PROGRAM CORNER
By Kathryn Russell, Program Committee Chair
N OW THAT REGISTRATION HAS ENDED, all we have to do is sit back and anticipate the beginning of an exciting fall term at OLLI. When your confirmation letter arrives, however, you may find that you’re on a waiting list for an oversubscribed class. Or you may find you have time in your schedule to add another class or two. This is the time to check out the list of “open” classes. You’ll find some real treasures here that perhaps you hadn’t considered.
     Take a close look at the literature and languages classes that are typically smaller, allowing for more student/teacher interaction than the large lecture courses. One of these, “More than the (W)right Stuff” (F405), is taught by Mason professor Keith Clark, who previously brought us a popular course on the writings of August Wilson and Toni Morrison. Prof. Clark is a dynamic teacher, one of Mason’s best, who engages his audience with his warm, conversational style as well as his depth of scholarship and knowledge. You won’t want to miss this very special instructor.
     In addition, you’ll find plenty of mental gymnastics in some of the other fine literature and language courses, among them, “Shakespeare’s Coriolanus” (F404) and “The Fifties Zeitgeist in American Short Fiction” (R411). Also think about challenging your brain with one of our language courses. Some OLLI members will be interested in a new language course, “Advanced Conversational Spanish” (F503). Or look at “Conversational Spanish” (R504).
     The Reston location offers some other very attractive possibilities as well. Have you ever found yourself unable to attend a National Park Service class? Then this is your opportunity to take “WWII to Cold War” (R310). Park rangers Michael Kelly and Brad Berger will bring history alive for you. If the civil war holds your interest, “Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley” (R313) also offers a bus tour of historical sites in conjunction with the course. Or learn more about “George C. Marshall: An American Leader” (R312), which features a related field trip. The Philosophy/Religion group is offering “Questions of Value” (R606) and “Messianic Prophecies of Hebrew Scriptures” (R605). 
     If the Loudoun site is your major destination, you’ll find more possibilities for filling your schedule. Here you can explore “Basic Computers” (L810) and learn some pointers on investing in “Back to Basics” (L208). Or do a little “virtual” traveling in “Trip Tales” (L903) and “Land of the Midnight Sun” (L970).
     As you can see, you still have many opportunities to fill out your schedule with some very fine undersubscribed classes at all three locations. Just fill out one of those “add” forms in the office, or go to the OLLI Member Portal and find “Register/Add course” on the login page under the pull-down menu “Courses.” Then get set for a fantastic fall term at OLLI.
     Next week: Special Events you won’t want to miss.

Upcoming Mason performances, Sep 4-13

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