Fall Personal Enrichment
Fall 2023 Community Education Personal Enrichment Courses
View the Fall 2023 Course Book as a PDF.
New Cannabis Courses for Fall 2023!
The Cultural History of Cannabis in the U.S.
October 23-December 18
Online Course
Fee: $900
Registration: Contact Danielle Sloan at sloande@sunysccc.edu or 518-289-4467
This course explores cannabis through various historical, social, and cultural perspectives. Topics include criminalization and discrimination, media and pop culture, advocacy, and more. Students taking this class will develop a foundational understanding of the need for social justice in the legalization of cannabis in the United States. The instructor of this course utilizes her 17 years of experience as a higher education communications instructor and cannabis expertise to inform this course.
Cannabis Cultivation at Home
November 13-December 8
Online Course
Fee: $575
Registration: Contact Danielle Sloan at sloande@sunysccc.edu or 518-289-4467
This course gives students the knowledge that they need to cultivate cannabis at home, as well as the potential to work in the cannabis cultivation industry. The content focuses on basic knowledge and skill sets to grow in both indoor and outdoor environments. Students will learn about the cannabis growth cycle, elements of plant health, cultivation techniques, and how to harvest and properly dry and store cannabis. As a co-founder of a cannabis growing co-op and with years of experience in cultivation and genetics consultation, the course instructor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this flexible class designed for the new grower.
Intro to Ballet and Modern Dance for Teens/Adults
Tuesdays, September 5-October 10
7-8 p.m.
CRN# 91852
CFP 742-51
Fee: $90
This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students will learn elements of classical ballet, classical modern dance (Horton, Lemon, Graham…) with a healthy dose of post-modern dance (generally a mix of theater and dance) and jazz. Please wear stretchy clothing, have long hair pulled up in a pony tail and be prepared to dance in socks or bare-foot.
New! Tap Dancing
Tuesdays, September 5-October 10
5-6 p.m.
CRN# 92029
CFP 118-51
Fee: $90
This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students ages 8 to adults will explore tap styles from traditional to Broadway, and even a little Taperize. Focus will be on technique, clarity of sound, and musicality. Tap for fun – no experience needed. Beginners and re-learners welcome! Register for Tap Dancing.
New! Beginning Hip Hop for Teens/Adults
Wednesdays, September 6-October 11
5-6 p.m.
CRN# 92030
CFP 145-51
Fee: $90
This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students ages 8 to adults will learn Hip Hop basics, using classic to contemporary music and styling. As a freestyle form of dance, focus will be on toning, movement and freestyle techniques for creative freedom and musicality. Register for Beginning Hip Hop for Teens/Adults.
Beginning Latin Dance for Teens/Adults
Thursdays, September 7 – October 12
7-8 p.m.
CRN# 92032
CFP 882-51
Fee: $90
This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students 16 years and older will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and Cha Cha. No partner or experience necessary. Register for Beginning Latin Dance for Teens/Adults.
Beginning Ballroom Dance for Teens/Adults
Thursdays, September 7 – October 12
6-7 p.m.
CRN# 92031
CFP 881-51
Fee: $90
This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
Students 16 years and older will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of Waltz, Rumba, swing and foxtrot. No partner or experience necessary. Register for Beginning Ballroom Dance for Teens/Adults.
New! Intermediate Watercolor Painting
Mondays, September 11 – October 16
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 92026
CFP 176-51
Fee: $125
Come and explore the beautiful world of watercolors. This 6-week class is for people who have some experience with watercolor painting. Students will explore the variety of watercolor supplies. Students will learn Artistic Principles such as unity, proportion, composition, contrast, foreground, midground, and backgrounds, shape, colors, atmospheric perspective, texture, and focal points. There will be a review of different wash techniques, special effects, color, color mixing and the color wheel. Students will paint still life objects, or objects of the everyday, landscapes, animals, and florals. Emphasis will be on developing students’ own artistic style. Register for Intermediate Watercolor Painting.
Introduction to American Sign Language
Thursdays, September 14 – November 2
5:30-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 92023
CFP 748-51
Fee: $120
With no previous experience necessary, this course will introduce you to the world of visual-gestural communication by introducing the following topics: the building blocks of American Sign Language, a plethora of vocabulary words, and lessons on grammatical sentence structuring. The course will also explore the entities of deaf culture. Register for Intro to American Sign Language.
Aikido for Adults and Teens
Thursdays, September 14 – November 2
7-8:15 p.m.
CRN# 91854
CFP 800-51
Fee: $75
This course will be taught at the YWCA, 44 Washington Ave., Schenectady, N.Y. 12305.
Students, ages 14 and older, will practice Hombu style Aikido, which strengthens the body, mind and spirit. Aikido uses blending and redirecting techniques, Jujutsu joint locks and boxing elements that keep this martial art applicable for all individuals. Aikido promotes self-defense, flexibility, strength building and coordination. Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Register for Aikido for Adults and Teens.
New! Writng From Your Heart: The Art of Personal Essays and Blog Posts
Saturday, September 23
1-4 p.m.
CRN# 90214
CFP 754-51
Fee: $65
This is an online course.
The happy, memorable and hilarious happenings of your life can be transformed into extraordinary personal essays and blog posts. Learn the step-by-step process for jumpstarting your creativity to unlock and capture the details of your experiences, structuring your essay, pounding out a first draft and revising your manuscript into a polished essay. One-on-one coaching with the instructor, Pauline Bartel, helps you move with confidence toward writing your goal. Materials fee: $15 for coursebook to be paid to the instructor. Register for Writing From the Heart.
New! Advanced Paranormal Research
Thursdays. October 5 – November 16
7:30-9:30 p.m.
CRN# 92013
CFP 752-51
Fee: $125
Join paranormal investigator Jack Kenna from TV’s “Paranormal Survivor,” “Haunted Case Files,” and “Haunted Hospitals” as he builds on the knowledge taught in the course Paranormal 101. This course will provide advanced information and knowledge of the methods, tools, and approach to create a successful, knowledgeable, and professional paranormal team/investigator/researcher. This course goes in-depth into all things that are necessary to prepare yourself and/or your team to conduct a professional paranormal investigation. Topics include practicing spiritual protection, practicing physical and verbal techniques for communicating, diving rods, how to properly sage/cleanse a home or person, techniques for connecting with your five senses, working with clients, and much more. Students will participate in two paranormal investigations: Proctor’s Theater on November 1 from 7-11 p.m. and Shaker Heritage Society on November 11 from 7-11 p.m. Materials: Fee of $80 to be paid to the instructor for paranormal investigations. Students will also need the required coursebook “Paranormal Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Strong Team”. Pre-requisite: CFP 747 Paranormal 101. Register for Advanced Paranormal Research.
Getting Paid to Talk: Intro to Voice-Overs
Tuesday, October 24
6:30-9 p.m.
CRN# 91850
CFP 725-51
Fee: $35
This course will be held at Voice Coaches, 26 Vly Road, Colonie, N.Y., 12205.
From audio books, training material, animation, gaming, and commercials to socially relevant content, television, and more, today’s voice-over field has become a great way to leverage your individual interests, voice qualities, and communication skills in a whole new way. Learn about how the industry really works today, trends in opportunity in the community, and areas of future growth, and hear about the top traits casting professionals look for when hiring voice professionals. Students will also hear samples from working voice-over artists. Because this class is small, students will have the opportunity to record a sample professional voice-over under the direction of our instructor, who can offer feedback and advice. If you’ve ever wondered how to begin in voice-over part-time, full-time, or for supplemental or retirement income, this workshop is a great, upbeat, and realistic first step. Register for Intro to Voice Overs.