Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning at College of DuPage incorporates the best of what enrichment has to offer at any age. Our popular Lifelong Learning classes offer a mix of courses, workshops, seminars and lectures designed especially for adults 55 and older, in a wide variety of topic areas. A reduced senior rate applies.

We remain appreciative of your years of curiosity, commitment to growth and learning, and your support of COD programs. We believe that learning never stops. Come join us for one of our classes! 

Lifelong Learning Courses

We invite you to check out the great selection in Lifelong Learning this  term, as well as the broad range of inspiring programs throughout Continuing Education. New courses begin each week. Reserve Your Seat in an Upcoming Class. Call (630) 942-2208 or fill out our online form.

Follow Continuing Education on facebook to find up-to-date information about Lifelong Learning and other happenings! 

Featured Fall Courses

What If? An Alternate History of the American Civil War
The events of the Civil War shaped the modern world. Imagine a world completely different from the one that we know today: An independent Southern Confederacy with colonies in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. What if things had turned out differently? We will look at seminal moments, explore different paths that weren't taken, and discuss the potential alternate outcomes of the Civil War that might have resulted. Instructor: Glenn Drover

Saturday, Sept. 23 to Oct. 21
10 a.m. to noon
HUMNT-0001-004, $149; Lifelong Learner $109
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance
Learn about the evolution of movie musicals during the 1930s and 1940s. Enjoy such films as "Top Hat" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and "42nd Street" from Busby Berkeley. Instructor: Brian Kleemann

Tuesday, Sept. 26 to Oct. 24
6 to 9 p.m.
HUMNT-0001-014, $159; Lifelong Learner $119
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2455

Baseball's Golden Age: Charles Conlon
Charles M. Conlon is considered the photographer of baseball's glorious heyday. Though he created some of baseball's most famous photographs, Conlon himself is practically unknown. Explore Conlon's life and photographs from the books and cards issued from his work. As part of our journey, we'll use the photographs as a gateway to an understanding of baseball, the sport, and the role it has played as an indispensable part of the American culture. We'll learn, too, about the everyday players Conlon photographed and the issues they, and other Americans faced in the first half of the 20th Century. Instructor: Gerald Horan

Tuesday, Sept. 26
9 to 11 a.m.
HUMNT-0001-033, $29; Lifelong Learner $19
Grace Lutheran Church, LaGrange

Tuesday, Oct. 3
9-11 a.m.
HUMNT-0001-032, $29; Lifelong Learner $19
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Intro to Mac for Plus 50
This course is designed for Apple computer users who wish to explore the capabilities of their Mac. Computer terminology as well as basic word processing, spreadsheet and an Internet Browser will be covered.

Thursday, Oct. 5 to 26
1 to 3 p.m.
COMPT-0006-008, $119; Lifelong Learner $89
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1126

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
When the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was launched in 1958, she was the largest ship on the great lakes. She was also the largest to ever sink. Learn the story of this ship, her crew, and the tragic afternoon and evening of Nov. 10, 1975. Instructor: Jack MacRae

Friday, Oct. 6-20
10 a.m. to noon
HUMNT-0001-080, $89; Lifelong Learner $59
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1123

The Twilight Zone: Tropes and Tales
Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone": A turning point in TV content and a high point in the use of TV to challenge social and political mores. Using videos of the 1959-64 series, research and interviews with many associated with the series, we will discuss the cautionary tales within and their impact on society. Instructor: Michael Lynn

Tuesday, Nov. 7 to 28
6 to 8 p.m.
HUMNT-0001-003, $119; Lifelong Learner $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Sakura Tales: Stories from the Land of the Rising Sun
Japanese stories sparkle with magic, wisdom, and humor. Learn about Japanese folklore and culture as you listen to storyteller Anne Shimojima tell stories of the oral tradition that have been passed down through the years to delight listeners today.

Tuesday, Dec. 5
1 to 2:30 p.m.
HUMNT-0001-011, $29; Lifelong Learner $19
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1118

 

Free Enrichment for Lifelong Learners

Enjoy the topics and the company! Continuing Education presents free lectures and discussions through our Sage Series and Lunch Break Lectures. Join us for an inspired selection of new topics this spring.

Lunch Break Lectures
Join us for engaging lectures and discussions in the Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110. Registration is recommended.
All Lunch Break Lectures are held at noon on the following Wednesdays:

Aug. 9 – Bob Dylan and the Nobel Prize
Sept. 6 – The LGBT Experience
Sept. 20 – Noble Titles and Names
Oct. 4 –The Knights Templar
Oct. 18 – Bob Dylan and The Never Ending Tour
Nov. 1 – The Spanish Armada
Nov. 15 –Rod Sterling's "Twilight Zone"
Nov. 29 – Feudalism and Serfdom in Medieval Europe
Dec. 13 – Making Theater Happen

Sage Series
Enjoy a variety of topics presented by local subject experts. Registration is required. For meeting times, please view  the Continuing Education Schedule of Classes or call (630) 942-2208.

Sept. 15 – Intergenerational Learning and GrandFriendships
Sept. 22 – A Bite of China: Staple Food
Oct. 6 – Behind-the-Scenes at the MAC and Lunch w/Diana Martinez
Oct. 14 – NASA's Dawn Spacecraft
Dec. 1 – Travel in Andalusia Spain

Share Your Passion and Experience

College of DuPage Continuing Education is seeking community members who are interested in facilitating Lifelong Learning courses and seminars! Call (630) 942-2208 for assistance with completing a New Course Proposal Form.

Continuing Education wants to hear from you!

Let us know what kind of Lifelong Learning programs you'd like us to offer. Please take a few minutes to share your opinions—complete the Lifelong Learning Survey.

Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund

Limited scholarship funds are available to assist Lifelong Learners who choose to participate in Continuing Education programs.If you are interested in contributing to this fund, please choose "Lifelong Learning Programs" on the College of DuPage Foundation donation page or call (630) 942-2462. 

Register today!

To register or for detailed program information, call Continuing Education at (630) 942-2208, email CE@cod.edu or register online. To view our complete program listing, see the current Continuing Education Schedule of Classes.

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Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110, (630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785

Office Hours
Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday