Personal Enrichment
Enhance your life through learning! Our in-person and online personal enrichment opportunities include fun, mentally-stimulating courses for people of all ages to cultivate new skills and hobbies.
Available Courses
- Type: In-Person
- Start Date: 02/23/2023
- End Date: 04/13/2023
- Meeting Time(s): Thursdays, 6-8 pm
- Cost: Course $125, Optional Open Studio $100
Create with us and engage with printmaking! No experience necessary! Join us as you will provide an expressive hands-on approach in creating work that captures personal interests, hobbies, history that is shared with everyone by using mark making designs that explore an endless number of possibilities.
Roberto Torres Mata is first generation artist from Huntington Beach, California, and Rockford, Illinois, currently active in Madison, Wisconsin. He explores the complexities of migration from human and animal movements by using multi-media to further understand the issues of migration at the border. Roberto earned his Master’s and Master’s in Fine Arts in printmaking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his Bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Western Illinois University of Macomb, Illinois. He exhibited his work nationally and internationally. His work has been exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Figge Art Museum, Zhou B Art Center, Chazen Museum of Art, and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. His work has been collected by universities and private collectors. Roberto was also a recipient of the Education Graduate Research Scholars fellowship and a recipient of the Russell and Paula Panchenko Prize.
This workshop introduces the basics of multi-layer screenprinting using Screen filler and Drawing fluid. With hand-drawn imagery participants will create a 2-layer color prints on paper. We will focus on gaining a sense of image building through texture, line, and color transparency, in order to create an edition of prints. Participants should come with a collection of image ideas, mark making materials, and a readiness to experiment. This workshop emphasizes techniques for creating posters, and fine art prints.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
There are no prerequisites for this course. All skill levels, from beginner to experienced are welcomed.
Are there any requirements for this course?
• Students supply own quality paper or specialty materials
• Basic equipment, ink, emulsion, and paper will be provided.
- Type: In-Person
- Start Date: 03/02/2023
- End Date: 03/09/2023
- Meeting Time(s): 6-9 pm
- Cost: $59 Individual / $79 Couple
- Includes: Course Materials
Retirement Planning Today ® contains something for everyone. We address financial issues that pertain to the self-employed as well as employees of corporations and government agencies. The course is designed to teach you how to build wealth and align your money with your values to accomplish your goals in life. Whether you plan to retire 20 years from now or have just recently retired, the information you learn in this class can deliver rewards throughout your lifetime.
Vince Tortorici is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Financial Service Group. He earned a Master of Business Administration at Wilmington University and teaches financial literacy courses to high school students in Milwaukee and Racine county through SecureFutures.
Unlike financial seminars that focus on a specific topic, this comprehensive course helps you see the "big picture". It examines many aspects of personal finance and how they can work together to create an integrated retirement plan. This course is educational and non-commercial. No specific financial products are discussed or sold.
- Section 1 - Life Planning for Retirement
- Section 2 - Retirement Needs & Expenses
- Section 3 - Retirement Roadblocks & Mistakes
- Section 4 - Retirement Income Sources
- Section 5 - Retirement Plan Distributions
- Section 6 - Investments
- Section 7 - Risk Management & Asset Protection
Is there an opportunity to review my own retirement plan?
Each attendee may arrange a private meeting with an instructor after the course is complete. This consultation is complimentary for attendees but is not required.
Will XYZ be covered?
This course has a packed curriculum. The instructors will attempt to address any topics of interest so long as it does not jeopardize learning objectives for the other attendees.
Will I receive a textbook?
Each household will receive two textbooks; one for each session of this two-session course.
- Type: In-Person
- Start Date: 03/04/2023
- End Date: 03/11/2023
- Meeting Time(s): 9 am-12 pm
- Cost: $59 Individual / $79 Couple
- Includes: Course Materials
Retirement Planning Today ® contains something for everyone. We address financial issues that pertain to the self-employed as well as employees of corporations and government agencies. The course is designed to teach you how to build wealth and align your money with your values to accomplish your goals in life. Whether you plan to retire 20 years from now or have just recently retired, the information you learn in this class can deliver rewards throughout your lifetime.
Vince Tortorici is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Financial Service Group. He earned a Master of Business Administration at Wilmington University and teaches financial literacy courses to high school students in Milwaukee and Racine county through SecureFutures.
Unlike financial seminars that focus on a specific topic, this comprehensive course helps you see the "big picture". It examines many aspects of personal finance and how they can work together to create an integrated retirement plan. This course is educational and non-commercial. No specific financial products are discussed or sold.
- Section 1 - Life Planning for Retirement
- Section 2 - Retirement Needs & Expenses
- Section 3 - Retirement Roadblocks & Mistakes
- Section 4 - Retirement Income Sources
- Section 5 - Retirement Plan Distributions
- Section 6 - Investments
- Section 7 - Risk Management & Asset Protection
Is there an opportunity to review my own retirement plan?
Each attendee may arrange a private meeting with an instructor after the course is complete. This consultation is complimentary for attendees but is not required.
Will XYZ be covered?
This course has a packed curriculum. The instructors will attempt to address any topics of interest so long as it does not jeopardize learning objectives for the other attendees.
Will I receive a textbook?
Each household will receive two textbooks; one for each session of this two-session course.
- Type: Online, Instructor-Led
- Start Date: Oct 12 | Nov 16 | Dec 14 | Jan 18
- End Date: 6 Week Access
- Cost: $99
Discover Sign Language will teach you how to sign basic phrases and complete sentences and how to put it all together, allowing you to introduce yourself and start a conversation. Along the way, you will learn signs for colors, numbers, locations, family, and the activities you like to do.
Throughout the course, you will learn by watching videos that demonstrate how to make the signs and how to incorporate facial expressions to communicate in this beautiful language. This course is taught using the best practices of the industry with a minimum of audio support. Throughout it, you will be immersed in silence, which will help you gain an understanding of the perspective of Deaf people and sign language.
You will also gain an introduction to the world of the Deaf culture and explore topics such as lip reading, baby signs, and the career of interpreting. By the end of the course, when you meet a Deaf person, you will be ready to sign!
Erin Trimble holds a Bachelor of Science in American Sign Language/English Interpreting from William Woods University and a Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies degree from Western Oregon University. Since 2003, Trimble has been professionally interpreting across a variety of settings including education, community, and medical. She has been both a staff interpreter and a freelance interpreter.
- Lesson 1 - Getting Started
- Lesson 2 - Fingerspelling
- Lesson 3 - Introducing Yourself
- Lesson 4 - Getting to Know You
- Lesson 5 - Continuing the Conversation
- Lesson 6 - Talking About Family
- Lesson 7 - Extended Family and Beyond
- Lesson 8 - A Sign for the Times
- Lesson 9 - More Time on Your Hands
- Lesson 10 - Feelings and Traits
- Lesson 11 - Clothing and Hairstyle
- Lesson 12 - Food and Animals
"Such a great course for the relevant content needed to understand the basics of sign language! The instructor was fantastic and knowledgeable in this area. She gave us variations to signs that we may see, which is super helpful. Overall, this was a great course."
"This was a great class, I really learned a lot about the Deaf Community, and signing and I feel very comfortable siging simple conversations. I loved this class, thank you for making it interesting. I highly recommend this course."
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
- Type: Online, Instructor-Led
- Start Date: Oct 12 | Nov 16 | Dec 14 | Jan 18
- End Date: 6 Week Access
- Cost: $99
Proper pronunciation is important to good communication. Beginning Conversational French will help you master the best pronunciations. Simply click on each word to hear it spoken. Every word and sentence is also written out phonetically.
This course has been carefully crafted to ensure you will have no trouble pronouncing French words correctly. The first three lessons introduce the basics needed for most conversations in French, such as "please" and "thank you." You will also learn numbers, days of the week, months of the year, and telling time.
The entire course is structured in this logical, systematic method. After the introduction and basic conversation lessons, you will learn what to say at the airport. From the airport, you need to get to your hotel, so you will learn how to talk about transportation. The following lesson shows you how to talk to hotel employees. After you have settled into your hotel, you will probably be hungry, so the course also covers how to communicate in restaurants.
Each lesson also includes cultural tips. Hand and body gestures mean different things in different cultures. For example, do you know the proper way to point to avoid offending people in France? This course will tell you. You will be pleased with your quick progress, and you will be prepared for your next trip!
Sara Hardin is an educator with a focus on special education and language studies. She has taught special education at the elementary level for over a decade. Sara holds a BA in French, and lived in France to study at the university level. In 2000, she earned her master's degree in special education.
- Lesson 1 - Introduction and Pronunciation
- Lesson 2 - Conversation Basics
- Lesson 3 - Numbers
- Lesson 4 - Airport
- Lesson 5 - Hotel
- Lesson 6 - Restaurants
- Lesson 7 - Currency and Communications
- Lesson 8 - Shopping
- Lesson 9 - Entertainment
- Lesson 10 - Culture
- Lesson 11 - In Case of Emergency
- Lesson 12 - Putting It All Together
"I enjoyed taking this French conversational course and I would highly recommend it to anyone. It covered all the important basics and more! Ce cours de francais est excellent!"
"I feel empowered to speak my level of French on my trip to France this year, despite 35 years passing since my high school French classes, and all because of these wonderful lessons, discussions, and links! Thank you."
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
- Type: Online, Instructor-Led
- Start Date: Oct 12 | Nov 16 | Dec 14 | Jan 18
- End Date: 6 Week Access
- Cost: $99
This dynamic course will teach you how to express yourself comfortably in Italian. You'll learn practical, everyday words. You'll read, hear, and practice dialogues based on typical situations that you're likely to encounter if you plan to vacation in Italy. The dialogues and follow-up exercises of each lesson will teach you to communicate in Italian in a wide variety of settings. You'll be surprised by how quickly and easily you can learn many useful expressions in Italian! This course will make it simple to master your pronunciation of Italian. Essential words and phrases are written phonetically by using sounds that are familiar to you from English words. The audio feature lets you hear the words and phrases spoken aloud with just a click of your mouse. Short exercises are included with each lesson to help you reinforce what you've learned and gauge your progress, making it easy to pinpoint areas that you still need to review. The exercises also give you immediate feedback—you'll know whether you answered correctly as soon as you finish.
As you go through the lessons, you will learn about the Italian language's impact on the world, the Italian alphabet, phonetics, and pronunciation, proper forms of address, expressions of courtesy, and how to make introductions. By the end of the course, you will know how to ask for help, ask directions, navigate Italian shops, book a hotel room, order a meal, and much more! Cultural notes are included throughout the course to help you better understand Italians and their way of life. You' will learn what various gestures mean to Italians, which ones to use, and those you should avoid. This course will convince you that learning a language is both fun and rewarding.
Robert Bertoldi has been mastering Italian for the past 25 years, and teaching college-level Italian in the classroom since 1987. He holds a Master of Arts in Italian literature, and has taught the language at several universities, colleges, and private language institutions. Bertoldi's proficiency in Italian has earned him university scholarships and a resident academic position in Italy. His enthusiastic teaching style has earned him the praise of hundreds of students, including fellow language instructors.
- Lesson 1 - Basic Greetings
- Lesson 2 - Alphabet and Pronunciation
- Lesson 3 - Language Essentials
- Lesson 4 - Verb "To Be" in Everyday Use
- Lesson 5 - Getting Around Town
- Lesson 6 - Numbers 1 - 100
- Lesson 7 - Check the Calendar
- Lesson 8 - Telling Time, Schedules and Transportation
- Lesson 9 - Navigating Italian Shops
- Lesson 10 - Lodging and Accommodations
- Lesson 11 - Emergency Situations and Health Concerns
- Lesson 12 - Dining Out
"I found the information in the class to be very useful and just the thing that I needed to be able to go to Italk and communicate in an understandable and basic way. Professor Bertoldi's explanations were very clear and the additional information available for each lesson was very helpful."
"This was my first time taking a class online. Professor Bertoldi came across as a warm, kind, encouraging individual! I was so grateful! He gave me encouragement throughout his narration that kept me going... I could see myself repearing this class next year... just to hear it... and practice it just for fun! Thank you - buona fortuna!"
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
- Type: Online, Instructor-Led
- Start Date: Oct 12 | Nov 16 | Dec 14 | Jan 18
- End Date: 6 Week Access
- Cost: $99
Tracing your family's history is a fascinating journey. Genealogy Basics will help you understand the genealogy research process and how to interpret the information you find. This course guides you through the search process for family names using several subscription-based websites, which you can access while enrolled in this class.
You will learn through hands-on examples that help you dig deeper into your family's past. You will develop a strategy to accomplish your objectives, evaluate the results, and share that information with others. You will discover where to look, who to contact, and how to make your family history come alive!
Carrie Ehrfurth is a historic preservation specialist and works to place buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in art history, a graduate certificate in historic preservation, and a master's degree in business administration. Ehrfurth also researches family genealogy and takes great joy in weaving together historic information to create a complete picture of one's past.
Bob Moyer (deceased) was a college instructor, graphic designer, technical writer, and author of this course. Bob held degrees in education, business, and Civil Engineering. He had more than 12 years of experience as an instructor and developed genealogy courses for several colleges. His passion for research and family history resulted in several genealogy-related books and speaking engagements.
- Lesson 1 - Where Do I Begin?
- Lesson 2 - What Do You Want to Learn?
- Lesson 3 - Vital Records (Birth, Death and Marriage)
- Lesson 4 - Census Records
- Lesson 5 - Why Can't I Find My Ancestors?
- Lesson 6 - How Computers Search
- Lesson 7 - Potpourri
- Lesson 8 - Military Records
- Lesson 9 - Land Records
- Lesson 10 - Immigration
- Lesson 11 - Newspapers, Directories, Periodicals, and Wills
- Lesson 12 - Genealogy Tools, Sources, and Software Reviews
"I have enjoyed this course very much. It was easy for me to fit into a busy lifestyle. My thanks to the intructor for "infecting me with Genealosis"! This course has helped me in my quest to learn more about my family and its history! Will be looking for follow up classes."
"I really liked this course. Website info is outstanding. I have been working on my family genealogy since 1971. I wish I had this course back then- and there was an Internet then!"
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
- Type: Online, Instructor-Led
- Start Date: Oct 12 | Nov 16 | Dec 14 | Jan 18
- End Date: 6 Week Access
- Cost: $99
Optimal Healing Environments (OHEs) are those environments in which characteristics of the individuals and various elements of the organization are focused on social, psychological, physical, cultural, and spiritual components that support and enhance the inherent healing capacities of the individuals who live and work in the environment. Healing relationships, the powerful effect of evidence-based design and all its elements (color, sound, light, art), a focus on nature, the impact of technology on health, and the important environment aspects of health such as clean air and water are all explored in this innovative certificate program.
The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe the various elements of optimal healing environments and how they impact the health of individuals and communities on a physical, social, psychological, and spiritual level; and describe methods of enhancing personal and work environments so they support the health of individuals and surrounding communities in a sustainable, healing manner.
Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.
Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.
- Lesson 1 - The Power of Design: Healthy Buildings, Healthy Communities
- Lesson 2 - Creating Healing Relationships
- Lesson 3 - Color and Health: Exploring the Connection
- Lesson 4 - Light, Health, and Healing
- Lesson 5 - Sound and Art: Using the Ears and Eyes to Heal
- Lesson 6 - Nature and Healing: The Power of Connection
- Lesson 7 - The Air You Breathe: How Air Quality Affects Health and Well-Being
- Lesson 8 - How Safe Is Your Water?
- Lesson 9 - Rewired Brains: Technology and Health
"I will be sharing this information with the medical staff I work with. We will look at our office environment to see where we could add more healing help."
"I will pay much more attention to the careful planning and design of my future facility. This course will enable me to have a broader perspective when working with clients."
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
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.
