Mini Courses
Choose from expert-led courses in personal finance, languages, photography, and health and wellness to take the first steps to accomplish your goals and improve your life through learning.
Mandarin Chinese
Online | 12 hr | Saturdays, 10 am-12 pm
$79 Individual
Take your first steps into the most widely spoken language in the modern world, Mandarin Chinese! Whether for fun or travel, these courses will give you the foundation you need to start communicating in spoken Mandarin. We will highlight Chinese historical and cultural insights while learning the language. Through practicing dialogues and common phrases you’ll find that speaking Chinese can be a breeze!
Register
Instructor
 |
Alexandria Matson Mandarin Chinese Instructor |
Alex Matson (孫冉 Sūn Rǎn / 孫老師 Sūn lǎoshī) has been studying Mandarin since 2008 and graduated with bachelor’s degree in China Studies and History. Apart from American schooling, Alex also studied Mandarin at the Chinese Culture University and the National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Taiwan. Alex has worked in corporate training for the past 5 years, instructing adults of diverse ages and backgrounds on a daily basis.
reviews
"These classes did a brilliant job to reinforce and expand my learning. I am very thankful for the opportunity." - Paul
"The instructor was very professional and very prepared for class. She is an asset to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside!" - Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 Student
"Nice program, very enjoyable!" - Julie
FAQ
What resources do I need for this class?
This class will take place using Zoom. In order to participate in this course you must have a computer, access to the internet, and an up-to-date web browser. If you are unsure or need assistance, please contact Javan Pham at minicourses@uwp.edu or 262-595-2498.
What background knowledge is necessary?
None! Whether you are looking to learn a new language for your own personal enrichment or even to expand your professional resume, our classes are intended to be introductory level.
Do I need to start with the first level?
Our language courses are intended to be taken in order and have offerings starting in the spring and fall. If you feel that you are able to start at a higher level, we will consider the opporunity on a case by case basis. Please contact us at minicourses@uwp.edu to inquire.
Mandarin Chinese I | Sep 18-Oct 23
Sep 18, 25 and October 2, 9, 16, 23 | 10 am-12pm
Take your first steps into the most widely spoken language in the modern world, Mandarin Chinese! Whether for fun or travel, this course will give you the foundation you need to start communicating in spoken Mandarin. We will highlight Chinese historical and cultural insights while learning the language. Through practicing dialogues and common phrases you’ll find that speaking Chinese can be a breeze!
Register
Mandarin Chinese II | Nov 6-Dec 11
Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 and Dec 4, 11 | 10 am-12 pm
Cement your language fundamentals and take your Mandarin Chinese learning to the next level. Learn more about the history of different regions of the Chinese speaking world and their cuisines! Be able to discuss likes, dislikes, and hobbies. Begin to converse more comfortably in Chinese by expanding on previously learned sentence structures and growing your vocabularies!
Register
Mandarin Chinese III | Jan 22-Feb 26
Jan 22, 29 and Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10 am-12 pm
Register
Russian
Online | 12 hr | Wednesdays, 7-9 pm
$79 Individual
Are you curious why so many people read Tolstoy and Dostoevsky? Join us in the Russian language class and explore Russia through its language from scratch. Learn the Russian language and open up an area of the world that has produced some of the world’s greatest writers, composers, and has long fascinated foreigners. Click below for details based on level.
Register
Instructor
 |
Ana Igornov, PhD Russian Language Instructor |
Dr. Ana Igornov is a Russian language instructor. Ana was born and grew up in Murmansk, Russia. From her youth, she developed a profound interest in history and ancient languages. These interests led her to undergraduate, graduate studies and a Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology at the University of Haifa, Israel where she lived since the age of 19.
Prior to joining UW-Parkside, Ana delivered lectures in Russian, Hebrew and English on Epigraphy (inscriptions) and Archaeology of the Middle East and neighboring countries in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. In addition to teaching experience, she worked in Russian and Hebrew translation.
Ana has taught Russian language at UW-Parkside since 2015 and enjoys opening up Russian history, culture and literature for curious minds.
reviews
"Ana is an excellent instructor and I have learned so much from her. I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in learning to read and speak Russian as well as the culture." - Kim
"As a lifelong learner and as a language educator, I am so happy with the positive experience I have had in this Russian language course. Ana Igornov is an excellent instructor. She provides differentiated learning experiences for each of her students and her knowledge base is superior. UW-Parkside makes the mini class convenient, accessible and affordable. Gold stars all around!" - Jeanine
"The content is very good for beginners. I learned a few things, although my level was higher than an average beginner student. I liked the teaching style and it was organized and delivered well." - Daniel
"This was a fun and interesting class. The instructor, as a native speaker, brought unique and humorous insight to the material presented. The small class size allowed everyone to participate and receive the instructors attention when needed. Great Job!" - Mark
FAQ
What resources do I need for this class?
This class will take place using Zoom. In order to participate in this course you must have a computer, access to the internet, and an up-to-date web browser. If you are unsure or need assistance, please contact Javan Pham at minicourses@uwp.edu or 262-595-2498.
What background knowledge is necessary?
None! Whether you are looking to learn a new language for your own personal enrichment or even to expand your professional resume, our classes are intended to be introductory level.
Do I need to start with the first level?
Our language courses are intended to be taken in order and have offerings starting in the spring and fall. If you feel that you are able to start at a higher level, we will consider the opporunity on a case by case basis. Please contact us at minicourses@uwp.edu to inquire.
Russian I | Sep 15-Oct 20
Sep 15, 22, 29 and Oct 6, 13, 20 | 7-9 pm
The course will provide you with the key language skills that will enable you to communicate, read, write in Russian at a basic level, and introduce you to Russian culture. Previous knowledge of the language is not required.
Register
Russian II | Nov 3-Dec 15
Nov 3, 10, 17 and Dec 1, 8, 15 | 7-9 pm
This course is a continuation of Russian I. The purpose of the course is to expand conversational, writing, reading skills, and extend the knowledge of Russian grammar, and vocabulary. For this course, basic knowledge of Russian is required.
Register
Russian III | Jan 19-Feb 23
Jan 19, 26 and Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 | 7-9 pm
This course is a continuation of Russian II. This course will continue to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a cultural context. Previous knowledge of the language is required.
Register
Spanish
Online | 12 hr | Tuesdays, 7-9 pm
$79 Individual
Begin your journey to becoming fluent in Spanish. Whether you want to expand your knowledge of culture, travel, or communicate more fluently, learning Spanish is full of benefits personally and professionally. This course will allow you to engage with other language-learners. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required.
Register
Instructor
Information coming soon!
reviews
"Instructor was extremely engaging in the presentation of all material and interactions with every student. This was an extremely enjoyable class that I would highly recommend." - Jan
"Senora Rosa was able to connect my previous Spanish teaching together with this course. She gave us the opportunity to talk Spanish with one another which was extremely helpful." - Mary
"The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful. She gives you a lot of information to work with, but made it fun. She has my highest recommendation." - Randy
FAQ
What resources do I need for this class?
This class will take place using Zoom. In order to participate in this course you must have a computer, access to the internet, and an up-to-date web browser. If you are unsure or need assistance, please contact Javan Pham at minicourses@uwp.edu or 262-595-2498.
What background knowledge is necessary?
None! Whether you are looking to learn a new language for your own personal enrichment or even to expand your professional resume, our classes are intended to be introductory level.
Do I need to start with the first level?
Our language courses are intended to be taken in order and have offerings starting in the spring and fall. If you feel that you are able to start at a higher level, we will consider the opporunity on a case by case basis. Please contact us at minicourses@uwp.edu to inquire.
Spanish I | Oct 5-Nov 16
Oct 5, 12, 19 and Nov 2, 9, 16 | 7-9 pm
Begin your journey to becoming fluent in Spanish. Whether you want to expand your knowledge of culture, travel, or communicate more fluently, learning Spanish is full of benefits personally and professionally. This course will allow you to engage with other language-learners. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required.
Register
Spanish II | Jan 11-Feb 22
Jan 11, 18, 25 and Feb 8, 15, 22 | 7-9 pm
With some experience in the Spanish language, now you can take your abilities to the next level. Learn to use your expanding vocabulary to express a broad range of ideas in Spanish. You will be able to add color and variety to your conversations. Be able to discuss traveling, hobbies, and holidays.
Register
Retirement Planning Today
Justin Moilanen | In-Person | 6 hr
$59 Individual | $79 Couple
You went to school to prepare for your career. Now it’s time to learn how to make those dollars work for you! This course will show you how to make informed, aligned decisions so your retirement is everything you want it to be.
Choose from Thursday or Saturday sessions.
Thursdays | Oct 7 & 14 | 6-9 pm
Saturdays | Oct 9 & 16 | 9 am-12 pm
PROFESSIONAL AND
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Mon-Fri | 8 am-4:30 pm
Kenosha, WI 53144
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, program activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations, contact Professional and Continuing Education at least eight weeks in advance at: 262-595-3340 (V), 262-595-2513 (FAX), or email continuing.ed@uwp.edu.
