Registrations are being taken for Senior College at Southwest Minnesota State University. The fall 2010 Senior College is from Sept. 21-Oct. 29. Senior College kick-off events:
1 p.m. Registration
1:30 p.m. Senior College Kick-Off
Welcome by President Danahar
Meet the Study Group Leaders
Overview of Senior College Fall 2010, Betty Roers
2:30 p.m. Refreshments
3-4 p.m. "Experiencing Television as a Writer and Producer" by Carole Wendt. Wendt worked in television for more than 35 years - producing and writing for "The Today Show, "The David Frost Show" and "The Jack Paar Show." Free and open to the public. Wendt's presentation will be in Charter Hall (CH) at SMSU.
General Parking: Park in any of the "B" Parking lots. Generally more space is available in the north end of the B lots. Watch for the "Senior College" or "Event Parking" signs. Enter Charter Hall (CH) or the Individualized Learning Center (IL).
Greeters will be waiting to welcome participants at these doors.
Study sessions are as follows:
Tuesday
1890s to 1918 9:30-11:30 a.m. SS 235
From the wealthy with 40 bathrooms to outdoor toilets, from horse and buggy to the horseless carriage, from the Spanish American War to World War I, all of these happened within this 30-year span. Lloyd Petersen, SMSU Emeritus, Professor of Education
Insurance & Estate Planning noon-2 p.m. SS 235
This course will provide insight on the potential upcoming changes in the Estate and Tax planning landscape for 2010 and beyond. We will also discuss Life insurance and its use in estate Planning, Long Term Care insurance and options, and Retirement planning before and after retirement. We will have guest speakers discuss Wills and Trusts, Tax Planning rules and changes, and Property and Casualty insurance.
Jim Kontz CLTC, LUTCF, Instructor
Rosemaling: Rational Norwegian Decorative Art (For new and experienced artists) 2:15-4:15 p.m. SS 235
This class can also be a stepping stone to other types of painting: traditional folk art of other countries or classical art. We'll complete at least one project (Hallingdal) while we practice stroke work, learn how to mix color and recognize the different styles of Rosemaling. Wood piece, brushes, practice sheets, paint etc. will be supplied at the cost of $25.
Linda Dandar, Instructor
Introduction to Computer 2:15-4:15 p.m. CH 102
Learn how to enjoy your computer by learning these basics: turning on the computer, finding and using your computer programs, creating a simple document, printing, saving, changing margins and fonts, and making corrections. For more information on the course contact Sandy at 507-532-2959.
Sandy Redding, Instructor
Wednesday
History of China 9:30-11:30 a.m. SS 235
Join in the study of the oldest and most intact civilization in the world. Review the great dynasties that contributed fantastic works of architecture, complex philosophies of regulating society, and an economy that affects the world even today.
Gary Grabau, Instructor
Our Global Community: Born There-Living Here 12:15-2:15 p.m SS 235
Local business and professional people from around the world have decided to work or start a business in the Marshall community. Why did they choose our area and what was their path? Learn about their journey and countries. International students, studying at SMSU, will also talk about their countries and customs.
Coordinators: Sandra Nelson, SMSU International Student Services, Ann John, Senior College
Election 2010 2:30-4:30 p.m. SS 235
2010 is squaring off as one of the more contentious and controversial elections in recent memory. To fully appreciate the 2010 election participants will learn historical election information, examine important, biting congressional and senate races, and form mini-campaign teams to advise for at-risk incumbents. This is an exciting time to study elections, as the outcome will shape the direction and future of the nation.
Doug Simon, SMSU political science professor
Thursday
Indoor Gardening 9:30-11:30 a.m. SS 235
The course will show how to grow plants indoors so you can throw away your dusty plastic flakes and have real, vibrant, air cleaning plants in your home or office. Handouts and reference books will supplement the classroom talks and discussions. Instructor draws on his experience with the variety of plants in his large greenhouse.
The Rev. Jack Nordick, parochial administrator
Memoir Writing 9:30-11:30 a.m. CH 225/226
In this class, you will be given topics appropriate for writing and sharing your life story. Although some experience with memoir writing is helpful, it is not a pre-requisite for taking this class. A brief review of past classes and topics covered will be given for those who are just beginning their memoirs, and new ideas and writing tips will be given to those who have taken previous classes.
Carol Purrington, Instructor
At The Movies Noon-2:30 p.m. BA 102
We will watch a movie every week and have a class discussion following. First movie will be "Across the Universe," a movie set in the sixties which revolves around music from the Beatles. Next movie is "The Graduate."The other four movies will be voted on by the class.
Jess Nelson, Instructor
Benjamin Franklin (Repeat Course 2:45-4:45 p.m. SS 235
This course will explore the life of Ben Franklin, his wisdom, his inventions, his work in creating a free America, and his relationships with other major figures of his time.
Herb Pagel, Instructor
Friday
Mind, Body and Spirit 9:30-11:20 a.m. R/A Facility
Senior College students will explore the wellness connections of mind, body and spirit. Participants will engage in fitness activities including stretching, walking, strength training, dance, exercise bands and others.
Marilyn Strate, SMSU Professor of Wellness & Human Performance
Human Geography and Maps Noon-2 p.m. SS 235
The physical earth is the home of humans which is the background of this class. We will work with several kinds of maps, and explore human interactions with the physical environment. Our concern will be how people perceive the landscapes and regions they occupy, and how they are influenced by cultural, political and economic interests of human societies.
Don Swanjord, Instructor
The Judiciary in Rural Minnesota 2:15-4:15 p.m. SS 235
Do you have questions on courts, judges, juries and more? This course will broadly address aspects of the courts in Minnesota. Topics will include court organization, judicial selection, election and retention. The course will also address the procedural aspects of criminal cases, drug courts, together with the role of the various participants.
Lee Bush, Judge of District Court
For more information: Contact Betty Roers at 507-537-7363 or e-mail: betty.roers@smsu.edu or check out the Senior College website at: www.smsu.edu/Academics/SeniorCollege/Index.cfm

