Travel & Culture   

Class Overview

The landscapes of Scotland and Ireland contain a great number of stone monuments built in pre-history. Standing stones, stone circles, and henges are just a few of the monuments one can see. Discover the fascinating structures created by people in Scotland and Ireland in the Stone, Bronze, and Iron ages. The colossal Newgrange, which is older than the Great Pyramid of Egypt, is an example of a chambered burial tomb. Tombs come in all shapes and sizes and we will explore the variety of them. In addition, the people from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages left us examples of their dwellings, such as crannogs and brochs. Come explore the prehistoric and fascinating monuments of Scotland and Ireland.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you be able to:

• Identify the types of ancient monuments that visitors to Britain and Ireland can expect to see.
• Recognize the various types of dwellings from prehistory.
• Explain the difference between a stone circle and a henge.
• Develop an understanding of the context in which these monuments were built.
• Describe the array of burials which provide us with so much of our knowledge of this time.

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Anyone who wants to learn about the ancient monuments of Scotland and Ireland.
• Travelers to Britain and Ireland who want to use this course as research for their itinerary.

Class Overview

Learning English? Improve your English language skills using today’s news as your textbook! 

Intermediate-level English students, this class is for you. Work on building vocabulary, understanding, and comprehension of English, in a practical and fascinating way. Practice speaking, reading, and listening during discussions with other language learners. 

In this class, you can learn grammar naturally by exploring topics in the news each week, chosen by students. You can take this class more than once -- since the news is always changing, you can continue to learn English, along with US culture and news, in this format. Materials for this class will be provided. 

If the class is interested, we can take field trips to local destinations to enhance learning and fun. 

Learning Objectives

• Gain confidence in your ability to clearly discuss topics in English that are important to you 
• Improve listening and comprehension skills in English
• Gain a better understanding of local and national US news
• Be able to share news about your home country with the group

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone interested in improving their English speaking, reading, and listening skills
• English language learners who would like to be able to better understand and discuss current events in the United States (as well as news from their native countries)
• Students of the English language who would like to participate in guided conversations with other students

Prerequisite:

Intermediate English or above.

Class Overview

Are you an au pair wanting to improve your US English skills? Improve your language skills while getting to know other au pairs and building a sense of community among au pairs in the Seattle region.

This class is led by a trained English as a second language (ESL) instructor who will help you improve your speaking, listening, vocabulary, and grammar skills. Through group conversations, student-centered grammar practice, informal presentations, field trips, and lots of vocabulary and listening activities, you'll gain more fluency and confidence. Mistakes are encouraged!

Learn American slang and cultural traditions, as well as Seattle customs and lifestyle. Topics include Seattle neighborhoods, American culture, cheap travel, and events around the Seattle area. Enjoy educational, social, and cultural experiences with other au pairs who are living and working in the Seattle area. 

Learning Objectives

• Feel more confident in using and understanding U.S. English
• Practice conversation skills for both work and social situations in the U.S.
• Improve listening and comprehension skills.
• Learn grammar structures that improve communication with others in speaking and writing
• Use English to share ideas and collaborate with other au pairs in the Seattle area

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Au pairs, nannies, or anyone interested in improving their U.S. English language skills

Prerequisite

• Intermediate English or above; you should be able to participate in group conversations about everyday topics.

Class Overview

Are you planning a trip to Ireland, do you have Irish ancestry or are you otherwise interested in this island in the North Atlantic? Ireland has a long and fascinating history. Develop a better understanding of the country’s history and culture as well as a brief introduction to Irish mythology. Learn about historically significant locations and unusual sites relevant to the culture and history of the country. Gain exposure to a few sites that demonstrate the Neolithic era (standing stones, passage tombs, rock art, etc.), the Bronze/Iron Ages (crannogs, hillforts), the Irish Monastic era (monasteries, churches, museums), as well as an array of museums with collections from a number of time periods. Learn travel tips that will help you plan an enjoyable trip travelling around Ireland.

Learning Objectives

After this class, students will:

• Have a greater appreciation of lesser-known but historically significant sites to visit in Ireland.
• Better understand the history and culture of Ireland.
• Be better prepared for travel with tips and tricks.

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• People who are interested in Irish history and culture.
• Anyone interested in learning about travel to Ireland, whether in-person or from the comfort of the classroom.

Class Overview

Are you traveling to Scotland or interested in learning about its many fascinating sites from the comforts of the classroom? In this class, discover lesser-known but historically significant locations in Scotland that will fascinate you and which travelers may want to add to their travel itineraries. Learn about the cultural and historic significance of many special sites from the Neolithic age, the Bronze/Iron Ages and Roman Scotland, as well as interesting physical landscapes, museums, castles and religious sites. Gain tips for traveling around the country, with awareness about potential difficulties and how to deal with them.

Learning Objectives

• Gain an expanded appreciation of lesser-known but historically significant sites in Scotland.
• Understand the cultural and historic significance of thses sites.
• Become better equipped to travel in Scotland if you choose, with some knowledge of possible difficulties while traveling in the country and how to deal with them.

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• People who are interested in Scottish history and culture.
• Anyone interested in learning about travel to Scotland, whether in-person or from the comfort of the classroom.

Class Overview

Have you ever been moved by the beauty of Chinese art? Learn about the unique philosophy and aesthetics of Chinese art while you experience the elegance of Sumi-style watercolor painting and calligraphy. 
 

In the Chinese style, you will learn to not just paint what you see, but paint what you feel. Painting with soul is the fundamental idea of Sumi painting and calligraphy. Learn skills and techniques of Sumi floral and landscape paintings and calligraphy through demos and hands-on individual instruction.
 

We will focus on live flowers, photos of landscapes, and other interesting subjects to inspire us during class. Students are encouraged to bring their own subjects for study to class, as well. Discover the relationship between painting and calligraphy. Learn about the supplies used in this ancient art form, such as the different rice papers and use, bruises, and the special Chinese Hanko, or stamp. 
 

Beginners and longtime continuing students are encouraged to take this engaging hands-on class and learn from a well-known Chinese calligrapher and painter. 

Supplies Needed

Brushes (Paragon brand)

• Best Combination Brush - a must-have; the one brush you need most (ABF-3FB03)
• Jade Bamboo - versatile combination large brush; also known as Magic Brush (ABF-3FB01)
• Rattail Fine Line – a fabulous brush for smooth, fine, long, and delicate lines (ABF-3FB04)
• Northern Wolf - excellent quality but an economical substitute (ABW-4WB02)
• Happy Dot - detail brush (ABD-6DLB2)

Ink & Ink Stone

• Yi De liquid Sumi ink - one bottle (AIB-YD250)
• Jade Purple (AIS-28114) - one dry ink stick; or China Premium - best quality ink stick (AIS-CP101) 
• Paragon - 5” round ink grinding stone with lid (AIS-2ST05)

Papers (PIA Brand)

• Green Line - 10 sheet paper roll 13.5”x 54” each sheet (APS-57P6R)
• 1 Fancy Tracing Paper Pack (APP-25P01)

Accessories

• 12 colors with 12 ml each (ACS-90C12)
• Oriental Fan Shape Palette - porcelain (ABA-PLTF6)
• Ivy wool felt - - beige/white color, 20” x 30” (AFT-FLT01)
• Well brush washer - 3, with blue flower pattern (ABA-BW304)
• Steel paper weight - 2 pieces (ABA-SPWT1)

FOR THE FIRST CLASS

If you don’t have any materials, these are the minimal supplies you will need for the first class:

Sumi Starter Kit (Paragon) 

• 3 brushes (one combination, one student wolf hair brush, and one detail brush)
• One 3.5” x 5” rectangular Ink grinding stone (PIA brand)
• One good quality ink stick (by Paragon) 
• One 10-sheet Green Line paper roll (13.75” x 57” each sheet)
• One Tracing Study Paper Pack
• One 2-well brush washer
• One steel paperweight

RECOMMENDATION FOR ART SUPPLY STORES

• An Artful Touch - (425-823-2336) 12437 116th Ave NE, Kirkland, Washington
• Paragon Art - www.ParagonArt.com, email: ask@paragonart.com

Learning Objectives

• Gain Sumi watercolor skills
• Understand Asian art and philosophy
• Learn a bit about Chinese Hanko (stamp) use and function in paintings

Who Might Enjoy This Class 

• Perfect for beginners as well as ongoing student artists practicing Sumi art
• Artists who want to expand their horizons
• Anyone who wants to practice focus/discipline and relaxation at the same time
• Chinese language students who want to explore Chinese culture, aesthetics, and art

Class Overview

Discover the warm and wonderful culture of Thailand. Enjoy learning about Thai food, good places for vacation, and basic words and phrases.

In this class, you will have an introduction to the culture of Thailand and learn why it is called the “land of smiles.” Discover a bit about the history of Thailand and the region of Southeast Asia. Learn about the art of Thai cooking and gain tips on how to cook like Thai people who were born in the United States.

Enjoy easy conversation with basic Thai words and phrases, plus cultural norms and differences. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this class will be especially useful, and you will gain tips for safe and affordable travel.  

We will go out for lunch at a nearby restaurant together for a fun cultural immersion experience. No skill or knowledge is needed to enjoy this class focused on Thai culture.

This class is part of our Broadway Hill Club offerings, designed for older students and offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.

Supplies Needed 

Lunch at a restaurant - you will pay for your own lunch, or an appetizer and drink.

Learning Objectives

• Easy Thai cooking or Thai-American home cooking.  Cook like Thai people who were born and live in the US.
• Learning about Thai culture – a big plus to build understanding across the two cultures and to create a sweet harmonious life.

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone who has an interest in Thai culture
• Seniors who have time and interest in doing fun activities 
• Someone who works in a diversified business environment
• People interested in visiting Thailand
• No experience is necessary; everyone is welcome!

Class Overview

Because the cultural richness of Italy is so vast, most people don’t have the time or experience to explore more than a few major cities, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Some travelers might take side trips to a few suggested towns beyond Florence, but afterward might say, “If only I had more time to explore other areas of Tuscany.” If you’re intrigued to know more about the fascinating region of Tuscany from an “insiders” perspective, this class is for you!

Discover attractive and different areas of Tuscany, through lectures, maps, videos, photos, stories, and food. These are places where the casual tourist does not typically venture. Learn about different sub-regions of Tuscany, and what makes them special.

Our holistic “slow” approach will be to sample the artistic, historical, cultural, and touristic smorgasbord offered by the small to medium-sized towns that populate these areas. Enjoy learning about the rich Medieval and Renaissance history and art that is abundant in this region.

This class will be experiential. Enjoy simple and enriching homework assignments/opportunities to have a more active experience in learning about Tuscany. Enjoy a class potluck consisting of Italian specialties from Tuscany on the last day of class.

Gain a basic understanding of the rules for Italian pronunciation so that you can enjoy participating in the enchanting language, and feel more comfortable articulating all those “r’s”. Glean basic travel tips and resources, though this is not a travel planning class.

This class is part of our Broadway Hill Club offerings, designed for older students and offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.

Learning Objectives

• Familiarity with sub-regions of Tuscany and what makes them special
• Better understanding of the art, history, culture, and landscapes of Tuscany
• Locate various sub-regions of Tuscany on maps, and be familiar with how to get there from Florence or Rome

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone interested in Italian art, history, culture, or language
• Italian language students wanting to gain a greater understanding of Italy
• People who are planning a trip to Italy, whether for the first time or returning
• Anyone interested in the “Slow” travel movement (related to the “Slow Food” movement)