2008 Woodie Awards
Take a class just to take it
Leisure studies courses provide fun, excitement
Joseph Pugh Ranger Reporter
Issue date: 10/13/05 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Not everyone attending a class at Amarillo College is expecting a degree.
AC offers non-degree courses from dream interpretation to aikido.
Anyone with an interest can take classes to have fun or learn a skill.
"Leisure studies are pretty much for anyone, 2 to 102," said Luke Morrison, leisure studies coordinator.
Anyone from children to seniors are welcome.
"There are many people over 55 who are involved in our regular classes such as ballroom dancing," Morrison said.
Such courses are not part of a student's degree plan. They are offered merely for the community's interest.
"Leisure studies are continuing education classes designed for people who want to take classes but are not necessarily work-related," Morrison said.
"They are also for similar studies such as someone who might want to learn Spanish to go to Spain, rather than someone taking it for a degree."
Typical tuition rules do not apply to leisure studies. Students simply pay for the class itself according to the time spent in session, and out-of-state students do not pay extra.
"When our classes say 10 hours, those are 10 hours with an instructor," Morrison said.
"Generally, if there are more hours of instruction, you are going to pay more.
"Also, you have to look at if there are any fees related, like if we furnish supplies or if the students are expected to bring their own.
"We are not supported by state funds, so our classes have to cover their own costs."
Although taken for leisure, not all of the classes are to take lightly.
"It's not to say that our classes aren't serious," Morrison said.
"Like our motorcycle class, for example, is taught very strictly because of the danger involved."
Some students take a leisure studies class simply because it will help them understand their major better.
"Photography is my major," said photography major Vanessa Thompson, who is enrolled in Fundamentals of Photography.
Hopefully, I'll learn enough that I can get my own studio."
Some choose leisure classes based on hobbies or interests outside their chosen field.
"This class doesn't have anything to do with my major; I'm just taking it for fun," said pharmacy technology major Marie Martin.
A list of leisure classes offered is listed on AC's Web site at www.actx.edu/leisure/. A more comprehensive list also can be found in the continuing education class schedules available in the Student Service Center.
Anyone interested in leisure studies is urged to call 371-2920 for more information.
AC offers non-degree courses from dream interpretation to aikido.
Anyone with an interest can take classes to have fun or learn a skill.
"Leisure studies are pretty much for anyone, 2 to 102," said Luke Morrison, leisure studies coordinator.
Anyone from children to seniors are welcome.
"There are many people over 55 who are involved in our regular classes such as ballroom dancing," Morrison said.
Such courses are not part of a student's degree plan. They are offered merely for the community's interest.
"Leisure studies are continuing education classes designed for people who want to take classes but are not necessarily work-related," Morrison said.
"They are also for similar studies such as someone who might want to learn Spanish to go to Spain, rather than someone taking it for a degree."
Typical tuition rules do not apply to leisure studies. Students simply pay for the class itself according to the time spent in session, and out-of-state students do not pay extra.
"When our classes say 10 hours, those are 10 hours with an instructor," Morrison said.
"Generally, if there are more hours of instruction, you are going to pay more.
"Also, you have to look at if there are any fees related, like if we furnish supplies or if the students are expected to bring their own.
"We are not supported by state funds, so our classes have to cover their own costs."
Although taken for leisure, not all of the classes are to take lightly.
"It's not to say that our classes aren't serious," Morrison said.
"Like our motorcycle class, for example, is taught very strictly because of the danger involved."
Some students take a leisure studies class simply because it will help them understand their major better.
"Photography is my major," said photography major Vanessa Thompson, who is enrolled in Fundamentals of Photography.
Hopefully, I'll learn enough that I can get my own studio."
Some choose leisure classes based on hobbies or interests outside their chosen field.
"This class doesn't have anything to do with my major; I'm just taking it for fun," said pharmacy technology major Marie Martin.
A list of leisure classes offered is listed on AC's Web site at www.actx.edu/leisure/. A more comprehensive list also can be found in the continuing education class schedules available in the Student Service Center.
Anyone interested in leisure studies is urged to call 371-2920 for more information.