The Arts Entwined: Music and Painting in the Nineteenth Century.” He was recently a keynote speaker in Lucca, Italy, at a conference on “Music and the Figurative Arts in the Nineteenth Century.” In addition to his teaching and research, Schmunk has an active studio practice in photography and has exhibited his work at several regional college galleries and other local venues. The gallery talk will be followed by a reception.