Topics to include changes in aging, bison genocide, global environmentalism

(Jan. 18, 2018) Salisbury University will expand its lifelong learning program in Ocean Pines after a successful launch last semester, offering more lectures at the Ocean Pines Community Center, beginning Jan. 19.

“We are delighted to introduce our many amazing Salisbury University faculty to the community of Ocean Pines,” said Mary Angela Baker, director of the Center for Extended and Lifelong Learning at Salisbury University. “This is a great opportunity to stretch your creativity, enhance your knowledge and encourage your curiosity to thrive. Our programs prompt you to meet new friends while connecting with old friends.”

The first wave of Salisbury University lectures to take place this winter in Ocean Pines is the 12-week series “Exploring the Humanities,” held 3-4:30 p.m. on Fridays, Jan. 19 to April 6 at the Community Center, located at 235 Ocean Parkway.

Topics include “Cognitive and Neural Changes in Aging,” “Genocide of the Bison,” “The Formation of Korea and Japan in the Chinese Crucible,” “Political Science & Democracy,” “US involvement in WWI,” “Global Environmentalism,” and “Hidden in Plain Sight? An Introduction to the Indian Peoples of the Eastern Shore.”

Those interested in learning to flex their creative writing muscle can hone their craft by enrolling in either or both upcoming Salisbury University writing courses in Ocean Pines.

The six-week “Creativity and the Craft of Writing” course with Fran Severn-Levy will be held 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays starting Feb. 13. The writing workshop, “Writing Your Memoir: From Draft to Craft,” with Delmarva Review editor Emily Rich will be held 9-10:30 a.m. on Thursdays starting Feb. 15.

Both courses will take place at the Community Center.

Participants in both “Creativity and the Craft of Writing” and “Writing Your Memoir: From Draft to Craft” seminars will explore personal writing and examine elements such as character development, incorporating sensory detail and writing scenes.

Salisbury University professor Dr. David Burns, who has worked for CNN and NBC News, will lead the six-week discussion, “Beyond the Box Scores: Current Issues in Sports Communication,” held 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 14 and 18, April 4, 18 and 25 and May 9 at the Ocean Pines Community Center.

Sports have recently served as a cultural platform for social change. This course covers today’s social issues through a sports lens.

“The continued excitement for these non-credit courses in Ocean Pines is helping to galvanize more lifelong learners. The benefits of lifelong learning include intellectual cognitive, social and even spiritual rewards,” said Ocean Pines Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer.

These classes and seminars are part of the “Salisbury University at the Beach” series, presented by the university’s Center for Extended and Lifelong Learning and the Ocean Pines Association.

Salisbury University, a Maryland University of National Distinction, a member of the University System of Maryland, is a regionally accredited four-year comprehensive institution.

“Individuals who are seeking knowledge enrichment from faculty who are top industry experts should enroll,” Sawyer said.

To register, visit www.salisbury.edu/cell or contact 410-543-6090. Participants can register for the entire lecture series/discussions or drop in to one or several courses.