| 1. Only courses added or updated since the beginning of the current term are listed below from most recent to the oldest. 2. Please bookmark this page so you can check it frequently. 3. Click on the course title to register. |
| Science and Technology - Human Factors and Ergonomics - Added 3/20/25 | Stephens | Wed, 3/26/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| In this course, we begin by reviewing the history of human factors applied to familiar examples such as the design of telephones and computers for human use. We then examine the tools which have been used and some of the newest ones. Among the tools is the use of sophisticated simulations and simulators and artificial intelligence. We will then work though some examples by looking at difficult and frustrating tasks that class members have or are experiencing. When we encounter problems with human controlled technologies we have tools to correct them. This process is referred as human factors, human engineering or ergonomics.. There are many applications such as driving an automobile, medical practices and procedures, smart phone/ smart TVs, performing repetitive tasks on production lines, and design of consumer products. Traditionally, for jobs such as flying an airplane we attempted to select the most capable pilots and intensely trained those who didn’t excel at the protocols involved in flying. Since the 1940s emphasis has been given to altering tasks to fit users abilities. Today we utilize a systems approach and artificial intelligence to make tasks user friendly. | Philosophies and History of Religions - Philosophy of Humor - 1 Makeup - Added 3/17/25 | Howard | Thu, 3/27/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Makeup class for one missed earlier in Spring Term. | Topical Issues - The Agency: A History of the CIA 1 - Added 3/5/25 | Hautanen | Fri, 3/7/25 | 2 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $7.50 |
| The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is America’s premier intelligence organization, charged with keeping constant watch in an increasingly dangerous and unstable world. This series of courses is based in part on lectures by the historian Hugh Wilford from his course: The Agency, A History of the CIA. This first course provides the context for its formation following World War II and it early activities in the 1950s. | the Arts - History of the Musical Instruments 2 - Added 3/5/25 | Satterfield | Fri, 3/28/25 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $10.00 |
| This two-week course is a follow-up to the Fall Term course A Brief History of the Musical Instruments. The course will pick up with string instruments. Attendees will have a chance to listen to historical predecessors of these instruments, as well as other unusual instruments that have now fallen out of usage. The course will include a lecture component, presented by Dr. Sarah Satterfield, as well as an abundance of music listening. | Topical Issues - The Agency: A History of the CIA 2 - Added 3/5/25 | Hautanen | Fri, 3/28/25 | 5 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $18.75 |
| The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is America’s premier intelligence organization, charged with keeping constant watch in an increasingly dangerous and unstable world. This series of courses is based in part on lectures by the historian Hugh Wilford from his course: The Agency, A History of the CIA. This second course picks up where the first course ended in the 1950s. It covers the next two decades included both disasters and victories for the Agency. Come back Summer Term for the rest of the story. | History and Geography - The Barcas (Hannibal's Family) in Spain - Added 2/5/25 | Holloran | Thu, 3/6/25 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $7.50 |
| Following the defeat of Carthage in the 1st Punic War one of its generals, Hamilcar Barca invaded the Iberian Peninsula with his young son Hannibal and his son-in-law, Hasdrubal the Fair. After several years of conquest much of the Peninsula was theirs. After the deaths of his father and brother-in-law, Hannibal Barca assumed command. He promptly besieged and sacked a Roman protectorate seaport, Saguntum, initiating the 2nd Punic War. This course is based in part on lectures by Professor Eve MacDonald from her course, Hannibal The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome. Her lectures will be supplemented with maps and YouTube videos. | Topical Issues - Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 1 - Added 2/4/25 | Team | Tue, 3/11/25 | 4 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $15.00 |
| Cults are more common than we may want to believe, but learning about them is the best way to limit their power and control over our community, our loved ones, and ourselves. This course is based primarily on lectures by Wind Goodfriend who is a professor of experimental psychology at Buena Vista University and other online sources. | Science and Technology - Portable Solar Generators - Added 2/4/25 | Wright | Tue, 4/29/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| What would you do if unable to access electricity? You would be unable to cook, run medical equipment, etc. This recently occurred in Florida when the state experienced two major hurricanes in the Fall of 2024. In addition, the U.S. could be attacked with an EMP electromagnetic bomb. This course will provide information to avoid this loss of power and review other types of generators, pro & con. Students are encouraged to attend in person, as the instructor will bring in materials for us to view; of course online attendees will see them via Zoom. | Special Event - Board Meeting - Added 2/3/25 | Howard | Tue, 4/22/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Health and Better Living - Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 2 - Added 2/3/25 | Team | Tue, 4/22/25 | 2 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $7.50 |
| Completion of Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 1. The fee paid for that course includes this course, or $7..50 for anyone who did not pay for Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 1. | Special Event - Board Meeting - Added 1/20/25 | Howard | Tue, 1/21/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Special Event - Board Meeting - Added 1/20/25 | Howard | Thu, 2/20/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Special Event - Board Meeting - Added 1/20/25 | Howard | Thu, 3/20/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | History and Geography - The Islamic Golden Age - Added 1/6/25 | Hautanen | Fri, 1/10/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| The Islamic Golden Age was a period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the Islamic world. It is typically dated from the 8th to the 13th century. During this time, the Muslim world was ruled by various caliphates, and major cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba, which became great centers of learning and culture. Explore this time and place with us via The Great Course: The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age by Eamonn Gearon of Johns Hopkins University, and other supplemental sources. | Topical Issues - Liberty on Trial in America, Cases that Defined Freedom - Added 1/6/25 | Bunker | Fri, 2/7/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This series of lectures is from The Great Courses given by Professor Douglas O Linder, Professor of Law from University of Missouri-Kansas School of Law. We have previously heard him in Great Trials of World History & the Lessons they Teach Us. This course examines fascinating trials that have defined the meaning of liberty in America. The focus is on individual Americans and the stories of their fights for liberty—liberty as they saw it and felt it. The course travels through American history, from the Anne Hutchinson 1637 trial for daring to challenge Puritan authorities to the new and surprising visions of liberty being championed today. It has great reverence even today with the political climate of divisiveness, the rule of law and how it pertains to individual liberties. | History and Geography - Medieval England - Added 1/6/25 | Reilly | Thu, 3/6/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| After the end of Roman occupation, England emerged as the dominant political entity on the island of Britain. The island’s geography favored the broad, fertile plains of the south and east over the more rugged terrain of the so-called Celtic fringe in the north and west. The development of the English government produced a country that was more orderly and more responsive to public opinion than any other state in Europe. As unlikely as it may seem, a unified English kingdom was the product of the chaos of repeated barbarian invasions. As we follow the birth and growth of the English state, we will meet not just kings and queens, but also the ordinary men and women who lived through this period of change. This course utilizes the Great Courses: The Story of Medieval England by Professor Jennifer Paxton. | History and Geography - Our Founding Fathers - Added 1/6/25 | Reilly | Thu, 4/10/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| Last Fall, we studied some great American Presidents. Now, let’s look back before America was born and learn about the great men who debated, argued, persuaded, and negotiated their way to the birth of the United States. In the process, they created the U.S. Constitution. These men —Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, and many others—are larger than life in our collective memory, having near-mythical status. Similarly, The U.S. Constitution is the oldest continually operating instrument of government anywhere in the world. It serves as the backbone to the world’s most powerful democracy. Yet, few among us realize just how turbulent, contentious, even suspenseful the process was to draft and ratify it. This course utilizes The Great Courses: America’s Founding Fathers, by Professor Allen Guelzo |
*Senior Learners, Inc., sponsors events offered by non-profit organizations, such as the CF Foundation and its Appleton Museum, which the Board considers will be of interest to our students.
| info@seniorlearners.org (352) 239-8780 |
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IMPORTANT Please do not contact CF personnel about any Senior Learners, Inc. courses. Senior Learners, Inc. is independent of CF. We have the use of a classroom and support the CF Foundation with donations. If you have any questions about our courses or operations, please contact us: info@SeniorLearners.org, (352) 239–8780.
Printed 3/21/25.