Princeton Adult School offers wide range of courses

Registration now under way; classes begin Feb. 1 and 3.

   Registration is under way for the winter semester at the Princeton Adult School.
   Offerings this year include more than 130 courses ranging from abstract art and classical music to "Papyrus to Paperback," a lecture series about the book in history.
   There is also swing dancing, cooking and financial planning. Students can register online, by mail or sign up for classes at in-person registration on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at Princeton High School.
   Highlights this semester include several new courses and lectures.
   Eminent scholars from a variety of disciplines will discuss the social history of books and the people who read them.
   In addition, books will be the subject in courses on "The Power of the Novel" and Dante’s Inferno.
   There are also four cooking courses including one on easy and elegant entertaining.
   Course listings also include such old favorites as introduction to computing, Hatha-yoga, ballroom dancing and automotive repair.
   "Every year we aim for the proverbial something for everybody," said Princeton Adult School President Nancy Beck, "and I think we’re closer than ever. We have more than a dozen new courses. We’re really excited about two new music offerings, ‘Mozart’s World,’ and ‘Evolution of the Symphony.’ And, of course, the movie series is back.
   "We also have two special language courses, ‘Italian for Travelers’ and Spanish for Travelers.’ In addition, we continue to offer our very popular foreign language program, which includes all the usual ones plus Latin, Japanese, Arabic and Russian. We’ve also expanded English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and have five advanced courses."
   The diverse course listing for the upcoming semester includes nine lecture courses, 35 language courses, 15 studio arts workshops, 16 exercise and fitness activities, six studio music classes, 21 courses listed under hobbies, special skills and recreation, six business and professional courses and 10 computer courses.
   Subjects range from professional-level courses such as eBay simplified and how to start and succeed in your own business, to courses tailored to individual needs like estate and financial planning, tai chi and beginning piano for adults.
   Classes, which are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Princeton High School and other locations throughout the community, begin on Feb. 1 and 3.
   In-person registration is scheduled 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Princeton High School cafeteria, with separate registration for ESOL 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, also at the high school. In-person registration is required for ESOL. Students should come to the front entrance on Moore Street.
   Registration online and by mail is already in progress. Students can register online at www.princetonadultschool.org or by mail using forms in the back of the adult school catalog. Those who have not received a catalog can obtain a copy at any area public library. Registration forms and the entire catalog are also available on the adult school Web site.
   "We are especially pleased with the public’s response to the adult school," said Ms. Beck. "Last year’s enrollment was very gratifying. In fact, enrollment has recently been so strong that there are always several courses that are filled before in-person registration night by those who register on-line or by mail. We always have to turn people away from popular classes with space limitations — courses like cooking, some of the studio courses and ballroom dancing."
   Because of the high school construction, students coming for in-person registration should use the front entrance to the high school. For more information, call (609) 683-1101.