Learning & Leisure

New at Avenidas!

Hot Topics in Psychology and Law (#7871)

Tuesdays, January 5 to March 2, 11am to 12:15pm, $45/$55

There are many ways in which psychological research and clinical expertise inform the law. Also, there are laws that govern clinical practice in Psychology. Topics will include criminal investigations, sexual harassment, mental competency, child abuse, involuntary confinement, and more. In each class, there will be a law mini-lecture from Mike, a psychology mini-lecture from Eleanor, a presentation by Mike of one key judicial opinion that sets forth an important legal principle for that topic, and a group discussion led by Eleanor of a scenario that requires us to apply the material just presented.

Instructors: Mike and Eleanor Willemsen

Eleanor Willemsen received her BA, MA and PhD in Psychology from Stanford. As a professor at Santa Clara University, she taught Developmental Psychology, as well as did research on topics in early childhood. Mike Willemsen received his BA and MA in Economics as well as his law degree from Stanford. He has worked as a staff attorney and practiced appellate law.

The Willemsens have co-taught a Psychology and Law course at SCU for 27 years, as well as co-authored Amicus Curiae briefs and a law review article.

Virtual BaDuanJin Exercise (#7875)

Wednesdays, January 13 to March 17, 9:30 to 10am, free

BaDuanJin exercise helps to improve your mind and body. Join us for this 30-minute virtual group exercise practice. A volunteer facilitator will guide you through Eight Pieces of BaDuanJin session. Beginners welcome.

*Participants must complete a waiver prior to class.

Avenidas Chinese Community Center activities are bilingual in English and Mandarin. To register, email Rosie Chow rchow@avenidas.org or Pinki Fung pfung@avenidas.org. Please include your name, email address and phone number. Put the class number in the subject line.

New Class Format!

Creative Writing (#7872)

Tuesdays, January 5 to March 9, 10 to 11:30am, $150

Learn how craft practices and elements such as journaling, character study, sensory description, and dialogue can make your creative writing jump off the page. Over the course of ten weeks, you will take part in short writing exercises with valuable feedback from fellow writers to help you grow as a writer by focusing on the building blocks. With an emphasis on fun and self-expression, this class will help motivate you to develop your unique voice as a writer.

Instructor: Dee Ellmann, MLS

Dee Ellmann is a writer and retired Librarian and Book Store Events Manager. She has taught the Creative Writing class at Avenidas for one year and is currently working on her story Queen Anne’s Lace, a historical fiction novel based on her grandmother’s life from 1913 to 1938 in Chicago.