Writing, Language & Culture   

Contemporary Cherokee Artist Karen Sixkiller offers beading workshops in collaboration with ʔaʔk̓ʷustəƞáwt̓xʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse. 

Craft a stunning bracelet with large beads and leather cord in this beginner-friendly workshop! Use provided materials or personalize with your choice of beads, from vibrant glass to elegant stones. Learn the method and apply the flexible pattern to explore endless design possibilities! Materials included. Appropriate for adults and youth 12+ with parent/guardian also enrolled. 

This course embarks on an exploration of poetry, delving into the works of renowned American, British, and Chinese masters. We will traverse continents and centuries, uncovering the unique voices and styles that shaped poetic traditions across the globe. The course meeting organization is thematic with each day sampling works that touch on love, sanity, cosmos, war/peace, god and more. Various traditional structures and forms such as villanelle, sestina and others will be examined. Knowledge of Mandarin not required as poems will be studied and questioned in translation by Pu tong Hua. Please note: This course is offered in partnership with Olympic College.

A few of the main course objectives include:

1. Analyze and compare the formal structures, thematic concerns, and cultural contexts of Eastern and Western poetry.
2. Develop critical reading skills to dissect poetic language, imagery, and symbolism.
3. Improve confidence and ability in the art of poetic performance on a stage by exploring tone, posture, vocal projection and more. 

Discover the joys of learning Spanish with a native speaker in this engaging 8-week course! You'll build the skills needed to communicate effectively in everyday situations, gaining the confidence to hold simple conversations in Spanish. Whether you're interested in travel, culture, or simply expanding your horizons, this course offers a dynamic environment where you can explore topics that matter to you.

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By the end of this course, you will:

• Use new Spanish vocabulary in both written and spoken interactions.
• Show foundational proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
• Understand key cultural elements and their impact on the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
• Communicate confidently and effectively in various real-life scenarios.

Join us to start your Spanish language journey and connect with a vibrant culture! Open to students 16 years of age and up, or by permission by instructor. 

A supportive writer's room environment both for beginners and more experienced screenwriters. We will review screenplays, short films and formatting. Beginners will concentrate on developing a concept and completing a short script. Those already working on a project will advance their skills and stories in a circle of like minded individuals. 

This level focuses on increasing Spanish vocabulary and using interactive practice of pronunciation through dialogue and role-play. Students develop meaningful appreciation and an understanding of grammatical concepts. To complement the language skills, the student will acquire survival key points for traveling and knowledge about the cuisine of Spanish-speaking cultures. Open to students 16 years of age and up. 

Prerequisite: Spanish Language 1 or equivalent experience. Feel free to reach out to communityed@pencol.edu if you have questions about your experience level.

Learning Outcomes:

• Improve vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
• Engage in conversations, exchange opinions, and share experiences. 
• Explain signs and symptoms to medical professionals
• Able to ask for help, order in restaurants, report issues, and bargain for deals
• Awareness of local colloquialism, currency exchange, traditions, and celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries
   

Everyone has a story. Have you always wanted to write your story? If you already have a body of work, a collection of essays, or even a memoir manuscript in hand, you will enjoy this class. Beginners are welcome too. Through writing exercises and prompts, you'll be able to dig deep into your story and make it universally important to the ones you love and the world. Wherever you are in your life or on your writing journey you will appreciate your fellow writer and having an experienced writer, teacher, and mentor.

Open to students 16 years of age and older.

Learn the third most commonly used language in the United States, American Sign Language! We will start at the beginning and build a foundation in the language and culture of the Deaf in the United States and most of Canada. No previous knowledge of ASL or Deaf culture needed, we will provide you with the basics and build upon those skills. Open to students 16 years of age and up. 

Please see Student Learning Outcomes and CEU Process.