Personal and professional development go hand in hand at Continuing Studies, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s hub of lifelong learning. Learners can find numerous ways to grow their lives and their careers in the winter/spring 2019 catalog, which debuts online and in Isthmus Nov. 29.
The new catalog highlights more than 200 classes, workshops, lectures, conferences, and educational travel experiences. There are opportunities to learn in person or online, each of which is a chance to hone skills, develop interests, meet others, and pursue life and career goals.
In addition to unveiling dozens of exciting classes, the catalog announces the latest Lifelong Learner Giveaway. Winners will receive complimentary admission to a brunch-and-learn featuring award-winning children’s author Dean Robbins. Robbins will give an interactive presentation on his picture book Margaret and the Moon, so winners are encouraged to bring young learners to the event. Margaret and the Moon tells the true story of NASA’s Margaret Hamilton, who created the computer code that helped put a man on the moon. The event takes place Feb. 9 from 9:30 to 11am at the Madison Children’s Museum, the deadline to enter the contest is Dec. 28, and 20 randomly selected winners will be notified by Jan. 11.
Exploring the world, enhancing careers
Continuing Studies’ new Europe, Past and Present series is an excellent starting point for personal growth. This set of classes, lectures, and other events reflects on the 100-year anniversary of World War I’s conclusion and while exploring European history, current events, and cultural practices. Classes range from The Riches of European Cities, Past and Present (Feb. 13-March 13), a lecture-based tour of Stockholm, Berlin, Istanbul, and more, to Great Composers: Dufay, Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, Stravinsky (Feb. 4-April 15), an introduction to four classical music luminaries. Plus, there are free events such as Street Life in Paris: The Pulse of the City (May 8), a public talk about the revolutionary protests, cafe culture, and creative experiments that have shaped the City of Lights’ thoroughfares.
Learners can also broaden their horizons with Continuing Studies’ latest educational travel experiences. First up is The Civil War: Two Capitals (April 24-May 1), which explores battlefields, museums, and other historical sites in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Then comes a trek through England and Wales (June 14-29) with stops at Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Glastonbury Abbey, and more. There’s even a chance to explore some of London’s crown jewels, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and the British Museum.
Other opportunities for personal growth include classes in art, creative writing, dance and movement, music, languages, theater, and history and humanities. There are many new offerings in early 2019, such as Resolve to Write: The Writer’s New Year Toolbox (Jan. 19), Singing and Dancing on the Silver Screen: Movie Musicals at the Birth of Sound Film (March 27-April 17), and Etegami: Japanese Picture Cards Inspired by Spring (May 4).
The catalog offers numerous ways to enhance one’s professional life as well. These include classes, workshops, and conferences in aging and long-term care, distance education, human services, life coaching, mediation and conflict resolution, ethics and boundaries, mental health, and leadership, management, and workplace skills. New offerings include the Advanced Dementia Care Specialist Certificate and the Teaching Soft Skills in College Courses Certificate.
Continuing Studies can even people looking to change jobs or careers in 2019. Opportunities include a popular job search support group, workshops such as Career Change 101 and , and appointments with experienced career counselors.
Ready for more? Visit Continuing Studies’ class listings for details about winter/spring 2019 offerings.