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Lifelong learning

Students wanted for Seniors' College

By Marilyn Smulders - January 28, 2008

Harry Whittier, who taught English literature at Dalhousie for 30 years, will teach a class on Shakespearean plays at the Seniors' College. (Danny Abriel Photo)

Sid Sodhi has missed his interactions with students ever since retiring from Dalhousie University more than 10 years ago. So, when the Seniors College was started last fall by the Association of Dalhousie Retirees and Pensioners, he was eager to get back in front of a classroom.

But seniors, he reports, are different from the undergraduates he was used to teaching. They’re incredibly keen and have lots of life experiences to bring to classroom discussions.

“They’re interesting,” says Dr. Sodhi, retired professor of special education. “They’re not afraid and they’ll tell you to check your facts.”

The Seniors College is offering a new slate of classes for people 50 years and older taught by retired professors. Dr. Sodhi, a registered psychologist, will be teaching Addiction and Addictive Behaviour in Seniors. Other classes offered are Shakespeare Plays, The Pedigree of Ideas, Women in Politics, Islam, Peace & Terrorism and Writing for Life. The winter term begins Tuesday, February 5 and continues for 10 weeks.

People can register in person on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2 to 4 p.m., in Room 208 at the Bloomfield Centre, corner of Almon and Agricola Streets. An annual fee of $120 allows students to take one or as many classes as they’d like during winter, spring and fall sessions.

More information is available by calling Dr. Sodhi at 443-3269 or Blanche Potter at 454-5554.

Winter classes

Shakespeare Plays, with readings of As Your Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet and The Tempest. Dr. Harry Whittier. Tuesdays, 2 p.m. at the Bloomfield Centre.
The Pedigree of Ideas, an overview of the great revolutions in philosophy and science in the 16th and 17th centuries. Dr. Fred Vaughan. Wednesdays, 2 p.m. in the Bloomfield Centre.
Women in Politics, an examination of women’s distinctive role in Canadian politics, with special emphasis on the Atlantic region. Dr. Naomi Black. Thursdays, 2 p.m. in the Bloomfield Centre.
Addiction and Addictive Behaviour in Seniors. Dr. Sid Sodhi. Saturdays, 10 a.m. in the Bloomfield Centre.
Islam, Peace and Terrorism, exploring the fastest-growing religious faith in the world. Dr. Jamal Badawi. Tuesdays, 2 p.m. at Keshen Goodman Public Library.
Writing for Life, a course on writing for yourself or publication. Jack Potter. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Location to be announced.

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