WE’RE BACK for another semester and better than ever!
- Over 20 classes available at one low fee
- Participate in live online classes with interactive discussions
- Six days of lectures each week for a six week period
- Recorded classes mean you never miss a class.
Winter Semester dates
Start: Monday, January 25, 2021
End: Friday, March 5, 2021
How do I become a member of Senior University?
You can register by clicking below. The cost is only $50.00 per year. That’s as little as 13 cents a day.
How do I enroll in the Fall semester?
You can enroll online by clicking below Participate in our live online classes and get access to video recordings of the presentations to watch at your convenience.
Winter 2021 schedule
Read below for a brief description of each class.
Monday Mornings
The Archaeology of Texas and the Southwest: An introduction | 9:00 am-10:00 am
Instructor- Thomas Williams The archaeological record of Texas and the Southwest encompasses a diverse and exciting range of prehistoric sites. This course will examine a wide range of important discoveries as it moves both chronologically and geographically through the region. Starting with the earliest groups to arrive, we will examine the hunter-gatherer groups of the Paleoindian and Archaic periods before exploring the rise of complex social and political systems. As an introductory course, it will provide you with an overview of the region and how humans have adapted and thrived here for over 20,000 years.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
 | Available on-demand |
Intermediate Spanish-Group 1 | 10:30-11:30 am
Instructor- Gloria Gonzalez. This will be a continuing course in conversational Spanish by Senior University faculty member Gloria Gonzalez. This course is designed for those who have completed the entry and early-Level Spanish courses. The conversational study will revolve around the educational La Catrina video series.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
This class is restricted in size due to the nature of the learning style. Senior University is offering this class on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Information and disinformation in the digital age | 10:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor- Fred Stein. The class will explore the definition of “Information” in our new Information Age. Topics covered will include Information Elements, Forgery and Con Schemes, Deceptions/Social Engineering, Impacts on Political Campaigns, and Digital Advertising.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Monday Afternoons
Harnessing the Wind. America’s Golden Age of Sail | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Instructor- Todd Clayton
The commercial sailing ship of the early 1800s opened world travel opportunities to the common man. Your horizons were no longer limited to the few miles around your city or farm. Turn your watches back 150 years and transport yourself into the minds of your ancestors deciding how to go from Liverpool to New York, Philadelphia to Boston, New York to the gold fields of California the fastest way…by sea. We will explore life aboard a sailing ship (for both the crew and passengers), how sailing technology eventually gave way to steam, how sail and steam aided in California’s development, how lighthouses evolved, and we’ll see how all of this impacts commercial shipping and competitive sailing today.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Self-care from A – Zzzz | 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Instructor- Holly Doggett.
In this course, we will cover the alphabet of ways that we can practice self-care. From self-care BINGO to exploring the five senses, we will find explore ways that we can better care for ourselves socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Tuesday Mornings
Growing Brain Cells Through Mindfulness | 9:00 am-10:00 am
Instructor- Erik Leslie. Learn one of psychology’s best and most amazing skills as you will experience how to use your attention and focus to build new neural connections throughout your brain. Learn why mindfulness is quickly becoming one of the best ways for many people to reduce stress, increase happiness, and boost the efficiency of their brains. This is an interactive and experiential course with exercises and discussions. (Similar to class offered in 2020 Fall Semester).
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Intermediate Spanish-Group 2 | 9:00 am-10:00 am
Instructor- Gloria Gonzalez.
This will be a continuing course in conversational Spanish by Senior University faculty member Gloria Gonzalez. This course is designed for those who have completed the entry and early-Level Spanish courses. The conversational study will revolve around the educational La Catrina video series.
“Es hora de repasar tus habilidades de habla hispana”
This class is restricted in size due to the nature of the learning style. Senior University is offering this class on Mondays and Tuesdays.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online
Central Texas Lawn and Garden | 10:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor- Kate Whitney.
Join us for a fun class to learn all about lawn and garden care in Central Texas. This course will cover shade gardening, lawn care, native and adapted plants, basic irrigation fixes, tree care, and container gardening. The course will be taught by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Williamson County Master Gardener Association.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
7 Habits of Highly Effective Seniors | 10:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor- Walter Bradley
This class is modeled after the Franklin-Covey program “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Dr. Bradley is a certified facilitator and has taught seminars for the faculty at Texas A&M and Baylor Universities. In this six week course, students will study Habits 1-3 and 7 on personal effectiveness. The principles studied will be the same as in Covey’s book, but the applications considered will be for seniors. These principles will help seniors recognize and take advantage of unique opportunities that retirement offers to identify and pursue meaningful and purposeful goals, while mentoring our children and grandchildren in these critical life skills.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Tuesday Afternoons
6 Masterpieces: Method, Meaning, and Context
2:00 pm-3:30 pm
This course is 90 minutes in length.
Instructor- Karen Pope., PhD.
Six Masterpieces: Method, Meaning, Context is an immersive lecture series by Karen Pope that examines six major works in the canon of western art history, considering the qualities that have made them major monuments in cultural history — technical achievement, significance in their own times, meaning for future artists and mankind in general.
This course is a compliment to the 2020 series of 6 great works
Week 1: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021- Augustus of Prima Porta, 20BC
Week 2: Tuesday, Feb 2, 2021- Pala d’Oro (San Marco, Venice), 976ff
Week 3: Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021 Bernini, The Ecstasy of Teresa, 1650
Week 4: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021- Gauguin, Vision of the Sermon, 1888
Week 5: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021- Rodin, The Burghers of Calais, 1884ff
Week 6: Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021- Chicago, Dinner Party, 1974ff
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Computer and Information Security
4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Instructor- John Jenkinson.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Any and all of these basic human rights can be taken away by our current cyber environments. This course will provide practical examples and how-to’s to help protect our wealth and loved ones from the ever-evolving cyber environments. Cyber space is becoming more real than real, actions leave a digital trail, breach incidents make the evening news. Use this course to become more aware, be better prepared, and increase understanding.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Wednesday Mornings
Great Decisions 2020 | 9:00 am-10:00 am
This class is limited in size to 30 students
Instructor- Jay Pierson.
This class is patterned after Great Decisions 2020, by the Foreign Policy Association. The instructor will post information on the Senior University web-site prior to every class. Some preparation will aid in the open discussions.
Week 1: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021-Climate Change and the Global Order
Week 2: Wednesday, Feb 3, 2021-Red Sea Security
Week 3: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021-Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Week 4: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021-U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle
Week 5: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021-China’s Road into Latin America
Week 6: Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021-Artificial Intelligence and Data.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Family Issues managing long-term care | Steve Gonzales
9:00 am-10:00 am
Instructor- Steve Gonzales.
This class will help families identify resources and options to effectively plan for, navigate and manage caregiving situations for the best possible outcomes, achieving the highest possible level and quality of care, while minimizing stress and limiting negative impacts on the person needing care and the people who love them. We will discuss the physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial aspects of caregiving and present resources and solutions to help mitigate the negative impacts on family. We’ll also talk about Housing, Insurance Benefits and government benefits including the often-overlooked benefits available for Veterans and surviging spouses.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
Introduction to Genealogy Research | 10:30 am-12:00 pm
This class is 90 minutes.
Instructor- Ken Pinter.
If you believe that it is important to know something about your family roots, this course will introduce you to the tools and techniques needed to begin your genealogical research journey. You will find out what it takes to be a researcher. You will hear ideas about how to plan and implement your research and where to find information. You will then learn about ways to organize and document your findings, create tree diagrams, and ultimately pass this heritage on to others. Finally, you will see demos of the various free and for-fee online and offline data resources available to you.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Mars II. A Tale of Two Planets | 10:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor- Hank Haliasz.
This class presents excerpts from Hank’s upcoming new book (same title), and is a sequel to his 2019 course and book, “Martian Year 500 – The Second Beginning.” An ancient bacterium has reached Mars from the recently-destroyed planet Earth, and poses new problems for the Martians, who are in the process of preparing to terraform Mars. See how life on Earth may have really begun, and learn how the remaking of the current nature of Mars back to an Earth-like nature is planned. Will it work, how long will it take, and how might the newly-arrived life-form impact the plan?
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
Wednesday Afternoons
Teachable Moments: Jesus’ Parables-Part II
2:00 pm-3:00 pm
This class is limited to 30 students
Instructor- Matthew Laurents.
In this course, Matthew Daude Laurents, Ph.D., analyzes Jesus’ parables in the synoptic gospels and discusses the challenges of translation-as-interpretation. The exploration includes a discussion of the meaning, structure, and historical context of the parables through a close reading of the Greek text. Matthew will provide all the Greek you need! Matthew also examines Jesus’ teaching “style” as a critical element of the impact of the parables on his audience as well as contemporary readers. This is Part-2, following the 2020 Fall Semester class.
This live online six-week course is presented using Google Meet. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Man. Moon. Decade. Future | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
This class is 90 minutes.
Instructor- Richard Wagoner.
This course will examine the history of America’s Space Program. New information about the birth of the program has come to light as well as operational details of missions, research and the program’s ultimate goals. The first 5 classes will examine a different era or program (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo). Questions from the early years of the program will also be discussed, e.g., Instead of the first satellite being the Russian, Sputnik, what could the U.S. have done to be the first in space?) The final class will cover the future of manned space flight.
This live online six-week course is presented using Google Meet. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Available on-demand |
American Traitors | 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Instructor- Christy Wolf.
A background investigation and a top secret clearance does not constitute fidelity to the United States. Meet several Americans who chose to “sell out”, whether for money or ideology to other governments, causing the loss of American lives and our nation’s security. You, as the taxpayer, bear the expense to recreate new methods and technology to re-establish our nation’s protection. Learn the choices these individuals made and what has been done to try to prevent its reoccurrence.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Thursday Mornings
Worldwide Travel | 9:00 am-10:00 am
Instructor- Multiple Instructors. WORLD WIDE TRAVEL POTPOURRI
Week 1: Thursday, Jan 28, 2021–Africa, Tom Mulhearn will tell about his work in Africa with voluntary organizations: Catholic Relief Services and World Vision. They are helping to promote literacy, better health conditions and economic independence. He will introduce us to the environs and the culture of the people in Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia.
Week 2: Thursday, Feb 4, 2021-Continental Divide USA. Robert and Karen Kooken hiked 1200 miles on one of the 8 national scenic trails. They will share their experience in small towns and on the wilderness trail from the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico to Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
Week 3: Thursday, Feb 11, 2021-Germany and Austria. Andy and Michelle Goerdel introduce us to the Rhein River and its many castles, Munich and the Romantic Road. In Austria we will visit Salzburg, the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp, Vienna, and the Traunsee.
Week 4: Thursday, Feb 18, 2021-Spain. We will join Irene Keaton on a 500 mile hike on the Pilgrimage of the Way of St. James. Starting in France we see medieval towns, Roman bridges, farms, forests and vineyards. In cities such as Pamplona, Leon and Burgos we visit gothic churches, castles and famous buildings before arriving at Santiago de Compostla, Spain.
Week 5: Thursday, Feb 25, 2021-CENTRAL AMERICA. We will join Irene Keaton on a 500 mile hike on the Pilgrimage of the Way of St. James. Starting in France we see medieval towns, Roman bridges, farms, forests and vineyards. In cities such as Pamplona, Leon and Burgos we visit gothic churches, castles and famous buildings before arriving at Santiago de Compostla, Spain.
Week 6: Thursday, Mar 4, 2020- South Pacific Islands. RUSSIA Paul and Sue Olmsted share their experience in working and living in southern Russia, Moscow, and tropical Siberia. He cites the contrast in the cultures of east and west which the typical tourist would not be exposed to.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
Be “In the Know” Senior non-profit resources in Georgetown, TX | 10:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor- Multiple Instructors.
We are enjoying this wonderful time in our lives but as we age things can happen that we didn’t anticipate and they happen quickly. This class will be a review of the wealth of senior resources available in this area. Each week one of six non-profit representatives will share information about their respective organizations. Informed with these facts you can assist your family as well as your neighbors and friends.
Week 1: Thursday, Jan 28, 2021–Adult Protective Services, by Martha Guerrero
Week 2: Thursday, Feb 4, 2021-Alzheimers Reminiscence Program – The Power of Music, by Jim Kenton
Week 3: Thursday, Feb 11, 2021-Opportunities for Williamson / Burnet Counties, by Lauren McAndrews
Week 4: Thursday, Feb 18, 2021-Area Agency on Aging, by Rhonda Thompson
Week 5: Thursday, Feb 25, 2021-Faith In Action, by Vickie Orcuff
Week 6: Thursday, Mar 4, 2020- Aging In Place, by Virginia Lazenby
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
Birds in Your Backyard…and Beyond | 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Instructor- Martin Byhower.
What are the birds you see in your backyard? What should you feed them (and NOT feed) them, how can you attract them, and how can you encourage them to nest in your yard? And what birds can you see when you venture to local parks, nature trails and other nearby habitats? What are some tips for identifying these birds and recording your data using field guides and/or smartphone apps and online resources? Martin will discuss all of these questions and more in a series of 5 presentations, including slides, videos, and discussion.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Thursday Afternoon
Local and Historic Texas | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Multiple Instructors bring you a wide variety of rich and traditional Texas history, in a brief six week class. A potpourri of both well-known and perhaps little-known topics will both educate and intrigue you with a wealth of Texas’ unique history. From a home built in 1855 and today serving as a museum, to early newspapers in the Republic of Texas, and on to the infamous Texas Rodeo Legend Bill Pickett, enjoy this unique 6-week class and become more knowledgeable of some Texas history right outside your door.
Week 1: Thursday, Jan 28, 2021–First Encounters: When the Conquistadors Met the Karankawa”, by Kaitlin Lloyd-Leva (Bullock Museum)
Week 2: Thursday, Feb 4, 2021-“Spoke to Hub: The Neill-Cochran House Museum and the Changing Face of Austin”, by Rowena H. Dasch
Week 3: Thursday, Feb 11, 2021-“Poppies and Progress: Williamson County in WWI”, by Ann Evans, Research Librarian, Georgetown Library
Week 4: Thursday, Feb 18, 2021-“Too Much Ain’t Enough: A Brief History of Texas Music”, Dr. Jason Mellard, Tx St Univ, San Marcos
Week 5: Thursday, Feb 25, 2021-“The First Editorial Killing in Texas”, by Gary B. Borders, author
Week 6: Thursday, Mar 4, 2020- “The life of ‘Bulldogger’ Bill Pickett, the ‘Dusky Demon’, by Gerald Anderson, great nephew of Pickett
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
China Today | 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Instructor-Li-hua Yu. presents six topics to help students understand contemporary Chinese social, political, and economic systems, based on how modern China has evolved from a backward country to become the second economic power in the world. Some of China’s controversial future issues will also be discussed.
Week 1: Thursday, Jan 28, 2021–Introduction to China, basic information and facts
Week 2: Thursday, Feb 4, 2021-A look at major Chinese cities to understand some specific detailed facts about China
Week 3: Thursday, Feb 11, 2021-How the Chinese Communist Party came to power
Week 4: Thursday, Feb 18, 2021-The principles of governing by the CCP in China today, and how the people react to this powerful government
Week 5: Thursday, Feb 25, 2021-China’s economic power, and how it has been achieved
Week 6: Thursday, Mar 4, 2020- Will Biden’s administration have a better relationship with China?
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Friday Morning
Welcome BACH | 9:00 am-10:00 am
Instructor-Barry Williamson.
Led by Dr. Barry Scott Williamson, Artistic Director of the Texas Bach Festival, this course will review the life and work of one of history’s most extraordinary composers, Johann Sebastian Bach. We will cover the period of his life, from his birth in 1685 to his death in 1750, and his incredible compositional output, focusing on his cantatas, oratorios and concertos, with additional insights offered through Dr. Williamson’s work with TBF’s weekly “Bach to the Future” radio show and the 2021 Texas Bach Festival.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
Women Who Changed the World | 10:30-11:30 am
Instructor- Sam Smith.
Six stories of women who made contributions that changed the direction of history during their lives. These contributions represent various disciplines.
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
Saturday Morning
Russians in the Movies | Anthony Triola
10:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor- Anthony Triola.
We will review how Hollywood depicted the USSR in movies, from the 1960’s to Present Day. Each class will take a genre of movie and assess reality vs artistic license, from mannerisms to costumes, to the spoken language (which is often very bad). We will look at the historical vs the hysterical!
This live online six-week course is presented using Zoom. A link to attend the online class will be provided two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
| Also available on-demand |
If you have any questions, contact us at: admin@senioruniv.org | 512-819-7680