Some 48 courses will be offered this spring: 27 will take place at UNCA, 11 will take place at First Baptist Church, five will take place at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, and six will take place in other locations, including the Botanical Gardens and the Montford Community Center.

Classes focusing on current events include "The Spread of Muslim Political Power," "International Issues," "Patterns in Terrorism" and "Islam: Second Largest Religion Worldwide." The four courses on local culture include "The History and Culture of the Southern Appalachian Region," "Southern Appalachian Music and Dance," "Further Exploration of the Handcrafts of Western North Carolina" and "Learning About Southern Appalachian Plants."

As in past terms, traditional liberal arts and a number of computer courses will be offered. The spring session also offers many experiential classes, including bird watching, choral singing, photography, T’ai Chi Ch’uan, tap dancing and yoga.

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

College for Seniors classes meet March 18-May 17. The $110 membership fee includes classes, admission to College for Seniors special events, a parking decal, UNCA 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, 828/251-6384.