Registration Opens For New Life Long Learning Classes

San Marcos Parks and Recreation is offering a new round of Life Long Learning courses for the greater San Marcos area. People can register for these classes by calling 512.393.8400, by going to the Parks and Recreation Main Office at 401 E. Hopkins or the San Marcos Activity Center at 501 E. Hopkins, or online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/activeSMTX and  searching “LLL” for Life Long Learning classes.

The classes are primarily for those age 50 and above, but adults of any age are welcome to register. Most classes will begin in July.  A minimum number of registrants is required for these classes to take place. Course offerings are listed below:

Philosophy and Cinema

Mondays:  July 3,10,17,24, 31 and August 7

Time:         2 to 3:15 p.m.

Site:           San Marcos Activity Center

Cost:          $25  

Course Description

During this six-week course we will examine 12 significant movies, with marked philosophical content. We will meet once each week and discuss the philosophical significance of two movies, which you will have watched prior to the discussion.  The topics and films include:      

Week 1: Stoic Warriors: Featured Films: Modern Times and Night of the Iguana              

Week 2: Family & Friendship; Featured Films: The Grapes of Wrath                                 

Week 3: Love, Lust & Hate; Featured Films: 12 Angry Men                                               

Week 4: God & the Meaning of Life; Featured Films: Winter Light and Cool Hand Luke

Week 5: Virtue & Vice; Featured Films: A Christmas Carol           

Week 6: War & Death; Featured Film: The Seventh Seal

(Note: After week 1, the second film to be discussed will be chosen by those attending the class.)

Presented by Dr. Mark Andrew Holowchak, author of 35 books and over 100 peer-reviewed articles on philosophy and psychology. Mark, a dynamic presenter, invites us to explore with him each week’s topic.

“Claiming Sunday:  The Story of an East Texas Slave Community”

Wednesdays: Sept. 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4 & 11

Time:                 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Site:                   San Marcos Activity Center

Cost:                  $25  

Course Description

By the time the Civil War came, 4 million African Americans were enslaved in the South. Texas had a slave population that was approximately 25% of the state’s total population, making it a major slave state.

What were the lives of the enslaved like? Careful analysis of white records provides a fascinating and much enhanced knowledge of slave life in the ante-bellum South.

Families, separations, sales, work routines, punishment, medical care, diet, clothing, interaction with whites and more are examined in this class by using the microfilm of the East Texas Devereux Plantation records.

Join us for this study of a subject of vital importance to modern race relations and regional history.  

Presented by Jo Snider a veteran of nearly thirty years of college and university teaching of American history.  She holds B. A. and M.A. degrees from Southwest Texas State University and the University of Texas in Austin.  She brings not only knowledge yet a high level of enthusiasm to the study of history.

Give Falls the Boot **Registration Required – Limited Number of Participants

Tuesdays and Thursdays:  July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 & Aug. 1, 3 and 8

Time:              10 a.m. to noon

Site:                 San Marcos Activity Center

Cost:                FREE

Course Description

Many senior citizens assume that sub-par balance is just another side-effect of aging.

However, it need not be. You will be involved in light exercises to build strength and balance, as well as the mental habits required to gain confidence in being more active.

As Camille is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, she can assist your independence and being safe in your home.

Presented by Camille Phillips. Camille has presented this course 23 times and well knows that over 70% of falls can be prevented. For more information, go to her website for her non-profit organization (Safe, Sassy, and Strong) at: www.safesassy.org.

Watercolor: Expressive Still-Life Painting (max 12 participants)

Fridays:  July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4

Time:      10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Site:         Cephas House: located at 215 W. MLK Drive, San Marcos, TX

Cost:        $50 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description

This course will focus on both basic and alternative processes in watercolor to encourage individual expression in creating still-life compositions.

Reflection and Transparency in Drawing (intermediate class, max 12)

Fridays:  July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4

Time: 2-4:30 p.m.

Site:  Cephas House: located at 215 W. MLK Drive, San Marcos, TX

Cost: $50 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description:

Students will use various drawing media to create the illusion of reflective and transparent surfaces such as glass, water, and metal.

The Travel Sketch: Sketching with Pen & Ink and Watercolor 

Fridays: Aug. 18, 25, Sept 1, 8, 15

Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Site: Cephas House: located at 215 W. MLK Drive, San Marcos, TX

Cost: $50.00 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description

In this course, you will learn to document cityscapes and landscapes with quick studies in pen & ink with watercolor washes applied.

There will be demos and digital presentations as well as active field studies.We will do thumbnail sketches in graphite to work out compositions and value structure.

We will discuss perspective rules for drawing buildings and basic pen & ink and watercolor techniques. We will talk about mixing color, color theory and the basics of light and shadow.

Art Classes Presented by Roxana Tuff, a metal smith and illustrator who holds a BFA in painting and drawing and an MFA in painting, has taught in the art studio area at Texas State for 14 years.

For a list of materials needed for the art classes, please pick up a class packet at the San Marcos Activity Center or go online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/activeSMTX and search “LLL” for Life Long Learning classes.

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About The City of San Marcos’ Parks and Recreation Dept.: The Parks and Recreation Department works to provide the citizens and visitors of San Marcos the highest level of programs, parks, facilities, and services that will positively enhance our vision of the community. The Parks and Recreation Department has a history of providing not only diverse and continuous programs for citizens and visitors alike but also excels in providing maintained parks such as Rio Vista park, educational centers such as the Discovery Center, and many more activities and resources for everyone in San Marcos.