Adult Enrichment Courses

College of DuPage Continuing Education provides adults of all ages with a variety of enrichment programming. Community members interested in receiving our class schedule at home are encouraged to join our Mailing List.

Due to the extended closure of the campus, Continuing Education is excited to offer many online course options for the upcoming term. Registered participants are required to have access to a computer or other media device (i.e. iPad) with a camera and a microphone. Courses will be taught via Zoom and/or the Blackboard online learning management program. For optimal program success, registration for online classes may close up to 48 business hours prior to the course start date.

Register online today by visiting myaccess.cod.edu. Upon registration, students must provide a personal email address. Please check your spam/junk folders periodically to ensure you are receiving important course information.

Students who are new to using Zoom, or looking for additional support, are welcome to participate in the below free Zoom Basics for Students courses for assistance with this virtual learning platform.

Zoom Basics for Enrichment Students

Join instructor Richard Morton and learn tips on how to use Zoom to successfully participate in virtual courses this Spring. Topics include how to link your microphone, different view options, and how to use the chat box and reaction buttons. This free workshop will include time for students to ask individual questions and troubleshoot with the instructor.

Wednesday, March 17
4 to 5 p.m.
COMPT-0005-008

Tuesday, April 13
4 to 5 p.m.
COMPT-0005-009

Instructor leads watercolor painting class

Watercolor painting class instructor, Pam Keller, leading a class.

Adult student working on her first quilt

An enrichment student works on her first quilt.

The Holiday Quilting Class poses with their final products.

Enrichment students learning the art of Tai Chi.

A student perfecting his stroke in Renaissance Calligraphy.

All your favorite art classes (and some NEW!) will be offered online this Spring term! Students will need a computer or other media device (i.e. iPad) with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet access. See below for a sample of classes offered or view the full course schedule of classes.

Painting with Wool: A Needle Felting Experience

Transform wool into colorful two-dimensional paintings. Using a specialized needle and locally sourced wool, the rhythmic and simple technique of the needle-felting motion is easy to learn and soothing to create with. Complete one or more pieces of art with this creative and clean approach to painting! A supply list will be emailed before class.

Wednesday, Feb. 24 to March 17
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ART-0004-104, $99
Virtual Classroom

Drawing Workshop: Ears

Learn how to draw stunningly realistic views of the ear in pencil! The workshop begins with students practicing step-by-step pencil drawing techniques to prepare them for drawing different views of ears from photographs provided by the teacher. A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor Jennifer Scavone

Saturday, March 13
10 a.m. to noon
ART-0001-012, $29
Virtual Classroom

Drawing Workshop: Mouth

Learn how to draw stunningly realistic views of the mouth in pencil! The workshop begins with students practicing step-by-step pencil drawing techniques to prepare them for drawing different views of the mouth from photographs provided by the teacher. A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor Jennifer Scavone

Saturday, April 10
10 a.m. to noon
ART-0001-013, $29
Virtual Classroom

Frida Kahlo: Her Life and Works

Explore the fascinating imaginary of Frida Kahlo derived from the artifacts and nature of Mexico as well as the biographical and historical circumstances of her life and times. Instructor: Jennifer Scavone

Tuesday, Feb. 23 to March 23
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ART-0004-020, $119, Lifelong Learner $109
Virtual Classroom

Drawing: Beginners and Beyond

Continue exploring the art of drawing by expanding your techniques. A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor: Pam Keller

Wednesday, March 3 to April 7
6 to 8 p.m. (no class 3/31)
ART-0001-002, $145, Lifelong Learner $119
Virtual Classroom

Cover Me Artist Series

What better way to learn about an artist than to emulate his or her work? Much like musicians will play covers of favorite songs, students will use this centuries-old teaching method to recreate a particular artist's work. Students create a copy, or "cover," in the artistic style of the famous artist and read the artist's own writings to learn more about the history of the artist and style. The paintings are selected by the instructor and a supply list is emailed before the first class. Instructor: Jennifer Scavone.

Paul Gaugin
Saturday, March 6
1 to 4 p.m.
ART-0002-015, $39
Virtual Classroom

Johannes Vermeer
Saturday, April 17
1 to 4 p.m.
ART-0002-014, $39
Virtual Classroom

Art History: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism

Explore the revolutionary use of light and color employed in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by groundbreaking masters of Impressionism (Monet, Degas, Renoir, etc.) and Post-Impressionism (Seurat, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gaugin, and Lautrec). The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist styles and movements spread through most of Europe and America, and we will study the magnificent works of leading artists from each of these countries! Instructor: Jennifer Scavone.

Thursday Feb. 25 to March 18
6:30-8:30 p.m.
ART-0004-008, $99, Lifelong Learner $79
Virtual Classroom

Drawing Basics - Part II

Develop the skills and techniques necessary as you master the media of pencil and charcoal to create tonal drawings that express mass, form and volume in addition to evoking mood and emotion! A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor: Jennifer Scavone

Friday, Feb. 26 to March 12
2 to 4 p.m.
ART-0001-008, $69
Virtual Classroom

Drawing Basics - Part III

Learn how to produce drawings that create the illusion of 3-dimensional space on a 2-dimensional surface by following step-by-step directions as you use the Renaissance theories of 1-point and 2-point linear perspective! A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor: Jennifer Scavone

Friday, April 9 to April 23
2 to 4 p.m.
ART-0001-009, $69
Virtual Classroom

Drawing a Portrait

Follow step-by-step directions to learn how to draw a portrait. You will gain the basic skills of sight measurement and observational seeing by studying the proportions and structure of the human head to create a realistic portrait! A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor: Jennifer Scavone.

Thursday, April 15 to May 13
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ART-0004-021, $119; Lifelong Learner $109
Virtual Classroom

Acrylic Painting

Learn the various techniques of using acrylic paint. Explore applying glazes, impasto and layering. Create your own masterpiece with a live, online instructor! A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor: Pam Keller

Thursday, March 4 to April 8
2 to 4 p.m. (no class 4/1)
ART-0002-013, $145, Lifelong Learner $119
Virtual Classroom

Tuesday, March 16 to April 20
10 to 11:50 a.m. (no class 3/30)
ART-0002-021, $145, Lifelong Learner $119
Virtual Classroom

Calligraphy - Italic

Come learn the beautiful art of Italic Calligraphy! Italic script is an elegant style written with a broad edge pen. Letterform consistency and spacing are emphasized to help students develop their eye as well as their hand. Students will also learn some variations of Italic, as well as exploring the tools of the calligrapher. Although this class is geared towards beginner/intermediate students, all levels are welcome. A supply list will be emailed before class. Instructor: Matt Wright

Sunday, March 7 to April 25 (date change)
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (no class 3/28; 4/4)
ART-0005-002, $99
Virtual Classroom

Watercolor—Beginners and Beyond!

Enjoy the next step in your watercolor exploration. Using skills acquired from previous experience, build on various wash and finishing techniques and advance your competence and confidence in the art of watercolor. A supply list will be emailed before class.Instructor Jennifer Scavone

Friday, March 19 to May 14
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (no class April 2)
ART-0002-009, $185; Lifelong Learner $169
Virtual Classroom

Watercolor II

Advance your competence and confidence in the art of watercolor. May be taken multiple times. A supply list will be mailed before class. Instructor: Pam Keller

Thursday, March 18 to May 13
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (no class 4/1)
ART-0002-019, $175; Lifelong Learner $159
Virtual Classroom

Tuesday, April 6 to May 18
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
ART-0002-007, $175; Lifelong Learner $159
Virtual Classroom

Spring courses will be offered virtually. Class meetings will be held via Zoom. A meeting invite will be emailed before class begins.

A sample of computer courses is listed below. For the full list of computer courses offered this spring, view pages 10 to 13 of the Spring 2021 Schedule of Classes.

Gain a variety of custom communications and networking strategies that deliver great results through LinkedIn. Explore critical profile navigation sectors and drill deep into the settings to get the most from this important networking tool.

Monday, Feb. 22
6 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0006-019, $59

Blogging

What are blogs and why are they relevant? Discover different blogging communities and resources, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to start your own blog.

Thursday, March 4
6 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0006-012, $59

Designing Effective Websites

Learn the basics of designing and developing an effective website. Discover the advantages of using templates and explore other affordable, easy-to-use resources to create a professional website.

Thursday, March 18 and 25
6 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0003-051, $99

Office 2016

Explore the features of this fully integrated software package using Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This class is designed for those who already have some computer experience, including Windows and file management, and want to learn Office 2016 for personal or work use. Students must have access to Office 2016. A textbook may be required. Check codbooks.com for details.

Tuesday, April 6 to May 11
6:30 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0003-043, $249

Excel Shortcuts and Tips

Discover shortcuts and tips to skillfully navigate Excel. Areas covered may include creating row and column groups, customizing the Quick Access Toolbar, naming cells and cell ranges, grouping worksheets, using tables to more easily manage data, quickly splitting and combining data using Flash Fill, using the sort and filter commands, applying Conditional Formatting and more. Basic level Excel 2016 or equivalent experience is required.

Thursday, April 8
6 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0003-031, $59

Google Analytics

If you are not reviewing your website statistics, then you are missing several key opportunities to profit from your website traffic. This course, for non-technical users, takes you through all the key techniques and explains how to use website analytics using Google Analytics, a free online tool.

Wednesday, April 14 and 21
6 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0006-034, $99

Facebook Advertising

Learn how to effectively create, place and manage Facebook ads. Understand advertisement types, explore setting up advertising accounts and learn how to write, manage, bid and place ads.

Monday, May 3
6 to 9 p.m.
COMPT-0006-037, $59

See below for a sample of online classes offered or view the full Spring 2021 course schedule. Students will need a computer or other media device (i.e. iPad) with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet access.

Register online today by visiting myaccess.cod.edu or call (630) 942-2208.

Complete Guide to Investing

Learn about stocks, bonds, open and closed end mutual funds, ETFs, ETNs, MLPs, U.S. Royalty Trusts, options, commodities, annuities, real estate, REITs and asset allocation. Explore how to find, evaluate and determine whether each category is right for you. This practical and comprehensive course gives you all the tools necessary to help guide your financial future. Instructor: Peter Krouwer

Wednesday, March 10 to April 21
7 to 9:30 p.m.
PROED-0024-003, $139
Virtual Classroom

The 12 Universal Laws of Successful Investing

Discover the 12 Universal Laws which are your clues to investment success and help you protect what you have. Learn how to make your returns more predictable, investing less stressful and yourself more successful.

Thursday, March 18
7 to 9 p.m.
PROED-0021-005, $49, Lifelong Learner $29
Virtual Classroom

Top 10 IRA Mistakes

Discover the top 10 mistakes related to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and learn how to avoid them. Discussion includes information about conversion and beneficiary designation, as well as strategies to maximize value and minimize taxes. Instructor: John Gajkowski

Thursday, March 4
7 to 9 p.m.
PROED-0021-002, $45, Lifelong Learner $29
Virtual Classroom

Check back soon for Summer 2021 Course offerings

See below for a smaple of online cooking and beverage classes. For the full listing of classes, view the spring catalog online. Class enrollment will be capped 5 days prior to class start for cooking classes to ensure course preparation. Students will need a computer or other media device (i.e. iPad) with a microphone, camera, and reliable internet access.

Macaron Workshop

Macarons are elegant and delicious! Gain knowledge on how to make the perfect crisp meringue; pipe it, bake it, fill it and construct it. Our seasoned instructor will guide you through a live online demonstration. Students will learn every step of the technique as you practice how to make delicious varieties so you can become a master macaron culinary artist! Instructor: Kara Tegmeyer

Monday, March 1
6:30 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-008, $39
Virtual Classroom

Pies and Tarts

A live instructor will guide participants on how to make a tender, flaky pie crust and will discuss the various types of pie crusts and fillings. Students will be guided through the creation of their own pies and tarts. Instructor: Kara Tegmeyer

Saturday, March 6 to 13
1 to 3:30 p.m.
LEISR-0004-007, $69
Virtual Classroom

Fundamentals of Sauce Making

Sauces add flavor, color, and taste to many dishes. Learn the basics of sauce pairings from meats to desserts. Participants are guided through a live demonstration and will also practice skills at home while learning about the varieties of sauce basics. Instructor: Kara Tegmeyer

Sunday, April 19 to May 3
1 to 3:30 p.m.
LEISR-0004-009, $69
Virtual Classroom

Understanding Beer Styles

Beer styles continue to evolve and with craft brews increasing in popularity, the varieties of beers available is endless. Expand your knowledge of the many styles of beer including ingredients, brewing methods, serving temperature and more.

Thursday, March 1
7:30 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-014, $19
Virtual Classroom

History of Beer

The rich history of beer spans thousands of years. This one-day workshop will take you from the middle ages to prohibition through modern-day to learn about brewing and beer history, origins and traditions.

Wednesday, April 14
7:30 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-016, $19
Virtual Classroom

Decoding Your Coffee Label

Gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the information given on a coffee label. Roast level, country of origin, altitude, processing among several others you may see all impact the final flavor of coffee.

Thursday, March 5
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
LEISR-0004-023, $29
Virtual Classroom

Coffee Journey: A Farm to Cup Experience

Ever wonder what happens in the process of coffee before it arrives to you? Explore the journey a coffee bean takes from starting at the farm to your cup of morning coffee.

Saturday, March 20
10 a.m. to noon
LEISR-0004-020, $29
Virtual Classroom

Spring courses will be offered virtually. Class meetings will be held via Zoom. A meeting invite will be emailed before class begins. View Spring catalog online.

Spring Courses will be offered online this term. See below for a sample of courses available. For the full listing of classes, view the Spring catalog online.

Is Professional Organizing the Career for You?

Could you spend hours color coding and labeling just for fun? Does the sight of neatly folded clothes, bedding, and towels make your heart sing? Do friends and family come to you for organizing help? If so, Professional Organizing may be the career for you. Learn about the types of organizing services, where and how to get training, the first steps to setting up your own business and more. Instructor: Cathy Feltz

Saturday, March 13
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0032-106, $39
Virtual Classroom

Spring Vegetable Gardening

Get your garden ready for the Spring planting season! Discover which types of vegetables will thrive in warmer weather and learn proper cultivating and harvesting techniques. Instructor: Ellen Kamps

Saturday, Feb. 27 to March 20
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0032-300, $139
Virtual Classroom

Gardening for a Lifetime

Do you love gardening but are having increased difficulty keeping up with the maintenance and care? Learn how to adapt your garden for all ages and abilities so you can enjoy this outdoor activity for years to come.

Saturday, April 17
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
LEISR-0032-304, $29
Virtual Classroom

Houseplants 101

Indoor plants can improve a home's air quality while providing added beauty. Learn how to choose the best houseplants for your environment and the most health benefits. Learn to how to maintain these plants and basic propagation methods. Students will have the opportunity to email the instructor with photos of their houseplant issues to troubleshoot. Instructor: Marilyn Joyner

Wednesday, March 3
6 to 8:30 p.m.
LEISR-0032-308, $29
Virtual Classroom

Spring courses will be offered virtually and class meetings will be held via Zoom. A meeting invite will be shared with the email we have on file before class begins.

Registration closes 1 week before the start of the program to ensure Zoom links are emailed to registered participants.

View a full list of Foreign Language courses offered this spring
Register online today by visiting myaccess.cod.edu or call (630) 942-2208.

Spring Courses will be offered online this term. See below for a sample of courses available. For the full listing of classes, view the spring catalog online.

Mindfulness Meditation

Train your mind the way you train your body for the perfect way to stay centered. Learn centuries-old meditation techniques to relax and increase your overall sense of well-being. Explore the benefits of developing a regular meditation practice to improve health, strengthen the immune system and release stress and anxiety. Recommended textbook: Wherever You Go, There You Are; Author Jon Kabat-Zinn (ISBN 978-1-4013-0778-3). Instructor: Stephanie Frantz

Monday, April 5 to 26
8 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0061-005, $49
Virtual Classroom

Thursday, April 8 to 29
1 to 2 p.m.
LEISR-0061-006, $49
Virtual Classroom

Secrets to Living a Long Life

Learn sound dietary habits and balanced, healthy lifestyles that can lengthen your life. Inspired by the best-selling book of the same name, this program summarizes the nutrition and lifestyles of the world's five most remarkable longevity hotspots. Instructor: John Robertson

Wednesday, March 10
6 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0067-003 $39
Virtual Classroom

Online private music lessons are available for most traditional band and orchestra instrument for all ages through the Music Academy.

Fall Courses will be offered online this term. See below for a sample of courses available. For the full listing of classes, view the spring catalog.

Harmonica Private Lessons

Online private harmonica lessons are available with instructor David Kachalon. Sessions are 30 minutes long for a total of 4 hours and are conducted through the Zoom platform. For more information please contact Jennifer Lange at langej89@cod.edu.

Learn to Play the Ukulele

Enjoy the ease of learning and playing the ukulele. This versatile instrument can be used for all kinds of music, from classical to pop. Learn about the ukulele and how to play it, starting with basic chords and common songs, moving up to basic pop tunes. You don't need to have previous musical instrument training. The course fee includes a ukulele, pitch pipe and song book. Registration ends for this course on 2/12/21. Course materials will be mailed to the home address on file. Refunds cannot be accepted after instrument is delivered.

Saturday, Feb. 27
9 a.m. to noon
MUSIC-0001-004, $135
Virtual Classroom

Popular Songwriting

You don't have to be a musician to enjoy this class— you just need a love of good music! Using examples from blues, pop, rock, and country, we examine what goes into making a good song. Discuss lyrical structure, chord progressions and arrangements, and use this class as a springboard to your songwriting endeavors. Instructor: Paul Barile.

Saturday, March 6 and 13
Noon to 3 p.m.
MUSIC-0001-001, $79
Virtual Classroom

Next Step Ukulele

Enjoy the next level of instruction with the ukulele. This versatile instrument can be used for all kinds of music from classical to pop. Students should know the basic chords and will learn more advanced songs and group jamming. Bring a tuned ukulele and pitch pipe. A new song book will be provided.

Saturday, April 17
9 a.m. to noon
MUSIC-0001-005, $59
Virtual Classroom

Spring courses will be offered virtually. Class meetings will be held via Zoom. A meeting invite will be emailed before class begins.

A sample of photography courses is listed below. For the full list of photography courses offered this spring, view pages 21 and 22 of the Spring 2021 Schedule of Classes.

Cell Phone Photography

Learn how to better utilize the photography features of your cell phone camera. Topics include general photography instruction, optimum file sizing, downloading, and organizing photos to your computer and more. Instructor: Kate Quinn

Monday, March 1 to 22
7 to 9 p.m.
PHOTO-0001-012, $125

Natural Beauty—Spring Photography

Capture the beauty of spring. Explore camera and composition techniques to photograph leaves, trees, landscapes, insects and weather. Understand the performance of proper exposures to gain photography skills. Instructor: Erica Benson

Thursday, March 18 to May 6
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (no class April 1)
PHOTO-0001-007, $185

Travel Photography

Document your life's adventures! Develop the skills to capture the architecture, events and people you encounter on your travels and explorations. Instructor: Kate Quinn

Monday, April 5 to 26
7 to 9 p.m.
PHOTO-0001-008, $125

Sports Photography

Learn how to capture action shots of your favorite sports and events. Learn the difference between candid and posed photographs and how to get the best results for each situation. Students are encouraged to practice techniques mentioned in class and to share their work for class discussion. It is recommended that students own a camera with a Stop Action setting. Instructor: Erica Benson

Saturday, April 17 and 24
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
PHOTO-0001-010, $59

Spring courses will be offered virtually and class meetings will be held via Zoom. A meeting invite will be shared with the email we have on file before class begins.

Creative Writing

Join novelist/playwright/poet Paul Barile as we go deeper into the exploration of writing. This class focuses on developing your voice as a writer, as well as techniques to create a solid foundation for telling
your story. The first class is designed to give you a taste of some of the various disciplines of writing. This further exploration becomes a more personal journey into the stories that are inside of you.

Wednesday, Feb. 3 to March 10
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
HUMNT-0002-104, $159; Lifelong Learner $119
Virtual Classroom

Writing Fiction—Get Started

Fiction writers develop the tools needed to write a
compelling story or begin a gripping novel. Read short
works of fiction for inspiration, explore techniques to
unleash creativity during in-class assignments, and
learn reader-centered writing through our sessions.

Wednesday, March 17 to April 21
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
HUMNT-0002-304, $109
Virtual Classroom