CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- People who want to learn to write for magazines, learn to canoe, or explore "The Creation" will have opportunities this fall through the University of Illinois. So will would-be photographers, those wanting to learn how to handle holiday stress, and people who'd like to explore Allerton Park, near Monticello.
Those are among some of the topics of personal and professional enrichment programs based in the UI Office of Continuing Education. Some courses begin as soon as next week.
Among the courses offered:
Introduction to Photography, which will concentrate on the basics of black and white 35mm photography. Thursday evenings, Sept. 28 to Dec. 7, $186.
Successful Magazine Writing, which will be taught by a widely published freelance writer and will deal with all aspects of writing and getting published. Saturday, Oct. 28, $66.
Haydn's "The Creation," which will explore the oratorio, the composer and his body of work as preparation for a performance of "The Creation" by the Sinfonia da Camera, UI Chorale and Oratorio Society. Monday evenings, Nov. 6, 13 and 27, with the performance on Dec. 2.; $39 for the course, $27 for the performance.
Seasons of Allerton (Part II), which will include a Holiday Showcase in the Allerton mansion and a naturalist's tour of Allerton Park. Monday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $14, optional lunch for $13.50.
Canoeing for Beginners, which will provide an opportunity to learn techniques in flat-water canoeing, as well as canoe safety. Friday, Sept. 29, 1 to 4 p.m., $22; one-day canoe trip on Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $62.
Stress Reduction for Everyday Life and the Holidays, which will utilize principles and techniques of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program developed at the University of Massachusetts, and featured on the Bill Moyers PBS special "Healing and the Mind." Saturdays, Oct. 21 to Nov. 18, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., $75.
The personal and professional enrichment programs are presented in a noncompetitive, informal atmosphere. There are no exams or grades. Instructors are selected primarily from the university faculty, and classes meet at locations on campus or in the Central Illinois community.
Prospective students are encouraged to enroll early since some classes may fill quickly. For more information, registration, or to receive a brochure that lists all personal and professional enrichment programs, as well as programs for older adults, call (217) 333-7369.