GOSHEN — The Lifelong Learning Institute of Elkhart County provides stimulating and affordable short courses in many fields for active seniors. There are no tests or grades, and no previous studies or degrees are required.

The spring Lifelong Learning Institute course brochures are available at the Goshen College Welcome Center and the Greencroft Goshen Community Center.

Course descriptions can also be found online under Sign Up for Courses.

Registration may be done online at the LLI website or at the Goshen College Welcome Center, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen.

Registration may also be made by phone and paid by credit card by calling (574) 535-7566.   

The seven spring courses are:

Julius Caesar (Goshen College Mainstage Play) 9:30-11 a.m. Feb, 29, March 2-4 in Jennings Auditorium, Greencroft. Study “Julius Caesar,” his classical tragedy, via selected texts, DVD scenes, and a full length performance.

Water—Essential for Life, 1-2:30 p.m. March 8, 10, 15 and 17, in Jennings Auditorium Greencroft. Explore the role water plays in lives: why water is essential to life itself, where it came from, and what essential role it plays in agriculture, weather, energy production, and industry. There will also be a brief look of how water is used in various religions. 

The Art and Practice of Jewish Spirituality, 3-4:30 p.m. March 21, 23, 28 and 30, in Jennings Auditorium, Greencroft. Explore the roots of the sacred in everyday life, the ways in which both divine presence and divine absence are expressions of the spirit, and the truth that life is meant to be lived in the here and now.

Children’s Literature: Lessons for Life, 10-11:30 a.m. April 4, 6, 11 and 13, Jennings Auditorium, Greencroft. The world of children’s literature is a rich treasure to explore with thousands of wonderful books for toddlers through teens. Whether you relate to children as a grandparent or in a myriad of other relationships, you will still enjoy exploring books for the younger set. You may even be inspired to write your own story to share.

Spring Wildflowers, 1-4 p.m. April 25 and 27, May 2-4, Reith Nature Center, 410 W. Plymouth Ave. Join wildflower enthusiasts in leisurely and educational wildflower walks. Plan for leisurely walks of approximately one and a half hours, all at a leisurely pace and returning by 4 p.m. Reserve both Fridays as “rain-dates.” 

Hymns of the Western World and Beyond, 1-2:30 p.m. May 9, 11, 16 and 18; (on May 11, 1:30-3 p.m.), Jennings Auditorium. The poetry and music of hymns will be the emphasis of this class. They will be supported  and enriched by examples of visual arts (painting, sculpture and architecture) that are related in historical period, style, or subject.

Theology, Economics, Law, & Psychology, 10:15-11:45 a.m. May 25 and 27 and June 1 and 3, Jennings Auditorium. What should you know about each of these four disciplines? This key question will be addressed by a practitioner in each of these fields. The practitioners will also discuss how conventional wisdom sometimes misrepresents their disciplines. Class members are invited to help guide the discussion with their own questions about these fields.