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UNB Art Centre

Online courses and workshops

Get 15% off when you register for a Leisure Learning course two weeks or more before the start date. Note: This discount does not apply to French courses or any one-on-one course.

Arts and crafts

Learn how to draw the human figure

This introductory class is designed to not only draw the human figure but also understand the structure that lies below the skin and develop a greater understanding of form, structure and gesture.

Through detailed anatomical drawings and gestural figure drawing we will explore how to render the human figure accurately while using photographic references.

Materials

  • Pencils: B pencil, 2B pencil, 6B pencil, 2H pencil
  • Erasers: Staedtler white eraser and kneaded eraser
  • Sketchbook (min. 9x12”)
  • Ruler (inches)

Summer term

Wednesdays, June 12 to July 17 (6 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Ameesha Tirmazi is a versatile artist who holds a BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In addition to painting and drawing, Ameesha enjoys working in a variety of creative fields such as animation, graphic design and illustration.

With a history of living in different, cities, countries, and continents, Ameesha uses her past experiences as inspiration for her work, recreating the world around her. Ameesha has been freelancing and teaching art classes since university and is currently a gallery assistant at Gallery 78.


Learn the fundamentals of drawing

From shaking off your reservations to capturing complex three-dimensional forms with light and shadow, instructor Ameesha Tirmazi will teach you the foundations of drawing.

You'll learn line, contour, negative space, perspective, and shading through regular practice, in-depth discussions and weekly projects.

Materials

  • Pencils: B pencil, 2B pencil, 6B pencil, 2H pencil
  • Erasers: Staedtler white eraser and kneaded eraser
  • Sketchbook (min. 9x12”)
  • Ruler (inches)

All skill levels are welcome.

Winter term

Wednesdays, Jan. 31 to Feb. 21 (4 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$139 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Wednesdays, May 8 to May 29 (4 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$139 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Ameesha Tirmazi is a versatile artist who holds a BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In addition to painting and drawing, Ameesha enjoys working in a variety of creative fields such as animation, graphic design and illustration.

With a history of living in different, cities, countries, and continents, Ameesha uses her past experiences as inspiration for her work, recreating the world around her. Ameesha has been freelancing and teaching art classes since university and is currently a gallery assistant at Gallery 78.


Explore the world of acrylic painting

Designed for beginners, you'll learn basic acrylic painting techniques and gain an understanding of the elements of art. Each week, you will explore new subject matter through guided, hands-on instruction as you work on paintings of your choosing.

You will also familiarize yourself with the medium through experimentation and the practical application of techniques that are key to creating impactful artwork.

Materials

  • A package of paintbrushes (various sizes)
  • Five or more canvases of any size (canvas boards, pad of canvas paper, or traditional canvases)
  • Paint (white, crimson, yellow, ultramarine blue, burnt umber), recommended brands include: Academy, Golden, Winser & Newton, or Liquitex
  • Palette for mixing paint and a water container (reusable)
  • Pencil and a ruler

Winter term

Mondays, Jan. 29 to March 18 (6 weeks, no class Feb. 19 and March 4)
6 - 8 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Mondays, May 6 to June 17 (6 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Ameesha Tirmazi is a versatile artist who holds a BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In addition to painting and drawing, Ameesha enjoys working in a variety of creative fields such as animation, graphic design and illustration.

With a history of living in different, cities, countries, and continents, Ameesha uses her past experiences as inspiration for her work, recreating the world around her. Ameesha has been freelancing and teaching art classes since university and is currently a gallery assistant at Gallery 78.


Explore the world of oil painting

This course is designed to give beginners an understanding of oil paints as a medium as well as introduce different techniques and approaches to utilizing it in your own paintings.

Through the course you will gain an understanding behind the history of oil painting, try different exercises, as well as do final projects at the end of classes to put everything we have learned into practice

Materials

  • Package of paintbrushes (various sizes)
  • Five or more canvases of any size (canvas boards, pad of canvas paper, or traditional canvases)
  • Paint (white, crimson, yellow, ultramarine blue, burnt umber). Recommended brands include: Gamblin, Winsor & Newton
  • Palette for mixing paint
  • Water container (reusable)
  • Thinner such as scentless turpentine or gamasol. A well-ventilated space to work in. The thinners contain toxic fumes that shouldn't be breathed in an enclosed space for an extended period of time.
  • An oil like walnut or linseed oil
  • An old cloth to use as a disposable rag
  • Two glass containers with lids
  • Pencil
  • Ruler

Winter term

Mondays, April 8 to 29 (4 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$139 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Mondays, July 8 to July 29 (4 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$139 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Ameesha Tirmazi is a versatile artist who holds a BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In addition to painting and drawing, Ameesha enjoys working in a variety of creative fields such as animation, graphic design and illustration.

With a history of living in different, cities, countries, and continents, Ameesha uses her past experiences as inspiration for her work, recreating the world around her. Ameesha has been freelancing and teaching art classes since university and is currently a gallery assistant at Gallery 78.



Culture

Explore the language, history and stories from Acadians around the world

Here's a great opportunity to practice your French while learning about the Acadian culture outside of the Maritimes, exploring where the deported Acadians ended up.

Note: some conversations will be in French and adult-themed topics will be touched upon.

In this course, you will be introduced to unique slang, Anglicism and different French dialects from around the North America. You'll also experience Acadian pop culture around the world and spend time reading, listening, and watching Acadian culture and media, as well as breaking down Acadian memes and the meanings behind them. And you will spend time investigating the world history of Acadians and understand who they are today.

Course timeline

  • Week 1: Deportation where are they now? Exploring the French colonies of 1750+
  • Week 2: Southern cousins: Exploring Cajun culture, dialect and Lousiana influences
  • Week 3: Northern culture: Those who stayed closer to "home"
  • Week 4: Acadians today

Winter term

Thursdays, March 21 to April 11 (4 weeks)
7:30 - 9 p.m.
$99 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Thursdays, June 13 to July 4 (4 weeks)
7:30 - 9 p.m.
$99 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Nina Savoie-Colwell was born and raised on the Acadian peninsula in a bilingual household. For over a decade she has taught conversational French, beginner and intermediate French, Acadian French, conversational English and ESL, as well as various types of art classes. She has had the pleasure of teaching for Le Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Anglophone South School District, The College of Extended Learning and privately.

Summer 2020, Nina discussed Acadian culture and history on CBC Radio Information Morning (SJ & Syndey) in a 8-week radio series promoting Acadian culture. An excerpt from her interview was also published in a history textbook for Nova Scotia elementary schools.

She also has a background in fine arts, animation and graphics, as well as office administration and an undergrad in Business Management from UNB. She is currently studying for her MEd and works full time as a Quality Assurance Manager for a growing online university.


Learn more about the culture and traditions of the Arab-Muslim community

Do you want to have new friends from the Arab-Muslim community in New Brunswick, but lack knowledge about their culture and traditions? Do you want to break the ice with Arab-Muslim colleagues? Then this course is for you.

Over four weeks, we will talk about cultural practices common to Arab-Muslims and you will develop an understanding of their attitudes, values and morals. We'll also talk about what is socially accepted and what is considered cultural taboos and why. We will discuss the wide array of influences making up the remarkably rich and diverse Arab culture (language, history, religion).

You will learn about famous Arab food, novels, songs, cinema and holidays. We will discuss the Western images of the Arab world, what is correct and what is not (women/gender, freedom, sociopolitical critique). You will learn simple Arabic sentences that will help you in greetings and saying thank you.

Course timeline

  • Week 1: The contribution of the Arab-Muslim civilization to the world
  • Week 2: What makes up the remarkably rich and diverse Arab culture (language, history and religion)
  • Week 3: Common cultural practices, values, taboos and the western image of the Arab world
  • Week 4: The Arab world today: Opportunities and challenges

Winter term

Thursdays, Feb. 8 to 29 (4 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$115 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Thursdays, May 23 to June 13 (4 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$115 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Rawia Mokhtar was born in Egypt and spent her childhood in Saudi Arabia with her parents. She completed her high school and university years in Cairo, Egypt and is now a postdoctoral fellow in Economics at UNB.

Rawia was exposed to many Arab nationalities during her life in Saudi Arabia which allowed her to gain knowledge of the diverse Arab culture. She has special interest in Arab-Islamic history, culture, and Identity from being exposed to both conservative society in Saudi Arabia and a liberal one in Egypt.


Practice your French while learning about Acadian French and the regional differences in the North, South, East and West of the province

In this course, you will be introduced to unique slang, Anglicism, and different French dialects from around New Brunswick. You'll also experience Acadian pop culture by breaking down the lyrics and meanings of Acadian songs, reading excerpts from Acadian social media and analysis culture, and breaking down Acadian memes and the meanings behind them. And you will explore different scenarios and hypothetical dialogue and situations.

Note: Some conversations will be in French and adult-themed topics will be touched upon.

Course timeline

  • Week 1: General history and a pulse on current culture (400 years in a flash)
  • Week 2: Southern New Brunswick: Exploring Chiac and culture surrounding this popular dialect
  • Week 3: Northern culture and sayings
  • Week 4: Acadians outside of New Brunswick: Maritime culture and history

Summer term

Thursdays, May 9 to May 30 (4 weeks)
7:30 - 9 p.m.
$99 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Nina Savoie-Colwell was born and raised on the Acadian peninsula in a bilingual household. For over a decade she has taught conversational French, beginner and intermediate French, Acadian French, conversational English and ESL, as well as various types of art classes. She has had the pleasure of teaching for Le Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Anglophone South School District, The College of Extended Learning and privately.

Summer 2020, Nina discussed Acadian culture and history on CBC Radio Information Morning (SJ & Syndey) in a 8-week radio series promoting Acadian culture. An excerpt from her interview was also published in a history textbook for Nova Scotia elementary schools.

She also has a background in fine arts, animation and graphics, as well as office administration and an undergrad in Business Management from UNB. She is currently studying for her MEd and works full time as a Quality Assurance Manager for a growing online university.


Learn about the language and culture of Ukraine

In this fun and dynamic course, you will learn the basics of the Ukrainian language and grow your understanding of Ukrainian culture and traditions.

You will learn a variety of Ukrainian common phrases and see the cultural differences between life in Canada and Ukraine.

Winter term

Thursdays, Feb. 8 to 29 (4 weeks)
6:30 - 8 p.m.
$99 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Thursdays, June 13 to July 4 (4 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$99 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Borys Kornetskyi was born in Kyiv, Ukraine where he was a radio announcer, self-employed English tutor, performer and interpreter. As an artist, he was involved in organizing culture activities and art exhibitions.

Boris has also taught art to kids at an art summer camp. Boris is excited to share Ukrainian culture and language with Leisure Learning students.



Health and wellness

Develop heart-centered consciousness

Kundalini Yoga has been considered the YOGA of AWARENESS since it came to North America in the 1960's. It helps us become more intuitive and aware of ourselves, our thoughts, our motivations, our speech and gives us more of a connected consciousness so that mindfulness in all activities is possible.

Kundalini Yoga allows us to gently become aware of our family and social conditioning and the subconscious patterns which drive the biases of our perception. It is an ancient "mother" yoga, which effectively moves the prana in the chakras, boosts the immune system, and allows a feeling of connectedness and belonging which is our natural state of being.

In this course, each class includes stretching and holding postures, pranayama breathing techniques, a deep relaxation and a meditation. The meditation is sometimes silent and sometimes mantric.

Course outline

Week 1 | Detox: Supporting the energy of the organs which are involved in detoxifying the body, the lungs, the skin, the intestines and kidneys. Using breathing techniques to bring the pranic energy into flow and connecting the organs and glandular system is the theme of this class.

Week 2 | Elevation of consciousness: This class involves moving the pranic energy in all the chakras in order to establish a good flow of energy breaking up old emotional patterns. This kriya or set of exercises takes the edge of moodiness or normal depression in such a way that we immediately can discern the difference between normal consciousness and a more energized and elevated state.

Week 3 | Nabdi kriya: This kriya is focused on moving the energy of the third chakra, the seat of the self-empowerment energy of the mind. When we move this energy it affects all the other chakras or energy centers just like when we laugh from our bellies it moves the energy of the other centers of the body, increase self-awareness gives perspective and relaxation to the psyche.

Week 4 | Kidney and adrenalin support kriya: This is an excellent set of exercises to do in the winter time when the kidneys are under stress from keeping up their functions of homeostasis from the hot-cold realities form external environment and internal. Working along with the kidneys the adrenalin glands can always use an extra shot of support in the dark cold months when motivation may be waning.

Week 5 | Heart-centered consciousness: This set of exercises brings us into the heart center and reminds us that there is intelligence in the heart energy and teaches us what it feels like to get out of our heads and dwell in our hearts when making decisions; it puts us in touch with our deeper sense of what we really want and need in the world.

Summer term

Wednesdays, May 8 to June 5 (5 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$85 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Parmatma Leviton is a KRI-Certified (Kundalini Research Institute) Kundalini Yoga Teacher Trainer who has co-facilitated Teacher Training programs in Ottawa for over ten years and has been teaching Kundalini Yoga for 25 years. She co-facilitated Teacher Training programs at Rama Lotus, Ottawa, and Equilibrium K.Y. Centre in Montreal.

She is an artist and was also a Shiatsu Therapist from 1996-2006. Her training in acupuncture, Cranio-sacral, Touch for Health Kinesiology, Aromatherapy, Waveform Energetics in Scotland, Reiki, and Sat Nam Rasayan has enhanced her understanding of the mind-body connections found in the science of yoga. Her main focus has been Kundalini Yoga since 1996.

She has recently graduated from a three year study of Soul Answer Healing, which works as a healing modality with trauma and releasing emotional programming and is derived from Kundalini Yoga.


Learn techniques for deep relaxation and meditation

Kundalini Yoga has been considered the YOGA of AWARENESS since it came to North America in the 1960's. It helps us become more intuitive and aware of ourselves, our thoughts, our motivations, our speech and gives us more of a connected consciousness so that mindfulness in all activities is more possible.

Kundalini Yoga allows us to gently become aware of our family and social conditioning and the subconscious patterns which drive the biases of our perception. It is an ancient "mother" yoga, which effectively moves the prana in the chakras, boosts the immune system, and allows a feeling of connectedness and belonging which is our natural state of being.

In this course, each class includes stretching and holding postures, pranayama breathing techniques, a deep relaxation and a meditation. The meditation is sometimes silent and sometimes mantric.

Course outline

Week 1 | Basic spinal energizer series and heart helper: All the chakras are found along the spine and this series of exercises works to keep this energy moving; It provides gentle movement to strengthen and tone the spinal area and major muscles which help the spine stay in alignment. The strong psycho-electromagnetic energy at the heart is balanced with all the other energies in this kriya.

Week 2 | Kirya for disease resistance: The yogic view of the immune system works to boost the "immune response" of the body rather than work with only one system. The immune response of the body is elicited by improving communication between the digestive, glandular, lymphatic and nervous systems. This works to integrate emotion which may be causing imbalances, and works to help with better absorption so that the body can create the hormones and neurotransmitters needed at any given time. These are ancient time-tested methods of help the body work as a whole.

Week 3 | Kriya for magnetic field and heart centre: This series of exercises and meditations are good for the brain center, increasing communication with all parts of the brain and bringing it into synchronicity with other centers of the body. In the ancient yogic tradition, the heart center was considered as important as the brain in delivering intuitive information and emotional and social awareness.

Week 4 | Kriya for opening the lung area: This kriya works on the upper part of the body to support lots of expansion in the three main parts of the lung area; Improvement of breathing techniques are integral to all yogic practices. Good deep breathing helps to move the lymphatic fluids, keep equilibrium in the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, and gives the organs below the diaphragm a massage which helps with their communication with each other and the rhythm of the flow of their energies.

Week 5 | Kriya for clearing the energy field and deep healing: Clearing and moving the energy in the chakra system brings clarity to the mind in general so we are better able to identify our fears, needs, desires and traumas so that we can bring conscious attention to these and to transform them into usable energy and to rid ourselves of self-sabotage emotional patterns.

Winter term

Wednesdays, Jan. 31 to Feb. 28 (5 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$85 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Sundays, July 7 to Aug. 11 (5 weeks, no class Aug. 4)
10:30 a.m. - noon
$85 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Parmatma Leviton is a KRI-Certified (Kundalini Research Institute) Kundalini Yoga Teacher Trainer who has co-facilitated Teacher Training programs in Ottawa for over ten years and has been teaching Kundalini Yoga for 25 years. She co-facilitated Teacher Training programs at Rama Lotus, Ottawa, and Equilibrium K.Y. Centre in Montreal.

She is an artist and was also a Shiatsu Therapist from 1996-2006. Her training in acupuncture, Cranio-sacral, Touch for Health Kinesiology, Aromatherapy, Waveform Energetics in Scotland, Reiki, and Sat Nam Rasayan has enhanced her understanding of the mind-body connections found in the science of yoga. Her main focus has been Kundalini Yoga since 1996.

She has recently graduated from a three year study of Soul Answer Healing, which works as a healing modality with trauma and releasing emotional programming and is derived from Kundalini Yoga.


Art meditation sessions are a wonderful opportunity to have a break from the routine, switch into the creative state and relax

There are many ways to destress, unwind and calm a busy mind. Some may choose a fidget toy and engage their hands to calm their stress. Why not relax through engaging your hands in making art work instead?

Have some time for yourself, enjoy lines and colors, let your mind wander to bring you insights.

No drawing experience required.

Materials

  • 3-4 pieces of white paper, letter size
  • At least one marker (Sharpie fine tip is good)
  • 6-8 colored pencils

Theme

Path to Myself: To create a happy life, we need to recognize our needs and learn to eliminate the obstacles along the way. This class will give us a better understanding of the steps we need to take toward our desired destination.

Winter term

Tuesday, March 26 (1 class)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$45 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Tuesday, May 14 (1 class)
6 - 8 p.m.
$45 (+ HST)

Tuesday, July 16 (1 class)
6 - 8 p.m.
$45 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Tina Sharapova was born in Moscow, Russia, she is a professional artist with diplomas from both Russian and Canadian art institutions. Throughout her career, she was always interested in making art practice to be a source of relaxation and joy.

This led her to exploring methods of art therapy and neurographics. She got a certificate for using this new technique that combines modern science knowledge with traditional tools used in art: markers, pencils. This method is safe to use for people of various ages with proper guidance in the beginning.



Languages

Learn the basics of American Sign Language (ASL)

This course is designed for students who have little or zero knowledge of ASL.

In this course, you will learn:

  • Deaf awareness
  • Deaf culture
  • ASL grammar and syntax

At the end of the course, you will:

  • Be able to carry on a basic conversation in ASL using expressive and receptive skills
  • Have an increased basic knowledge of the deaf culture and the deaf community

Please note: ASL is the only language of communication to be used in the classroom.

The course will use the textbook, Signing Naturally (Authors: Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz and Ken Mikos), covering units 1 and 2.

No materials required. Students are recommended to purchase Signing Naturally, but it is not a requirement for this course.

Winter term

Thursdays, Feb. 22 to April 4 (6 weeks, no class March 7)
6 - 8 p.m.
$170 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Tuesdays, May 14 to June 18 (6 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$170 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Jacqueline Plant, a proud Deaf woman, uses American Sign Language (ASL) for communication, knowledge and information. She is a lifelong student for E.C. Drury School for the Deaf in Milton. She is an alumna of Gallaudet University in Psychology.

For the last 20 years, Jacqueline developed ASL programs and taught ASL to the community and an ASL-English Interpreter program at Cambrian College in Sudbury for several years. She provided workshops and developed visual materials in ASL as the language instruction. She has been an advocate for the language rights of Deaf children. She is an ASL performer.


Continue your ASL journey

This course is a continuation of American Sign Language Beginners Level 1 and will use the textbook, Signing Naturally (Authors: Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz and Ken Mikos), covering units 3 and 4.

Please note: ASL is the only language of communication to be used in the classroom.

Students are recommended to purchase Signing Naturally workbook but it is not a requirement for this course.

Winter term

Tuesdays, Feb. 20 to April 2 (6 weeks, no class March 5)
6 - 8 p.m.
$170 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Wednesdays, May 15 to June 19 (6 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$170 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Jacqueline Plant, a proud Deaf woman, uses American Sign Language (ASL) for communication, knowledge and information. She is a lifelong student for E.C. Drury School for the Deaf in Milton. She is an alumna of Gallaudet University in Psychology.

For the last 20 years, Jacqueline developed ASL programs and taught ASL to the community and an ASL-English Interpreter program at Cambrian College in Sudbury for several years. She provided workshops and developed visual materials in ASL as the language instruction. She has been an advocate for the language rights of Deaf children. She is an ASL performer.


Continue your ASL journey

This course is a continuation of American Sign Language 2 and will use the textbook, Signing Naturally (Authors: Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz and Ken Mikos), covering units 5 and 6.

Please note: ASL is the only language of communication to be used in the classroom.

Students are recommended to purchase Signing Naturally workbook but it is not a requirement for this course.

Summer term

Thursdays, May 16 to June 20 (6 weeks)
6 - 8 p.m.
$170 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Jacqueline Plant, a proud Deaf woman, uses American Sign Language (ASL) for communication, knowledge and information. She is a lifelong student for E.C. Drury School for the Deaf in Milton. She is an alumna of Gallaudet University in Psychology.

For the last 20 years, Jacqueline developed ASL programs and taught ASL to the community and an ASL-English Interpreter program at Cambrian College in Sudbury for several years. She provided workshops and developed visual materials in ASL as the language instruction. She has been an advocate for the language rights of Deaf children. She is an ASL performer.


Immerse yourself in the rich Middle Eastern culture

With instructor Marwa Aboulata as your guide, you'll develop a basic knowledge of the Arabic Language. By the end of the course, you'll be able to carry on basic conversations on limited topics, as well as be familiar with Arabic customs and culture. This course is aimed at non-native speakers. There are no prerequisites.

Topics include

  • Introducing language, history and culture
  • Learn Arabic grammar (gender, dual and plural)
  • Introducing letters and sounds
  • Writing simple Arabic words
  • Learn common greetings (Ahlan, marhaba, sabah el-kheir, salamu alaykum, ezzayak)
  • Introducing subject pronouns
  • Touch upon possessive pronouns
  • Introducing demonstrative nouns
  • Learn simple prepositions
  • Introducing jobs and professions
  • Learn vocabulary (body parts, colours and family members)

Winter term

Tuesdays, Jan. 30 to April 9 (10 weeks, no class March 5)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
$179 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Tuesdays, May 14 to July 16 (10 weeks)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
$179 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Marwa Aboulata is an Arabic teacher with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from Alexandria University, Egypt. She is also an experienced Arabic as second language teacher. Upon graduating from university, Marwa started her career in teaching and translating (English and Arabic).

Her fascination with the Arabic language and immense love for Arabic poetry and literary arts led to her interest in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.

"Languages, primarily Arabic, are my passion, and I love and excel in performing anything related to Arabic and languages in general."


Continue your journey into the rich Middle Eastern culture

In this course, you will review your basic knowledge of the Arabic language learned in Level 1 and enhance your Arabic vocabulary and conversational skills.

This class is aimed at non-native speakers.

Topics include

  • Review personal pronouns, possessive adjectives and other topics from the previous level
  • Describe people and things (size, age, feelings, adjectives of quality)
  • Learn some of the most used adverbs/adjectives denoting frequency (emphasis) in formal and daily conversation
  • Learn present tense verbs and how they are connected to pronouns
  • Talk about where you live
  • Talk about yourself (name, nationality, where you live, job, family and things you love doing)
  • Learn how to read simple text
  • Introduction to the past tense
  • Transform verbs from present to past and vice versa
  • Form simple sentences
  • Construct the future tense

Summer term

Thursdays, May 16 to July 18 (10 weeks)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
$179 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Marwa Aboulata is an Arabic teacher with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from Alexandria University, Egypt. She is also an experienced Arabic as second language teacher. Upon graduating from university, Marwa started her career in teaching and translating (English and Arabic).

Her fascination with the Arabic language and immense love for Arabic poetry and literary arts led to her interest in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.

"Languages, primarily Arabic, are my passion, and I love and excel in performing anything related to Arabic and languages in general."


Immerse yourself in the rich Middle Eastern culture through conversation

Looking to learn or improve your Arabic language skills? One-on-One Arabic lessons maybe for you.

These classes are tailored to your personal language level and schedule-whether you are beginning to learn Arabic or you're looking to perfect existing language skills.

This Arabic language learning format aims to improve your oral and/or written skills.

You should take this course if you want to:

  • Learn a new language at your own pace
  • Brush-up on existing Arabic skills
  • Have a conversation partner to practice your skills

Register for a total of 8 hours of instruction
Contact Oliver Flecknell, once you have registered to arrange your sessions
$280 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Marwa Aboulata is an Arabic teacher with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from Alexandria University, Egypt. She is also an experienced Arabic as second language teacher. Upon graduating from university, Marwa started her career in teaching and translating (English and Arabic).

Her fascination with the Arabic language and immense love for Arabic poetry and literary arts led to her interest in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.

"Languages, primarily Arabic, are my passion, and I love and excel in performing anything related to Arabic and languages in general."


Take the mystery out of one of our province's official languages.

This course helps you to develop your French language skills (listening, speaking, and strategies for reading and writing) by focusing on the use of vocabulary, grammar, comprehension and sentence construction.

Topics include

  • Alphabet, accents, pronunciation, gender of nouns, definite and indefinite articles, plural of nouns, present tense of avoir and être
  • Partitive article (du, de la), agreement of adjectives, il y a, forming questions
  • Present tense of verb endings in -er, showing possession, to or at, present tense of aller, immediate future (present tense of aller + infinitive)
  • Question forms of verbs, negatives, use of de, possessive adjectives, present tense of dire, lire, partir and prendre
  • Present tense of verbs ending in -ir, position of adjectives, use of de, feminine forms of adjectives, use of on, present tense of jeter
  • Present tense of verbs ending in -re, irregular plural forms of nouns and adjectives, use of tout, the demonstrative adjective, voici and voilà, present tense of boire and faire
  • Personal pronoun objects of verbs (conjunctives), the imperative, position of personal pronoun objects with the imperative, present tense of venir, voir, vouloir, immediate past (present tense of venir + de + infinitive)
  • Reflexive verbs, formation and position of adverbs, present tense of ouvrir and mettre

The material covers a variety of everyday topics in a simple, concise manner. There will be plenty of examples and explanations to illustrate how the language works and to build confidence.

Each lesson contains clear grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and reading material consisting of a story, dialogue or letter, questions for speaking practice and oral/written exercises.

By the end of Level 1, you will have gained some elementary vocabulary and be able to understand, ask and answer questions using simple sentences.

No materials are required.

Winter term

Tuesdays, Jan. 29 to April 22 (10 weeks, no class Feb. 19, March 4 and April 1)
1:30 - 3 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2081
Instructor: Murtador Garba
$195 (No HST)

Tuesdays, Jan. 30 to April 9, 2024 (10 weeks, no class March 5)
6 - 7:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2081
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

Summer term

Mondays, May 6 to July 22 (10 weeks, no class May 20 and July 1)
3 - 4:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2081
Instructor: Murtador Garba
$195 (No HST)

Tuesdays, May 7 to July 9 (10 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2081
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

About Murtador Garba

Murtador Garba was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, where he studied Agriculture Science & Project Management. Murtador moved to Edmundston, N.B. in 2014, and studied small business management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) and taught Cultural Diversity classes. Murtador is now based in Fredericton where he’s been teaching French for the past three years.

In addition to teaching, Murtador is a bilingual songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, producer, and videographer. He is also a member of “MusicNB” and the “East Coast Music Association.”

About Mona Hosseini

Mona Hosseini has a Ph.D. in Literary studies from Moncton, NB and several pedagogical trainings in Grenoble, France. She has been teaching French to government employees and immigrants since 2008.

Mona also has a teaching certificate in new methods of teaching French to non-French speakers from Stendhal University. Mona is proud to live in New Brunswick and to be able to share her linguistic knowledge with everyone.


Continue to improve your French

The material covers a variety of everyday topics in a simple, concise manner. There are plenty of examples and explanations to illustrate how the language works and to build confidence.

Each lesson contains: clear grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, reading material consisting of a story, dialogue or letter, questions for speaking practice and exercises.

By the end of level 2, you will have an expanded vocabulary and be able to understand, ask and answer questions using simple sentences.

This course is for you if you:

  • meet the criteria listed in French Beginners Level 1
  • have a basic French vocabulary
  • can form simple sentences and understand some spoken language

Topics include

  • Numerals 1-60, telling the time, seasons, months, days, present tense of irregular reflexive verb s’asseoir, the cedilla.
  • Countries, inhabitants, languages, towns, phrases with avoir, omission of the article, irregularities of some -er verbs, word order.
  • Numerals from 60 onwards, collective numerals and measurements, comparative and superlative of adjectives, present tense of connaître and savoir.
  • Relative pronouns, the conjunction que.
  • Quel and lequel, demonstrative pronouns, comparative and superlative of adverbs, present tense of vouloir and pouvoir.
  • The future tense, use of the future tense, emphatic pronouns, present tense of ecrire and recevoir.
  • The perfect tense with avoir, agreement of the past participle after avoir, the position of adverbs.
  • The perfect tense with être, insertion of the definite article.

No materials are required.

Winter term

Tuesdays, Jan. 30 to April 9 (10 weeks, no class March 5)
8 - 9:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2082
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

Summer term

Tuesdays, May 7 to July 9 (10 weeks)
3 - 4:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2082
Instructor: Murtador Garba
$195 (No HST)

Tuesdays, May 7 to July 9 (10 weeks)
8 - 9:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2082
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

About Mona Hosseini

Mona Hosseini has a Ph.D. in Literary studies from Moncton, NB and several pedagogical trainings in Grenoble, France. She has been teaching French to government employees and immigrants since 2008.

Mona also has a teaching certificate in new methods of teaching French to non-French speakers from Stendhal University. Mona is proud to live in New Brunswick and to be able to share her linguistic knowledge with everyone.

About Murtador Garba

Murtador Garba was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, where he studied Agriculture Science & Project Management. Murtador moved to Edmundston, N.B. in 2014, and studied small business management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) and taught Cultural Diversity classes. Murtador is now based in Fredericton where he’s been teaching French for the past three years.

In addition to teaching, Murtador is a bilingual songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, producer, and videographer. He is also a member of “MusicNB” and the “East Coast Music Association.”


Continue to improve your French

This course is for you if you meet the criteria listed in our Level 1 and Level 2 beginner courses, have a basic French vocabulary and can form sentences and understand some spoken language.

The material covers a variety of everyday topics in a simple, concise manner. There are plenty of examples and explanations to illustrate how the language works and to build confidence.

Each lesson contains: clear grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, reading material consisting of a story, dialogue or letter, questions for speaking practice and exercises.

By the end of level 3, you will have an extensive vocabulary and be able to understand, ask and answer questions using more complex sentences.

Topics include

  • Interrogative pronouns, possessive pronouns, present tense of croire and devoir.
  • The imperfect tense, the present participle, prepositions plus gerund, present tense of conduire and rire.
  • Negatives, inversion of subject and verb.
  • The conditional tense, use of si.
  • The infinitive after verbs, the infinitive after adjectives, the infinitive after nouns.
  • Compound tenses, the passive, the verb devoir.
  • Verbs + preposition + noun.
  • Some problem prepositions; miscellaneous pronouns, adjectives and adverbs.
  • Purpose, formation and rules of the subjunctive.

No materials are required.

Winter term

Wednesdays, Jan. 31 to April 10 (10 weeks, no class March 6)
6 - 7:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2704
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

Summer term

Wednesdays, May 8 to July 10 (10 weeks)
3 - 4:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2704
Instructor: Murtador Garba
$195 (No HST)

Wednesdays, May 8 to July 10 (10 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2704
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

About Mona Hosseini

Mona Hosseini has a Ph.D. in Literary studies from Moncton, NB and several pedagogical trainings in Grenoble, France. She has been teaching French to government employees and immigrants since 2008.

Mona also has a teaching certificate in new methods of teaching French to non-French speakers from Stendhal University. Mona is proud to live in New Brunswick and to be able to share her linguistic knowledge with everyone. 

About Murtador Garba

Murtador Garba was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, where he studied Agriculture Science & Project Management. Murtador moved to Edmundston, N.B. in 2014, and studied small business management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) and taught Cultural Diversity classes. Murtador is now based in Fredericton where he’s been teaching French for the past three years.

In addition to teaching, Murtador is a bilingual songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, producer, and videographer. He is also a member of “MusicNB” and the “East Coast Music Association.”


Improve your French language skills

Want to pass government language tests or take your language skills to the next level? Then this series of French intermediate classes is for you.

While French Intermediate Level A is a great way to improve your conversational skills, the main focus of the class is on achieving conversational skills that closely match the Federal government’s requirements for their Level A Oral Proficiency Test.

French Intermediate Level A reinforces and builds upon the content and skills developed in our French Beginners Level 3 class. While reading and writing skills will be touched upon, you will focus on oral language skills.

For this course, you should be able to:

  • give and ask directions
  • use proper verbs to describe chores at work/home, etc.
  • recount past/present/future events
  • use work lingo in day-to-day applications
  • describe people, objects and places

Learned grammatical concepts are put to use in a variety of conversation-based exercises that strengthen your comprehension and self-expression.

According to the Federal government’s website, “Level A is the minimum level of second language ability in oral proficiency for positions that require simple and repetitive use of the second language in routine work situations.

A person speaking at this level can:

  • ask and answer simple questions
  • give simple instructions
  • give uncomplicated directions relating to routine work situations

Federal proficiency levels and standards
About the federal test of oral proficiency
Federal self-assessment tests

No materials are required.

Winter term

Wednesdays, Jan. 31 to April 10 (10 weeks, no class March 6)
8 - 9:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2083
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Register now

Summer term

Wednesdays, May 8 to July 10 (10 weeks)
8 - 9:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2083
Instructor: Mona Hosseini
$195 (No HST)

Thurssdays, May 9 to July 11 (10 weeks)
3 - 4:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2083
Instructor: Murtador Garba
$195 (No HST)

Register now

About Mona Hosseini

Mona Hosseini has a Ph.D. in Literary studies from Moncton, NB and several pedagogical trainings in Grenoble, France. She has been teaching French to government employees and immigrants since 2008.

Mona also has a teaching certificate in new methods of teaching French to non-French speakers from Stendhal University. Mona is proud to live in New Brunswick and to be able to share her linguistic knowledge with everyone.

About Murtador Garba

Murtador Garba was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, where he studied Agriculture Science & Project Management. Murtador moved to Edmundston, N.B. in 2014, and studied small business management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) and taught Cultural Diversity classes. Murtador is now based in Fredericton where he’s been teaching French for the past three years.

In addition to teaching, Murtador is a bilingual songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, producer, and videographer. He is also a member of “MusicNB” and the “East Coast Music Association.”


Take your French language skills to the next level

Looking to pass government language tests or expand and improve your French conversational skills? Consider taking French Intermediate Level B.

While the class is a great way to improve your conversational skills, the main focus of the class is on achieving conversational skills that closely match the Federal government’s requirements for their Level B Oral Proficiency Test.

French Intermediate Level B reinforces and builds upon the content and skills developed in our French Intermediate Level A class. While reading and writing skills will be touched upon, you will focus on oral language skills.

For this course, you should be able to:

  • form simple sentences and understand the gist of a conversation at a normal speed - if it is about a familiar topic
  • talk in the present, past and future tenses, and be able to discuss your daily routine, as well as the weather
  • introduce yourself, your family and friends

Learned grammatical concepts are put to use in a variety of conversation-based exercises that strengthen your comprehension and self-expression.

According to the Federal government’s website, “Level B is the minimum level of second language oral proficiency for positions that require departure from routine use of the second language.

A person speaking at this level can:

  • sustain a conversation on concrete topics
  • report on actions taken
  • give straightforward instructions to employees
  • provide factual descriptions and explanations

Federal proficiency levels and standards
About the federal test of oral proficiency
Federal self-assessment tests

No materials are required.

Winter term

Tuessdays, Jan. 30 to April 9 (10 weeks, no class March 5)
5:30 - 7 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2085
$195 (No HST)

Register now

Summer term

Tuesdays, May 7 to July 9 (10 weeks)
5:30 - 7 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2085
$195 (No HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Chantal Rieswick was born and raised in New-Brunswick. At 21, she went to Germany as an international student. She studied German and worked as a second language instructor for adults. She also taught business English and French at all levels in German companies.

After 22 years of living abroad, Chantal moved back to Petit-Rocher in 2009. She worked for the New-Brunswick Multicultural Council, Opportunities NB, the Chaleur Multicultural Association and the CCNB.

Chantal has a German certification in adult education for foreign languages, a Canadian certification in adult teaching from Université de Moncton, a facilitator certification for cultural diversity training from the NB Multicultural Council and a bachelor degree in adult education from Université de Moncton.

"Being a lifelong learner enables me to pass on my knowledge of languages and cultural experience in a pleasant working atmosphere."


Advance your French language skills today

Improve your fluency in conversational French and/or work toward achieving the equivalent of the Federal government’s Level C for oral proficiency. To get the full benefit of this class, it is recommended that you complete French Intermediate Level B or have the equivalent knowledge of the language.

French Intermediate Level C expands and improves your French conversational skills developed in the French Intermediate Level B class. While reading and writing skills will be touched upon, you will focus on oral language skills.

For this course, you should be able to:

  • sustain a conversation on concrete topics
  • report on actions taken
  • give straightforward instructions to employees
  • provide factual descriptions and explanations

According to the Federal government’s website, “Level C is the level of second language oral proficiency for positions that require handling sensitive situations where the understanding and expression of subtle, abstract, or complicated ideas are required or where unfamiliar work-related topics must be dealt with.

A person speaking at this level can:

  • support opinions
  • understand and express hypothetical and conditional ideas

Federal proficiency levels and standards
About the federal test of oral proficiency
Federal self-assessment tests

No materials are required.

Summer term

Thursdays, May 9 to July 11 (10 weeks)
6 - 7:30p.m. | Course code CCOM 2706
$195 (No HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Murtador Garba was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, where he studied Agriculture Science & Project Management. Murtador moved to Edmundston, N.B. in 2014, and studied small business management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) and taught Cultural Diversity classes. Murtador is now based in Fredericton where he’s been teaching French for the past three years.

In addition to teaching, Murtador is a bilingual songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, producer, and videographer. He is also a member of “MusicNB” and the “East Coast Music Association.”


Improve your French

If you have the basic grammar and want to improve your speaking skills, then this course is for you.

Themed topics will be shared each week and the instructor will lead the conversation in a relaxed and supportive environment. This fun and educational class will help you build new vocabulary and increase your confidence when speaking in French.

No materials are required.

Summer term

Tuesdays, June 11 to July 16 (6 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m. | Course code CCOM 2710
$149 (No HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Murtador Garba was born and raised in Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, where he studied Agriculture Science & Project Management. Murtador moved to Edmundston, N.B. in 2014, and studied small business management at Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) and taught Cultural Diversity classes. Murtador is now based in Fredericton where he’s been teaching French for the past three years.

In addition to teaching, Murtador is a bilingual songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, producer, and videographer. He is also a member of “MusicNB” and the “East Coast Music Association.”


One-on-one French lessons

These classes are tailored to your personal language level and schedule. Whether you are beginning to learn the language or you’re looking to perfect existing language skills to attain a certain French language proficiency rating or grade. This French language learning format aims to improve your oral and/or written French skills.

You should take French one-on-one lessons if you want to:

  • learn a new language at your own pace
  • get help with French homework
  • brush-up on existing French skills
  • have a conversation partner to practice your skills
  • prepare for French language tests

Register for 8 hours of instruction for $375 (no HST). Session times are flexible. Contact Oliver Flecknell once you have registered to arrange your sessions. 

Course code: CCOM 2076


Learn German at your own pace

In this course, you'll learn how to converse in German in everyday situations. We will practice all four linguistic competencies: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course will also look at German culture and traditional German food and drinks.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • introduce someone
  • understand basic vocabulary
  • order in a restaurant
  • provide a personal profile
  • count to 100
  • ask for directions

Winter term

Mondays, Feb. 5 to March 25 (6 weeks, no class Feb. 12 and March 4)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

Will be offered in the fall.

About the instructor

Gregor Rieswick was born and raised in Rhede, Germany. Professionally he had assignments in nine countries and working effectively across cultures shaped his cultural and historical views. In 2009 he and his family moved to Canada.

Gregor has a red seal in instrumentation technician and earned his bachelor of technical education from Crandall University in 2022. He sees himself as a lifelong learner.

"Learning is a process that has no age limit. There is always something new to discover."


Learning German has never been so easy

Continue to improve your German by learning how to converse in everyday situations. We will practice all four linguistic competencies: speaking, listening, reading and writing. We will look at the German culture and exchange information on traditional food and drinks. Learn at your own pace in a pleasant and fun learning atmosphere.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • talk about things you like or don’t like
  • make small talk
  • learn about the market and food items
  • introduce someone and talk about the weather
  • gain more knowledge of basic vocabulary
  • make hotel reservations
  • ask for and give directions

Will be offered in the fall.

About the instructor

Chantal Rieswick was born and raised in New Brunswick. At 21, she went to Germany as an international student. She studied German and worked as a second language instructor for adults. She also taught business English and French at all levels in German companies.

After 22 years of living abroad, Chantal moved back to Petit-Rocher in 2009. She worked for the New-Brunswick Multicultural Council, Opportunities NB, the Chaleur Multicultural Association and the CCNB.

Chantal has a German certification in adult education for foreign languages, a Canadian certification in adult teaching from Université de Moncton, a facilitator certification for cultural diversity training from the NB Multicultural Council and a bachelor's degree in adult education from Université de Moncton.

"Being a lifelong learner enables me to pass on my knowledge of languages and cultural experience in a pleasant working atmosphere."


Learn the fundamentals of Mandarin

In Mandarin Chinese, pronunciation and writing follow different principles from the English Language. The Romanized transcription (Pinyin) is used as the phonetic system in pronouncing or reading a word while the characters are the foundation of the Chinese writing system.

In this course, you will learn pinyin which will enable you to speak Mandarin Chinese without knowing the more complicated writing script based on Chinese characters. You will learn basic Chinese pronunciation and grammar, as well as Chinese cultural tips.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • speak Mandarin at a basic conversational level, including offering situational greetings, self-introduce and ask for people’s names
  • highlight major differences between English and Chinese sentence structure
  • count to large numbers
  • identify and talk about family members

Winter term

Mondays, Feb. 5 to March 25 (6 weeks, no class Feb. 19 and March 4)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Mondays, May 6 to June 17 (6 weeks, no class May 20)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Yanhong Liu immigrated to Canada in 2008 from China and has been teaching Mandarin courses for credit at Fredericton High School and Leo Haye’s High School for 12 years. She has also taught Chinese courses at UNB and adult Mandarin classes at the Chinese School associated with the Chinese Culture Association.

Her students include grade 11 and grade 12 students, university students, businessmen, government employees and educators. She holds a master’s degree in education from UNB.Yanhong’s students thrive in a positive learning environment and are inspired to learn about the Chinese language and culture.


Continue to improve your Mandarin

This course is the continuation for Mandarin Beginners Level 1 and will focus on learning basic words and sentence structure associated with specific situations, such as:

  • asking someone for the time or date
  • directions
  • talking about weather
  • talking about family and friends
  • talking about places visited and people you’ve met

Summer term

Wednesdays, May 8 to June 12 (6 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Yanhong Liu immigrated to Canada in 2008 from China and has been teaching Mandarin courses for credit at Fredericton High School and Leo Haye’s High School for 12 years. She has also taught Chinese courses at UNB and adult Mandarin classes at the Chinese School associated with the Chinese Culture Association.

Her students include grade 11 and grade 12 students, university students, businessmen, government employees and educators. She holds a master’s degree in education from UNB.Yanhong’s students thrive in a positive learning environment and are inspired to learn about the Chinese language and culture.


Learn basic Spanish

For those with little to no knowledge of this romance language, develop your conversational skills in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.

By the end of this level, you will have some elementary vocabulary and be able to understand, ask and answer questions using simple sentences. You’ll also be introduced to regular verbs in the present tense.

Materials

While not required for the course, the book "Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar" by Gilda Nissenburg is a helpful resource.

Winter term

Mondays, Feb. 19 to April 8 (6 weeks, no class March 4 and April 1)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Mondays, May 13 to June 24 (6 weeks, no class May 20)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Mónica Salvarredi has been teaching Spanish with the UNB Leisure Learning program for five years. She brings a fresh vitality to her classes with her warm personality. Before moving to Fredericton in 2008, Mónica was a science teacher in her native Uruguay. Mónica now works full-time as a Program Support Technician with the Sarah Tracy Center (Bridges of Canada).


Expand on your Spanish language skills

This Spanish course is for those who have a basic vocabulary, can form sentences with difficulty and understand some spoken language as long as it is slow and simple. To get the full benefit of this class, it is recommended that you have completed Beginners Level 1 or have an equivalent knowledge of the language.

By the end of the class, you will be able to use complete sentences as well as formulate and respond to questions. You will be able to use regular and irregular verbs in the present tense.

Materials

While not required for the course, the book "Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar" by Gilda Nissenburg is a helpful resource.

Winter term

Mondays, Feb. 19 to April 8 (6 weeks, no class March 4 and April 1)
8 - 9:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Mondays, May 13 to June 24 (6 weeks, no class May 20)
8 - 9:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Mónica Salvarredi has been teaching Spanish with the UNB Leisure Learning program for five years. She brings a fresh vitality to her classes with her warm personality. Before moving to Fredericton in 2008, Mónica was a science teacher in her native Uruguay. Mónica now works full-time as a Program Support Technician with the Sarah Tracy Center (Bridges of Canada).


Continue to improve your Spanish conversational skills

You'll improve and develop your basic grammar, including the regular verbs in the past tense. To get the full benefit of this class, you should be able to form sentences and understand the gist of a conversation at a normal speed if it is a familiar topic.

It's recommended that you complete Beginners Level 2 or have an equivalent knowledge of the language.

Materials

While not required for the course, the book "Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar" by Gilda Nissenburg is a helpful resource.

Winter term

Thursdays, Feb. 22 to April 4 (6 weeks, no class March 7)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

Summer term

Thursdays, May 16 to June 20 (6 weeks)
6 - 7:30 p.m.
$149 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Mónica Salvarredi has been teaching Spanish with the UNB Leisure Learning program for five years. She brings a fresh vitality to her classes with her warm personality. Before moving to Fredericton in 2008, Mónica was a science teacher in her native Uruguay. Mónica now works full-time as a Program Support Technician with the Sarah Tracy Center (Bridges of Canada).


One-on-one Spanish classes

These one-on-one classes are tailored to your personal language level and schedule – whether you are beginning to learn the language or you’re looking to perfect existing language skills. This Spanish language learning format aims to improve your oral and/or written Spanish skills.

You should take Spanish One-on-One lessons if you want to:

Learn a new language at your own pace Get help with Spanish homework Brush-up on existing Spanish skills Have a conversation partner to practice your skills .

Register for a total of 8 hours of instruction
Contact Oliver Flecknell, once you have registered to arrange your sessions
$280 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Mónica Salvarredi has been teaching Spanish with the UNB Leisure Learning program for five years. She brings a fresh vitality to her classes with her warm personality. Before moving to Fredericton in 2008, Mónica was a science teacher in her native Uruguay. Mónica now works full-time as a Program Support Technician with the Sarah Tracy Center (Bridges of Canada).



Writing and literature

Short story creation is an art form that is often neglected and overlooked

Related to - but entirely separate from - novel writing, short story creation can be a tricky art to master but also fun and rewarding. It has been suggested that writing short stories can even be more difficult than novels. Impossible? Take this course and judge for yourself.

Here’s an opportunity to focus on writing effective short stories, covering many of the basics of short story writing. You'll learn how to set the scene, create and develop believable characters, avoid common pitfalls and much more.

With an emphasis on developing the craft through good writing practices and habits, the course offers tips and advice on discovering the joys of short speculative fiction.

The course also covers important topics such as editing and preparing your work for publication. There is a segment that focuses on submitting for publication, publishing contracts, identifying and avoiding scams, and more, to help avoid the worst of the potential pitfalls in the publishing world.

Writers of all levels are welcome. No materials required.

Summer term

Thursdays, May 16 to July 11 (8 weeks, no class May 23)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$180 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Joe Powers is a horror writer with a fondness for literary sleight-of-hand. He enjoys introducing the reader to flawed, believable characters and leading them on dark journeys with an unexpected twist.

He has been a member of the Horror Writers’ Association, ArtsNB, the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick, the NB Authors Portal and the Short Fiction Writers' Guild, and is active in the local arts and writing communities.

His work has appeared in various anthologies and collections worldwide. His debut novel is the western/horror crossover, Terror in High Water.


First impressions matter

How confident do you feel when writing emails, reports, or business letters? Do you worry that mistakes could undermine your credibility or your brand? Or maybe you're just curious about how words can fit together.

In this three-hour workshop, you'll learn how to identify and correct some of the most common errors in grammar, punctuation and word choice. We'll look at things like commas and comma splices, colons and semicolons, sentence fragments, pronoun reference, subject-verb agreement, parallel construction and an assortment of commonly confused words.

Fiction writers will also benefit from this workshop. It's good to know the rules before you break them.

This workshop moves along at a steady pace. If you think this may be challenging, we recommend that you consider registering for the Fixing Common Writing Errors One-on-One instead.

Other than a pen and paper, no materials are required.

Summer term

Saturday, May 25 (1 class)
1 - 4 p.m.
$65 (+ HST)

Thursday, June 13 (1 class)
1 - 4 p.m.
$65 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Shelley Egan is a professional editor and proofreader. Before starting her own business, she edited Hansard transcripts and taught ESL. She has a BA in English, an MEd in administrative leadership, and a publishing certificate from Ryerson University, as well as credentials in applied linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages. She has studied grammar and editing through the University of British Columbia, Ryerson and Queen’s Universities, Editors Canada and ACES: The Society for Editing.


First impressions matter

How confident do you feel when writing emails, reports, or business letters? Do you worry that mistakes could undermine your credibility or your brand?

These sessions are tailored to your schedule and writing needs. You’ll learn how to identify and correct some of the most common errors in grammar, punctuation, and word choice.

Other than a pen and paper, no materials are required.

Register for a total of 4 hours of instruction
Contact Oliver Flecknell, once you have registered to arrange your sessions
$140 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Shelley Egan is a professional editor and proofreader. Before starting her own business, she edited Hansard transcripts and taught ESL. She has a BA in English, an MEd in administrative leadership, and a publishing certificate from Ryerson University, as well as credentials in applied linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages. She has studied grammar and editing through the University of British Columbia, Ryerson and Queen’s Universities, Editors Canada and ACES: The Society for Editing.


Dialogue matters because readers want to hear characters speak

Readers pay close attention to dialogue, often even before they buy a book. That’s why it’s so important to get it right. Whether you have finished a draft or you’re still writing, this workshop will help.

In this three-hour session, you’ll learn about:

  • format: when to start a new line; interruptions and trail offs; which marks go where
  • punctuation: the conventions versus what the professionals do
  • speech tags and action beats: when they’re needed and where to put them
  • verbs and adverbs in speech tags: which to use and which to avoid

You’ll take away examples drawn from contemporary fiction as well as a list of print and online resources.

No materials are required.

Note: This sentence-level session is technical in nature.

Winter term

Saturday, March 16 (1 class)
1 - 4 p.m.
$65 (+ HST)

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Summer term

Saturday, June 22 (1 class)
1 - 4 p.m.
$65 (+ HST)

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About the instructor

Shelley Egan is a professional editor and proofreader. Before starting her own business, she edited Hansard transcripts and taught ESL. She has a BA in English, an MEd in administrative leadership, and a publishing certificate from Ryerson University, as well as credentials in applied linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages. She has studied grammar and editing through the University of British Columbia, Ryerson and Queen’s Universities, Editors Canada and ACES: The Society for Editing.


Whether you have finished a draft or you’re still writing, this workshop will help

In this six-hour workshop, you'll learn how to edit your book. Whether you plan to self-publish or take the traditional route, you'll want to make sure that your manuscript is ready for submission to an agent, editor or publisher.

We'll begin with premise and then look at other big-picture story elements: characterization, point of view, dialogue, structure, setting and plot. You'll learn about scene and summary, as well as beginnings, middles and endings. And you'll find out about techniques that will keep your readers turning the pages.

Finally, we'll look at voice and at how you can avoid making the most common sentence-level errors in fiction writing. You'll leave the workshop knowing where to start and what to leave until later. And you'll receive a comprehensive list of print and online resources that will help you edit your own novel.

Winter term

Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21 (2 classes)
1 - 4 p.m.
$95 (+ HST)

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Summer term

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 and 25 (2 classes)
1 - 4 p.m.
$95 (+ HST)

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About the instructor

Shelley Egan is a professional editor who specializes in editing fiction. She has a BA in English, an MEd and a publishing certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).

In addition to studying fiction editing through TMU and Editors Canada, Shelley has taken writing and editing workshops with, among others, author-instructors Claire McGowan, Tim Lott, Ellen Sussman, Roz Morris, David Corbett, and Jennifer Lawler, as well as with Sarah Burton and Jem Poster, co-founders of Cambridge University’s master’s program in creative writing.


Have you always dreamed of being a writer but haven't been sure how or where to begin?

Explore your creativity in this course. Learn the essentials of prose and poetry writing and learn how to build on the basics and find your own unique creative voice. Whether you want to write for yourself, your close friends and family, or you aspire to turn writing into a career, this course will serve as an entry point into your creative potential.

Through a series of writing workshops, reading exercises, and open dialogue with the instructor and other classmates, students will expand their idea of what is possible on the page. Each student will receive extensive feedback on their work, and learn how to think critically about writing from both a creative and a technical standpoint.

Writers of all experience levels are welcome.

No materials required.

Winter term

Mondays, Jan. 29 to April 22 (10 weeks, no class Feb. 19, March 4 and April 1)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
$175 (+ HST)

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Summer term

Mondays, May 13 to July 29 (10 weeks, no class May 20 and July 1)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
$175 (+ HST)

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About the instructor

Jenna Lyn Albert is the author of Bec and Call (Nightwood Editions, 2018), which won the New Brunswick Book Award’s Fiddlehead Poetry Prize. Currently residing on the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik people, Albert recently served a two-year term as Fredericton’s poet laureate from 2019 - 2020, cohosts the elm and ampersand poetry podcast with Rebecca Salazar and is a member of The Fiddlehead’s editorial board.


Explore the genre of horror

The word "horror" often conjures images of masked, machete-wielding monsters doing unspeakable things to innocent teenagers. That's definitely part of it, but there's a lot more to the story.

Horror is a genre unlike no other. Its purpose is to unsettle, to elicit a strong emotional response from the reader through "safe scares". It's also perhaps the most misunderstood genre of all.

Horror is hack and slash, blood and guts. It's creepy ghosts and haunted houses. It's psychological thrillers, gothic tales, atmospheric tension, human drama, and of course, monsters. It spans generations and appeals to a wide audience - from Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe to Neil Gaiman and R.L. Stine, horror brings joy (and scares) to kids and adults alike.

In this course, we'll dispel some of the myths surrounding horror, and explore the key elements including, what turns an ordinary story into a spooky tale, how to build and maintain suspense, developing strong characters (human and otherwise), how to write an ending with maximum impact, and more.

This course shares some basic elements with Crafting the Short Story, and emphasizes developing the craft through good writing practices and habits.

Writers of all levels welcome. Due to some subject matter, age 18+ is advised.

No materials required.

Winter term

Mondays, Feb. 5 to March 25 (6 weeks, no class Feb. 19 and March 4)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$165 (+ HST)

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Summer term

Mondays, May 13 to June 24 (6 weeks, no class May 20)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$165 (+ HST)

Register now

About the instructor

Joe Powers is a horror writer with a fondness for literary sleight-of-hand. He enjoys introducing the reader to flawed, believable characters and leading them on dark journeys with an unexpected twist.

He has been a member of the Horror Writers’ Association, ArtsNB, the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick, the NB Authors Portal and the Short Fiction Writers' Guild, and is active in the local arts and writing communities.

His work has appeared in various anthologies and collections worldwide. His debut novel is the western/horror crossover, Terror in High Water.