Writing, Language & Culture   

A hands-on filmmaking workshop for actors, writers and directors to bring stories to the screen. Students get the opportunity to share their work as part of a Student Film showcase in the spring. This quarter students are introduced to film production with guest filmmaker Mark Schwartz and Dr. Lara Starcevich. Students learn about storytelling, technical skills, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking, often through hands-on projects and lab experiences.

Learning Outcomes:

Fundamental outcomes of the course include: taking an initial idea through all of the stages of development--pre-production, production, and post-production.

 

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.

Continue learning the third most commonly used language in the United States, American Sign Language! Build on the basics in this continuation class. This is a great class if you've taken ASL for Beginners 1 with us, or if you have some foundational knowledge of ASL including the alphabet, numbers and greetings. Open to students 16 years of age and up. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will assist the class on the first day with class expectations and questions. 

Please see Student Learning Outcomes and CEU Process. 

Examine the historical and cultural context of Jesus' teachings through the gospels. Explore early Christian development, texts, and interpretations using critical analysis and discussion.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the teachings attributed to Jesus of Nazareth as presnted in the New Testament testimony.
• Recognize and evaluate the cultural and historical contexts influencing New Testament descriptions of the "kingdom of God".
• Examine how interpretations of the “kingdom of God” have changed over time, including mythological and cultural developments.
• Identify and interpret Hebrew Bible/Old Testament passages related to concepts of the “kingdom of God” in Jewish thought.
• Describe scholarly perspectives on how “kingdom of God” themes functioned in early Jewish and early Christian contexts.

 

This course is perfect for absolute beginners eager to learn how to play chess with confidence. Starting with the basics — rules, piece movements, and board setup — then moving into key opening principles, simple tactics, and winning strategies. Through guided practice games and interactive exercises, you'll build skills step by step. By the end of the course, you'll be able to play a complete game, recognize common checkmate patterns, and start thinking like a chess player. No prior experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to learn!

This class is held in partnership with Clark College.

This class is mostly conducted in Spanish at an intermediate level. It is a mixture of grammar, culture pronunciation, listening and speaking. It includes readings from authors of the Spanish speaking world such as García Márquez, Cortázar, Borges, García Lorca, etc.

Required Materials:

• Practice Makes Perfect - Complete Spanish Grammar - 4th Edition by Gilda Nissenberg; ISBN 9781260463156

This class is conducted entirely in Spanish at an advanced level. It is a mixture of grammar, culture pronunciation, listening and speaking. It includes readings from authors of the Spanish speaking world such as García Márquez, Cortázar, Borges, García Lorca, etc.

Required Materials:

• Practice Makes Perfect - Complete Spanish Grammar - 4th Edition by Gilda Nissenberg; ISBN 9781260463156

Say “Yes, and…” to fun, creativity, and confidence!

Think you can’t do improv? Guess what—you already do it every day! Life itself is one big improv scene. This upbeat class uses games and exercises to help you think on your feet, listen actively, and collaborate joyfully—all while having a great time. Open to adults and youth ages 16+. 

No experience needed—just bring an open mind, a sense of humor, and a willingness to play. You’ll learn how to:

• Think and perform spontaneously
• Problem-solve creatively
• Work and communicate effectively in a team
• Boost emotional intelligence
• Build confidence both onstage and off.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills or just laugh and let loose, this class is for you!

"If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give in to it....Joy is not made to be a crumb." - Mary Oliver

Gentle, joyful, soul-nourishing yoga sessions in the comfort of your own home. Boost physical and mental wellbeing, and uplift your day!

Each session will include breathing, stretching, deep relaxation and inspiring themes from the gorgeous poetry of Mary Oliver. Research shows that stretching, breathing and calming the nervous system can boost mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve brain function and overall health and vitality. Let's come together to strengthen our own joy and wellbeing, and share that goodness in our communities and in our world.

No need to be a pretzel! Options will be offered to make each session accessible, whether you are new to yoga or have some yoga experience.

This class is conducted entirely in French. It is a mixture of grammar, culture pronunciation, listening and speaking. It includes readings from authors of the French speaking world such as Camus, Abdellah Taia, Orsenna, Yourcenar, etc.

Required materials:

• The Ultimate French Review and Practice, 4th Edition; ISBN 978-1-260-45241-9
• Une mélancolie arabe, Abdellah Taia  ISBN 9782757821060
   

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. This course now includes access to Canvas for easy reference to learning documents!

Students with no Spanish speaking experience are welcome and encouraged to sign up for this class. Students will learn to ask and answer basic questions (name, nationality, preferences) and understand simple, slow speech conversations in predictable contexts. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Elementary Spanish vocabulary and phrases
• Basic grammar
• Emphasis on beginning conversation
• Cultural overview 
• Basic conversation 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. Students taking this class for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must attend 80% of classes. Email communityed@pencol.edu for your CEU Verification Letter at the completion of class.

If you've already taken Spanish 1, consider signing up for Spanish 2. 

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. This course now includes access to Canvas for easy reference to learning documents!

Prerequisite: Spanish Language 1 or equivalent experience. Students with some basic Spanish speaking experience are welcome and encouraged to sign up for this class. Students will learn how to express opinions and have basic casual conversations, understand familiar topics, and hold conversations about routines, travels, experiences and hobbies.

Open to students 16 years of age and up, or by permission by instructor. Students taking this class for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must attend 80% of classes. Email communityed@pencol.edu for your CEU Verification Letter at the completion of class.

Learning Outcomes:

• Build on basic sentence structure 
• Emphasis on conversation 
• Grammar and vocabulary 
• Cultural immersion 
• Practical application scenarios  

Would you like to fall in love again with life, the world, and everything? Rumi's mystical poetry will set your heart and soul on fire.

Explore the life and poetry of the great Sufi mystic and poet Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi. The course will explore the themes, subject matter, and symbolism of Rumi’s poetry and make comparisons with similar poetic expressions in Zen Buddhism and Daoism.

Build on your existing Spanish skills to reach an intermediate level of comprehension, vocabulary, and idioms. This course strengthens your ability to understand and speak through practical scenarios, encouraging you to apply your skills in real-life contexts. You’ll also enjoy virtual travel experiences that showcase the rich cultures of Spain, Central America, and South America. This course now includes access to Canvas for easy reference to learning documents!

Prerequisite: Spanish Language 2 or equivalent experience. Students with a background who are able to hold a conversation in Spanish are welcome and encouraged to sign up for this class. Students will be taught to negotiate, persuade, request and express themselves effectively. 

Open to students 16 years of age and up, or by permission by instructor. Students taking this class for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must attend 80% of classes. Email communityed@pencol.edu for your CEU Verification Letter at the completion of class.

Learning Outcomes:

• Enhanced vocabulary 
• Improved communication skills 
• Cultural exploration 
• Develop effective sentence structures
• Practical application scenarios  

Try Tai Chi, a "soft" martial art that naturally reduces stress while improving circulation, balance, health, and more.

Healing Tai Chi has been practiced for thousands of years by many Asian cultures. The practice of these "soft" movement may have numerous health benefits, including an increased sense of relaxation, improved blood flow, muscle tone, and better balance. The course includes demonstrations and exercises; students will have lots of practice performing Tai Chi forms and Tai Chi fan.

Students 14 years and older may enroll if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian over 18 registered and participating in the same class.

How do we write about nature when the environment itself is changing so rapidly? This discussion-based writing course brings together readers, writers, and nature-lovers to explore how storytelling can help us understand - and respond to - climate change.

Using contemporary essays, poems, and short readings, we'll talk about shifting ideas of wilderness, examine how writers are addressing ecological change, and try out our own short writing exercises. Part lecture, part conversation, and part creative workshop, this course is designed for anyone interested in nature, language, and the power of stories in uncertain times.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a deepened sensitivity to nature writing
• Identify the strength and weakness of the historical modes of documenting nature in writing
• Strengthen discussion and debate skills
• Compose new work (poems, essay, fiction, etc.)

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. In this supportive classroom setting, you’ll share your writing and engage in constructive feedback with peers to improve your writing.

Open to students 16 years of age and older.

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 including vibrant glass, elegant pearl, and stone beads. 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. 

Say “Yes, and…” to fun, creativity, and confidence!

Think you can’t do improv? Guess what—you already do it every day! Life itself is one big improv scene. This upbeat class uses games and exercises to help you think on your feet, listen actively, and collaborate joyfully—all while having a great time. Open to adults and youth ages 16+. 

No experience needed—just bring an open mind, a sense of humor, and a willingness to play. You’ll learn how to:

• Think and perform spontaneously
• Problem-solve creatively
• Work and communicate effectively in a team
• Boost emotional intelligence
• Build confidence both onstage and off.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills or just laugh and let loose, this class is for you!

Try Tai Chi, a "soft" martial art that naturally reduces stress while improving circulation, balance, health, and more.

Healing Tai Chi has been practiced for thousands of years by many Asian cultures. The practice of these "soft" movement may have numerous health benefits, including an increased sense of relaxation, improved blood flow, muscle tone, and better balance. The course includes demonstrations and exercises; students will have lots of practice performing Tai Chi forms and Tai Chi fan.

Students 14 years and older may enroll if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian over 18 registered and participating in the same class.