NASHUA – A fall course preview for the Rivier Institute for Senior Education, also known as RISE, will be 9:30 a.m.-noon Friday, Aug. 23, in the Demoulas Room of the Benoit Education Center at Rivier University.

Two five-week semesters are offered. Part One will run Sept. 9-Oct. 11 and Part Two will run Oct. 21-Nov. 22.

No learning prerequisites or tests are required. Membership is $120, and includes the use of the Muldoon Health and Fitness Center, the Regina Library and Dion Dining Hall.

One of the courses offered is Geopolitics and Conflicts, taught by John Penasack.

Penasack is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who also is retired from BAE Systems.

Penasack said the course originated “because I had been accumulating Internet and print documentation since 2006 in my quest to gain a greater insight into international and nation events, since I felt the media’s coverage of events was too superficial, and generally without a depth of analysis to understand root cause or possible ramifications of the events. …

“Since I felt I was gaining a much greater insight into events, I felt I would share my findings with RISE students, and began the course with the hope that the presentations would stimulate the students into realizing how geography influences the political actions of nations and how our government reacts.”

A course on American Quandaries is taught by Tim Root, adjunct professor at Rivier.

“What we attempt to do in the course is to connect some of those founding documents – i.e., in particular, the Constitution, which we make available in booklet form thanks to Senator Kelly Ayotte’s assistance – with some current events in which America plays a part or is in a ‘quandary,’?” Root said. “We work from a baseline of topics developed in the Foreign Policy Association’s annual ‘Great Decisions’ text and DVD; that includes spirited intelligent dialogue on the topics in that annual. Although dated, it allows us to … develop and evolve the most current pertinent topics.

“We then attempt to locate local presenters of merit that can shed intelligent specialized light on the various topics the U.S. might be participating in or is dealing with. As the amalgamation succeeds, we open up the internal class or meeting discussion to flush the subjects out.

“All points of view are welcomed and encouraged. The audience is not hesitant to offer the most pointed questions. … We tend to try to move the contents as needed to the most pressing issues of the moment, when we can.”

RISE courses are not credit bearing. There is a choice of five courses each term. Also included are choices of moderate exercises and water exercises.

The RISE program, tailored for “learning in retirement,” is in its 16th year. People older than 55 are welcome to learn more about RISE, preview courses and register with a check at the course preview.

Course brochures can be obtained at the RISE office in Room 237 in Sylvia Trottier Hall or by downloading them from the RISE website. They are also available at local libraries and senior centers.

For more information, call
897-8623 or visit www.rivier.edu/rise or www.facebook.com/RISE1997.

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