One of the benefits of working from home is the possibly of sneaking off to the cinema etc. when things are quiet. Each year I am also tempted to do some of the lifelong learning courses at Queens or Stranmillis. Unfortunately reality gets in the way and I seldom make it away from my digital shackles. If you have some free time the courses are really worth a look.
Are you running night/lifelong learning classes? Feel free to plug them in the comments.
Here are the details from Stranmillis:
This month Stranmillis University College in South Belfast launches its new Spring Lifelong Learning programme . Day and evening classes range from Irish History to Painting/Outdoor Sketching and and the ever-popular ‘Big House in Ireland’.
Hidden History walking tours include ‘Old Belfast’ and ‘In the Footsteps of Carson and Connolly’- in which resident historian, Dr Éamon Phoenix will explore sites associated with the Covenant, the Easter Rising and the Great War. ‘All Points West’ will take in the historical landmarks of West Belfast.
In this centenary year of the Dardanelles fiasco, local historian Jim McDermott presents ‘Belfast From Great War to Sectarian Conflict’ while Joycean expert, Anne Taylor explores the famous writer’s years of exile in Trieste, Zurich and Paris. This is, as Anne puts it ‘a portrait of the artist as a mature man!’
In the ‘The Shaping of Ireland’ Dr Des O’Reilly will explore the impact of geology, climate, migrations, Plantation and Famine on this island.
Meanwhile you might consider ‘Hidden Ulster’: The Irish Language and the Two Traditions’, led by expert, Dr Ian Malcolm. Other courses include Philosophy- led by former cardiologist turned philosopher, Dr G. Campalani – and Creative Writing for Beginners. As tutor and film-maker Michael McCurley remarks: ‘An enjoyable and creative experience awaits you.’
Archaeology promises to be a big draw thanks to distinguished field archaeologist, Ruairi O Baoill fresh from excavations in Derry and Carrickfergus. Other courses cover a 1916 Rising Tour in April, ‘1798’ in Co Antrim and Georgian day trip to Dublin.
So whatever your interest, age-band or background, Stranmillis has a course for you.
For details contact Zoe McMaster on 02890 384345 or visit the Stranmillis web-site
I help to manage Slugger by taking care of the site as well as running our live events. My background is in business, marketing and IT. My politics tend towards middle-of-the-road pragmatism, I am not a member of any political party. Oddly for a member of the Slugger team, I am not that interested in daily politics, preferring to write about big ideas in society. When not stuck in front of a screen, I am a parkrun Run Director.
