Religions of the East, the American Revolutionary War and successful money management are among the topics offered through the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement’s College for Seniors fall term beginning September 17. The program, for adults age 50 and older, is designed to make learning fun when full-time work is over, says Cissie Stevens, program director. The college, now in its 13th year, has no grades or tests and little, if any, homework.

A record number of 47 courses will be offered this fall: 23 will take place at UNCA, 13 at First Baptist Church, eight at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, and one each at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and Montford Community Center. One class, "What’s New in Asheville," will take place at various locations around the city.

As in past terms, traditional liberal arts and several computer courses will be offered. The fall session also offers a number of experiential classes, such as fitness and wellness for life, beginning and continuing piano, releasing inner creativity, College for Seniors choir, creative writing, T’ai Chi Ch’uan and theater dance. Innovative classes include "A User’s Guide to the Senior Brain," "Patterns in Nature: Why Things Grow the Way They Do" and "The Literary Jesus."

Program instructors are fellow retirees with expertise in a particular field and UNCA faculty members.

College for Seniors classes meet September 17-November 15. The $110 membership fee includes classes, admission to College for Seniors special events, a parking decal, and ID card, UNCA library privileges, and publications of the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement. For more information or an application, call the College for Seniors at 828/251-6384.