The following descriptions are for courses offered by the UW Women’s Center throughout the year. These descriptions are for reference only and do not indicate a schedule of course offerings. For current quarter classes, please click here to visit the Class Schedule page for the current quarter.
Anxious to Please: 7
Revolutionary Practices for the
Chronically Nice
Instructor:Craig English, James Rapson,
& Monica Sweet
Do you . . .Apologize frequently, or for
things you are not responsible for? Get
preoccupied with what other people
think of you? Become unhappy when your
partner isn’t happy? Feel worried or fretful
so often it seems normal? Take what
you’re given instead of asking for what
you want? Always fi nd yourself longing
for something or someone? Chronic
Niceness affects millions, causing severe
anxiety, undermining careers, crippling
self-esteem, and damaging relationships.
James Rapson and Craig English teach the
seven powerful practices they pioneered
in their book, Anxious to Please. These
techniques, drawn from diverse wisdom
traditions and cutting-edge psychology,
are practical and designed for use in
a person’s daily life. They are proven
to bring about resilient self-esteem; a
happier and calmer emotional life; a
reality-based optimism for the future;
fulfi lling sex and satisfying relationships.
What you learn: The release of the anxiety
that causes chronic niceness; A shift in
their vision of romance—passion without
rose-colored glasses; Going after what
they want without compromising their
values; Transforming confl ict into a
creative force.
Artist as Activist, Art as Catalyst
Instructor:Pam Keeley, visual artist
Focused on art that challenges the status quo and
transforms lives, this class will address questions such as:
How is the role of the artist evolving in our society? How do
artists address complex issues, spark dialogue amongst
diverse groups, and foster a sense of community? How is art
used as a vehicle for grieving, healing, and positive change?
We will explore works that have shaped societal values and
attitudes – and inspired action. And as artists, artist-activists,
and activists, we will claim our roles in this increasingly
collaborative and communal creative process.
A Taste of Meditation
Instructor: Shanti Schenker-Skye & Subhan Schenker
Treat yourself to a day out of the fast lane. Learn easy and enjoyable meditations for calming the mind and the body and for soothing the soul. Bring a light Bag lunch and wear comfortable clothing. The instructors have been mediators for over thirty years and have lived and taught in India, Japan and Europe.
Advanced Italian
Instructor:Nicoletta Machiavelli
This class is for those wanting to further
develop skills in the Italian language.
Excellent for those planning to travel
to Italy or wishing to develop their
conversation, grammar, and vocabulary
skills. (Outside work assigned). Bring $6
to class for materials
American Rug-Hooking
Instructor: Tracy Harvey
The craft of rug hooking has been practiced for centuries. It was a popular craft in much of Europe and when settlers traveled to American colonies they brought the craft with them. By the 1860’s, rug hooking was quite popular, and is now considered an American folk art. Hooked rugs are made by hooking narrow strips of woolen fabric into a backing material. The loops are raised above the backing forming a pile and designs are formed by hooking with varying colors of wool. The makers of early rugs used discarded clothing for the wool needed; old capes and blankets were often over-dyed and cut into strips for rugs. The backing for early rugs in America was often old coffee, sugar, feed, or grain bags; burlap and linen were used as well. We will hook a small sample on a linen backing. Wool strips will be cut from yardage and recycled Northwest clothing. On the second night we will finish the hooking and bind the sampler with tapestry yam. Please bring a $20 material fee to first class. Limit: 6 students
Awakening the Goddess Within
Instructor: Suzette LaPlant
A magnificent goddess lives inside of each and every woman? But how can you, a 21st century woman, juggling overflowing demands and pressures, navigating the many roles you play, find a way to connect with the goddess within?? In this experiential workshop, you will learn to tap into your inner wisdom, discover your heartfelt desires, awaken to how powerful you really are and rediscover your wholeness. The path of awakening the goddess within leads you to live a more vibrant and empowered life. Come nurture, celebrate and honor your brilliance! Bring a notebook to class.
Baby Boomer Boot Camp
Instructor: Dori Wright
Do you want to make a mid-life career change that pays off? What will you do when you no longer have to work to live? Is “age” a four-letter word for you? Have you planned who will care for you as you grow older? Baby Boomers are a special breed. We marched for civil rights, equality for women and peace. Now we’re trying to be at peace while struggling with elder care, mid-life career change and our own aging. We face decisions and dilemmas. We are smart; we just need some skills, resources and a plan. Baby Boomer Boot Camp will give you the practical knowledge you need to make decisions and a plan you can follow. You’ll also find out how others are handling
these issues. The classes are available individually, as a four-week series, or as a one-day intensive.
Three ways to learn: 1. Four-week series, 2. Take any of the four sessions singly, 3. One-Day intensive
Baby Boomer Boot Camp: Session 1 “Age is Not a Four-Letter Word”
Instructor: Dori Wright
What do you think of your own aging? How old is old? Can you really age well? Since we will likely live until we are 100, given today’s technology, it’s time to talk tough about the next 50 years! This session will raise your awareness about your own aging. We’ll break out of the stereotype the media has built about aging. You’ll layout the steps to living well as you grow older. “Growing old is mandatory; aging well is optional”. Bring $3 materials fee if you are taking this session singly.
Baby Boomer Boot Camp: Session 2 “Take this Job – You’ll Love it!”
Instructor: Dori Wright
Do you want to make a mid-life career change that pays off? Combining work with passion means doing something for pay that you’d be happy to do for free. That describes your work, right? Whether you love or hate your job, own a business or work for someone else, you’ll discover why exactly, you are working. Seventy-four percent of Baby Boomers say they intend to continue working in some capacity for the rest of their lives. You’ll learn a process for researching and making fulfilling mid-life career decisions and discover how you can combine passion and work. Bring $3 materials fee if you are taking this session singly.
Baby Boomer Boot Camp: Session 3 “When I’m 64”
Instructor: Dori Wright
Do you have a plan for who will care for you when you age? Do you want to be equipped to make end-of-life decisions for yourself or a loved one? Baby Boomers deal with health and end-of-life issues more than any other generation. We’ll gently discuss the subjects that make many of us squeamish; including types of medical interventions, who will care for us, what kind of care might we need, end-of life directives, power of attorney and care options. You’ll receive resources and the information to make decisions and develop your own plan. Bring $3 materials fee if you are taking this session singly.
Baby Boomer Boot Camp: Session 4: “From 50 to Forever”
Instructor: Dori Wright
What will you do when you no longer have to work to live? In this session, you’ll identify one of four perspectives on mid-life and beyond so you can build your plan around it. You’ll outline how you will contribute, what you will learn and whom you might teach. I call it, “Planned Seniorhood”. We’ll use everything discussed in the previous three classes, and more, to synchronize your financial and non-financial lives so your plan will work. Bring $3 materials fee if you are taking this session singly.
Basic Math Refresher Course
Instructor: Mark Wahl
Has your math grown rusty? Anxious about getting a good score on this section of the GRE? Build a math foundation that dovetails with the GRE Preparation Course. This power-packed refresher course rebuilds math fundamentals of arithmetic and algebra so that you can work efficiently with strategies developed in the GRE Prep Course.
Note: There is a $15 non-refundable processing fee. If you register for both the Basic Math refresher course and the GRE prep course, the processing fee is only charged once.
Beginning Bellydance
Instructor: Jalene Hernandez
Learn basic movements that are common in all styles of bellydance, along with exercises to help improve posture, strength and flexibility. No prior experience necessary.
Beginning DahnMuDo and Dahn Yoga
Instructor: Delia Licup
Is a holistic health and training program based on Korea’s 5,000 year old tradition of healing and martial arts. Combining yoga, stretching, qi-gong, tai-chi, breathing, deep relaxation, energy work and kigong style martial arts. Learn low-impact movements to build strength and create structural balance in the body. Release tension and stress while circulating fresh oxygenated blood throughout your body by opening and activating your major energy channels, for total rejuvenation and vitality. Follow easy techniques to calm your mind and improve concentration. Targeting physical energy core, bones, internal organs, meridian channels, chakras and brainpower to bring about proper energy circulation. Safe, invigorating, fun! No prior experience necessary
Beginning to Intermediate Hatha Yoga
Instructor: Carol Trenga
In this class, yoga postures (asanas) are practiced with an emphasis on creating a strong foundation through alignment and grounding, body awareness, moving with the breath, and attentive transitions between
postures. Each class includes breathing practices (pranayama) and guided
relaxation. Options to modify the poses are presented to accommodate
individual needs. Appropriate for those new to yoga and those familiar with
yoga who wish to refine and deepen their practice.
Beginning to Intermediate Yoga
Instructor: Deborah Shields
Achieve total body conditioning, reduce stress and increase your energy through the practice of Hatha Yoga. Discover how to stretch muscles and use your body in creative and strengthening movements. Limit: 25 students.
Beginning Yoga
Instructor: Monica Enders
Explore the basic postures, breath practices, and theory of yoga. This class will teach the fundamentals of asana (poses), breath awareness and relaxation techniques. No specific fitness level is required. You will be encouraged to work within your own limitations and abilities. Limit: 20 students
Beyond the Bake Sale and the Benefit
Instructor: Lisa Arnold
This class outlines four fundraising activities that community-based and/or nonprofit organizations with little/no staff can use to generate more (often much more) revenue than is possible with a bake sale, and with much less effort than is required for a benefit event. Each of the four activities can raise several thousand dollars (and sometimes more), depending upon board participation and other factors. Class will focus on the nuts-and-bolts of implementing each fundraising activity.
Breath and Meditation
Instructor: Carol Trenga
Balance your breath; quiet your mind.
In this workshop, we’ll explore Yoga
breathing practices (pranayama) and
meditation (dhyana). Learn different
breathing practices you can use to
calm, energize, balance and restore.
These practices can be used alone
or to enhance your yoga practice of
physical postures (asana). Pranayama
helps to prepare for meditation. Learn
basic sitting and walking meditation
practices. We’ll discuss how to create
favorable conditions for a consistent
meditation practice. All levels of yoga
experience are welcome. Please wear
comfortableclothing, and do not eat
a large meal within an hour of the
beginning of class. Location: Johnson
Annex (behind Women’s Center).
Broommaking: A Functional Art
Instructor: John Holzwart
Discover the art of making handmade
brooms! In this class you will be
introduced to this beautiful and
functional art form. Students will learn
to make one round or one flat hearth
broom (your choice). These brooms
look beautiful hung on the wall, either
by a hearth or other area of your house.
Handles of various woods have been
gathered and cured for you to use, and all
materials are provided. Discussion about
decorative options and the history of
broom making will be included. Limit 12
people. $15 material fee.
Build Your Financial Home, The
Right Way!
Instructor: Anne Zastko
Join us for this 2 session workshop
where we will follow a step by step
process designed to help you build
a strong fi nancial home with a solid
foundation that will withstand all of life’s
uncertainties. How to get out of debt
and develop an emergency fund. Start a
savings fund and safely maximize your
returns. Then build your fi nancial home
from the foundation up to retirement and
beyond.
Career Change with Courage
Instructor: Halimah Bellows
Discover three powerful steps to doing the work you love. Is your career at a standstill? Do you doubt your career choice altogether? Have you been dislocated from a satisfying job? Is the work you once enjoyed now just a paycheck? Are you sure you want to change careers but need direction? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this class is for you. Join Halimah Bellows, M.A., M.S., career counselor and life coach and take a first step toward creating the work you truly love. You’ll assess how you made your past career decisions, learn whether you really want to leave your current work, and take action to create your career change plan.
City Sites: Basic Drawing in
Urban Settings
Instructor: Nola Ahola
Seattle will be our studio as we explore
the fundamentals of drawing. Using
pencil, crayon and watercolor, we will
enjoy working on location. Marina, tea
garden, wading pool, locks, market,
conservatory---the urban possibilities are
endless and inspiring. Welcome spring!
Please see women’s center for supply list.
Competition/Aggression
Instructor: Wendy Harman
We’re all in this together, right? What
happened to sisterhood and playing
on the same team? Why, then, is she
spreading rumors about me? When we
enter the workforce, we may encounter
competition and aggression from other
women that can be downright shocking
to us but hidden to others. To coin a
phrase, we fi nd our “frenemy.” This
class will function as a workshop for
women experiencing this aggression
from another woman in which we will
help one another analyze the situation
and work on ideas for ending the
confrontation.
Create a Plan for Financial Freedom
Instructor: Meaghan McKenzie
This in-depth class is designed to help you create a plan for financial freedom. We will help you understand the nuances of financial planning, give specific steps in designing and implementing the plan, and provide a simple action plan you can stick with. Concepts behind the best selling book by David Bach, Smart Women Finish Rich will be introduced. We will cover financial management, risk management, and cash management; move to investment planning and tax planning, and conclude with a discussion of retirement and estate planning. Bring $5 material fee to first class
Create A Plan For Financial
Freedom
Instructor: Meaghan McKenzie
This in-depth class is designed to help
you create a plan for fi nancial freedom.
We will help you understand the nuances
of fi nancial planning, give specifi c steps
in designing and implementing the
plan, and provide a simple action plan
you can stick with. Concepts behind the
best selling book by David Bach, Smart
Women Finish Rich will be introduced.
We will cover fi nancial management, risk
management, and cash management;
move to investment planning and tax
planning, and conclude with a discussion
of retirement and estate planning. Bring
$5 material fee to fi rst class.
Creative Mask Making
Instructor: Bertha Marselis
Masks have worldwide significance as a primary means of human expression and communication. They can be fun, decorative or whimsical. In this class we will spend the morning creating, celebrating and exploring inner facets of our selves by making a mask, which will reveal a hidden side of ourselves we knew nothing about. Come prepared to have a day of fun exploring who you are. Please bring scissors and anything, charms, trinkets, etc., you may want to add to your mask, a lunch or snack and an $8 materials fee.
Chinese Sumi Painting
Instructor: Key Sun
Chinese brush (sumi) painting has been in practice for at least 3000 years. This style of painting was mainly found on crafts such as pottery and lacquer ware, but later developed to include the paintings on murals, silk and rice paper, Chinese brush paintings intend to catch the spirit or “Qi” of the subject, with focusing on the harmony of yin and yang, tranquility, self-healing, and the artist’s mental freedom and spontaneity. Students will learn to use brush, ink and watercolors to paint bamboo, birds and flowers, fish, as well as landscapes, and how the different shades of black ink, mixed with colors, can catch the spirit of the subject. Please bring a lunch and contact the Women’s Center for a supply list.
Decision Making Part I
Instructor: Sharon Sanborn
Undecided? Learn to make decisions you feel good about more quickly and easily. Create the future you desire with every decision you make! We will identify your personal decision making style, expand your style, and practice strategies and steps involved in decision-making such as values clarification, creativity and intuition, risk-taking, “in-between” alternatives to binary options, developing action plans and follow through. We will rely on information, discussion and hands-on reflective exercises (including the use of basic art materials) that reinforce and empower you to use new skills in different areas of your life. There is a “Decision-Making Toolbox” to take home. Please bring $4 materials fee to class.
Decision Making Part II
Instructor: Sharon Sanborn
For people who have taken Decision-Making (see Decision-Making course description) and want additional information and practice with the decision-making styles, steps and strategies introduced. Do you find yourself wanting more help and support with making decisions? Are you still frequently unhappy with your decisions? In this workshop you will expand and practice your skills and tools as well as deepen your understanding of common decision-making difficulties such as values and goal clarification, procrastination, perfectionism, risk-taking and beliefs that hold you back. Optimize your decision-making potential and empower yourself to stay focused on making constructive decisions that allow you to create your desired future with every decision you make! Please bring handouts from Decision-Making and $4 materials fee to class.
Dealing With Difficult People
Instructor:Jennifer Martin
Don’t let someone else determine if you
are going to have a bad day. Take a look
at the different types of people who
drain your energy away and learn what
you can do to hold your ground and
move forward in the most productive
ways. Join Jennifer Martin for this 2 hour
class where you’ll learn how to diffuse
a diffi cult situation, gracefully remove
yourself from challenging situations and
see how easy it can be to start standing
up for yourself. To learn more about
Jennifer visit www.MoreLoveMoreJoy.
com
Divorce 101
Instructor: Bonnie Schiller
Are you on the cusp of a divorce? Need to
learn how to be your own best advocate?
This savvy class is all about your options
and obligations. You will learn what tasks
you should be concentrating on, the right
questions to ask about about available
resources. This class is for those who
are thinking about or going through a
divorce. Bring $7 materials fee to the fi rst
class.
Drawing and Painting the Model: Considering Gender Cliche
Instructor: Nola Ahola
The ripple of a skirt, a bright pattern of a Hawaiian shirt, the structure of a bathing suit, the mystery of a hat’s brim---all these elements can offer inspiration and immediate access to the painting of the human form. Think of the exotic North African gear that artists like Matisse and Delacroix were obsessed with, the stockings that charged Schiele’s watercolors, the long gloves that Toulouse Lautrec’s singer affected. Costume and accessories transform the model in many ways---aesthetically, sensually, expressively. Playing with the drama of costume, students at all levels will learn techniques of watercolor in combination with watersoluble crayons as they draw and paint the model. Lively critiques, along with clear exercises and dynamic model poses will bring students surprising results. Bring $50 to the first session for the model fee.
Embracing Change: Transitions, Money
and You
Instructor: Yvonne Naum
Learn smart financial planning strategies
to help you navigate life transitions (e.g.
divorce, retirement, death of a spouse)
and more successfully manage your
money. Topics to be covered include
budgeting and financial management,
risk management, asset accumulation
and the investment portfolio (are socially
responsible investments important to
you?), and retirement and estate planning
Bring your questions and issues. Course
information and worksheets developed by
Dr. Naum will be distributed. Please bring
$3 materials fee.
Essential Communication Skills for Women
Instructor: Jennifer Martin
If you are tired of not getting what
you want, maybe its time to learn why
Jennifer Martin, co-author of More Love,
More Joy! (www.MoreLoveMoreJoy.com)
explains “we all communicate everyday,
and yet, sometimes when we speak
we are neither heard, nor listened to”.
In this 2 hour class you’ll discover how
to recognize when you are sabotaging
your potential for success, learn simple
strategies to honor your boundaries,
and experience how you can enhance
all your relationships just by changing a
few words and habits. If you are ready to
empower your life, sign up today!
Evening Enlightenment! An Active Meditation Experience
Instructor: Shanti Schenker-Skye
Contact number: (206) 772-8897
Do you want to Meditate but can’t sit still? Then Active Meditations are perfect for you. They begin with releasing mind/ body stress and anxiety. This will open the space for relaxation, increased well-being and centeredness. These ancient and modern meditations are easy to learn, enjoyable and can be woven into daily life. No previous experience is needed. Shanti has lived and taught in India, Japan, Europe and America for many years.
Finding Your Financial Freedom
Instructor: Anne Zastko
Capture the power of a personalized spending plan. Join us for an empowering workshop learning that money problems can be overcome simply by building a spending plan, implementing it with diligence and realism and giving it time. Learn how to earn your membership to the small and exclusive club of wise women who know beyond a doubt exactly where last months money went. If you arm yourself with only one weapon in your fight for financial control, make it a spending plan – it can accomplish near-miracles for you! Realize one of your New Years Resolutions early and join us for this fun and empowering workshop.
First Steps in Personal Writing
Instructor: Teri & Robert Sprackland
This class is designed for those who want to develop a personal writing style and habit, whether for private journals or eventual publication. Learn techniques that will give you confidence and start you on your way to a successful and enjoyable writing experience. This class is particularly for people interested in exploring their creativity through activities such as described in Julia Cameron’s book “*The Artist’s Way*.” Bring a journal or notebook.
First Step Towards Publication
Instructor: Teri & Robert Sprackland
If you believe you have a book or article in you, and you want it to see the reality of print, this course will help you. Learn the techniques required of any writer who seeks publication, whether for a book, magazine, script, or newspaper publisher. This course for novices, taught by a very prolific published author, teaches the essential skills you must have if you are going to join the ranks of the successfully published. Bring samples of your story/article ideas, and ideas on where you would like to be published, and we’ll show you how to proceed.
French Women Writers
Instructor: Teri & Robert Sprackland
A Feminist view of life and literature has thrived in French culture for centuries. Join us to explore the writings of influential French women from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. Each seminar presents the works of the women of a specific century, starting with the women troubadours, on to the exquisite letters and essays of the 16th-17th century Enlightenment, the development of the novel in the 19th century with the cross-dressing Georges Sand, and finally ending with the sensuality of Colette and the acerbic intellectualism of Simone de Beauvoir. Each seminar presents one hour of background and history, and one hour of discussion and journal writing. Knowledge of French not required!
From Burqas to Catwalks: Perspectives on Women in Islam
Instructor: Maliha Masood
Perceptions of Muslim women in the Western world are often clouded in controversy and confusing messages. Liberated or oppressed? Submissive or dare devils? The purpose of this course is to offer multiple perspectives on women in Islam. Through weekly discussion groups and film viewings, we will explore the cultural, political, social and religious aspects of gender identity with a focus on Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Morocco. The instructor will provide students with readings from current events, academic journals and recommended texts. No homework necessary! Emphasis on class debates and student interest highly encouraged. Come to indulge your curiosity, learn something new, while having fun! Option to sign up for Part 1 (sessions 1-3) as a sneak preview or the full class (sessions 1-6).
From Computer Anxiety to Computer Confidence
Instructor: Megan Smith & Norah Erwin-Stewart
Demystify the inner workings of the computer in a fun and open environment. This is a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to identify and talk about computers and their parts. Bring your questions, fears, and doubts -- and be prepared to leave them behind! This course will most benefit people with some computer experience. Limit: 8 students.