SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Lifelong Learning at Wofford College program, offering fun, educational opportunities for adults, begins its winter session on Monday, Jan. 9. Lifelong Learning at Wofford offers members the chance to participate in eight-week interactive courses and one-time workshops or events year-round.

Courses are taught by experts in the Upstate community and Wofford faculty and include a wide range of topics, including history, religion, science, cooking, writing, pop culture, physical fitness and current events.

Registration for the eight-week session, which ends March 10, is open; the deadline is Saturday, Dec. 31. Winter break for the session will be the week of Feb. 5 through 12, with classes resuming Feb. 13.

Participation requires a $50 annual membership fee plus a $40 fee for each eight-week course. Events, workshops and presentations may be free to members or may require an additional fee, depending on the event

Register and pay online (by credit or debit card) at www.wofford.edu/lifelonglearning/ or call Tracey Southers, administrative assistant for Lifelong Learning at Wofford, at 864-597-4415. You may mail your application and payment, but they must be received before Dec. 31; send checks payable to Wofford College to Morgan A. Jordan, Wofford College, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, S.C. 29303-3663.

Lifelong Learning at Wofford Winter Session courses:

(Note: CUMC is Central United Methodist Church; unless otherwise noted, all other courses and programs are held on Wofford College’s campus.) Practical Spanish (LTW 825)
Instructor: Michael Rainey
Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon
Upper Room, CUMC
The course will focus on elements of the Spanish language that should be useful to travelers to Spanish-speaking countries and to persons who have a need to communicate in Spanish at a basic level. Emphasis will be placed on correct pronunciation; use of nouns, pronouns and adjectives; basic sentence structure; and the phrases and vocabulary of everyday life. No background in Spanish is required.
Class size: 4-12

Eat Smart, Get Healthy! (EFB 850)
Instructor: Brenda Lytle
Mondays, 1-3 p.m.
Kitchen, Spartanburg American Legion Building
Join Brenda Lytle as she leads this two-hour, weekly nutritional cooking course based on Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s book “Eat to Live.” Participants will learn the benefits of eating enough nutrient-rich produce to protect themselves from obesity, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune illnesses. Each week, participants will prepare and eat two nutrient-rich recipes. Learners also will discuss and learn exercises and information to improve bone density, prevent osteoporosis and improve overall body agility. Participants also should bring a three-ring binder to class for recipes and notes. This course will require an additional $3 per class per participant ($24 total) to cover food costs, which will be due to the instructor at the beginning of the course.
Class size: 8-10 (NOTE: This class already is full and has a waiting list.)

Winning Casino Craps and Blackjack (PAC 850)
Instructor: Mark Monson
Tuesdays, 8:30-10 a.m.
Lounge, Shipp Hall, Wofford College
You don’t need to live near a casino to appreciate the art of a good game. Join Mark Monson as he teaches eager learners to play craps and blackjack. Starting with the basic rules of each game, the course then will focus on making the best bets to either win or last longer at the tables. By the end of the course, learners should be confident and comfortable playing these games in Las Vegas, on cruise ships or in casinos around the world. Money management strategies for gambling as a whole will be included in the course content. The final session of this class will conclude with a Casino Night, hosted at the Monson’s home, for participants to test their skills.
Class size: 3-8

Healthy Eating in the 21st Century (EFB 851)
Instructor: Alice Sutton
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Upper Room, CUMC
The world of nutrition can be a bit of a confusing one, especially in the days of “fad diets and celebrity secrets.” Join Alice Sutton, a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian/nutritionist, as she leads this class on basic nutrition. Course topics will include the good and the bad of the Southern diet, recommended diets, how to analyze and design your own diet, and steps to take to avoid heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
Class size: 3-20

Presenting Yourself: The Art of Effectively Presenting Your Interests, Passions and Yourself to Others in Small or Large Groups (PGD 820)
Instructor: Richard L. Spencer, Ph.D.
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Garrett Room, CUMC
Make yourself look good when all eyes are upon you. Join Richard Spencer as he leads this course that focuses on the art of speaking and presenting your ideas, passions, opinions and excitements to small or large groups. More than a public speaking course, participants in this class will focus on writing down their ideas, introducing themselves and others, demonstrating how-to skills and persuading a few or the many. Participants should be prepared to develop their skills through group activities and prepared speeches each week. Keep the “butterflies” at bay this year by nurturing the speaking skills you already possess and by learning a few new ones along the way.
Class size: 3-15

Beginner Knitting: Hats (And More!) (PAC 860)
Instructor: Gail Jones
Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
Parlor Room, CUMC
This course is designed for the beginning knitter who would like to knit a cozy winter hat. Participants in this class should have a basic understanding of the knit, purl and cast-on stitches. Participants will knit a basic winter hat using a number of stitches including the yarn-over stitch, increases, decreases and binding off. Participants will knit a basic ribbed hat and will need a set of Size 8, 16-inch circular needles and two skeins of worsted yarn in the color of their choice. Those participants who have individual projects are welcome to work on them during class.
Class size: 3-8

Finances during Retirement (BEF 800)
Instructor: Micah Valentine
Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
Upper Room, CUMC
This class will address the many facets of retirement planning. Join Micah Valentine as he addresses online banking, investment basics, retirement income planning, identity theft, legacy planning and other applicable topics to the retiree. This course is suited for those in retirement or nearing retirement who desire to gain a basic knowledge of how to navigate retirement, preserve their legacy and set up reliable retirement income streams. The course will include lectures as well as guest speakers from experts in their field.
Class size: 6-20

How to Ruin Movies, Art and Books for Your Friends: The Art of Analysis (FAC 885)
Instructor: Morgan A. Jordan
Wednesdays, 8:30-10 a.m.
Upper Room, CUMC
Learn to ruin movies, artwork and books for your friends and family during this course that focuses on an art rarely appreciated outside of English major circles. Join Morgan Jordan as she leads this class centered on analysis and learning to “read between the lines” in classic and modern literature, artwork and films. Learn to recognize hidden or emphasized meanings throughout the art forms each week as the class analyzes clips from past and present-day movies, scenes from Broadway, excerpts from books and poems, and a number of paintings and songs.
Class size: 6-15

Hemingway’s Short Stories (FAC 830)
Instructor: David Grote
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Upper Room, CUMC
Join David Grote as he leads this series of discussions focusing on a selection of short stories written by Ernest Hemingway between the years 1928 and 1938. Participants in this class will have the opportunity to read one or two short stories before the beginning of each class, and then to discuss them in a roundtable format as a group. After discussing the short stories each week, participants will be given the chance to try their own hands at writing in
Hemingway’s style. The one book needed for class is “Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway,” ISBN: 9780684843322. It may be purchased at Amazon or at Barnes & Noble for less than $25.
Class size: 8-15

Bocage to the Bulge: WWII Armored Warfare (HGP 856)
Instructor: Ben Lineberry
Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
Spartanburg American Legion Building
Join retired Spartanburg High School teacher Ben Lineberry as he explores tank warfare from Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge. The class will consist of lectures, guest speakers, video clips and tabletop war games.
Class size: 8-16

The Geography of Israel (LTW 850)
Instructor: James Joyner III
Thursdays, 8:30-10 a.m.
Upper Room, CUMC
This course is for the true biblical historian. Join Jim Joyner as he leads this class centered on the geography of Israel during the first century and discusses the changes that have taken place historically, culturally and geographically within the region. As a world traveler, Joyner will teach with a number of artifacts and photographs from his own archeological studies and travels. Participants will learn about the geography of Israel and gain an understanding of how its landscapes are presented in the Old and New Testaments.
Class size: 5-30

U.S. Diplomatic and Military History II (HGP 860)
Instructor: Bob Perrin
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Upper Room, CUMC
This course is a continuation of U.S. Diplomatic History 1900-1919 with a serious look at the events of the 1920s and 1930s that brought the United States into World War II. The course includes a wide-ranging look at world affairs from the post-WWI revolutions that swept much of Europe, coupled with serious economic disruptions that paved the way for Hitler’s wars against Germany’s neighbors that ultimately spilled over into our conflict with Japan that led to the massive military cooperation by the Allies. Many of the results plague us today in Asia and the Near East. This course is a continuation of a previous course, but participation in the previous course is not a requirement to enroll.
Class size: 6-20

Watercolor Basics 102 (FAC 805)
Instructor: Amy Weaver
Thursdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
Music Room, CUMC
This six-week, 2 1/2-hour course will welcome back students who have previously enjoyed Amy Weaver’s watercolor classes in past semesters. Learners in this course should have a basic knowledge of the foundational watercolor techniques and be ready to learn more advanced techniques through “see and do” group demonstrations with Weaver. Each class builds upon the previous one and is supplemented with homework. Homework assignments require an Internet connection and color printer. Drawing experience is helpful, but not required. Some materials may be required for the course, if the learners do not already own them. The class will be held on the following six dates: Jan. 12, 19 and 26, Feb. 2, 16 and March 2. Class will not meet on Feb. 23 or March 9.
Class size: 4-15

One-Time Events, Workshops and Presentations:

Join us for these one-time events, workshops and presentations this winter semester, many of which are free to Lifelong Learning members. All events have limited space. Registration is required. Register at www.wofford.edu/lifelonglearning/ or call 864-597-4415.

An Evening with ‘American Bandstand’
Friday, Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m.
McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building, Wofford College
Enjoy an evening with Jack Fisher, one of the original teenagers on “American Bandstand,” for a screening and discussion of his award-winning documentary. Refreshments will be provided.
$5 per participant in advance, $7 at the door

Without a Clue: Sherlock Holmes (A “Spoof” Screening and Discussion)
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m.
McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building, Wofford College
Join Wofford professor of history Dr. Tracy Revels as she leads a discussion on this classic Sherlock Holmes comedy. A question-and-answer session will follow.
Free to Lifelong Learning at Wofford members.

Chemical-Free Living Workshop: Green Cleaning Part I
Thursday, Jan. 9, 10-11:30 a.m.
Music Room, CUMC
Join Melissa Dunbar as she leads this hands-on workshop all about green cleaning. Learn ways to replace harmful chemicals with simple household cleaning products you can make yourself. Participants in this workshop will make their own antibacterial foaming hand soap and a simple soft scrub, safe for all ages. A small fee will cover the cost of materials and supplies.
$10 per participant in advance, $12 at the door

Navigating with the Stars: The Art and History of Using One of the Oldest Forms of Navigation
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building, Wofford College
Vikings used magnets. Many early Samoan people used a complex system made of coconuts and ocean water. Sailors from all over the world used the stars. Navigation has been a cultivated human art form since the beginning of the human race. Instructor Jim Badger, who completed navigator training while in the Air Force and studied astronomy while in college at the University of Kansas, will teach participants the early forms of navigating through oceans of uncharted waters without the convenience of modern tools. The class merges ancient history and astronomy to share the world from the eyes of ancient people as they undertook the journey that so many of us have made throughout our lives – the journey to travel afar, and ultimately, the quest to return back home.
Free to Lifelong Learning at Wofford members

Trivia Night at Wofford College
Thursday, Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m.
Montgomery Room, Burwell Building, Wofford College
Join Jack Fisher and Morgan Jordan for an evening of trivia and fun. Enjoy finger foods and drinks while you and your table compete for prizes with other lifelong learners. Participants may expect questions about music, movies, events, literature, science and popular culture of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. A few “wild card” questions will be added just for fun. Refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Bring your friends for an evening of friendly competition and fun.
$5

Love Stories through the Years
Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m.
Montgomery Room, Burwell Building, Wofford College
Join us for a celebration of love as Lifelong Learning at Wofford welcomes tales of love and affection throughout the years from its participants. Treat yourself and your date to an early Valentine’s Day celebration with a formal plated dinner. The menu for the evening will include a spinach, walnut, pomegranate and goat cheese salad; a petite filet; roasted green beans; scalloped potatoes and a raspberry chocolate tart. A cash bar also will be available.
$30 per couple ($15 single) in advance, $45 per couple ($20 single) at the door

Love Never Lost
Friday, Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Montgomery Room, Burwell Building, Wofford College
Join us for a meal and reflections on the lesser-acknowledged facets of love: grief, loss, transition and remembrance. Sue Perrin, minister of sacred traditions and rituals, will lead a candlelight ceremony after dinner in honor of remembered loved ones.
$10 per participant in advance, $15 at the door

Chemical-Free Living Workshop: Green Cleaning, Part II
Thursday, Feb. 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
Music Room, CUMC
Discover safe alternatives to common household sprays and cleaners (specifically ones commonly found in bathrooms). During this hands-on workshop, participants will make their own room sprays, cleaning sprays and sore-throat sprays. A small fee will cover the cost of supplies and materials.
$10 per participant, $12 at the door

Hawaiian Storytelling through Dance
Monday, Feb. 20, 1-2:30 p.m.
Dance Studio, Richardson Physical Activities Building, Wofford College
Join Kaleo Wheeler as she leads this workshop that focuses on an ancient form of Hawaiian storytelling — Hawaiian hula dance. Learn why hula dance is much more than a gentle, low-impact form of exercise and movement and discover the dance’s cultural and spiritual history, its connection to the Hawaiian people and its cultural system that celebrates creation, mythology, historical events and places, and Hawaiian spirituality. This dance workshop may be done standing up or sitting in a chair. No dance experience is necessary to participate. Comfortable clothing is encouraged for ease of movement. Participants will receive a CD of songs and chants from several ancient cultures aimed at guiding the listener through the Hawaiian tradition of “living the aloha spirit,” the way of the heart.
$25 per participant

Egyptian Folk Dance (Saidi) Workshop
Saturday, March 4, 1-2 p.m.
Dance Studio, Richardson Physical Activities Building, Wofford College
Join Bella Dance Studio owner Georgia Burnett as she leads this one-hour women’s dance workshop focused on the Egyptian folk (saidi) dance style. Wear comfortable clothing.
$5 per participant in advance, $7 at the door

Special Interest Events

Mystery Mondays: “Brother Cadfael”
4:30-5:30 p.m.
McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building, Wofford College
Join us for a showing each Monday of an episode of “Brother Cadfael,” the television adaptation of Ellis Peters’ famous mystery novels, starring Sir Derek Jacobi. Each episode is set in Europe between 1137 and 1145 and focuses on aspects of life in medieval England. Showings begin on Jan. 9 and continue through March 6 (no showing Feb. 6). Episodes are paired with short discussions on the episode and overall series.
Free to Lifelong Learning at Wofford members

A Winter of Western
Fridays, Jan. 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3, 3-6 p.m.
McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building, Wofford College
Join us for screenings and short discussions with various guest speakers on classic and modern Western films. A cash bar with old-fashioned sodas will be available for purchase before each film and during brief intermissions.
Jan. 13, “Rio Bravo;” Jan. 20, “Tombstone;” Jan. 27, “3:10 to Yuma;” Feb. 3, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
Free to Lifelong Learning at Wofford members

Roundtable Discussions
Wednesdays, beginning week of Jan. 9 and ending week of March 10 (no discussions Feb. 8), 1-2:30 p.m.
Holcombe Room, Burwell Building, Wofford College
Join discussion leader Jim Badger as he invites various educators, leaders, innovators and speakers to Wofford this winter for roundtable, discussions and lectures. Discussions typically include topics that range from politics and culture to history and the local community. Lunch may be purchased in the faculty serving area on the days discussions are held and eaten before or during the discussion. Please register because seating is provided on a first come, first serve basis. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to find adequate parking and to reserve your seat at the table. (Note: Jim Badger’s discussion on navigation, to be held in McMillan Theater on Feb. 1, will take the place of the roundtable discussion for that day.)
Free to Lifelong Learning at Wofford members