Mini-courses: From Palestinian Culture to Ballroom Dancing
Friday, April 09, 2010
Adults can explore a range of topics at Elms College beginning in April, from ballroom dancing to Palestinian culture. The non-credit mini-courses are taught by Elms faculty and professionals from the community. There are no tests, grades, or prerequisites. Readings may be suggested, but are not required.
The schedule:
Thursdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 6 (make-up date: May 13)
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Early-bird registration March 19
Instructor: Ghada Issa, visiting scholar, Elms College
Tuesdays, June 1, 8, 15, and 22
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Early-bird registration May 14
Instructor: Tom Moriarty, professor emeritus of history, Elms College
Ballroom Dancing
Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Early-bird registration May 14
Learn social dancing in a casual and relaxed atmosphere on the Elms College campus. Each session will feature instruction for swing and waltz. No partner is needed. Have fun and exercise at the same time. Do not worry if you think you have two left feet.
Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, and 23
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Early-bird registration May 14
This course attempts to provide participants with an overview of who the Polish people are. A review of major historical events will serve as a vehicle to learning about the origin and development of the language and culture that define the Polish people today. The course will be held at at the Polish Center for Discover and Learning, 33 South Street, Chicopee.
Instructor: Stash Radosz, director of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, Elms College
Compassion: The Way to Wholeness and Peace
Mondays, June 7, 14, 21, and 28
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Early-bird registration May 14
What is the human response to AIDS, hunger, genocide, human trafficking, suffering, and the destruction of the environment? We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous, and dynamic force in a world filled with conflict, hatred, misery, violence, and war. This course will explore compassion in the context of the Jewish-Christian religious and spiritual tradition. Participants will be guided through readings from the sacred scriptures and reflections from spiritual writers on the meaning and practice of compassion.
Instructor: Fr. Warren J. Savage, adjunct lecturer, religious studies, Elms College
Lectio Divina and The Call to Discipleship
Wednesdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Early-bird registration September 17
The vocation of every Christian is to listen to God speaking in the midst of his or her life. The frequent and attentive reading and listening to the word of God allows people to hear what God is teaching them. In this course students will learn the ancient monastic practice of lectio divina, a form of biblical interpretation and contemplative prayer, as a way of deepening one's relationship with the word of God. Through reading, reflecting, prayer, and contemplation, students can learn ways to nourish, rejuvenate, and bring wholeness to their lives. Participants should bring a bible and journal to class.
Instructor: Mary Keator, adjunct lecturer, religious studies, Elms College
The fee for the mini-courses is $95, $85 for Elms alumni and early-bird registration ($60 and $50, respectively, for ballroom dancing). People may register by phone: Jane McCarry at 413-265-2490; fax: 413-265-2459; or in person: Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, Berchmans Hall, First Floor.
Registration by mail should be sent to: Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, Attn: Lifelong Learning, Elms College, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013
Courses and times may be subject to change. For additional information, contact the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at 413-265-2490 or mccarryj@elms.edu.