OXFORD,
Miss. – Summer school can be fun – seriously. Such is true of
Communiversity course offerings at the University of Mississippi, which
promise to interest both the young and young at heart.
Courses
scheduled for May through August range from creative writing and basic
cooking skills for kids to belly dancing and afghan hook basics for
adults. Eight courses are planned for children and teenagers, and four
are scheduled for adults.
Communiversity, a year-round program
offered by the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education, brings
noncredit seminars to members of the university and Oxford communities.
This is the first time courses have been offered in the summer for a
couple years, said project coordinator Leteria McDonald McGee.
“The classes take advantage of our diverse and talented instructors and give community members a chance to learn something new and interesting they can enjoy for years to come,” McGee said. “It’s just nice for people to have something like this to do in a community-oriented environment.”
In a beginning digital photography class for children, Robert Jordan, associate director of imaging services and an award-winning photographer who teaches photojournalism at Ole Miss, plans to share his love for photography.
“Digital technology has made photography a form of self-expression accessible to enthusiasts of all ages,” Jordan said. “To me, the ultimate goal of any photography instruction is to help the students move from snapping pictures and hoping to get a good shot to preconceiving an image and being able to make that imaginary image into an actual photo.”
Jordan said the fun that comes from teaching a children’s course like this one lies in focusing more on creativity than on technical concepts.
Participants should enroll in classes at least a week ahead of time. However, some classes are offered multiple times. Enrollment fees vary depending on the subject. To register, go to http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu or drop by the E. F. Yerby Conference Center on the Grove Loop.
The schedule includes the following courses:
– Beginning Knitting for Kids, ages 10-12, May 23. Children learn basic stitches. A simple project will be completed. All needles and yarn are included. Snacks are provided. Fee: $50.
– Beginning Crocheting for Kids, ages 10-12, May 30. Children learn basic stitches. A simple project will be completed. All needles and yarn are included. Snacks are provided. Enrollment is limited to 20. Fee: $50.
– Beginning Belly Dancing, adults, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, and July 1. Once practiced only in the Middle East and Africa, belly dancing has gone global. This class covers the basic steps and some veil technique if time permits. Enrollment is limited to 15. Fee: $40.
– American Sign Language, adults, June 8, 15, 22, 29. ASL is the third most common language in North America. Limited seating is available. Fee: $85.
– Macintosh for Kids, ages 10-15, June 13. Participants cover basics of computer usage, online safety and typical applications, including Microsoft Office, Web browsing, games and more. Fee: $30.
– Digital Photography for Kids, ages 10-15, June 13, 20. Children learn to create better photos and have fun with their digital cameras. Class covers camera techniques, composition and lighting tips that help make the most of photo opportunities. Participants should bring a creative spirit and a camera. Fee: $50.
– Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Class, ages 10-17, June 13, 20. Participants enjoy a fun, hands-on cooking experience. At the end of the class, participants will know how to prepare two meals and two desserts. Enrollment is limited to 10. Fee: $70.
– Creative Writing for Kids, ages 8-12, June 15, 16, 18. Children write stories, poetry or plays in an inspiring environment. Activities focus on self-expression and sharing through the world of words. Enrollment is limited to 25. Fee: $45.
– Kids Personal Protection Workshop, ages 7-12, June 24. Workshop focuses on basic things children can do to protect themselves from strangers, dangerous adults, bullies, abduction and more. A parent or authorized guardian must be present during the workshop, so they can learn with their children. Class size is limited to 16. Fee: $35.
– Afghan Hook Basics, adults, July 25. Participants learn the basics of Afghan hook, casting on and finishing their projects. Projects will be completed during the class. All needles and yarn are included. Fee: $55.
– Potter’s Wheel Beginning Class, adults, July 27- Aug. 11. Beginners learn to make their own pottery. Bring your own tools and a towel, and plan to get dirty. The instructor will cover basic elements of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Participants will learn how to glaze pieces using the brush as well as the spray booth. Work will be ready for use at the end of the class. Fee: $255 plus $55 for materials.
– Latin Rhythms for Teenagers, ages 12-17, Aug. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Course is a detailed introduction to the basic concepts of Latin rhythm dance. In four sessions, instructors will cover basic rumba, swing, mambo/salsa and the cha cha. A partner is not necessary. No dance experience required. Fee: $75.
For more courses and other information visi the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education .