Joy of Lifelong Learning

If you are aged 55 and up, you might be interested in taking an academic credit course. These courses run from:

Fall Term: September to December
Winter Term: January to April
Spring Term: May to August

As a Joy of Life Long Leaning you will be auditing the course. This means that assignments and exams are optional. Instructors have agreed to provide feedback on summary assignments and projects.

Explore Joy of Lifelong Learning courses

This course is an introduction to the sub-fields of anthropology: physical anthropology and archaeology. Through readings and audio-visual material, the origins and development of humans and their cultures are explored, including the development of the civilizations of the Old and New World.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This course surveys the methods and theoretical conceptions which archaeologists use to interpret world prehistory using selected sites from throughout the world. Weather permitting, location and excavation of a contemporary site may be attempted.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

An introduction to the fundamental principles or jurisprudence and the basic legal institutions of Canada. An examination of the history of Canadian law, the development of the Canadian constitution, the system of Canadian courts, and the roles and responsibilities of members of the legal profession. In addition, an analysis of the nature of legal reasoning, the doctrine of precedent, and the principles of statutory interpretation. Also introduces the fields of contract, torts, administrative law, and family law.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This course offers an intensive introduction to the nature, purpose, sources and basic principles of Canadian criminal law. It will include analysis of what constitutes a crime, the basis of criminal responsibility, and the common defences used in criminal law. Fundamental legal concepts will be highlighted. The course includes a short community practicum designed to help students to apply their developing understanding of criminal law to that which occurs in local area courts.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

An introduction to the development and operation of correctional systems in Canada. Topics include the history of corrections, contemporary correctional institutions, relationships between inmates and staff, case management and treatment, community-based corrections, and life after prison.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

Beginners French II is the second of four courses in a complete introductory French program, which through the use of authentic, contextual language models, provides the students with a solid foundation to communicate proficiently in French as well as to function effectively within the culture in real life situations. Besides emphasizing language acquisition by providing a complete grammar scope, Beginners French I, II, III & IV also present important aspects of culture, customs and values of the French-speaking world providing students with a deeper insight into its diversity while exposing them to authentic language.

Location:
  • Digital

Beginners French IV is the fourth of four courses in a complete introductory French program, which through the use of authentic, contextual language models, provides the students with a solid foundation to communicate proficiently in French as well as to function effectively within the culture in real life situations. Besides emphasizing language acquisition by providing a complete grammar scope, Beginners French I, II, III & IV also present important aspects of culture, customs and values of the French-speaking world providing students with a deeper insight into its diversity while exposing them to authentic language.

Location:
  • Digital

Intermediate French II is the second of two courses in a complete intermediate French program, which through the use of authentic, contextual language models, provides the students with a solid foundation to communicate proficiently in French as well as to function effectively within the culture in real life situations. Besides emphasizing language acquisition by providing a complete grammar scope, Intermediate French I & II also present important aspects of culture, customs and values of the French-speaking world, providing students with a deeper insight into its diversity while exposing them to authentic language.

Location:
  • Digital

This course is the second of two courses which provide a continuation of the study of French grammar at an advanced level. A study of selected literary Francophone readings (French & French-Canadian), together with a variety of up-to-date and provocative articles and texts will allow the student to further improve both written and spoken French through practice in conversation, comprehension and composition.

Location:
  • Digital

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to examining climate change and includes scientific, social, economic, political, and ethical perspectives. Some key areas of focus include climate science, vulnerability of human and ecological systems, observed and projected impacts, climate change adaptation and mitigation, policy debates, and current and future challenges.

Location:
  • Digital

This introductory course provides an overview of Canadian history since 1867, concentrating on the main lines of political, social and economic development. It analyses important issues such as the Riel Rebellion, the shift from a rural to an urban society, the effects of the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the relations between English and French Canadians, and provincial demands for autonomy.

Location:
  • Digital

Major historical events are discussed, and their significance analyzed, in this survey course on British Columbia's history. The roles played by economics, geography, politics and social factors in shaping the province's development will also be examined.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

Provides an intensive introduction to the culture and history of a particular world region or to a comparative global theme. Although the topics will vary from year to year, an integrated interdisciplinary approach, core readings of primary texts and student learning through participatory seminars and extensive critical written analyses will be recurring constants. Open to all students as an elective, the course may be coordinated with upcoming Spring Study-Abroad Field Schools. There will be two different sections of LIB 210 (Topics In World Civilization) offered in Winter 2025. Students can only register in one of these sections. The topic for the CVS1 section of LIB 210 (Friday 8:30 - 11:20 am) will be Indian Civilization. We will engage in the broad-based study of Indian history and civilization through a mixture of student readings, seminar discussion, lecture, and class video. The topic for the CVS2 section of LIB 210 (Tuesday 10 am - 12:50 pm) will be In Search Of The Trojan War. We will use an intensive engagement with that particular mythic war story as an entry point into the study of Greek mythology and history. The reading demands for this course will be considerably heavier than will be the case for the CVS1 section, with five or six ancient and modern texts resting at the centre of the curriculum. Much of our class time will be devoted to in-depth seminar discussions in which students will be asked to reflect upon their weekly readings. Students are encouraged to chose which topic appeals the most, but those who are not confident readers may find the CVS2 section to be particularly challenging.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

An introduction to selected problems in philosophical ethics and social-political philosophy. Topics include the relativity or objectivity of values; egoism and altruism; the nature of right and wrong action; classical and contemporary ethical theories; applied ethical problems; the nature of justice; the relation between individuals and society; and approaches to the meaning of life.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

An introduction to philosophical attempts to understand the nature and value of art. The course surveys influential Western theories of art from the ancient to the contemporary period. Issues discussed include attempts to define art, the social value of art, censorship, the nature of aesthetic experience, artistic creativity, problems surrounding interpretation, and the relation of art to political and gender issues.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

An examination of ethical issues arising in the contemporary business context. A number of classical ethical theories are introduced and applied to a variety of concrete problems such as whistle-blowing, product safety, employee rights, discrimination, international business, the environment, and investing. Emphasis is on mastery of the key ethical concepts and their application to real-life situations.

Location:
  • Comox Valley
  • Digital

An introductory course designed to acquaint students with some of the fundamental concepts, theories, perspectives and debates in the International Relations field. Topics will include such issues as international security (war, peace, military force; international organizations, international law and human rights; North-South politics; global environment crises; and the growth of a global political economy. Although it is not a course in current affairs per se, integration of contemporary world events and issues will be used to enhance critical understanding.

Location:
  • Campbell River
  • Comox Valley
  • Digital

The course covers the following topics: research methods; biological bases of behaviour; consciousness; nature, nurture and diversity; development; sensation and perception; learning; and memory. Students are introduced to relevant psychological principles, theories and research findings, and are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the value of psychological research.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

The course covers the following topics: research methods; thinking and language; intelligence; what drives us; emotions, stress and health; social psychology; personality; psychological disorders; therapy. Students are introduced to relevant psychological principles, theories and research findings, and are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the value of psychological research.

Location:
  • Comox Valley
  • Digital

The course covers selected disorders listed in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), focusing on the nature of each disorder, biopsychosocial explanations of each disorder, and relevant treatments. Legal and ethical issues are also addressed. Students are introduced to relevant psychological theories and research findings, and are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the value of psychological research.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This course provides an overview of human development from adolescence through old age. Topics include the impact of genetics and environment, development in adolescence and adulthood, cultural diversity, change and development in the physical, cognitive, emotional and social spheres, and death, dying and grieving.

Location:
  • Comox Valley
  • Digital

The course introduces psychological perspectives on criminal behaviour, emphasizing theoretical and developmental issues, before considering specific crimes (e.g., white collar, domestic violence), and specific offender populations (e.g., sexual offenders, mentally disordered offenders). Students are introduced to relevant theories and research findings, and are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the value of psychological research. CRM 101, PSY 130 and PSY 131 are recommended.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

SOC 111 is the second course in a full 1st-year university level introductory sociology course. It addresses specific social institutions such as the family and education, work and politics as well as social problems such as social change and inequality. The course is based on a critical evaluation of the major institutions of modern capitalism.

Location:
  • Comox Valley
  • Digital

This course surveys a full range of sociological perspectives on crime and deviance including the social disorganization perspective, functionalist and strain perspectives, subcultural and learning theories, interactionist and social control theories a well as conflict and critical theories.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

Beginners Spanish II is the second of two courses in a complete introductory Spanish module which through the use of authentic, contextual language models, provides the students with a solid foundation to communicate proficiently in Spanish as well as to function effectively within the culture in real life situations. Besides emphasizing language acquisition by providing a complete grammar scope, Beginners Spanish I & II also present important aspects of culture, customs and values of the Spanish-speaking world providing students with a deeper insight into its diversity while exposing them to authentic language.

Location:
  • Digital

This course is the second of two courses designed to further expand students' language skills in Spanish as well as their awareness of the Hispanic culture. It focuses on real communication in meaningful contexts to develop and strengthen students' speaking, listening, reading and writing skills while introducing them to the richness of Hispanic literature and culture.

Location:
  • Digital

The first year level course provides an introduction to women's health issues from a feminist perspective. Some historical perspectives and the underlying socio-political and economic context of health, as well specific health issues that impact women are explored. Relationships are drawn between patriarchy, capitalism, the medicalization of women's health issues and the impact on women's reproductive and human rights.

Location:
  • Digital

This course is a continuation of the introduction to the history of art that began with Introduction to Art History and Visual Culture I / FIN 100. This course serves both as a chronology and as a primer to developing the visual and verbal skills that are essential to communicating effectively about visual culture. It explores various methodologies employed in understanding the social, political and historical context in which art making takes place. Course material covers the time-period from the fourteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century.

Location:
  • Digital

This course will introduce students to the printmaking processes of relief, etching, and screen print. Technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of each process will be explored through the production of hand-made prints. Students will learn safe studio practices and responsible use of materials, tools and studio equipment. Students are encouraged to experiment and develop a personal and expressive response to printmaking processes.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

In this studio course students continue to explore colour theory and colour applications introduced in FIN 120. Students develop their visual vocabulary and painting skills by experimenting with various colour applications and techniques to investigate: observational, figurative, illusionistic space, and conceptual painting. This class will provide students with the skills and artistic vocabulary to understand the implications of colour, design and technique in the medium of painting.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This foundation course expands upon 3-D fundamentals explored in FIN 130 Foundation Studio in 3-Dimensional Art and Design. Through hands-on studio creation projects, students explore media and material processes to articulate objects and space. Formal elements and principals of art and design provide the framework for visualization and production. Studio projects integrate research, readings, presentations and critiques. Historical and contemporary 3D art and design resources provide context for the course work.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This studio course introduces the student to the fundamentals of black & white photography. Students learn the basics of camera operations including exposure and creative camera controls using 35mm cameras to produce photographic images. Basic darkroom and silver-based print production techniques are covered. 35mm single lens reflex cameras are provided for students to use in this course. Additional Information: Students will be required to pick up/drop off at Comox Valley Campus. Students will be required to pick up a material kit for specific assignments. Instructor will provide a supply list one month prior to class start date, students are required to purchase these supplies

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This course employs creative and critical inquiry to investigate mixed media and interdisciplinary practices in drawing. Through exploration and experimentation students will develop individualized approaches to technical, formal and conceptual drawing skills. Emphasis will be on drawing as a process to develop imagery that integrates representation, imagination and personal expression.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

Various methods and techniques of screen printing will be explored including photographic and autographic stencil making. An extensive study of studio practices relating to equipment and tools will be undertaken. Exploration of the medium as an artistic method of expression will be part of this course. The printing of editions and monoprints will be considered.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

This course builds on a 3D + media foundation of interdisciplinary research and creation to assist students with integrating and refining their scope of studio work. Emphasis is placed on developing and sustaining individual research and studio practice pathways, incorporating diverse technical, aesthetic, conceptual and theoretical considerations. Student presentations of work-in-progress and completed projects, paired with group discussion and critique, provide opportunities for exploring the intersections between intentions, outcomes and engagement. Supply list: Instructor will provide a supply list prior to class start date. Students are required to purchase these supplies.

Location:
  • Comox Valley

Cost

Each course costs $105 + administrative fees (application, student union and learner fees apply).

Who can apply

Canadian citizens and permanent BC residents, aged 55+.

How it works

Students can register for a course as JLL starting the day after the waitlists have been purged.  This is typically 4 or 5 days after the first day of the term in September, January, and May.

Students take as many Joy of Lifelong Learning courses as they like; however, they cannot register more than once for the same course at the reduced rate. As audit students in Joy of Lifelong Learning courses, assignments and exams are optional. Instructors have agreed to provide feedback on summary assignments and projects. These course will appear on your college transcript with a grade of AUD.   University transfer credit is not awarded to auditing students on course completion. Students who wish to register in courses for academic credit must pay the full tuition and meet the admission and course prerequisites.

Register

Bring your completed Joy of Lifelong Learning application form and your ID to any NIC registration office. You will be required to pay the full fees upon registering.

For the 2024 – 2025 these dates are:

Fall Term: Tuesday, September 10 - Thursday, September 12, 2024
Winter Term: Friday, January 10 - Wednesday, January 15, 2025

A student who registers as a regular program may not drop their classes and then request to be reregistered as a JLL student after the waitlists have been purged.