Courses for January

Courses for January-March 2007

An Introduction to the Human Experience

Through an interdisciplinary exploration of art, dance, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion and theatre, students will analyze human experience and examine their values. Some outside reading will be required.

Conversational Italian

This course will provide an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing in Italian, with an emphasis on developing basic conversational skills.

Understanding the Issues: The Middle East - Why the Hatred?

This course will be designed to provide input and discussion relating to the Middle East and it’s relationship with the West. Area of primary interest will be concentration on the history and culture of the area with emphasis on the major events leading to a negative view of the West.

A History of American Foreign Policy (new course)

An exciting, new and unusual approach to American foreign policy. This course will study the period from the present to the past. We will look at the leadership of the 14 men who changed the office of the presidency and American foreign policy over the last century. The 20^th century saw an unprecedented expansion of U.S. power and presidential power, and we will examine the men, their visions and the leadership skills as well as their successes and failures in American foreign policy from the present back to 1900.

Introduction to Computers

This is an introductory class for the beginner. In this course you will learn how the computer works and how to get started with Windows. Students will learn to write a letter, save a file, print, as well as cut and paste. You will learn how to make a folder and delete an unwanted file. Surfing the Internet will also be covered.

Maintaining Your Computer

This course is a must for those wanting to keep their computer running smoothly. Topics covered include installing updates, defragmenting, deleting unnecessary files, checking your hard disk for errors, speeding up your computer, installing Spyware and Virus protection, firewalls, saving files, backing up your data, installing and removing programs, copying and moving files.

Spirituality and Personality

Many famous psychologists have expressed their views on religion and spirituality. Some consider it an essential aspect of human growth, others reject religion altogether. This seminar will examine how religion and spirituality influence personal development, with an emphasis on differences across the lifespan and between cultures.

Book Study: Evil and Guilt

Featuring the theme of evil and guilt in short works of literature by Tolstoy, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, and others; novel: The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne . Anthology available through Great Books Foundation - 800-222-5870. Also available through Amazon or eBay

Digital Camera Pictures

This is a hands-on course that teaches unloading pictures from your digital camera to your computer. You will learn what can be done with them including sizing, cropping and adjusting contrast and brightness. Finding, organizing and renaming the picture files will also be covered. You will build collages and a slide show. A camera will be provided.

Creating Your Own Web Page

This class will introduce you to creatng your own web page such as one that provides information about yourself, business, family or hobby. You will design, build and then upload it to the internet so that it can be accessed from any computer. You will learn how to obtain yor own domain name such as www.mybusiness.com . Web space for the class will be provided.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Learning to draw on the right side of the brain will help you to think and see in a creative manner. Drawing is putting lines and marks on paper to produce an image. Drawing is a skill that can be learned with a willingness to really look and practice. It is as universal as handwriting and provides a great deal of pleasure. 1st day supplies provided by instructor, some materials to be purchased.

Personality Throughout the Lifespan

An overview of general personality development across the lifespan, and the theory that middle age is the most important time for development (most psychology courses focus on early childhood). Also included in the course will be some of the psychological and neurological effects of old age.

Understanding the Issues: The Politics of Spin

This course will consist of in-class lecture and discussion. We will examine the history and use of 'spin' in politics with emphasis on presidential politics. We will analyze how politicians of both major parties use spin to gain support for their positions and how to recognize if and when a candidate is trying to confuse or mislead. Throughout the course we will examine the use of spin by our politicians and study its effects on the way we think and the decisions we make. This class will include a study of the ten logical fallacies most commonly used by spinners.

A History of American Foreign Policy Since 1900

An exploration of the political, economic, cultural and strategic forces that have propelled the United States into an international powerhouse. This course is designed to help the student grasp the fundamentals of American foreign policy and to examine the challenges, problems and institutions pertinent to the making of American foreign policy.

Landscape Design

Learn the fundamentals of landscaping. the first two sessions will include classroom instruction on soil analysis, plant selection, companion planting, composting, and organic gardening. The next two sessions will consist of designing and choosing the right plants for your own design. The last class will be an on-site, hands-on demonstration designing and planting a new bed.

Teaching Your Grandchildren to Read

How to teach your grandchildren the alphabet and prepare them to read at an 8th grade level going into kindergarten.

Spanish for Beginners

"Hola!" Let's have fun learning the basics of conversational Spanish. Suggested book, 'See it and say it in Spanish' by Margarita Madrigal, ISBN # 0-451-16837-2, $6.99. Order from any bookstore or www.penguinputnam.com . "Hasta la vista! See you there."