Personal Enrichment: All Classes   

Get out on the dance floor! Learn to dance to big band sounds. Students will learn the basic steps to waltz, foxtrot, cha cha and swing.  Great class for beginners & intermediate dancers. 

Get out on the dance floor! Learn to dance to big band sounds. Students will learn the basic steps to waltz, foxtrot, cha cha and swing.  Great class for beginners & intermediate dancers. 

This quarter our 10-week Zoom class will be focusing on "Drawing Dogs". 

We will practice drawing canine features: eyes, noses, ears, and mouths. We will also practice how to draw both short and long fur, and whiskers. We will start the Portrait projects by locating a detailed photographic reference of a frontal or 3 quarter view of the dog's head and upper torso that you will draw. The lighting of this photo is very important; you will need to enlarge this photo to the size you would like your drawing to be (minimum of 8" X 10"). Having an understanding of the skeletal structure of the animal will assist you in drawing a recognizable portrait. You will need to find a skeletal view of the dog or a dog that is sized very similarly to your photo reference.

You will transfer the skeletal view, then draw it in contour and with shading to give this view depth and dimension, highlights and shadows. Then you will transfer the fully fleshed photo reference and develop this transferred drawing using the practices we have already practiced by adding detailed features. This process may take several weeks to complete, depending upon the time each student can apply to complete the process and the student's individual skill level. Each student should have time during the fall class to complete several different portraits. I recommend students plan on completing at least one portrait in graphite and one in ink, then one mixed media portrait in ink and a color medium (Colored Pencil or Watercolor Colored Pencil or Watercolor). 

The class will watch a variety of videos during our Zoom meetings that will present a variety of different approaches and techniques to drawing/ painting animals. Class critiques of prior week's drawings will be shared at the beginning of each class's Zoom meetings.

Recommended Art Supplies:

• 9" x 12" Bristol Board pad
• Drawing board a few inches larger than the Bristol pad
• Artist Tape 3/4"
• Graphite Pencils : HB, 4B, 8B
• Tombow 2.3 Mono Zero retractable and refillable eraser
• Small Kneaded Eraser
• Pencil Sharpener ( I recommend a Staples brand battery operated pencil sharpener)
• Tortillon or Stump ( Usually available in a small bag of mixed sizes)
• Pigma Micron .005 and .02, Black Permanent Pen
• Pigma Graphic 2, Black Permanent Pen

• Your choice of a colored medium: 
• A set of a minimum of 24 Color Pencils, 
• w/ small bottle of odorless Mineral Spirits
• Q-tips
• or a set of 24 Watercolor Colored Pencils, 
• w/ a small, medium size round Brushes, 1" flat Brush
• or a set of 10 Watercolors, a palette
• w/ a small and medium size round Brushes, 1" Flat Brush 
• a tube of white Gouache
• 2 recycled water jars

Highline College and the Academy of Cannabis Science have partnered together to offer industry-recognized courses for cannabis industry employees looking for professional development and CEU’s as well as lifelong learners wanting to know more about the uses & potential benefits of cannabis.

In Cooking with Cannabis, you will learn about the science behind cannabis including the physiology of the plant and its effect on the body when eaten. Learn about cannabinoids, terpenes and the endocannabinoid system, decarboxylation, and bioavailability. Explore considerations for being a smart cannabis shopper when it comes to making edibles. Discover how to make fat extractions, tips for selecting and making recipes with cannabis or hemp, and how to find your dosing sweet spot. Created in collaboration with cannabis cook and cookbook author Mary J. White.

Note: This is an instructor-led, open-enrollment course. Students can register at any time during the quarter.

Explore the world of improvisation by learning the fundamentals of improv, games, and scene structure that will benefit you beyond theater (public speaking, job interviews, day-to-day communication). 

The instructor Alan Hawkins performed in Chicago, and graduated from The Second City Conservatory, The Second City Musical Conservatory, The iO West Program, The Chicago Comedysportz Training Center, and The Annoyance program.

Explore the world of improvisation by learning the fundamentals of improv, games, and scene structure that will benefit you beyond theater (public speaking, job interviews, day-to-day communication). 

The instructor Alan Hawkins performed in Chicago, and graduated from The Second City Conservatory, The Second City Musical Conservatory, The iO West Program, The Chicago Comedysportz Training Center, and The Annoyance program.

Bonjour! Learn the basics of French for speaking, reading, and writing in this French Beginning Class!  This class is online using Zoom, in partnership with Edmonds CC and the instructor is Patricia Courtney.

Required Books: 

Easy French Step-by Step

French: Short Stories for Beginners 

A fun way to visit Hawaii is through music. Learn to sing and accompany yourself on the guitar in the old Hawaiian folk and slack key styles. The instructor was born and raised in a Hawaiian musical family and has taught for many years.

Have you been using your DSLR or mirrorless camera on auto but want to learn how to use its full creative potential?  This intro color class will cover the basics of camera operation: f-stops, shutter speeds, iso, white balance, lenses, exposure metering, filters, flash, and more.  Bring your digital DSLR or mirrorless camera that can be put fully on manual to our first Zoom session (no point and shoot or bridge cameras; if unsure contact instructor).  A tripod is recommended.  Class includes two in-person Sunday morning field trips with the instructor (Sunday, October 30 & Sunday, November 06).  Instructor Robert Stahl has had work published in National Geographic publications.  The suggested text is: National Geographic Photo Basics by Sartore & Perry (ISBN-13:‎ 978-1426219702).

Piano for beginning to advanced players is a fun way to expand your skills and repertoire in a friendly and encouraging environment. Lessons will emphasize music theory, hand positions, fingering, and basic chord structures. Instruction will advance from your current level and encompass various styles, including classical, jazz, pop/folk. This course will focus on reading music for the piano, utilizing chord application and improvisational techniques in accompaniment in lead sheet music.

This class is open to beginner and intermediate potters/clay sculptors.  Beginners will have an introduction to working on the wheel and/or hand-building techniques. Intermediate students will have coaching to improve their skills and explore possible new techniques.

Classes are focused on having fun, destressing, and learning how to work with clay. Whether you are making bowls and cups or abstract sculptural forms, risk-taking is always encouraged.

The class instructor is Rob Droessler. He has been instructing ceramics for 26 years, 21 of those at Highline College. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University. Rob has shown his work nationally and has art in several private collections including the art collection of Seattle University.

Supply List: * Should be available in the Highline Bookstore

Clay* - (clay purchased through the bookstore will be picked up in the ceramics classroom. Proof of purchase will be required by showing the instructor your receipt for clay.) There is a limited supply of free-class clay.

Basic pottery tool kit*

Fettling knife*

Serrated edge tool*

3-4 paint brushes 1/4 inch - 1 1/2 inches *

Large towel (helps keep you clean when at the pottery wheel)

Apron (helps keep you clean when at the pottery wheel)

Small container with a lid (examples - salsa container, cream cheese container, butter container)

Optional items –

If you wish to lock your locker you may bring in a combination paddle lock.  No key locks, please. Give me a copy of your paddle lock combination with your name on it and your locker number.

Your own bucket.*  I have buckets but some students prefer to get their own.

A new batt.*  Batts are used when working on the pottery wheel.  I Have lots of class batts for students to use but some students prefer a new one.

Name tag.  If you want to help me remember your name, a name tag is a great way to do that.  I will provide some sticker name tags but a pin or magnet-type name tag is better. I will encourage students to always wear an apron.  If you keep a name tag on your apron it will help me and other students learn your name.

Tai chi, the best ancient Chinese exercise, has been contributing to myriad health benefits for millions of people for centuries. According to Time magazine and the American Geriatrics Society, it improves immunity and flexibility; it lowers stress, inflammation, blood pressure, even the dangers to fall. We now have an instructor with a national championship and 20+ years of experience right here in your community. Trained hard in Chen Village, the birthplace of tai chi in China, she will utilize the authentic and proprietary techniques acquired there to enlighten you in the world of tai chi. No matter how much, or little, experience you had, you will gain lifelong benefits from this class.

Tai chi, the best ancient Chinese exercise, has been contributing to myriad health benefits for millions of people for centuries. According to Time magazine and the American Geriatrics Society, it improves immunity and flexibility; it lowers stress, inflammation, blood pressure, even the dangers to fall. We now have an instructor with a national championship and 20+ years of experience right here in your community. Trained hard in Chen Village, the birthplace of tai chi in China, she will utilize the authentic and proprietary techniques acquired there to enlighten you in the world of tai chi. No matter how much, or little, experience you had, you will gain lifelong benefits from this class.

It's never too late to develop your foreign language skills! Impress your friends and colleagues by developing your conversational ability in real-life situations in your community or while traveling. Study basic pronunciation and grammatical structure in a nurturing interactive environment. Recommended for people who have never taken Spanish. This course is for BEGINNERS.  This class is online using Zoom, in partnership with Edmonds CC and the instructor is Monica Baird.

Required Book: SPANISH in 10 Minutes a Day® 

***Starting August 23rd and ending December 31st, 2022, this course will be offered at no cost.  Look for the link to access the course in your registration confirmation email.****

Are you frustrated with government? Are you worried about the political blame game and the inability of leaders to keep pace with pressing problems? This self-paced online course will teach you the ten steps of No-Blame practical problem-solving, proven successful in the venue of local government. This method has been applauded by respected government and business leaders alike for its applicability in all venues. You will also learn how to get in the game of government problem-solving. Learn the rules of the game, the positions you can take, and how to score with proven solutions. And while you're at it, earn a Certificate in Leadership and No-Blame Problem-Solving.

It’s the 21st century: we can’t wait on the sidelines and expect government officials to keep pace with solving every problem. You’ve voted, maybe you’ve protested, but you can do much more. You can get in the game, using your common sense and financial awareness, and propose solutions that government officials -- or corporate executives -- will be excited to adopt.

Course Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Evaluate solutions to determine if they are practical, evidence-based, and cost-effective
• Use No-Blame Problem Solving in professional contexts such as government, the corporate world, nonprofit advocacy, and/or your personal life
• Recognize your right to access public records and participate in government decisions at local power centers
• Identify roles you can take in your city to offer solutions and leadership without running for office

Course Material:

• Citizen Power: A Citizen Leadership Manual by Harry S. Pozycki and Caroline Pozycki (Rutgers University Press)
• Ten micro-lectures of 5-10 minutes each - provided for free in our Citizen Power portal
• Interactive quizzes & polls

Course Outline:
1. Introduction
2. Principles of No-Blame Problem Solving
3. No-Blame Problem Solving: Shaping Your Solution
4. No-Blame Problem Solving: Presenting Your Solution
5. Local Power Centers: Mayor, Council, & School Board
6. Local Power Centers: Planning Board & Local Political Parties
7. Citizen Power in the 21st Century
8. Media Literacy
9. Powerful Citizen Leadership Roles: Civic Trusts & Solutions Advocates
10. Powerful Citizen Leadership Roles: Appointed Government Office & Local Political Party
Representative