San Juan College's Encore program offers a variety of humanities courses to suit your interests.
Try your hand at writing in our Writers’ Workshop, travel virtually with Armchair Traveler, or explore different cultures. If history's your thing, we've got archaeology courses like Exploring Bear's Ears Monument. For creatives, we offer Music Composition for Beginners and Connecting with Poetry. There's something for everyone at Encore.
Humanities Classes
Travel with us from the classroom as we cruise along the main Rivers of Europe. Visit the cities and villages along the Rhine, Rhone, Loire, Danube and more. Learn useful tips about various European cruise lines in a relaxed, fun and interactive environment. $15 supply fee for food sampling in class.
AGNES WALISER was born in the French speaking part of Switzerland. This class expands upon her popular French for the Armchair Traveler classes.
Cost (including supply fee): $21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$77.50 residents under 65, $211.50 non-residents
2026SP HUMA 104 E12
1/12-3/23, MON, 10 am-12 pm, 30th Street Education, Room 208
(no class 1/19, 2/16, 3/16)
Gather to write, talk about writing, and share writing with each other. Have you always wanted to write but didn’t know where to start? This class is for you. Do you have a half-finished novel for which you need inspiration to finish? This class is for you. Do you write but wonder if your writing is any good, or want suggestions on how to make it better or publishable? This is your class! Classes include mini lectures on technique and style.
TRACI HALES is a retired San Juan College professor of writing.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP ENGL 104 E24
1/13-2/17, TUE, 1-3:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 206
2026SP ENGL 104 E14
2/24-4/7, TUE, 1-3:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 206
(no class 3/17)
2026SU ENGL 104 E08 (registration begins 2/13)
4/7-5/12, TUE, 1-3:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 206
Travel with us from the classroom as we visit Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Discover the histories and rich cultures of Central Europe and sample their foods. $15 supply fee for food sampling in class.
AGNES WALISER was born in the French speaking part of Switzerland.
Cost (including supply fee): $21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$77.50 residents under 65, $211.50 non-residents
2026SP HUMA 104 E20
1/15-3/5, THU, 10 am-12 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
Immerse yourself in French culture by watching French movies. All movies will have English subtitles. Come and enjoy Jean de Florette, Manon of the Springs, La Grande Vadrouille, Joyeux Noel, Les Intouchables, and more. A short discussion will follow each movie.
AGNES WALISER was born in the French speaking part of Switzerland. This class expands upon her popular French for the Armchair Traveler classes.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP HUMA 104 E24
1/15-2/26, THU, 2-4:15 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
are so deeply immersed in a situation that what we “know” to be right may be mistaken. In the midst of the Cold War, Rod Serling created the television series The Twilight Zone, which challenged audiences to consider unexpected points of view. This course will use episodes of the classic series to illustrate ethical concepts such as values, relativism, utilitarianism, and
moral character.
CYNTHIA RAPP SANDHU holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston University School of Theology. She has taught popular Encore classes on religious literacy, Egypt, and antisemitism, as well as traditional San Juan College classes on Ethics and Western
Civilization.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP PHIL 104 E12
1/21-3/11, WED, 10 am - noon, 30th Street Education Center, Room 206
What can you tell from someone’s handwriting? How valid and reliable is it? What are the methodologies used to analyze handwriting? How do we differentiate between popular graphology and empirical personality assessment from handwriting? Explore the relationship between handwriting and personality as you learn to identify and evaluate basic handwriting characteristics that relate to personality, while appreciating the challenges of developing an empirical handwriting psychology.
MARK REDDY holds a Master’s degree in the Psychology of Handwriting and has conducted primary research in the handwriting of suicides and worked professionally as a handwriting analyst, testifying in court as a forensic handwriting specialist. Over the years Mark has presented many classes and workshops on various aspects of handwriting at schools, colleges and professional handwriting conferences.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP HUMA 104 E10
1/27-3/24, TUE, 10 am - noon, 30th Street Education Center, Room 208
(no class 3/17)
Each week, students will explore a selection of poems—some well-known, others simply splendid—and discover what makes them resonate. They’ll experiment with poetic tools like metaphor, imagery, rhyme, irony, and voice, then try writing a few lines of their own. In a supportive, workshop-style setting, participants will revise their work and explore creative forms such as haiku, sonnet, or the “golden shovel,” a contemporary poetic structure created by Terrance Hayes. Everything is a poem - dive in and enjoy the ride!
STEPHANIE MORAN has been teaching poetry most of her life and has taught English, American literature, ethnic literature, and reading and writing in four states and several colleges.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP ENGL 104 E06
1/14-3/4, WED,1-3 pm, 30th Street Education Center, Room 208
This relaxed and engaging course invites students to explore poetry from the paperback text Literature to Go, using selections chosen by the class for discussion. The book features a wide range of voices—from beloved classics to fresh, contemporary works that are funny, deep, moving, and sometimes delightfully unpredictable. No pressure to analyze or decode poems to death—this is about enjoying what poetry has to say and how it makes us feel. Along the way, students may even be inspired to write and share a poem of their own. Whether you’re new to poetry or already a fan, this course is about discovering the many ways poetry speaks to us all.
STEPHANIE MORAN has had poems published in the Four Corners Anthology, Aspen Anthology, La Confluencia, The Durango Herald, and High Country News. She believes that everything is a poem and enjoys reading poems and exploring what makes them memorable.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP ENGL 104 E45
3/25-5/13, WED, 1–3 pm, 30th Street Education Center, Room 208
Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with an estimated 1.8 billion adherents. Explore the life and times of Muhammad, the Qur’an and its teachings, major Muslim practices, and Islam’s relation to Judaism and Christianity. Gain a basic understanding of this major world religion, its background, teachings and influence in history, as well as how it compares and contrasts with the more familiar Judeo-Christian heritage in the west.
MARK REDDY has presented many workshops, classes, and study sessions on world religions.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
1/27-3/24, TUE, 1-3 pm,
30th Street Education Center Room 208
(no class 3/17)
Music enriches our community, and under the leadership of Music Director Thomas Heuser, the San Juan Symphony’s concert season is sure to delight. Discover the beauty of music where once you only heard sound and appreciate your symphony experience as never before, with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Rediscover old musical favorites and deepen your understanding with cultural information and pre-concert symphony talks. For information on the San Juan Symphony’s 2024-2025 schedule and tickets, visit sanjuansymphony.org. Students should purchase symphony tickets on their own.
LEVI BROWN has a Bachelor’s degree from Fort Lewis College in Music Performance, Piano, and has performed numerous times in the San Juan Symphony on violin.
LAURA ARGOTSINGER holds a Masters in Music Education from Adams State University and is currently the Operations Manager for the San Juan Symphony.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP MUSI 104 E14
2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/31, 4/14, TUES, 6-8 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
San Juan Symphony Pre-Concert Talks & Concerts: 2/22, 4/12, SUN, 2-4 pm
Continue your journey through the Book of Daniel as Part II explores its prophetic and apocalyptic chapters. Discover the meaning behind Daniel’s vivid visions, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the enduring message of faith amid uncertainty. Through guided discussion and historical insight, participants will gain a deeper understanding of this powerful book’s hope-filled conclusion.
Instructor: RON AWTREY
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP HIST 104 E12
2/11-4/8, WED, 1:30-3:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 206
(no class 3/18)
Travel with us from the classroom as we explore Spain, Italy, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Greece, Scandinavian countries and more. Discover the rich culture, history and geography of these countries. No previous classes required. $15 supply fee for food sampling in class.
AGNES WALISER was born in the French speaking part of Switzerland. This class expands upon her popular French for the Armchair Traveler classes.
Cost (including supply fee): $21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$77.50 residents under 65, $211.50 non-residents
22026SU HUMA 104 E14 (registration begins 2/13)
3/30-5/18, MON, 10 am-12 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
Are you curious about the mysteries of Chaco Canyon, with its centuries of architectural brilliance and cultural dominance in the Southwest? Discover some of its secrets with an orientation class to learn the unique characteristics of Chaco Canyon and its Great Houses together with the hundreds of Chaco Outlier Great-House communities across the Four Corners. Ponder the landscape connections that influenced the function and placement of these Chaco Outlier communities, and the unique features still present on that landscape with two all-day fieldtrips to explore a few of them further. To get you prepared to get the most out of the class, a handout reading is required and is available at the Encore office for enrolled students. Learn the low impact way to visit these fragile archaeological sites, how to recognize “Chacoan” characteristics at a site and how its inhabitants engaged with the landscape and other communities. Mini workshops on artifact identification, map reading and site preservation will be included. Class size is limited to 11 for backcountry safety and site sensitivity. Four-wheel-drive or high clearance vehicles are needed for the two field trips which will be all day. Hiking a distance up to 1 mile over uneven terrain may be required. Carpooling is encouraged and if you ride with someone else, please offer to pay something for gas. Please ask for the required-reading handout at registration. A Fieldtrip Essentials list will be provided in class.
KRISTIE ARRINGTON is a retired BLM archaeologist with over 45 years of experience in the four Corners area. She is currently the owner of Two Dog Cultural Resource Management Services, an archaeological and historic preservation consulting firm located in Aztec, New
Mexico.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP ANTH 104 E06
3/30, MON, 6:30-8 pm, 4/3 & 4/4, FRI & SAT, 9 am-4 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
Set sail (from your armchair) to explore some of Europe’s most captivating islands not covered in the previous Armchair Traveler classes. Journey through the beauty, history and charm of destinations like Rhodes, Corfu, Malta, Cyprus, Sicily, Capri, Sardinia, Corsica, Ibiza and many more, each with their own unique story and culture. Join us for relaxed and informative adventures. No previous classes required. $15 supply fee for food.
Instructor: AGNES WALISER
Cost (including supply fee):
$21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$77.50 residents under 65, $211.50 non-residents
2026SU HUMA 104 E24 (registration begins 2/13)
4/2-5/21, THU, 10 am-12 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
The Book of Genesis is filled with stories that have shaped faith, art, and human understanding for centuries. In this in-depth study, we’ll explore the text from historical, literary, and spiritual perspectives, uncovering themes of creation, struggle, and renewal that still resonate today. Whether you come with questions, curiosity, or a lifelong interest, this class offers a space for rich discussion and new insight into one of the world’s most influential works.
Instructor: RON AWTREY
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP HIST 104 E08
4/15-6/3, WED, 1:30-3:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 206
Step back into the swinging ’60s and relive the magic of The Beatles through the films that captured their rise, their humor, and their evolution. From the carefree charm of A Hard Day’s Night and Help! to the psychedelic creativity of Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine, and finally the reflective Let It Be, this class covers nine unforgettable years of music and cultural change. Join fellow fans for lively discussion, iconic soundtracks, and a fresh look at the Fab Four’s journey on screen.
Instructor: DR. RICK WATERS
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP MUSI 104 E30
3/5-4/16, THU,1-3:45 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
(no class 3/19)
What can a century-old story teach us about power, perspective, and human nature? Using Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness as our guide, we’ll journey into the tangled space between truth and imagination, exploring how postcolonial literary criticism helps us see what lies beneath the surface of a story. Together, we’ll uncover how fiction reveals more about ourselves and our world than we might expect. Students will be responsible for acquiring their own copy of the book for class.
DR SUSAN WILLIAMS holds degrees from Florida State, Northwestern, and the University of Arkansas. She has studied with renowned scholars including Jerome Stern, Richard Ellmann, and consulted with Edward Said. Her teaching experience in Nigeria led to two NEH programs
on African literature and criticism.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SP ENGL 104 E44
4/17-5/26, THU, 10-12 pm, 30th Street Education Center, Room 208
