Personal Enrichment

Online Enrichment Courses

UWF Continuing Education offers a variety of 6-week online enrichment courses. New courses start monthly with all lessons online, giving you the flexibility to gain new skills on your own time. Personal development topics include:

Arts >   Design and Composition >  Health and Wellness >
Languages >   Personal Finance and Investments >
Photography >    Starting a Business >   Writing and Publishing >

Markerspace Studio

Dates: February 25 - April 22, 2025
No class on March 18

This course introduces participants to key makerspace tools: 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC mills and sewing machines. Through hands-on projects, students will develop practical skills and learn to design, prototype and fabricate objects in a collaborative, creative environment. No prior experience is necessary. Upon completion of this course, participants will be eligible to enroll in Open Studio sessions for individual projects, where they can use the tools available in the makerspace. The course includes an online component and requires reviewing safety and other content prior to and between sessions. 

Chinese I

Dates: January 8 - April 30, 2025
No class on 1/20, 3/17 and 3/19

This course serves as an introduction to modern standard Chinese, commonly known as Mandarin, recognized as the language with the largest number of native speakers globally.This course is tailored for students with little to no prior background in the language. This course aims to establish a robust foundation in Mandarin pronunciation and basic character recognition. The primary objective is to enable students to engage in simple, practical conversations on everyday topics. Students will also focus on developing essential reading and writing skills, encompassing approximately 150 characters in both traditional and simplified sets.

Chinese II

Dates: January 9 - May 1, 2025
No class on 3/18 and 3/20

Building upon the foundations established in Chinese I, this course advances students’ proficiency in Modern Standard Mandarin Chinese to the Novice High level. Students will enhance their ability to communicate short messages on familiar topics, such as daily routines, hobbies, and personal interests. Emphasizing practical vocabulary, and sentence structures, this course encourages active participation in conversations and fosters a deeper understanding of cultural contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to express their needs and opinions more confidently in Mandarin Chinese, paving the way for continued language growth. 

This course assumes that students have successfully completed Chinese I at UWF or an equivalent course. Students who have not taken Chinese I must obtain permission from the instructor to enroll. Additionally, if students have taken a break from studying Chinese for more than one semester, they should reach out to the instructor to evaluate their current level of proficiency. 

Japanese for Beginners

Dates: January 15 - April 23, 2025
No class on 1/29, 2/12, 3/5, 3/19 and 4/9

Learn the basics of Japanese language and culture necessary for traveling and staying in Japan. This course is designed for beginners and teaches the basics of conversation to enjoy speaking with people in Japan about eating, getting around, shopping, and more. Students will also learn the basics of reading and writing Japanese. By learning Japanese language and culture in this course, you will be inspired to travel and stay in Japan.

Japanese Calligraphy

Dates: January 16 - April 24, 2025
No class on 1/30, 2/20, 3/20, 4/3 and 4/10

Japanese calligraphy is not just writing with ink and brush, but it is also the Way of Writing. Calligraphy allows us to deepen our understanding of Japanese culture, develop our brushwork skills and, above all, to concentrate and refresh our minds. Students will learn the basic strokes and types of calligraphy. They will also learn how to write their name in Japanese and make their own stamp.

Shotokan Karate

Dates: January 14 - May 1, 2025

Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels welcome! This class examines the methods involved in traditional Karate-do, or 'Way of the empty hand,' through a traditional Japanese style known as Shotokan Karate. This course will further stress the importance of the health benefits and unarmed self-defense techniques resulting from physical conditioning and mental discipline. A plain white Gi (uniform) is required for this class. Uniforms are available from the instructor at an additional cost, or students may provide their own. 

Fundamentals of Wine

Dates: Fall 2025 Dates TBA

Enrich your understanding of the world of wine as we explore the fundamentals of wine, wine culture and the wine industry from the vineyard into the glass. This immersive class invites active participation as you refine your palate through guided wine tastings. Discover the art of harmonizing wine and food to unlock a symphony of flavors while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of both national and international wine cultures. We will dive into the essence of viticulture and explore diverse grape varietals, unearthing the secrets that shape every bottle. Gain insights into production techniques that sculpt wine styles and tastes, allowing you to develop a profound appreciation for the intricate alchemy behind the finished product. Elevate your sensory experience through thoughtfully curated wine and food pairings in each class.

Fill out this form to be notified when class dates are announced. 

Discover Sign Language

Instructor-Led (6 Week Access) or Self-Paced (3 Month Access)

This course is taught using the best practices of the industry with a minimum of audio support. Throughout it, you will be immersed in silence, which will help you gain an understanding of the perspective of Deaf people and sign language. You will also gain an introduction to the world of the Deaf culture and explore topics such as lip reading, baby signs and the career of interpreting. By the end of the course, you will be ready to sign!

Spanish for Law Enforcement

Instructor-Led or Self-Paced

Communicate more effectively with the Spanish-speakers around you, and add a valuable skill to your resume. Whether you're new to the Spanish language or just want a refresher, this course will teach you the basic Spanish phrases you need for everything from making casual conversation to handling life-or-death situations.

Spanish for Medical Professionals

Instructor-Led or Self-Paced

With increasing numbers of Spanish-speaking patients entering the healthcare system every year, it's more crucial than ever for health professionals to learn medical Spanish. What's more, adding Spanish skills to your resume can broaden your career horizons and give you an advantage over other healthcare workers. Prepare for any situation by bridging the communication gap between you, your patients, and worried family members. This course provides knowledge of basic medical phrases to help you better communicate with the Spanish-speaking community.