Germs, Book of Job, Connecticut River Topics of Spring WILL Courses

We live in a world of germs; multitudes of them live in our own bodies. While some cause many infectious diseases, they also help digesting and processing the food and fight off tooth decay. How is this possible?

During the Spring 2012 semester, William Firshein, professor of molecular biology and biochemistry emeritus, will discuss the myths and realities of these pathogens as part of the Wesleyan’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL). Germs are Us, is just one of the seven courses offered this spring by the institute, housed in the Wasch Center for Retired Faculty on Lawn Ave.

WILL provides educational opportunities outside of formal degree-granting programs to members of the broader community. WILL classes are taken for interest, not for credit. Classes are small with an informal atmosphere. Faculty include Wesleyan faculty, emeriti faculty, and similarly qualified members of the community.

The course offerings cover the arts, social sciences, literature, science and mathematics.

Other Spring 2012 WILL courses include:

• Exploring the Challenges of Personal Finance
• Machiavelli Revisited: Arch Villian, Immoral Politician, Father of Political Science?
• The Book of Job
• Legacies in Words: An Introduction to Memoir Writing
• The Saturday Institute for Lifelong Learning: Rolling on the Connecticut River
• Happily Ever After

Enrolled students will have access to the academic resources of Wesleyan University, including Olin Library. Classes are conveniently scheduled in the afternoons and early evenings. Parking is available and classrooms are accessible. Classes will be quite small, with a few exceptions, allowing close interactions between instructors and students.

To obtain a course order form and register by mail via check, call Elizabeth Dagnall at 860-685-3005 or e-mail edagnall@wesleyan.edu. You may also register and pay on-line. Sessions cost between $50 and $130.