Bakersfield College

This is a course that explores both drawing structure and the natural rhythms and feelings inherent in all people and how these can be used to develop personal and quality drawings that will surprise you and those to whom you show the images you create. You will draw from nature and from your own imagination to create moving and strong images, even without great technical proficiency. You will work with soft (4B) pencils, and woodless graphite pencils (4B), a grey kneaded eraser, one square stick of Charkole (brand name) and a newsprint pad, all available from the BC store or from other sources. You should have these with you on the first day of class. Lectures, discussions, and drawing experiences will comprise the total class time.

Meets: Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 1-4 p.m.
Fees: $70
Location: Room 102, Weill Institute, 2100 Chester Avenue
Instructor: Al Naso

Watercolor is unique due to its transparent nature and how it is used on various kinds of paper.  During the sessions, the instructor will demonstrate the proper way to use the painting tools and show you how to begin your first painting using basic ideas in composition, transferring images, to the paper, as well as color concepts.  The instructor will provide a list of the supplies and materials you will need to start your first watercolor painting.

Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, March 23 & 25, 6-9:00 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Fine Arts (FA), 23, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Al Davis

Acrylic paints mix well with other media, textured effects can be created, and applications may be made to a variety of surfaces.  During the sessions, the instructor will show you how to begin your first painting using basic ideas in composition, how to transfer images, to the canvas, and will introduce some color concepts.  The instructor will provide a list of the supplies and materials you will need to start your first acrylic painting.

Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, March 9 & 11, 6-9:00 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 23, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Al Davis

In this class you will learn about the tools unique to oil painting, such as brushes, varnish, linseed oil, and canvas.  You also will learn both how to use the tools and to stretch canvas.  During the sessions, the instructor will demonstrate these techniques, the proper use of tools, show you how to begin your first painting using basic ideas in composition, and will introduce some color concepts.  The instructor will provide a list of the supplies and materials you will need to start your first oil painting.

Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, March 16 & 18, 6-9:00 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 23, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Al Davis

Obtain expert assistance as you develop your painting skills

The purpose of this class is to help practicing painters and painting students at intermediate and advanced levels obtain critical feedback on work in progress as well as assistance in starting new projects.  Students may work on paintings in class and/or critique their work with the instructor and other students.  If students need help with technical aspects of their work, they can bring their paintings and supplies to class.

Meets: Monday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, April 5, 12, 6-9:00 p.m.
Fees: $70
Location: Humanities (H) 22, Bakersfield College
Materials: Students are encouraged to bring their own.
Instructor: Al Davis

Machu Picchu, one of the world's most beautiful, mysterious, and interesting places, has since its discovery in the early 1900's, drawn considerable world attention and is currently one of the most visited locales by tourists.  It is remotely located high in the Peruvian mountains. Never discovered by the Spanish, it was an Inca community that has not been much disturbed since its abandonment in the 16th century. This two-hour presentation of Professor Naso's own photography will show in detail the many features of this famous monument that include pathways, a bridge, temples, a tower, a palace, residences, burial sites, fountains, crafts locales, baths, and a punishment place.  Its cultural background will be discussed extensively.  The architecture is varied and unforgettable.  Visitors are transported to a fascinating past and a lost culture.

Meets: Monday, March 8, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $10
Location: Science & Engineering (SE) 53, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Al Naso

Learn to make jewelry from a master of the craft.

This seminar is an introduction to silversmithing.  It involves designing a piece in sterling silver.  Using tools such as a jeweler's saw to cut out the design, you will use files to finish the edges and various abrasive papers to begin preparing the surface for polish.  You will then solder the pieces together.  Supplies for this class can be purchased from a vendor in class.  Students are encouraged to purchase their own tools.  Explore your creativity through silver.

Students have taken this class or a jewelry class are encouraged to continue their silversmithing experience by enrolling in the advanced class.

Meets: Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-9 p.m.
Fees: $110, including course fee and supplies used in class
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 8, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Marlene Tatsuno

This is a continuation of the introductory Silversmithing class.  Supplies for this class can be purchased from a vendor in class.

Meets: Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-9 p.m.
Fees: $110, including course fee and supplies used in class
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 8, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Marlene Tatsuno

This is a continuation of the introductory Silversmithing class.  Supplies for this class can be purchased from a vendor in class.

Meets: Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 6, 8, 13, 15, 6-9 p.m.
Fees: $65, including course fee and supplies used in class
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 8, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Marlene Tatsuno

Learn a traditional Native American art form from an expert

This class is an introduction to the traditional Native American art of pine needle weaving.  Through this hands-on class, students will learn the coiling technique.  They will also become acquainted with materials and methods used in dying, embellishing and forming pieces of natural beauty that can be used as decorative accents or gifts.

Meets: Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 3-5 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Language Arts (LA) 109, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dian Olmstead

This class will be a light introduction to the art and science of home beer brewing.  We will discuss methodologies and required equipment, and each student will receive a sample kit of all the different ingredients needed as well as recipes.  There will be a beer brewing demonstration showing the process from raw ingredients to beer, as well as a bottling demonstration.  One evening will include a discussion of various world beer styles (Belgian, British, German, American, etc.) with a sampling of representative examples. Lunch sandwiches will be provided.

Meets: Saturdays, January 23, 30, February 6, 13, noon-2 p.m.
Fees: $70, including course fee, supplies, and lunches.
Location: Math & Science (MS) 6, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Daniel Gunderson / Natalie Bursztyn

In this class you will learn how to get started using those computers we see everywhere, things like turning them on and off (it's not that obvious), navigating the screen with the mouse (what's that?), using the Internet (it's really fun), and how to use email (to talk to your grandchildren and maybe do some shopping).  If we have time we'll talk about printers, too.  The whole idea is to get comfortable and have some fun with this very useful device.

Meets: Tuesdays, February 16 and 23, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Business (B) 2, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dr. Mildred Lovato

Using Microsoft 2007 Word software, students in this course will learn to create and customize documents including inserting and formatting images and photos for both business and personal correspondence.  This is a hands-on course that will enable students to create documents that will be useful to them.  Classes will be in a computer laboratory setting with instructor on-site guidance and assistance.  Students will learn to use this software tool to reach individual goals.  Additional topics and training will be provided on Internet security and managing email.  Handouts will be provided.  Each student should have an external thumb drive in order to store computer files.

Meets: Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Business (B) 2, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dr. Mildred Lovato

Using Microsoft 2007 Excel software, students in this course will learn to create and customize documents for both business and personal purposes.  They will also quickly discover how to create and effectively use Excel spreadsheets to manage household or small business budgets, track tax data, create address books, and work with built in mathematical formulas to customize spreadsheets to fit their needs.  This is a hands-on course that will enable students to create documents and spreadsheets that will be useful to them.  Classes will be in a computer laboratory setting with instructor on-site guidance and assistance.  Students will learn to use this software tool to reach individual goals.  Additional topics and training will be provided on Internet security and managing email.  Handouts will be provided.  Each student should have an external thumb drive in order to store computer files.

Meets: Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Business (B) 2, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dr. Mildred Lovato

This course is all about how to get started in using the Internet.  How to find what you are looking for using Google, how to avoid common mistakes, the do's and don'ts of shopping on-line, and how to use the Internet with security and confidence.  Depending on the interests of the class, additional topics likely will be covered.  Students should have access to a computer with an Internet connection outside of the classroom.  Those who do not have such access should look into Bakersfield College's Community Scholar's program.

Meets: Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Science & Engineering (SE) 7, Bakersfield College
Instructor: David Barnett

Learn about the issues that affect you in the next election.

This is a two-hour session presenting the issues to be decided in the elections this year.  It will be presented by a non-partisan organization, the League for Women Voters.

Meets: Thursday, May 13, 7-9 p.m.
Fees: No fee. Walk-ins are welcomed.
Location: U.C. Merced Center/Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, Room 1A, 2000 K Street, Bakersfield

How people deal most effectively with their assets can affect their quality of life.  This class will help you with some of those decisions.

This class focuses on contemporary personal finance issues and their effects on consumers, including but not limited to: the housing crisis in California, tax advantaged investments, credit worthiness, the stock market and other investments, and consumer credit and loans.

Objectives of the course include the following: Understand current economic trends and how they affect you, develop a personal risk management plan, understand credit reports and how to improve your own credit score, develop a personal budget and plans to get out or stay out of debt, understand the role of diversification in risk reduction and protection of assets, and develop solid criteria for evaluating real estate investment options.

Meets: Thursdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Business (B) 7, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dr. Murad Zikri

Get in Shape!

The course will help individuals to develop core body strength.  The course will emphasize warm-up, strength building, flexibility, and balance.  Many professional athletes are utilizing pilates' techniques to improve and enhance fitness levels.  The class will start with a 10 minute warm-up, 30 minutes of flexibility and strength building, 10 minutes of cool-down stretching, and finish with 10 minutes of relaxation techniques.  Students are required to bring an exercise mat, water bottle and wear loose fitting exercise clothes.

Meets: Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: The Grove Clubhouse at Del Webb Solera, 6000 Park Place Drive
Instructor: William Ramsey

Movies and the Old West - the Real Story!

How did the Hollywood storytellers portray the old west when they made their movies?  What did they tell us about the people and their hardships and conflicts?  In this class we will talk about where cowboys really came from as well as how accurate the Hollywood filmmakers were when they depicted the events and the various characters who helped tame the wild west.  We also will talk about the role of women in bringing civilization to an uncivilized land as well as the film directors who brought us all these stories.  You will get to see some Western movies each week, too!

Meets: Tuesdays, February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-9 p.m.
Fees: $70
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 30, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Kathryn Butterfield-Davis

Speak in Italian!

Introduction to the Italian language, with examples taken from Italian culture: lifestyle, traditions, cuisine, and travel.

Meets: Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $55
Location: Language Arts (LA) 201, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Maria Perrone

This class is intended to be a continuation of the Italian Language and Culture class.  It includes Italian language - conversation, grammar, pronunciation - supplemented by elements taken from Italian culture, such as lifestyle, tradition, cuisine, and travel.

Meets: Tuesdays, March 16, 23, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $55
Location: Language Arts (LA) 201, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Maria Perrone

All that Jazz!

This is an introduction to America's greatest musical art form.  Students will learn what to listen for in jazz music, explore issues and ideas related to the art and craft of jazz performance, and learn to recognize and compare various jazz styles.  The last class session will be an overview of the artists who will be performing at the 24th Annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival in May 2010.  Students in the class will receive discounted tickets to the festival.

Meets: Tuesdays, April 13, 20, 27, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Fine Arts (FA) 65, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Kris Tiner

The Philosophy of the East

This course will provide a brief introduction to the basic principles of Buddhist philosophy, and their realization through meditative practices.  We will compare and contrast various forms of meditation from both Buddhist and non-Buddhist perspectives (including Christian mysticism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sufism, Qabala, Alchemy, and indigenous shamanistic traditions), thus illustrating Aldous Huxley's concept of perennial philosophy.  We will also explore the neuroscience of meditation, as revealed by brain imaging techniques and other scientific research techniques.  The course will include actual meditation instruction and practice.  We will not just study about meditation, we'll also practice it.

This class will be offered in two sections you can choose from. One in class or, the other on-line.

Meets: Mondays, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Language Arts (LA) 109, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Rafael Espericueta

On-line: http://www2.bc.cc.ca.us/resperic/zen/.  This will require a password which will be emailed to you after you register for the class.
Fees: $40
Instructor: Rafael Espericueta

In this course we will watch and discuss spiritually uplifting films, chosen from the Spiritual Cinema Circle.  Most of the films featured by the Spiritual Cinema Circle are quite good, and some extraordinary; in this class we'll watch the gems.  Each of the films we show is guaranteed to touch your heart, and to inspire you.  These films frequently reveal the profound magic of the perfectly ordinary, and all of them reveal an unsuspected depth to the human heart. 

Meets: Mondays, March 22, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 6:30-8 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Language Arts (LA) 109, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Rafael Espericueta

We will examine the empirical evidence for life after death, including near-death experiences, deathbed visions, Ian Stevenson's research on reincarnation, and descriptions of the afterlife allegedly coming to us from spirits speaking through mediums.  The subject is fascinating, but there is room for doubt, and we will subject the findings to criticism.  Videos will be included.

Astrology and Dreams

In this class you will learn what astrology is and how its practitioners apply it.  You will learn about the twelve houses and the stage setting or environment they represent, the ten planets, including the sun and the moon as "archetypal energies," as well as claims that have been made for their influence.  Students may bring in their own charts, and once familiar with the basics we will practice chart analysis.   The purpose of this class is to learn about astrology and some of the claims made for it.  However, the instructor will not advocate its validity as a method of predicting the future.

Meets: Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, April 7, 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Humanities (H) 51, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dr. Jacqueline Bijou

There are many approaches to understanding our dreams, from tribal societies to depth psychology.  Through our discussions, we will learn some of the ways dreams have been interpreted from past times to the present day.

Meets: Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 8, 15, 6-7:30 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Math & Science (MS) 26, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dr. Jacqueline Bijou

Whether you shoot digital or not, expert photojournalist John Harte can help you produce results you can be proud of.

This course will teach a basic understanding of digital cameras, including how to set up the camera, override the automatic functions to take control of the photography process, and produce interesting content beyond what can be provided by the camera's "point and shoot" capabilities. Traditional photographic practices, such as composition, utilization and understanding of light, exploration of viewpoints and angles, use of background elements, and choice of lenses or focal lengths all will be incorporated into the class. Students are required to bring their camera manuals to class.

Meets: Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Language Arts (LA) 109, Bakersfield College
Instructor: John Harte

You've just taken that vacation of a lifetime. Or a big family reunion is coming up and you'd like to do something nice with all those family photos. You have come to the right place. This course will teach you to make dynamic multimedia shows from your photos using popular, industry-standard software. You'll learn how to combine photos with sound and output to virtually any format. And the shows will grab and hold your viewers' attention. Best of all, you can do it using affordable software so it won't cost big bucks to present your work like a professional.

Meets: Wednesdays, March 24, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 6-8 p.m.
Fees: $55
Location: Language Arts (LA) 109, Bakersfield College
Instructor: John Harte

In this class you will learn how to use your camera, lenses, filters, and other equipment so that you can get those great landscape photos.  You also will learn how to manipulate your images using Photoshop Elements software and how to prepare them for printing, as well as to store and back-up those images.

Meets: Wednesdays, March 17, 24, April 7, 14, 21, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday field trips, March 20, April 10, 17, 8-11 a.m.
Fees: $100
Location: Humanities (H) 52, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Ed Kreiser

Explore the fascinating field of robotics and learn what robots can do for us.  You will build small robots that sense the world around them and respond to the changes in their environment, build robots controlled by multiprocessors, and even write your own games.  You can get the robots to avoid obstacles, navigate through a maze, walk a line, or play music.  You will also learn how to use the Internet to find resources in order to answer questions and help others. You will be able to work at your own pace and at various levels of robotic technology and gaming, depending on your interests and experience.

Meets: Thursdays, February 4-May 6, 6-9 p.m.
Fees: $10.00, additional costs may be for the purchase of robotics equipment.
Location: Science and Engineering (SE) 45, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Ronald Siemens

Learn to make beautifully colored and wonderfully fragant soaps and bath salts.  Give homemade gifts for the holidays and say, "I made it myself."  This is old fashioned soapmaking (cold process), only more sophisticated than your grandmother's.

Students will need safety goggles and plastic gloves.  They should wear comfortable old clothing - shirts, long pants, and closed toe shoes for safety purposes.  A plastic lab apron or lab coat is a good idea, too.

Meets: Thursday, March 18 & 25, 6-9 p.m.
Fees: $35, including course fee and materials
Location: Family & Consumer Education (FACE) 12, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Dahlia Langendoerfer

Spend a week with Shakespeare under the stars at the Utah Shakespearean Festival!

Down-center tickets to all six professional productions at the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, Utah, plus first-class lodging, scrumptious meals, class sessions with all the "star" actors, special backstage tours, costume seminars, and all the other excitement generated by a Tony Award-winning theatre; Summer 2010 plays include Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps, and theatrical adaptations of two popular novels: Pride and Prejudice and a musical version of Great Expectations; July 25-30, 2010; cost is $1,410, which includes everything but transportation to and from Cedar City (Camp Shakespeare will help coordinate carpools).  For further information, please see our website at www.csub.edu/campshakespeare or call the number below to receive a poster.

This course is offered in association with the Levan Institute ($20 discount for Institute members).  To register, please contact Dr. Flachmann directly by calling (661) 654-2121 or sending him an e-mail at mflachmann@csub.edu. Space is limited, so early registration is advised.

Most people like wine. After taking this course, not only will you still like it, you will know something about it, too.

Explore wine in all of its various forms and flavors. This course will help demystify wine. Students will learn wine etiquette, how to order wine in a restaurant like a pro, varietals, why different regions are better suited to some varietals than others, and how to pair wine with food. The class will meet on five consecutive weeks. At the last class meeting, students will enjoy wine and food pairing at a local restaurant, with the cost covered by the course fee.

Meets: Mondays, February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Fees: $90, including wine tasting (usually 6 wines per class session).
Location: Science & Engineering (SE) 51, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Mike Stepanovich

By popular demand - Advanced Wine Appreciation

This class will start with the French varietals and their presence in California, including, of course, Champagne and sparkling wines, and then include other European varietals. Of course, samples of many of these wines will be tasted by class members, usually at least six different wines per session. The last class session will be about how to evaluate wines like a pro.

Meets: Tuesdays, February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Fees: $100 including course fees and wines
Location: Science & Engineering (SE) 51, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Mike Stepanovich

Explore California's rich history by touring diverse wine regions on a wine tour around the state.  This trip will offer adventures that allow you to discover what makes each region special, such as terrain, microclimates, varietal plantings, and the local history associated with the area as well as the wine.  You will learn about the techniques that California winemakers use in making different varieties.  You will meet the grape growers, vintners, winemakers, and winery owners in special, behind-the-scenes tours and will find that winemaking is both a science and an art.  The tour will include opportunities to taste, try, pair, and match wines with foods, and you will be exposed to many types of wines to help you expand your palate.  Whether you are just beginning to learn or consider yourself a wine expert, the tour will help you appreciate and grow your knowledge of this exciting part of California's heritage.

Meets: Saturday, March 27,  7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Fees: $99, includes wine tasting, lunch, and transportation costs.
Location: Greenacre Community Center, 2014 Calloway Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93312
Instructor: Mike Stepanovich

Learn the art of fine woodworking with Steve Hageman.

This is for anyone interested in exploring the basics of woodworking. The focus will be on the safe use of a variety of stationary, portable, and hand-held woodworking tools and machines. After you are empowered by this knowledge, the instructor will guide you through the design process and then the construction of an exotic hardwood box which will meet the artistic and functional needs of each participant. Students should provide a notebook, tape measure, safety glasses, and, if they wish, a shop coat or apron.

Meets: Fridays, February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 9-11:30 a.m.
Fees: $95, including course fee and materials fee. Additional individual project materials costs may vary.
Location: Industrial Technology (IT) 2, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Steve Hageman

You have always wanted to write. Now you can learn how from one of the best-known professionals in our community, Herb Benham.

This class is for anyone who would like to improve their writing skills. If you are working on a family history, a short story, an essay for the church newsletter, or even a letter to the editor of the Californian, this class can help. Herb will take a hands-on approach to helping you improve your writing. We will read out loud, both student work and examples of great writing. We also will explore how writing is related to music and how less is more in good writing. This class is intended to be fun.  Students will receive warm, constructive help. Past students are invited to enroll (we will start where we left off in the fall).  At the end of the class, Herb will have a potluck at his house for students.  Wine, laughter, and stories may be involved.

The class will be limited to 10 students.

Meets: Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Humanities (H)14, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Herb Benham

This is a class that is about helping you write those important memories. Al Naso tells you how to do it one step at a time.

This is a course for the beginner or someone who has been working on a memoir for some time and will present to the student the experience of the instructor's twenty years of personal memoir writing. Topics include: getting started with writing and planning; methods for recalling facts; gathering sources of information; inclusion of documents, art work, and photographs; use of computers and software; and planning formats and project sizes. The instructor will be bringing in examples of his own work and will discuss how these developed. He will offer many recommendations as to how to begin writing; develop material to its final form; how to include photos, art, and documents; and will discuss the possibilities and advantages of home publishing. You will be given brief writing and outlining exercises that should help you get started on your own memoirs, so please bring pad and pencils to class.

Meets: Thursdays, February 18, 25, March 4, 1-4 p.m.
Fees: $40
Location: Humanities (H) 6, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Al Naso

The Art of the short story

The class will explore ways to create a short story from your ideas.  It will focus on developing characters, theme, conflicts, and places. Examples provided in class will have flexibility in length, style, and format, from flash fiction to longer literary formats.

Meets: Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28,  3-4:30 p.m.
Fees: $25
Location: Humanities (H) 11, Bakersfield College
Instructor: Nancy Edwards