Revamping Senior’s College
Popular college teacher returning after year hiatus
After a year off to catch up on his workload, one of P.E.I. Senior’s College’s most popular instructors is back in the classroom.
Rev. Dr. Andrew Richardson of Trinity United Church in Summerside will be hosting two courses this year.
“We are thrilled to have him back,” said Georgina Clow, president of Seniors College of P.E.I. “He is one of the best loved facilitators we have, with a sparkling intellect and an easy way with people.”
Richardson has a doctorate of divinity from Columbia Seminary. He was shortlisted two years ago for consideration for the post of moderator of the United Church of Canada.
He says he took a year to absorb
a higher workload at his church after the congregation went from two ministers to just himself. But he’s looking forward to being back in the classroom at his Summerside church, teaching religious history and sociology.
“It’s the students themselves. I love to see people learning just for their own curiosity – and especially older students, and women in the courses, because sometimes they come from a background where they weren’t encouraged to learn, but to conform to social roles instead.
“Just because you are in you 60’s or 70’s or 80’s doesn’t mean you give up on your thirst for knowledge, in a world where there’s been a bit of a dumbing down of the social discourse.”
This fall, Richardson will teach and explore the history of the Holocaust.
“I want to explore how it was that such a terrible thing could take place, in an otherwise decent society. I want to work through the role of a social bystander and the moral and ethical context of that time. I think it’s particularly interesting, given the age of Trump we are in, and the ethical dilemma he poses for many people.”
Richardson has developed more than two-dozen courses for the college over several years. His winter course will be the history of Christianity.
The P.E.I. Senior’s College is entering its third decade with more than 100 courses on offer across the province. Courses are open to anyone 50 or older. Enrolment is $160 and allows students to take an unlimited number of courses over one calendar year.
It will also feature a revamped course schedule and easier online registration.
Clow said the college has spent the past few months changing out a fifth of their courses. It has also more than doubled its short courses so active seniors can participate on a timeline that fits their schedules.