State University of New York at New Paltz
EN-12: Continuing Education

Distance Walking (Fall 2016): This program will take place for the most part on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland. We will begin with short walks for the beginners and gradually increase the distance to five miles. The trail is clearly marked with mileage numbers and will culminate with at least three walks on portions of the Walkway over the Hudson. Population Issues and Changes in Developing and Developed Countries (Fall 2016): Rapid population growth in Africa and parts of Asia is contrasted with the slow growth or declines in Europe. Factors affecting population growth rates are discussed including family planning in fast growth areas and in-migration and incentives for childbearing in slow-growth countries. The interplay among population factors and climate change and refugee movements is discussed. The economic consequences of rapid aging and other changes in the population age structure are presented. The extremely rapid changes now ongoing are stressed in these topics. Easy Bike Rides (Fall 2016): Hour long easy bike rides beginning at the Reformed Church Education Building parking lot and going along Huguenot Street and the rail trail at a leisurely pace. The Coming Out Process (Fall 2016): This course will discuss the psychology, philosophy and politics of coming out as well as the internal and external dynamics, the impact on the person coming out and the influence on family, friends and others. Hudson Valley Rambles (Fall 2016): Experience the pleasures of hiking in our region with an experienced naturalist and hike leader. Participants will sample four diverse walks within a 25 mile radius of New Paltz. Vegetables: From Sides to Front and Center (Spring 2017): This class will focus on the revolution that has taken place in vegetable cuisine. The course will include classroom demonstrations for vegetable dishes and ways to bring more veggies, and therefore more health, into your life! Recipes will be provided. Suggestions for books, internet sites for recipes, techniques and cooking shows will be discussed. Take Action and Make Your Voice Heard (Fall 2017): Join others in discovering how to become a more active participant in our democracy at all levels of government. Each of us will pick an issue to research and take action on, working alone or with a partner, and share results (frustrations as well as successes) with the rest of the group. Whatever your issue is (e.g. single-use plastics, voting rights or women's access to health services) you will have a chance to find out which mode of activism is best for you. Classes will feature small and large group discussions and activities geared toward allowing all participants to share their concerns, skills and expertise. How Sociology Can Save the World (Fall 2017): In this class we will consider four sociological concepts that, if they were more widely understood and applied, could address many of the problems that threaten our collective existence. Law, Ethics, and Fairness in a Just Society (Fall 2017): A goal of this class is to clarify our thinking on the complex issues that comprise a just society. We will consider several issues whose resolutions are valued in a just society. Topics will include matters of life and death, such as abortion, capital punishment, war, euthanasia and self defense; and certain First Amendment rights, namely freedom of religion, speech and the press. In the context of these issues, we will discuss relevant philosophical positions that address matters of social justice. Easy Bike Rides (Fall 2017) Philadelphia Flower Show (Fall 2017): "Wonders of Water" The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show will showcase the different way water is used, both for gardening and for amusement. Conservation and sustainability will also be big messages in the show.