LEWISTON – The Senior College program at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College will offer five new courses in its fall semester from Sept. 20 through Nov. 12.

The offerings will focus on a reading study of selected Maine authors, an American literature course on writings of William Faulkner and Eudora Welty, a series of field trips to area points of Maine historical interest, an intermediate computer course, and a further visit with British monarchs.

The courses are open to all persons 50 or older and their spouses. The cost of a course is $25 after a mandatory annual membership fee of $25. For those interested in registering for more than one course, a reduced fee of only $10 will be charged per additional course. All classes will be held at the L-A College on Westminster Street.

The course descriptions for the fall schedule are as follows:

Maine Authors: This course features a selective grouping of four novels as chosen by instructor Laurie St. Pierre. Attendees will read and discuss works by Stephen King, Tess Gerritsen, Gerard Robichaud and Laurie Breton. Cost of books is covered by the course fee. This course will meet every two weeks from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Sept. 22.

Special Destinations – Points of Interest: Learn about local history the way you always wanted school to be, every class a field trip. Join tour guide Dot Rupert in visits to The Shaker Village, Poland Spring, Longfellow House, Pineland Center, The Norlands and the Bowdoin College Museum. Members will provide their own transportation and all admission costs are covered by the course fee. Trips are scheduled for Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

British Monarchs Unbuttoned: This course was first presented last fall and many people were unable to be registered. So here is another chance to join instructor Barbara Randall as she repeats her popular subject, the history, foibles and triumphs of the British royal families through the ages. Randall is a member of the Senior College Advisory Board and a retired English literature teacher from Edward Little High School. The course will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday mornings.

Computing for Seniors – Microsoft Excel: This intermediate course will concentrate on the basics of Excel, a spreadsheet program for financial matters. Students will develop skills enabling them to do household budgeting, expense tracking, and basic business accounting. Participants are expected to have a knowledge of Windows and basic mouse and keyboard skills. The course is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays from Instructor Wayne Hollingworth has taught computer courses at various educational institutions, including Senior College.

American Literature: Faulkner and Welty: Instructor Lincoln Ladd, returning to Senior College with another focus on major American authors, will bring to life William Faulkner’s “Absalom, Absalom” and a collection of short stories by Eudora Welty. The course will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays.

Senior College is part of the Center for Extended Academic Programs. No previous college attendance is required. Providing stimulating learning opportunities and special activities for people 50 or older, Senior College is an affiliate of the Elderhostel Institute Network. Call 753-6510 for more information on enrollment and course offerings.