Coastal Senior College, serving Lincoln and Knox counties, is offering 11 winter courses this season. Classes begin the week of Jan. 13. Find more information about CSC Winter Term classes at coastalseniorcollege.org.

“Our Wits, Their Genes. Epidemics and Infectious Diseases,” taught by retired physician Jonathan Gold, addresses one of the most pressing questions of our time: Why do epidemics suddenly emerge, take us by surprise and disappear only to return again? This course examines the evolving relationships among hosts (us, with our natural defenses and wits), microorganisms (them, with their clever genes) and the environment. Class participants will look at literature to see how past generations experienced, endured and understood the trauma of epidemics. Instructor Gold says, “Our understanding has led to spectacular advances in basic science, medicine, public health and even concepts of reality, but the intense trauma of epidemics remains unchanged.” This class will be taught via Zoom.

Gold has worked in a variety of roles in internal medicine, infectious diseases, refugee medicine and geriatrics. During the AIDS epidemic he was involved in patient care and research into the cause and infectious complications of HIV.

Class discussions in Coastal Senior College courses offer an opportunity to learn and connect with other students who are primarily 50 and older.

Seven of the other classes in the winter courses series will be offered online, and three will be offered in person in Damariscotta and Newcastle. Information about Coastal Senior College and the winter courses can be found at coastalseniorcollege.org.