Lifelong Learning at College of DuPage incorporates the best of what enrichment has to offer at any age. We offer a mix of courses, workshops, seminars and lectures designed especially for adults 50 and older, in a wide variety of topic areas. A reduced senior rate applies for participants 55 and over. Come join us - new courses begin each week.
In Continuing Education, we believe that learning never stops. Find out all that Lifelong Learning has to offer!
Spring Course Highlights
Milestones in Chicago’s History
Throughout Chicago’s history there have been many milestones that have impacted the city’s development and growth. Explore its founding in the early 19th century and the impact of the nation’s first Industrial Revolution on its growth. Tragic events such as the Chicago Fire, the Iroquois Theater Fire, the Eastland sinking and the race riots of 1919 will be explored, as well as the city’s wonderful architecture, labor history, World’s Fair and diverse populations. Although this is only an overview, it, nevertheless, should generate a lively class discussion and maybe even a walk down memory lane. Instructor: Kathy Mullin
Wednesday, Jan. 25 to March 15
1 to 3 p.m.
HUMNT-0001-003, $189; Lifelong Learner $139
Addison Center
Thursday, Jan. 26 to March 16
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
HUMNT-0001-004, $189; Lifelong Learner $139
On campus in Glen Ellyn
The Long Great War, 1900-1923
People recall the First World War in terms of the trenches of the Western Front, and the war’s utter bloody futility. In reality, the war was fought all over the world, and its impact was as much ideological, economic, technological and political as it was military. We look at all these aspects of the war (and only a very few battles and campaigns) to understand the nature of the conflict and why the world we live in today is largely a creation of this war. Instructor: Dr. Robert Garfield
Wednesday, Feb. 8 to March 15
1 to 3 p.m.
HUMNT-0001-009, $159; Lifelong Learner $119
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Homer’s “Iliad”
The earliest extant work of European literature, Homer’s epic historical and allegorical record tells of the final year of the Trojan War between the Greeks and Trojans, set in the Mycenaean Age, 12th century B.C. The conflict started over the unlikely kidnapping of a woman because of the outcome of a beauty contest between the gods of Olympus. Lectures are delivered by historian Marcus Sanghera. (Text helpful: E.V. Rieu translation preferred.)
Wednesday, Feb. 22 to April 12
1 to 3 p.m.
HUMNT-0001-061, $189; Lifelong Learner $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn
DuPage in the Ice Age
Fifteen thousand years ago, approaching the end of the most recent “ice age,” the landscape of northern Illinois provided habitat to elephants, camels and dire wolves. Learn about this fascinating period and the local natural history of the Pleistocene era. Instructor: Jack MacRae
Wednesday, Feb. 1 to 22
10 a.m. to noon
HUMNT-0001-005, $119; Lifelong Learner $79
Virtual Classroom
The Beatles: A Magical History Tour
As a musical entity, The Beatles has not existed for close to 50 years. Yet The Beatles’ story, personalities and, most importantly, music continues to influence our culture and our expectations of popular music. With the use of audio and visual content, we will trace the arc of The Beatles, including the band’s development in Liverpool, Beatlemania, its psychedelic phase and its dissolution. Participants will have an appreciation for The Beatles’ incredible productivity, musical and lyrical maturity and cultural impact. Instructor: Gary Wenstrup
Thursday, Jan. 26 to March 2
9:30 to 11 a.m.
HUMNT-0001-027, $139; Lifelong Learner $89
Virtual Classroom
The Plus 50 Program
Continuing Education has developed a series of streamlined classes designed with experiences and skills of adult learners in mind. Learn more here.
- Career Search for Plus 50 - Monday, Jan. 23 to Feb. 27
- Etiquette for the Digital Age - Thursday, Feb. 16 and 23
- Applicant Tracking Software - Wednesday, March 8 to 22
- Networking and Negotiation for Plus 50 - Wednesday, March 29 and April 5
- Plus 50 Refresher - Monday, March 27
- Self-Discovery for Plus 50 - Wednesday, April 12 to May 3
- Job Search Websites - Thursday, April 13 to 27
Free Enrichment for Lifelong Learners
Enjoy the topics and the company! Continuing Education presents free lectures and discussions through our Sage Series and Lunch Break Lectures. Join us for an inspired selection of new topics.
Sage Series
Sessions are free. Registration is required.
For full descriptions and locations, please view the current Schedule of Classes.
- The James Web Space Telescope - Saturday, Feb. 18
- Inside COD's Culinary and Hospitality Center - Thursday, Feb. 23
- Behind the Scenes at the MAC with Diana Martinez - Thursday, March 9
- Behind the Scenes at WDCB - Friday, May 5
Lunch Break Lectures
Sessions are free. Registration is required. All lectures are Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and are held virtually via Zoom.
Jan. 18 - The Legendary Life of Jim Thorpe
Feb. 1 - Andy Warhol's Pittsburgh Days
Feb. 15 - National Park Service Presidential Sites
March 1 - Catherine of Aragon: The Real Spanish Queen
March 15 - History of Rod Stewart
March 29 - French Impressionist Paintings
April 12 - Richard Nixon and the Pentagon Papers
April 26 - Politics Among Nations
Share Your Passion and Experience
College of DuPage Continuing Education is seeking community members who are interested in facilitating Lifelong Learning courses and seminars! Call (630) 942-2208 for assistance with completing a New Course Proposal Form.
Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund
Limited scholarship funds are available to assist Lifelong Learners who choose to participate in Continuing Education programs. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, please choose "Lifelong Learning Programs" on the College of DuPage Foundation donation page or call (630) 942-2462.
Contact Information
Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu