Emeritus College, The College of St. Scholastica’s program for lifelong learners, will offer several courses throughout the region beginning in April.

Emeritus College is a program of continuing education designed to enrich the lives of adults in relaxing environments free from the demands of examinations and assignments. Most courses meet for 90 minutes once a week for six weeks. Registration costs $38 for a six-week class, with a $5 discount off each additional class taken; text and materials fees are not included. Registration costs for classes in other formats are as listed below. For more information call (218) 723-5940 or toll free (800) 447-5444, extension 5940.

In addition to the regular complement of classes, Emeritus College will offer:

Songs and Speeches of the Civil War
This one-day event is offered at 1 p.m. Friday, May 4, in Mitchell Auditorium at The College of St. Scholastica. Robert Trentham will present the songs that inspired and comforted a divided nation at the time of the Civil War. Coupled with speeches and social commentary from the 1860s, “Songs and Speeches of the Civil War” offers contemporary audiences a glimpse into the past with such familiar tunes as “Dixie’s Land,” “Goober Peas,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” This event is sponsored in part by a grant from the Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation.

Mayfest: A Celebration of Learning
This one-day event features a luncheon and three presentations on Tuesday, May 22, in Storm’s Den, Tower Hall, at The College of St. Scholastica. Admission is $18 including lunch. The schedule and presenters:

9:45 a.m. “Criminal Gang Activity in our Community” with Sgt. Dan Chicos of the Organized Crime Bureau, Duluth Police Department.
10:45 a.m. “Tales of Spirit Mountain: A Narrative History of Duluth” with Anne Crooks, local historian, award-winning writer, author and newspaper editor.
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Musical entertainment provided by Tim Sandor, Sandy Williams and Alex Sandor, pianists and ragtime enthusiasts from The Lake Superior Ragtime Society.

The Spring 2007 Emeritus College class schedule:

DULUTH
Topics du Jour
Discover poetry and fiddle playin’ Alaskan-style, open an old book and end with a good laugh. Six unique lectures with six instructors. All Topics du Jour classes meet from 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays in Somers Lounge on campus. April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7. Fee: $38.

April 2: “Poetry and Fiddle Playing, Alaskan Style” with Ken Waldman, poet and musician
April 9: “Aches and Pains: A History of Physical Therapy Methods,” with Jena Ogston, assistant professor of Physical Therapy at The College of St. Scholastica
April 16: “A Look Inside the Book in the 15th Century” with Bill Hodapp, associate professor of English at The College of St. Scholastica
April 23: “Music: Touch the Heart … Touch the Soul,” with William Bastian, instructor of music at The College of St. Scholastica
April 30: “William Butler Yeats and the Birth of the Irish Free State” with Thomas Zelman, professor of English at The College of St. Scholastica
May 7: “Humor: The Short Course” with Julie Ahasay, instructor of Communication and Theatre Arts at The College of St. Scholastica

How WWI and WWII Changed Us
Consider how World War I, World War II, and the Cold War profoundly altered people’s attitudes and the way of life in Europe and America. This class will explore and compare the worlds of 1900, 1950, and 2000 and examine changes in the arts, society and government.

10:30 a.m. to noon April 18, 25, and May 2, 9, 16, 23. Fireside Room at Westwood Senior Apartments on the campus of The College of St. Scholastica. Instructor: Jerry Sandvick. Fee: $38.

Pipe Organs of Duluth
Visit six different sites with pipe organs in Duluth and share in the uniqueness of several different instruments and manufacturers. Sites include Sacred Heart, Pilgrim Savior’s Lutheran, and First United Methodist. Transportation available on a limited basis for an additional fee.

10 to 11:30 a.m. April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10. The group will leave promptly from the Westwood Senior Apartments, The College of St. Scholastica and return there after each class. Fee: $38

TWO HARBORS
1939: Hollywood’s Best Year - A Film Course
Survey a variety of films produced in what most scholars agree was cinema’s greatest year.

2 to 4 p.m. April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 8. Two Harbors Public Library, 320 Waterfront Drive. Instructor: Nathan Carroll. Fee: $38.

SILVER BAY
Around the World in Music
Reach a greater understanding and appreciation for both our “western” musical roots, and the rich traditions of other peoples from around the globe as you explore world musical cultures, performance traditions, instructional methods, and instruments from various ethnicities and cultural groups.

10 to 11:30 a.m. April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2, 9. United Protestant Church, 17 Horn Blvd. Instructor: Joshua Aerie. Fee: $38.

VIRGINIA
Homer, Joyce, Ulysses: A Triple Treat
Explore three of 18 sections of Joyce’s “Ulysses” and consider Homer’s at the same time.

2 to 3:30 p.m. April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7. Virginia Public Library, 215 South 5th Ave. Instructor: Samuel Black. Fee: $38.

Emeritus College courses are made possible in part with the support of the Minnesota Humanities Commission, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minnesota State Legislature.