Life Long Learning

Elms College offers minicourses for mature adults. These are non-credit courses, with no tests or grades, and are open to all interested adults. There are no prerequisites. For some courses, readings may be suggested but not required. Classes will be held on the Elms College campus.

Registration and Fees

Course Offerings

Beginner Yoga

An introductory class in gentle yoga. Gentle stretching with awareness is combined with conscious breathing to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, relieve stress, and calm the mind.

Instructor: Maria Edwards, M.Ed., Kripalu yoga-certified

Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24, and July 1, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Required materials: block, mat, and strap, or a $25 materials fee

Ballroom Dancing

Learn social dancing in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Have fun and exercise at the same time. Don’t worry if you think you have two left feet!

Instructor: Brian Fournier, director of Jitterbugs Social School of Dance in Chicopee

There will be two sessions. Sign up for one for $40 or $45, or both for $75 or $85

Session One: Waltz and Rumba

Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Session Two: Swing and Foxtrot

Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

EBay: Basics of Buying

Learn how to successfully buy on eBay. Whether you wish to buy a few items or many, you can get started with the Basics of Buying.

Instructor: Elaine Pinkos, assistant professor, MLIS

Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ireland Before and After Patrick

What was Ireland's political and cultural life like before Patrick? What do we really know about Patrick and his missionary work in Ireland? What impact did Patrick have on the religion and culture of Ireland?

Instructor: Thomas F. Moriarty, Ph.D., professor emeritus of history

Mondays, June 2, 9, 23, 30, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Polish Traditions, Their Historical Perspectives

The course traces the roots of today’s commonly practiced Polish traditions back to their origins in Poland.

Instructor: Stas Radosz, director of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning at Elms College

Wednesdays, June, 4, 11, 18, 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Warsaw 1939-1945: The Tragic Years

This course covers life and death in Warsaw, Poland, during the German occupation of World War II. Poland, and especially Warsaw, suffered terribly during this time. The class will learn about instances of human evil and cowardice, courage and sacrifice, rescue, and human decency at a time when all human goodness seemed to have vanished from the world.

Instructor: Scott Hartblay, MSW, associate professor of social work

Thursdays, June, 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tools for Living in a Diverse World

Learn about changing demographics within the context of local neighborhoods and personal history. Deepen your understanding of culture and its importance to our survival.

Instructors: Mary Brainerd, Ph.D., program director and professor of social work,and Kent Alexander, MA, director of intercultural programming

Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Introduction to Computer Technologies

The class will explore a variety of rudimentary computer skills to enable participant to excel in today’s digital world.

Instructor: David Gosselin, Ed.D., assistant professor of computer information technology

Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Why We Need the Mystics Today

Countless people today are searching for deeper meaning in their life. This search is drawing many to a deepening understanding of prayer as an ongoing personal relationship with God. Required text: Why the Mystics Matter Now, by Frederick Bauerschmidt (available in the Elms College bookstore)

Instructor: Sr. Eleanor Dooley, Ph.D., professor emeritus of religious studies

Mondays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

An Oil Painting in Four Weeks!

In four weeks participants will learn to stretch and prepare canvas; make a preparatory drawing; do an underpainting and enhance it with color; apply various glazing and scumbling methods; and, complete the “vernissage” (final varnishing).

Instructor: Geri Brunell, MALS, associate professor of art

Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Materials fee: $15 (covers canvas, paints, brushes, and drawing materials)

The Sisters of St. Joseph: Past, Present, and Future

The Sisters of St. Joseph, founders of Elms College, have a long history of service dating back to 1650, when they were founded in Le Puy, France. This course will trace their history, spirituality, and culture from the earliest beginnings to the present, and look at their many ministries.

Instructors: Eleanor Dooley, SSJ; Mary Ferguson, SSJ; Jane Morrissey, SSJ; Kathleen Imbruno, SSJ

Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Registration Information

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Fees:
$75 Early-bird registration.
$85 Registration.

You may register:

• By phone:
  Donna Harvey at 413-265-2445
• In person:
  Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, located in Berchmans Hall, first floor
• By mail:
  Division of Graduate Studies and
  Continuing Education
  Elms College
  291 Springfield Street
  Chicopee, MA 01013
• By fax:
  Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at 413-592-4871