LEWISTON — The Senior College program at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College will present 23 courses in the spring semester, March 25 through May 17.

Now in its 15th year, the upcoming semester includes both new and continuation courses, ranging from astrology to Newtonian physics. American folk art, French and Spanish languages, computer basics, anthropology, Maine units in the Civil War, religion in America, and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, as well as others described below, will also be offered.

Open to all persons age 50 and older and their spouses, the courses will be presented by peers, with no entrance requirements, grades or tests. An annual Senior College membership fee of $25, valid from Sept. 1, 2012, through Aug. 31, 2013, is required and provides access to the computer lab and library and to Senior College courses at other USM campuses.

The course fees, which include the cost of most books and materials, are $25 each for the first two courses and then $10 for each additional course. All classes are held during the day at L-A College, 51 Westminster St., except as noted below.

The Spring 2013 semester course offerings are as follows:

“The Antique Maine Cape Cod Home,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for six Mondays, March 25 to April 29. Instructor Lew Alessio is a consultant and a restorer of his own 18th century Cape Cod home in Greene.

“Advanced Conversational French,” 1 to 3 p.m. for eight Mondays, March 25 to May 13. Instructor Ann P. Anctil. This course is for persons who already speak French but wish to improve their conversational skills.

“Springtime for Comedy,” 1 to 3:30 p.m. for six Mondays, March 25 to April 29. A choice selection of some of the best film comedies will be hosted by instructor Ralph Tuttle.

“The Humor of Dave Barry,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for four Tuesdays, March 26 to April 16. Instructor David Bernier will emphasize the well-known humorist’s approach to American history, national politics, guys and adulthood.

“History of Religion in America,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for eight Tuesdays, March 26 to May 21. No class on April 16. Instructor Alan Elze. Repeated by popular demand, this course looks at religion from the Pilgrims to the present day.

“Plants and Civilization,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for eight Tuesdays, March 26 to May 14. Instructor Edward G. Corbett. This course explores the role of plants in the development of our planet’s civilizations.

“Special Destinations,” 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. for six Tuesdays or Thursdays in two sections. Section A meets April 2 to May 7. Section B meets from April 4 to May 9. Class leaders are Pat Vampatella and Dot Rupert. The classes travel to various historical sites, museums and places of business. All entrance fees are met by Senior College; lunch and travel are the responsibility of the participants.

“Basic Conversational French,” 1 to 3 p.m. for eight Tuesdays, March 26 to May 14. Instructor Ann P. Anctil. This course is for beginners.

“Getting the Most From the LPL,” 1 to 3 p.m. for four Tuesdays, April 2 to April 23. Instructors are Lewiston Public Library Director Rick Speer and key staff members who will provide a guide to current services and public events.

“American Folk Art,” 1 to 3 p.m. for six Tuesdays, March 26 to April 30. Instructor Kirsten Larsson-Turley. This course will study American Folk Art of the past 250 years, and will include a field trip.

“Anthropology: The Cultural View,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for seven Wednesdays, April 3 to May 15. Instructor Mark Silber. This course surveys cultural differences and universals, and the relationships between different types of societies, while reviewing various human behaviors.

“Making Memories Come Alive,” 1 to 3 p.m. for eight Wednesdays, March 27 to May 15. Instructors Rosanne Ducey and Pauline L. Fortin. Experience memoir writing with a congenial group.

“What is Your Astrological Sign?,” 1 to 3 p.m. for four Wednesdays, March 27 to April 17. Instructor Jeannine Roy. Are our lives written in the stars? Astrology can be a tool for understanding yourself and others.

“Computer Basics,” 1 to 3 p.m. for six Wednesdays, March 27 to May 1. Instructor Peter Blake. This course provides a basic introduction to computers through email and Web browsing.

“The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for eight Thursdays, March 28 to May 16. Instructor Charles W. Plummer provides Lincoln’s understanding of American politics, his position on slavery and the abilities that enabled him to lead our nation through the Civil War. This course will be held at Schooner Estates in Auburn.

“Masterpieces from American Film Directors,” 9:30 a.m. to noon for six Thursdays, March 28 to May 2. Instructor John Serrage will present six outstanding films created by American filmmakers.

“Espanol: Practicando y Platicando,” 1 to 3 p.m. for eight Thursdays, March 28 to May 16. Instructor Barbara Oliver continues her Spanish language course to include unique customs and restaurant dining.

“Your Truth is Written in Your Heart,” 1 to 3 p.m. for four Thursdays, March 28 to April 18. Instructor Jeannine Roy. This course will help in developing self-awareness.

“What I Learned While Teaching in China,” 1 to 3 p.m. for six Thursdays, March 28 to May 2. Instructor Alan Treworgy. Repeated by popular demand, this course will concentrate on the ways changes in China affects its culture, schools and students’ lives.

“Maine in the Civil War: The Interconnected History of the 2nd and 20th Infantry Regiments,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for eight Fridays, March 29 to May 17. Instructor Andrew Hall continues his previous study of Maine units at Gettysburg with the histories and unusual connection shared by two regiments.

“Beyond Newton,” 1 to 3 p.m. for four Fridays, March 29 to April 19. Instructor Hugh Keene. This course will examine modern scientific theories as related to the concepts of classical physics developed by Isaac Newton.

“Freedom of Religion in America,” 1 to 3 p.m. for eight Fridays, March 29 to May 17. Instructor Rabbi Hillel Katzir. This course will discuss how the religion clauses to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution impact our lives.

Course registration is by mail only with registration closing Friday, March 15. Registration forms are available at the Senior College office and can be downloaded from the website. Some courses have limited enrollment and early registration is encouraged. The course schedule information as shown above corrects the previously issued catalog.

For more information call 753-6610 or visit usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege.

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