Scholars learn a "Smorgasbord" of lessons outside the classroom

RELEASED: July 5, 2007

[Editor's Note: Katt McGinley '09, a psychology major from Taylorsville, Ky., wrote this feature.]

DANVILLE, KY— In addition to regular academic courses, GSP students have the opportunity every week to attend classes that fall outside the usual realm of study in an exciting part of the program known as Smorgasbord.

The classes allow the Scholars to discover 20 unique areas of interest they likely can explore only at GSP. "Traveling Young and Cheaply Through Europe," "Left-Handed Crocheting," "Step 101," and "Mrs. Manners' Guide to the 21st Century" are among the exciting and unusual courses from which students can choose.

Smorgasbord gives Scholars the opportunity to interact with their instructors in a more relaxed setting than the typical classroom. In order to enhance the casual nature of the classes, some of the instructors meet with their students outside the classroom. For example, Genny Ballard, assistant professor of Spanish at Centre, taught "Mexican Food Preparation" in the basement kitchen of Nevin Hall. Ballard also brought her own children, allowing her cooking students to form a more personal bond with her than is possible in traditional classes.


The Scholars look forward to the weekly Smorgasbord, enjoying both the material being covered and the laid-back atmosphere of the classes. Check out GSP CENTRE for access to pictures, blogs, video and information on other exciting GSP activities going on around Centre's campus.

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Consumers Digest ranks Centre No. 1 in educational value among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.