Discover the real people behind the characters in Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.” Learn more about neuroplasticity and the aging adult brain. Contribute to discussions about how we can save our planet. Gain an understanding of war and peace in the Balkans, the Cold War, and the re-emerging competition between Russia and the West.

These topics and more comprise a varied roster of courses that begin in February. Coastal Senior College, a part of the Maine Senior College Network, offers stimulating courses ( with no tests or homework ) three times a year for those who enjoy lifelong learning. Brief summaries of each of the seven winter term courses follows. For complete information on registration, instructors, courses, events and programs offered by CSC, visit www.coastalseniorcollege.org

On Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 3 to March 2, Louis Sell returns to CSC to teach War and Peace in the Balkans: Cold War, Ethnic Conflict, and the Return of Russia, which combines historical scholarship and the personal insights of the instructor, who lived over eight years in the Balkans in times of both war and peace. Class will be held at UMA Rockland Center for four sessions, with no class on Feb. 17.

On Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 to March 10, Arnie Aho teaches Form in Nature and Design. New material and lectures have been added to this course on the archetypal patterns that form the foundations for harmony and beauty in both nature and man-made forms. Discover the underlying origins for the common themes and basic patterns that are compositions of materials and energies in space.Class meets at the Skidompha Library in Damariscotta for six sessions.

Two classes meet on Wednesdays. In the morning, Jayne Gordon offers The Alcott Family: Little Women and So Much More from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 12 to March 4. The former director at the Alcott’s Orchard House will lead discussions about the fictional Marches and the real Alcott family members. Class meets at the Friends Meeting House in Damariscotta for four sessions.

On Wednesday afternoon, Steve Raymond, admissions director at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle and a specialist in senior care, teaches Optimizing Brain Health: Good News From Evidence Based Science from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 5 to March 25. Students will learn about current brain research and life practices and types of cognitive training for optimal brain health. Class meets at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle for eight sessions.

On Thursday afternoon, Maryann and John Ward both offer classes; Maryann’s Jane Austen for Adults meets from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 6 to March 12 in the Media Room at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle. Students will read and discuss “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma,” and “Persuasion,” noting Austen’s sharp observations on family life and dynamics. At the same time and dates, John will teach The Worst Are Still “Full of Passionate Intensity,” Right? at Friends Meeting House in Damariscotta. Both courses meet for six sessions.

On Friday morning, Paul Kando returns to CSC to teach Yes We Can! Meet Everyone’s Needs and Save the Planet Too from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 7 to March 13. An advocate for energy and sustainability, the instructor will lead an exploration of ideas for creating a new economy that meets the needs of every member of society while respecting the limits imposed by Planet Earth. Class meets at the Friends Meeting House in Damariscotta for six sessions.

Each course costs $35 and registration is easy. Print a registration form from our website or use the form included in our print catalog and mail it in, or call our administrative affiliate UMA Rockland Center at 207-596-6906 to sign up by phone. CSC membership, which includes activities like our upcoming Bicentennial Brown Bag Lunch Series open to and free for members, is $25 yearly.

Please note: If you wish to attend any or all of the Brown Bag series, registration is by email only at CSCSignup50@gmail.com. UMA Rockland Center is not handling any signups for this series - see details about speakers and topics at www.coastalseniorcollege.org or in our print catalog.