SCHOOL DAYS: The Learning Collaborative
The Learning Collaborative, an independent, informal educational program now in its fifth year, is offering a series of adult education classes designed for those seeking learning enriched by discussion between teachers and students. Expert lecturers made up of retired teachers and professors lead discussions on topics such as science, religion, current affairs, the arts, literature and film.
Located at 70 Route 340 in Orangeburg, N.Y., The Learning Collaborative is part of the Center for Professional Development and Life-Long Learning at Rockland Graduate Campus at Long Island University. It was created by a committee of local professors and scholars. Dr. Diana Worby, one of the founders and a current member of the board of directors, credits Joan May who initially came up with the idea as the energy behind it. “She’s a firebrand,” she says. “Long Island University is a graduate center and classes are held in the evening. It was empty during the day making it an ideal location for our classes,” Diana continued.
Gerry Miras, a long time Palisadian and retired teacher, took a number of classes. Her favorite was fairy tales given by Jack McKeon. When she was invited to teach a session she decided to focus on folk tales from around the world. Undertaking extensive research, Gerry reached back to Aesop, a story passed on through word of mouth, then moved on to gypsy lore, American Black tales and Asian fables. “It is said that love, hate, fear, greed and envy are universal emotions. I examined how these themes have been treated in other cultures at other times,” Gerry said. “It was fascinating to see the similarities.”
An Open House in February gave the public an opportunity to learn more about the Spring semester, which will include courses in Bioethics, Architecture, The Holocaust, Religion and Government, Actor’s Workshop, Environment, Science, Opera, Jazz, Literature, The U.S. Constitution, Stress and Health and Film.
Six-week classes will be held on Tuesdays in two consecutive sessions; the first will run from March 8 to April 12; the second session from April 26 to May 31. Classes, held from 9:30 am to 2:45 pm, are limited to 25 to 28 students to encourage active participation. Lunch breaks feature guest speakers with an opportunity for interaction among students.
Two six-week sessions are offered for a minimum fee of $185 that covers up to three classes. You may select all three from one session or divide it up with one or two from the second. To attend a fourth class add $60.00. Fifth and sixth classes are $50 each. (Six classes cost $345.)
Session 1: Tuesday’s, March 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 2012
Session 2: Tuesday’s, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2012
For more information about The Learning Collaborative classes, visit the Rockland Graduate Campus Web site at www.liu.edu/rockland, search under “Continuing Education,” or call (845) 359-7200, ext. 5434.