Cheshire Academy for Lifelong Learning Spring Classes

KEENE, N.H. 2/14/02 - “Islamic Civilization,” “Introduction to the Personal Computer,” and “The Crusades” are three of the eight courses scheduled this spring by the Cheshire Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL) at Keene State College.

CALL, an affiliate of the Elderhostel Institute Network, offers academic programs for learning in retirement. The program is open to retired and older adults living in the tri-state region. Spring courses takes place on Fridays from March 8 to May 3, except for March 22 during KSC’s spring break. Participants may opt to take one course or several during the day. The cost for the CALL program is $37.50 for the spring term.

The Crusades meets from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. and is led by Paul Cullity, professor of history and campus chaplain at Keene State College. This class in medieval history focuses on The Crusades, the military expeditions in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries to control the Holy Land.

An Informal Reading Group, limited to 10 people, meets from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. This is not a structured course, but more an informal discussion group that chooses its own readings and meets regularly to discuss the readings. One of the works under consideration is Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first book of the trilogy and subject of the recent film. Other works will be chosen by consensus among the group.

The Bible as Literature, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. is led by Michael Haines, who has been the director of the CALL Program at Keene State for the past six years. This course examines the Bible as an interesting cultural document and a collection of significant literature. The course studies various books of the Bible as literary documents, not ignoring their religious or cultural significance. Special attention is given to the role of women in the Bible.

Operas of Puccini II, scheduled from 1 to 2:20 p.m., is the second course in a two-course sequence on Puccini. Frank Behrens, who has taught several CALL courses in the past including last fall’s Puccini I, examines “The Girl of the Golden West,” “Il Trittico,” and “Turandot,” using subtitled videos.

Islamic Civilization, from 1 to 2:20 p.m., is taught by Javed Chaudhri, a visiting faculty member at several New England colleges, who instructs courses on Afghanistan and the mid-east, anthropology, business, and international marketing. The CALL course studies the principle features of Islamic civilization and its role in world history. Topics examined include the rise and spread of the religion and state, and the development of religious, political, economic, and social institutions and achievements. Participants learn and discuss the roots and rise of Islam, and its interaction with Judaism and Christianity. Participants will need to purchase a book, “The History of God,” by Karen Armstrong, available at the Keene State College Bookstore for $15.

Introduction to the Personal Computer is offered at two different times (as each section is limited to 12 people), 1 to 2:20 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:50 p.m. Sherry Huntley, who has taught several computer courses through Keene State’s Continuing Education Office, leads this course designed for people with little or no computer experience. It is a hands-on introduction to the personal computer using Windows and Microsoft Word. Participants will receive an introduction to the use of e-mail and the World Wide Web.

Political Economy of Globalization, from 2:30 to 3:50, is led by Jules LaRocque, a participant in the Keene State CALL Program. He has studied and taught economics courses for four decades, mostly at colleges and universities in the Midwest. This course is devoted to topics in the general area of political economy with a focus on the foreign economic policies of the United States. Topics include the free-trade foundations of globalization, the policies through which free trade and international capital movements are promoted, and the objections to those policies by American, foreign, and international agencies.

Supermarket Smarts, a nutritional tour of a Keene supermarket, is offered in two sessions, each limited to 10 people. The 2 1/2-hour program consists of a short lesson followed by a hands-on tour of the supermarket. Classes are scheduled Tuesday, March 12, from 6:55 to 9:30 p.m., at Hannaford Superstore and Wednesday, March 13, from 7:55 to 10:30 a.m., at Shaw’s Supermarket. Keene State College Dietetic Intern graduate students lead the tours to make sense of the nutrition confusion on product labels. The tour helps separate fact from fiction when grocery shopping and participants learn how to pack the healthiest grocery cart for their personal needs.

The KSC Continuing Education Office is taking registrations for the CALL program. Advanced registration is recommended for all courses. To register, visit the Continuing Education Office on the first floor of Elliot Hall, or call 603-358-2290 or 1-800-KSC-1909.