There is nothing quite like a new, slightly stiff backpack, shiny notebooks filled with crisp white paper and lethally sharpened pencils to ignite the thirst for learning. While the sound of a school bell may be a faint memory, these items could still be useful if you register for the fall semester at Penobscot Valley Senior College.

“But don’t let the word ‘college’ keep you from joining us,” said Stan Marshall, PVSC executive director. “The classes are more about discussion and the desire to learn new things than about a lecture. There are no tests or grades. It’s really about the joy of learning new things with people around the same age.”

PVSC has been in operation for several years, and is available to anyone age 50 and older. No previous college experience is required to be eligible for a course, and there is no pressure.

“Just come and join the conversation and hear the thoughts and opinions of your fellow classmates, and share your own,” said Marshall. “It’s very give-and-take.”

The six-week fall semester runs on Fridays, from Sept. 30 to Nov. 4, with two-hour morning or afternoon sessions. Membership is $25 for the year, and each course is $30. Class schedules are available through the senior college office and Eastern Agency on Aging. The courses are varied enough to suit everyone’s taste, said Marshall.

And there are perks of membership. For instance, members receive a notice of each semester’s class schedule two weeks before the general public, along with an invitation to each of the free one-day programs.

So just what are some of the topics can you learn about this fall?

If you have an interest in the stock market and investments, Understanding Mutual Funds, taught by Stan Marshall, would be a good choice. Setting realistic personal investment goals and the role of stocks, bonds and cash “to meet objectives” will be discussed.

Archaeology of Maine: Life before the Europeans, taught by David Sanger, will explore the history of Maine’s natives. The time frame will be from the glacial period to the 17th century. A field trip to a local archaeology site is included.

The Garden in Autumn, taught by Allison Keef, will be held in her garden in Hermon, weather permitting. She will offer demonstrations, labor-saving techniques, water conservation tips and methods to extend the gardening year.

Topics in 20th Century Bangor History, presented by Sara Martin and others, chronicles historical events in the Queen City, such as the Al Brady shootout, the Great Fire of 1911, Bangor’s road system development and urban renewal.

Do you like to read autobiographies? Literature of Woman’s Lives, taught by Nancy MacKnight will explore “letters, memoirs, journals and diaries, as well as formal autobiographies.”

Ever wonder about the impact humans have on marine life. Register for Introduction to Marine Biology, taught by John Dearborn to find out. No prior background is necessary. Marine plants, animals and “functional groups of organisms” will be discussed. This class will be held at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community in Orono.

Senior College can pique anyone’s interest, and it’s never been easier to attend, with classes in several locations.

For information on Senior College or a full list of courses and locations, visit www.mainecenteronaging.com. You may also call 581-1947, but be aware it’s a message phone only. Simply leave your name and phone number, and your call will be returned promptly.

“Curiosity is the word of choice people use when describing the reasons for taking the classes,” said Marshall. “It’s a chance to interact with people who may share similar life experiences and who have lived in relatively the same time frame.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at EAA. For information, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or e-mail us at info@eaaa.org.