Canisius Lifelong Learning offers a number of four to six-session, non-credit courses each semester that are open to anyone in the Buffalo community. Explore a wide range of subjects with other adults in small-sized classes without the worry of tests or papers. All Canisius Lifelong Learning courses are taught by members of the Canisius College Faculty on topics of their particular interest and expertise.
Classes generally meet once each week. Unless otherwise noted in the course description, course enrollment costs $60. Registration is easily completed through the Canisius Marketplace. More information about each course and instructor can be found by clicking on the link with each course listing. Details on the location, schedule, and easy parking arrangements will be provided for everyone who registers.
Come join with other adults and begin to make Canisius Lifelong Learning an enriching part of your life!
Special Summer Course Open to All: Making Meaning in a Pandemic
How do we make sense of a global pandemic that has caused millions of deaths around the world? In this special summer course, Canisius faculty, alumni and guest presenters will explore the many ways humankind has responded to disease-related crises throughout history.
This course is free and open to students, alumni and community members.
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Fall 2020 Class Listings
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Arthur: The Once and Future King
Schedule: Thursday, 5:30-7:00 p.m., September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 via Zoom
Professor: Dr. Kara Maloney, Adjunct Professor, Department of English
Course Description: King Arthur has starred in numerous films, inspired multiple epics and romances, and sits at the center of more conspiracy theories than most figures in history. Dubbed “The Once and Future King” by Thomas Malory in the 15th century, King Arthur has inspired our imaginations for over a millennium. This six-session course will look at the mythical King Arthur from his mysterious origins to his current state of popularity and examine his impact on modern society. We will consider the earliest examples of King Arthur, his immense popularity in the Middle Ages, and why his place in history doesn’t actually matter. With the theme of “Once and Future King,” we will look at his once and our future. Course readings will include medieval Arthurian chronicle and romance, modern fictional adaptation, as well as a viewing of Monty Python’s the Holy Grail.
Professor Bio: Dr. Maloney earned her PhD in Medieval Literature from Binghamton University in 2015. She focuses on King Arthur and medieval romance across the British Isles and France. When she isn’t teaching First Year Writing, she enjoys traveling with her family, and reading whatever she can get her hands on. One of her favorite pastimes is bringing history into her daughter's elementary school classroom.
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Tempters & Temptresses: The Medieval Romance
Schedule: Tuesdays. 2:00-3:30 p.m., October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17; via Zoom
Instructor Bio: Johanna Fisher is an adjunct professor in the Department of English and Co-Director of the Women & Gender Studies Program at Canisius College. Her research interests include gender representations in medieval literature, negotiating patriarchy, and the role of spirituality in the medieval romance. Professor Fisher has taught courses such as Romancing the Grail, High Adventures and Chivalrous Knights and The Quest in Medieval Literature for over 20 years. She has also taught German and German literature courses with an emphasis on contemporary German literature. She is originally from Bayern, Germany and lives there part-time when she is not teaching at Canisius College.
Course Description: This course examines the medieval romance, one of the most popular genres of the period and introduces some of the most memorable characters in literature. Stories include Tristan and Isolde, The Romance of the Rose, Canterbury Tales and The Lais of Marie de France. We will pay close attention to the art of story-telling, notions of sexuality, the concept of love that it reveals and notions of heroism and adventure embodied in both male and female characters.
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Online Courses
Art Lovers and Docents
Schedule: Online, 45-60 minutes, 6 modules ($45 each) or all 6 ($225 with Certificate)
Professor: Yvonne Widenor, MA, Clinical Instructor, Department of Fine Arts
Course Description
Are you interested in 19th and 20th century art? Never set foot in a gallery, but want to? Are you a docent or are interested in becoming one? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Art Lovers & Docents online learning modules are for you. Unlike most art courses that concentrate on ancient to contemporary art or a particular movement, these online modules span 150 years. You can complete one, a combination or all six (and receive a Program Certificate) at your own pace. The modules address the rise of modernism; modern art in Europe and the Americas; art as political and social statements; and, artistic endeavors. Click on the Register button below for more details and to register.
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Other Opportunities
Institute for Global Engagement
The Institute for Global Engagement works to bring international programming to Canisius College through the Road Less Travelled Seminar Series. Alumnae in the field or distinguished Canisius faculty members lead international seminars and trips for adults to build an unforgettable, immersive experience in locations all around the world.
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