Courses

Lifelong Learning Institute Membership

SIUE offers programs designed for a lifetime of learning and personal growth. Expert presenters provide insight on a range of topics covering history, culture, art, current events, health and nutrition. Membership for the semester is $45 per person, per semester with the option to buy campus parking.

February 4, 2026 to May 6, 2026, Morris University Center

Catching Up with the Lifelong Learners

Lifelong Learning Members are encouraged to attend this first session. Not only will we take some time to catch up with one another, welcome new members, and discuss Lifelong Learning Institute updates for the semester, but we will also complete administrative tasks and paperwork so you can make the most of your membership.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Understanding Shia Islam: Faith, History and Heart

Join us for a welcoming and thought-provoking introduction to Shia Islam, designed especially for curious minds in a safe and comfortable setting.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Morris University Center, Oak/Redbud Room

Ancient Civilizations of Pre-Columbian Mexico

Dive into the rich and mysterious world of Pre-Columbian Mexico-a land shaped by powerful civilizations long before European contact.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Morris University Center, Oak/Redbud Room

A Solo, A Storm, A Chance to Steal Away

Award-winning filmmaker and author Nicole Franklin's latest project is the children's book, Ella's Sunday Song, a story she co-wrote with her mother, musician Irene Franklin.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Is Russia Fascist? Lessons from the Occupation Zone

This session investigates the debate over whether modern Russia exhibits fascist traits by comparing its policies and practices with historical examples.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Building Techniques, Methods and Materials City of Edwardsville, Illinois early 19th Century - focusing on the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson and Weir Houses

A brief history of the early development of the City of Edwardsville, these two homes, the materials and methods used to build them, and the people who lived in them, will be presented.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

The Secret Life of Tires: Uncovering a Hidden Water Pollutant

Learn how tires transform into unseen environmental hazards.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Severe Weather in the St. Louis Region - Past, Present, and Future

This presentation will examine past severe weather events in the St. Louis region, the atmospheric ingredients that result in severe weather, how to stay safe during severe weather, and explore how severe weather may change in the future.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Did Lincoln Start the Civil War

Join us for an engaging presentation exploring our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and the question of whether his actions were the cause of the Civil War.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Breast Cancer, Menopause, and Mental Health

Dr. Kelly Gable will share aspects of her lived experience navigating breast cancer treatment and early menopause, with a focus on the often-forgotten mental health care needs of women navigating cancer, perimenopause, and menopause.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Becoming a Stop on the Pollinator Pathway: Practical Guidance on Welcoming Butterflies, Bees, and other Pollinators to your Yard

This talk will focus on practical guidance for choosing spaces and plants as well as tips to certify your gardens as an official stop on the Pollinator Pathway.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

Emerging Alzheimer's Therapies

Explore the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer's treatment, highlighting innovative drugs that offer new possibilities for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Forest Park Owls: Hiding In Plain Sight

Mark's talk, "Forest Park Owls: Hiding In Plain Sight", will cover how he found these owls, basic facts about the species, and uses many of his photos and videos to illustrate these amazing behaviors of these beautiful birds.

This course contains no sessions
Click here to submit a question or be notified about the next scheduled program.

A Brief Introduction to Armenian History and Culture

The presentation will give a brief introduction to Armenian culture and to significant highlights in Armenian History, including the Armenian Genocide.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Morris University Center - Legacy Room

Both (or Neither) Southern and Northern: 19th Century St. Lous, MO as a Fusion of Cultures

We will examine 19th-century St. Louis, Missouri, as a fusion of cultures, geography, and economies. Missouri, and especially St. Louis played a role as a contested space between regions.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Morris University Center - Legacy Room

The Art & Science of TV Weathercasts

A TV meteorologist for 15 years, Mark Geldmeier will talk about what it takes to forecast weather, put together a broadcast, and deal with the pressure and personalities of live TV.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Morris University Hickory Room

DNA for Detectives: Genetics in Criminal Investigations

Learn about some of the ways that DNA is currently used to help solve old and new crime investigations.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Morris University Hickory Room

Finding the Voice Within the Song

Through live demonstrations and discussion, this talk offers an inside look at how performers transform notes and words into compelling storytelling.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a Social Work Perspective

Presented by a Bachelor of Social Work practicum student and the SIUE Practicum Education Coordinator, this session will provide an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing relevance in social work and mental health settings.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Plagues R Us

This lecture will look at a few of these heath disasters: The Black Death, Yellow Fever of 1793, Cholera in St Louis 1849 and The Spanish Influenza of 1918. We will examine causes, cures, and effects on the population (the local population included).

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room

Mason & Dixon and Gravity: How Two Surveyors Mapped the American Frontier and Wound Up Weighing the Earth

In this presentation, I will discuss how the remarkable precision of 18th century surveying and the scientific rigor of two surveyors led to this often-overlooked discovery.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Morris University Mississippi Illinois Room