Bakersfield College

While directed at beginners, the approach of this class also has proved to be valuable for more advanced students. Without being technical, we will explore drawing structure, natural rhythm, and feelings inherent in all people and how these can be used to develop surprisingly expressive drawings. You will draw from nature and from your imagination. Ongoing critiques will assist you in improving your work.

This is about the exciting world of drawing animals. You will be introduced to projects and techniques that will enable you to create a variety of animal drawings - cats, dogs, horses, and animals of the wild. The instructor will guide you from drawing fundamentals and provide the special tips you need to complete your projects. Discover how fun and easy drawing animals can be.

This class will inspire your creativity through the use of wet on wet and other watercolor techniques, including color theory and design concepts. You will learn the basics of composition, form, space, and watercolor technique. Each class will include active involvement in creating your own artwork.

Create your own one-of-a-kind piece of art. In this hands-on class, you will learn traditional coiling techniques in order to create your basket. The embellishments you add will be a reflection of you.

You've seen CSI in its various forms on T.V. Now find out about the facts from a real CSI - who also is an expert consultant for CSI Las Vegas. You will see excerpts of the TV shows - CSI Las Vegas, Miami, New York. Then they will be analyzed in class in terms of current crime lab technology. What should the prosecution, defense, law enforcement, and the public expect from their crime labs? What is the "CSI effect?" The class will include a field trip to the Kern County Crime Lab.

The Tehachapi Loop is an engineering marvel completed in the 1870s to enable trains traveling between Bakersfield and Mojave to clear the 4,065-foot Tehachapi Pass summit. This one-day bus tour will explore the Loop, which was named in 1998 a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Volunteers from the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum will serve as tour guides, explaining the Loop's history and amazing engineering features. Local photographers will explain how to best view and photograph the Loop. This Saturday course is designed for train buffs, photographers and the curious. A bus will leave the Bakersfield College parking lot for Tehachapi at 8 a.m. and return at approximately 2 p.m. Some walking will be required. Bring cameras and binoculars.

Want to use a computer, but don't know how to get started? This is the class to get you going. The class is designed for people who are new to computers and need to learn the basics. It will teach you the basic computer vocabulary, such as what is an operating system, an application, a file, a disk, and the Internet. It also will show you how to use a mouse, tabs, menus, and file systems, as well as introduce to the wonders of the Internet.

This is about the basics of social media and networking - Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flikr, YouTube and blogging - for keeping in touch with family and friends to use in business and for volunteer work. You will get to try these for yourself in a computer lab under the guidance of the instructor - and have fun doing it.

This class will teach strategies on how to have a successful financial retirement. Topics will include: managing investments, Medicare, Social Security, insurance, and income planning. This fun course will make complex issues easy to understand and implement.

This class will teach strategies on how to have a successful financial retirement. Topics will include: managing investments, Medicare, Social Security, insurance, and income planning. This fun course will make complex issues easy to understand and implement.

Have a great time while you learn the basic dance steps of the popular dance styles, including two-step, Latin (cha cha, rhumba, and samba), Lindley, and Waltz. Instruction will be provided by both a professional musician and a dance instructor.

Have fun and learn the fundamentals of the game from a professional. The class includes proper setup; introduction to the golf swing; use of irons and woods; putting, chipping, pitching, and, of course, getting out of the sand. You will come away from this class with knowledge of all shot types as well as lots of hands-on practice. CLASS LIMITED TO 10 STUDENTS.

This class is targeted to the more experienced golfer who wishes to improve. Proper swing motion, including weight shift, swing plane, swing path, impact, and extension, as well as putting and chipping will be covered. CLASS LIMITED TO 10 STUDENTS.

How many times have we heard boomers say they plan to "Go Fishing!" when they retire? For those of us -men and women-who would like to go fishing, but really don't know how to catch a fish, or are tired of coming back empty-handed when we try, this class is just what we need. During this three-hour indoor "fishing boot camp for boomers," outdoor columnist Merlo will demonstrate what equipment to use and how to use it, what bait to use, and how to figure out where the fish are biting. Bring your equipment if you have some, but there will be plenty available at the class for you to use. Learn to have fun with this popular sport, and wow your children and grandchildren with all the fish you catch.

Similar to Tai Chi, Qi Gong means cultivating and working with "life energy" (Qi), learning how to improve the health and harmony of the mind and body. Qi Gong is a system of exercise and meditation, both ancient and evolving, that includes posture, movement, self massage, breathing techniques, and meditation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Learn how to navigate on a stand up paddleboard from SUP veterans Harry Starkey and Herb Benham. This is great exercise, easy, and an activity for a lifetime. We will meet at Truxtun Lake, Riverwalk Park, or another suitable place on two successive Saturdays in April. Boards and paddles will be provided.

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts in which slow, gentle movements are made in the air. These movements, originally fighting moves, are most commonly practiced by older people who wish to improve their balance, coordination, joint mobility, and blood circulation. Tai Chi also may help to keep the mind active while reducing stress. The class may be repeated so that students can learn more advanced movements and forms. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts in which slow, gentle movements are made in the air. These movements, originally fighting moves, are most commonly practiced by older people who wish to improve their balance, coordination, joint mobility, and blood circulation. Tai Chi also may help to keep the mind active while reducing stress. The class may be repeated so that students can learn more advanced movements and forms. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Have a great time while learning to do the electric slide, cheater waltz, cha-cha, power jam, New York-New York, and many more line dances.

Continue your fun while learning new dances, including: tush push, good time, slapping leather, boot in boogie, mama making, and many more.

The primary goal of this class is to teach you how to end a confrontation by verbal or physical means. Kung Fu San Soo is a no-nonsense form of martial arts. It is suitable for all ages and genders because it utilizes efficiency and technique rather than strength and difficult moves. Although you will be shown basic tools that may help you if attacked and, ideally, escape unharmed, it is important to realize that in a short course such as this one, you cannot become an expert but may learn some effective techniques that may help in certain situations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

The primary goal of this class is to teach you how to end a confrontation by verbal or physical means. Kung Fu San Soo is a no-nonsense form of martial arts. It is suitable for all ages and genders because it utilizes efficiency and technique rather than strength and difficult moves. Although you will be shown basic tools that may help you if attacked and, ideally, escape unharmed, it is important to realize that in a short course such as this one, you cannot become an expert but may learn some effective techniques that may help in certain situations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

A gentle yoga class designed to promote increased mobility, flexibility, and balance. Yoga is practiced by people of all ages to help create a more healthy body, mind, and spirit. This class will relax and rejuvenate. Those taking this class should be able to get up and down from the floor safely. Wear loose, comfortable clothing; bring a Yoga mat and Yoga strap.

This class will provide the tips, you need to know about in order to create a great landscape.The instructor and his family have won over 40 awards for landscape excellence. The class includes a field trip to some of the beautiful Bakersfield landscapes as well as to the instructor's studio.

This will be an introduction to the creative landscape design process, from site analysis to plans drawn to scale. You will learn about site preparation, planting, drainage, and irrigation, as well as specifications for appropriate materials and maintenance.

This class will provide the tips, you need to know about in order to create a great landscape. The instructor and his family have won over 40 awards for landscape excellence. The class includes a field trip to some of the beautiful Bakersfield landscapes as well as to the instructor's studio.

In this class you will learn about the geology of six of the best known national parks - their formation, geologic history, and physical characteristics. Each weekly meeting will focus on a selected national park, including: Yosemite, CA; Bryce Canyon, UT; Grand Canyon, AZ; Yellowstone, WY; Lassen Volcanic Park, CA; and a national park chosen by the class. The intent of this course is to increase your geologic knowledge in order to enhance your enjoyment during visits and your appreciation of their grandeur.

Learn about local sources of water used in beer making. Then taste the resulting beer on the field trip to Kernville and Inyokern. The class will also learn about sensory perception by using taste to distinguish water chemistry differences.

Typical Eastern and Western notions of the Divine will be compared. Such questions as the following will be explored: Can a theology be formulated that successfully deals with evil, suffering, and the survival of the fittest? Does Intelligent Design theory hold up against its critics? How big (or little) is the God you believe in? Should motherliness be included in any theology that pretends to be complete? Is polytheism preferable to monotheism, or is it the other way around? Does it make sense to pray for the dead? There can be no final answers to these questions that satisfy everyone, but some answers are perhaps better than others. Rated "M" for Mature and "O" for Openminded.

Understanding your digital camera, 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. Composition, utilization and understanding of light, viewpoints and angles, background elements, and choice of lenses or focal lengths - all will be explored.

Learn to use Photoshop Elements to bring your images to a whole new level for printing or web display. This powerful, yet simple and inexpensive image editing software can be used for a wide range of tasks resulting in transforming your photos into images that "sing." Information on monitor calibration and the best photo printing labs also will included. Students should be familiar with use of computers and Windows or Macintosh operating systems. Course fee includes software costs.

Learn to use Photoshop Elements to bring your images to a whole new level for printing or web display. This powerful, yet simple and inexpensive image editing software can be used for a wide range of tasks resulting in transforming your photos into images that "sing." Information on monitor calibration and the best photo printing labs also will be included. Students should be familiar with use of computers and Windows or Macintosh operating systems. Course fee includes software costs.

Learn how to shoot video and then edit your work to produce a video story. You will be able to show it to family and friends and to upload it to YouTube if you wish. The class will cover capturing great action, interviewing skills, cameras skills, use of sound and music, use of light, and how to use video editing software. You will do assignments outside of class and edit your work under the instructor's guidance. Some class time will be devoted to examples and critiques. Course fee includes software costs.

This workshop will introduce you to one of the hottest and most spectacular forms of digital photography: high dynamic range. You will learn to use your camera and computer software to merge multiple exposures of the same image to create stunning photographs. There will be two sessions in classroom and one in the field. You will need a digital SLR camera and a tripod as well as an external flash drive (2GB or larger). You should be experienced with the use of your camera and with imaging editing software such as Adobe Photoshop Elements. If you are not familiar with the controls on your camera, you should enroll in a beginning photography class before taking this course.

Put your digitized pictures from either a film or a digital camera into an attractive book covering a trip, a family event or a period in your life or that of a loved one. The class will include composition, file management, and helpful hints for constructing your book. You will have produced your own book before the class ends and will be able to purchase it from the photo book vendor site. Materials: Bring to the first class a flash drive, camera, or CD loaded with the photos that you may want to include in your photo book. If the photos are in your camera, bring a USB cord in order to attach the camera to the computer. The photos should be in JPEG format and edited before class using a photo editing program such as Picasa or Photoshop Elements.

This class is about the cameras, lenses, and other equipment you will need when you travel (and what to leave home) in order to get those great shots. You also will learn about how to correctly process and present those digital images so that you can get the most out of them. The class will include an introduction to Adobe Elements. Materials: Each student should have an external flash drive (2GB or larger) in order to store computer files. Bring it to class for the first session. Students also should bring their cameras and camera manuals to class. Software and materials costs are included in the course fee.

Learn about the tools you can use to design and implement a 21-day behavioral change project which incorporates stress management techniques into your daily routine.

Explore the fascinating field of robotics. You will build small robots that sense the world around them and respond to changes in their environment, build robots controlled by mulitprocessors, and even write your own games. You will be able to work at your own pace.

The lives of women in different cultures from childhood to adolescence, marriage, motherhood, and companionship. The impact of religion and the ideals of beauty and correct behavior will be discussed. Films and handouts will be used.

Pamper yourself with home crafted and economical body products. Make body lotions and bath salts in the chemistry laboratory. Learn how both the skin responds to these products and how to adjust the qualities of water to obtain the moisturizing, exfoliating, or medicinal effect desired. Course fee includes handouts and supplies for the products you will make and take home.

First you will learn what soap is made of. Then you will work in the chemistry laboratory, where you will make soap, color it, scent it, then pour it into molds. Next, you will make fizzing bath bombs and learn about the chemistry of the bombs and the cleaning process. You will go home with finished bars of soap and those fizzing bath bombs.

Explore California's rich history by touring diverse wine regions 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 you 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. Course fee includes wine tasting, lunch, snacks, water, and transportation.

We will explore French varietals in California, and how these wines compare with their counterparts in France, including Champagne and sparkling wines, Bordeaux varietals, Burgundy and the Rhone River Valley. A comparison of these wines will be tasted by class members, usually at least six different wines per session. The last class session will provide a culmination of the various wine regions studied.

This is an advanced wine appreciation class, focusing on the Italian varietals and how they compare with their California counterparts. Wines from Northern, Central, and Southern Italy will be compared and tasted.

The basics of woodcarving. You will learn how to safely use a variety of tools and then how to design and make a hand-carved Santa Claus, an eagle for the disabled veterans Eagle Cane project, or a similar project which will meet your artistic needs - all under the guidance of an expert instructor. Materials: You will need a carving knife, which can be purchased from Wood Carver's Supply, 1-800-284-6229, www.woodcarversupply.com, item # 993013 Detail Knife 1.5 inch, $16.95.

Writing is conversation, storytelling, a way to thrill family and friends. It can also be agonizing. Improve your writing skills and reduce the pain of doing so at the same time. Herb will provide warm, constructive help with anything from the first chapter of your novel to the church newsletter. For those who have taken the class before, an independent study option of available. THIS CLASS IS LIMITED TO 12 STUDENTS