All University Park Courses   

Learn two printmaking techniques and use them to create holiday or other cards that are unique to each person who creates them. Participants will walk away with a number of beautiful cards that will delight the artist and recipient alike. Week one will emphasize gelli printmaking, week two will focus on linocut printmaking, and week three will have attendees finishing up their cards with an additional opportunity to learn more in-depth gelli-printmaking techniques.

Special notes: Please wear casual attire and bring an apron or clothing you don’t mind getting paint on. A list of optional supplies to bring to the course will be shared prior to the course. Course fee includes $25 for supplies.

Rick will discuss the Allied campaign in Italy from 1943–45, including the landings at Salerno and Anzio. The rugged Italian interior presented major obstacles for the Allies as they sought to drive the Nazis out of Italian peninsula. Fierce battles raged up and down the peninsula as the Nazis and Italian Facists provided stiff resistance.

Rick will discuss the Allied campaign in Italy from 1943–45, including the landings at Salerno and Anzio. The rugged Italian interior presented major obstacles for the Allies as they sought to drive the Nazis out of Italian peninsula. Fierce battles raged up and down the peninsula as the Nazis and Italian Facists provided stiff resistance.

Participants will learn essential bookbinding techniques and terminology and will have the opportunity to customize their creations using provided paper and cover materials. By the end of the class, each student will walk away with two handmade notebooks, showcasing the binding stitches learned during the session.

This course is hosted by The Rivet. The Rivet, a branch of Discovery Space, is a 5,000-square-foot community workshop, named to reflect the intention to connect materials, people, ideas, and the means for anyone to make anything.

The experience of immigration and acculturation presented Jews (and every other immigrant group) with interesting challenges. How much ethnic or religious heritage must be maintained? How much must be compromised or sacrificed to be a proper “American”? How “American” must one be to be a good, constructive, and respected citizen? These questions are addressed in many books, plays, and films. Participants will watch and discuss two films: The Chosen (based on Chaim Potok’s novel) and An American Tail (don’t be fooled by the cartoon; it’s both serious and historical).

This course will focus on sharing photos and experiences from Costa Rica’s cloud and rain forests, volcanoes, a pineapple farm, a coffee and cocoa plantation, hanging bridges, and more! Discuss preparing and packing for a trip of this nature. The goal of the course is to generate appreciation for this small, collaborative nation, working toward a sustainable future.

This course will focus on sharing photos and experiences from Costa Rica’s cloud and rain forests, volcanoes, a pineapple farm, a coffee and cocoa plantation, hanging bridges, and more! Discuss preparing and packing for a trip of this nature. The goal of the course is to generate appreciation for this small, collaborative nation, working toward a sustainable future.

Whether you need a refresher on how to play pinochle or are new to the game, this course is for you. Review the rules for playing three-, four-, and five-handed pinochle. Participants will learn the terminology and point value of the various melds, and some strategies for playing your hand. Participants will play a game of several rounds.

 

Due to a conflict, Officer Abrahamson is unable to teach the course. Officer Stevick from Penn State Police will be teaching the course.

Join Community Relations Officer Kyleen Abrahamson to learn about scams and frauds and recent incidents in the community.

 

Due to a conflict, Officer Abrahamson is unable to teach the course. Officer Stevick from Penn State Police will be teaching the course.

Join Community Relations Officer Kyleen Abrahamson to learn about scams and frauds and recent incidents in the community.

Artificial intelligence (AI) now dominates the news with forecasts that range from transformative advances for humanity to existential crises. This course will help sort through the issues and provide a foundation for AI novices to understand these claims. Terry will briefly review the history of AI, outline the major approaches, describe how the most prominent models work, and discuss the current state of practice. No prior AI experience is necessary.

Artificial intelligence (AI) now dominates the news with forecasts that range from transformative advances for humanity to existential crises. This course will help sort through the issues and provide a foundation for AI novices to understand these claims. Terry will briefly review the history of AI, outline the major approaches, describe how the most prominent models work, and discuss the current state of practice. No prior AI experience is necessary.

In this course, Larry will focus on how to prepare for the big “what if” and prepare your records for your death. Larry will review wills, power of attorney, health proxy, titling beneficiaries, IRAs, annuities, etc. He’ll provide the mechanics for avoiding probate and explain how to develop instructions for heirs.

 

In this course, Larry will focus on how to prepare for the big “what if” and prepare your records for your death. Larry will review wills, power of attorney, health proxy, titling beneficiaries, IRAs, annuities, etc. He’ll provide the mechanics for avoiding probate and explain how to develop instructions for heirs.

 

Petra, known at the Rose-Red City because of the stunning colors of its carved rock facades, dates back before the 1st century BCE. As the capital of the Nabataean Empire, situated along a major trade route, Petra prospered for 1500 years. Abandoned in the 7th century and “rediscovered” in the 1800s, Petra, Jordan, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This course will share facts and photographs from this incredible experience.

Petra, known at the Rose-Red City because of the stunning colors of its carved rock facades, dates back before the 1st century BCE. As the capital of the Nabataean Empire, situated along a major trade route, Petra prospered for 1500 years. Abandoned in the 7th century and “rediscovered” in the 1800s, Petra, Jordan, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This course will share facts and photographs from this incredible experience.

During her demonstration, Diane will show you how to make her award-winning baklava. Participants will sample her fare and leave with the recipe and the confidence to bake a tray at home. Allergy alert: This baklava is made with walnuts.

After Charles Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, he became instantly famous and could’ve chosen any subject he desired for his next book. Any subject he desired ... and he chose orchids. In this course, participants will learn what makes orchids botanically unique and about the highly evolved role they play in ecology with a focus on their indelible link to fungi. Learn about the nontrivial role they’ve played in our culture, as well as some of the approximately 35 species found here. After this presentation, better understand why Darwin chose orchids, and why he chose very well indeed. 

After Charles Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, he became instantly famous and could’ve chosen any subject he desired for his next book. Any subject he desired ... and he chose orchids. In this course, participants will learn what makes orchids botanically unique and about the highly evolved role they play in ecology with a focus on their indelible link to fungi. Learn about the nontrivial role they’ve played in our culture, as well as some of the approximately 35 species found here. After this presentation, better understand why Darwin chose orchids, and why he chose very well indeed. 

During her demonstration, Diane will show you how to make her award-winning baklava. Participants will sample her fare and leave with the recipe and the confidence to bake a tray at home. Allergy alert: This baklava is made with walnuts.

Come and partake in the abundance of greens to imprint cards, maybe for the upcoming holiday season! Participants will use ink techniques to print with natural materials, creating beautiful impressions of the season.

Course fee includes $10 for supplies.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this lecture has been canceled. We hope to reschedule this lecture in the near future.

This lecture is offered in partnership with Penn State Emeritus Academy as part of the Academy’s lecture series, Explorations: The Penn State Emeritus Academy Lecture Series.

Dr. Doan has been drawing as a form of meditation for years. This practice has become central to maintaining his mental health. For the past two years, Dr. Doan has been collaborating on a research project that explores guided drawing as a tool for anxiety management. He’ll share both highlights of the research along with his own drawings and a short, guided drawing activity with the audience.

This course is free to members and nonmembers.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this lecture has been canceled. We hope to reschedule this lecture in the near future.

This lecture is offered in partnership with Penn State Emeritus Academy as part of the Academy’s lecture series, Explorations: The Penn State Emeritus Academy Lecture Series.

Dr. Doan has been drawing as a form of meditation for years. This practice has become central to maintaining his mental health. For the past two years, Dr. Doan has been collaborating on a research project that explores guided drawing as a tool for anxiety management. He’ll share both highlights of the research along with his own drawings and a short, guided drawing activity with the audience.

This course is free to members and nonmembers.

Who loves cupcakes? We do! Join us as we put a creative spin on these classics with our favorite sweet recipes. Learn culinary techniques, master new skills, and enjoy creativity in the kitchen. Let's go baking.

This course is open to members only.

Special notes: Taste Buds Kitchen will open ten minutes prior to the start time of the course to begin checking in and welcoming guests. We’ll start promptly, so be sure to arrive on time to ensure that you are able to get the full experience from start to finish! You’ll work in groups of four to six per table to create our culinary masterpieces. Please wear closed-toe shoes and long hair pulled back in the kitchen. Aprons will be provided. A release waiver must be signed and will be available to sign on the day of the course. The waiver is available for review by advance notice. Taste Buds Kitchen is located at 331 Benner Pike, State College (Google map).