Bluffton University's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retirees, is offering nine courses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this spring from March 26-May 7.

Cost to take three or more courses is $80. Individuals may take one or two courses for $30 each. Registration and, if applicable, course fees are due at the time of registration. Most classes will meet in the ILR classroom, located in Shultz Hall of Riley Court on campus.

To register or for more information, contact Janet "J.P." Schumacher, ILR director, at 419-358-3346 or [email protected].

Spring courses include:

They Measured the World-and Almost Everything Else
Mondays 9-10:30 a.m.
A look at the historic delineation of the Mason-Dixon Line, plus the 18th-century survey of the Paris meridian and the Great Survey of India, which determined that Mount Everest was the world's tallest peak

Mark Twain: His Life and His Work
Mondays 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
A portion of the course will focus on Twain's "Huckleberry Finn." Ken Burns' film about the legendary writer will serve as a backdrop.

Cities of the World
Mondays 1:30-3 p.m.
Following an opening-week presentation about the Caribbean island of St. Kitts will be sessions on Hiroshima, New York City, Edinburgh, Istanbul and Delhi.

Simple Techniques to a Better Me
Wednesdays 9-10:30 a.m.
Topics will include balance techniques and heart health.

Music Appreciation
Wednesdays 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Discussion about composers, both past and present, will mix with performances by guest musicians.

Colloquium
Wednesdays 1:30-3 p.m.
Among the topics are hydroponic farming in Putnam County, the Native American flute, building a health clinic in Tanzania and aspects of poetry.

Shakespeare Movies: Take Two
Thursdays 9-11:30 a.m.
Films to be screened include "Henry V," "Othello," "The Merchant of Venice," "As You Like It" and "The Taming of the Shrew."

Woodworking 101
Thursdays 1-3 p.m. in the woodworking shop at Maple Crest Senior Living Village
The class, which includes a $10 material fee, is an introduction to woodworking using hand and power tools. Participants will make cutting boards, cooking utensils and other items.

Origami
Thursdays, April 12 and 19, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The individual course fee is $15, plus a $5 material fee. Participants will learn how to make a variety of origami (paper-folding) creations.