Have you ever wanted to study a great American literary classic, learn more about digital photography, get a better understanding of the medicare and medicaid system, knit something beyond a scarf, or get tips on how to downsize a home after retirement? If so, a series of short courses offered by the Marion campus will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge base in as many as 15 subjects for only $50.

The Learning Enrichment Institute (LEI) is a program of Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University at Marion that offers individuals 50 years of age and older the chance to broaden their experience through a schedule of short-term, non-credit courses that promote creativity, free thinking, and personal growth and development. LEI combines the educational resources of the area’s two institutions of higher learning with community organizations and dozens of volunteers to offer two terms (fall and spring each lasting approximately five to six weeks) of programming that meet the diverse needs and interests of 50+ adults.

Spring course offerings vary. There are a total of 15 learning courses to choose from. Sign up for an unlimited number for a $50 fee. All spring 2009 class sessions fall between March 30 and May 18. Course registration deadline is March 25, 2009.

Visit www.marion.ohio-state.edu/pdfs/LEIschedule.pdf for detailed information on a complete list of courses or to download the course registration materials, or call Terri Martin at 740.725.4014 for more details or to have a course brochure mailed to your home.

LEI is a community service/outreach effort modeled after more than 600 successful ''Elderhostel'' programs across the country. LEI is a member of the official Elderhostel Institute Network.