More Future Learn courses

[smallhobbit]

During April I followed two courses: An Introduction to Recreational Math (Weizmann Institute of Science) which was fun for the first two weeks - lots of puzzles which really appealled to me and got me thinking, but rather ran out of steam for the last week.  But I enjoyed it.  And Exploring English: Shakespeare (British Council).  This was a course designed for people learning English as a foreign language, so I knew the wording used would be simplified, but nevertheless I thought the subject was sufficiently interesting to follow the course - and SM had signed up too.  However, I didn't learn much about the plot of the plays which were studied and realised I was following a English teaching course, rather than one on Shakespeare.

I've just finished a course entitled Radical Spirituality (Lancaster University) which was about George Fox and the foundation of the Quaker movement in 1652.  It was absolutely fascinating.  I knew little about the Quakers so I thought it could be interesting to learn a bit more, and I learnt a lot in the three weeks of the course.  In addition I found the spirituality side extremely interesting and helpful.  There's been a great deal to think about.

Courses I'm now signed up for include An ABC for Enjoying Argentine Literature (Universidad Nacional de Cordoba) which explores the work of Andruetto, Borges and Cortazar.  Okapi suggested I might look for something, which I did.  They do say it's advisable to read texts in Spanish.  I'll muddle along as best I can.

And How to Read a Novel (Edinburgh University in conjunction with Edinburgh International Book Festival) which includes references to the four novels shortlisted for the 2018 James Tait Black Fiction Prize.  Which means I need to get reading.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Holy cow! You are a very busy person! It all sounds fabulous (of course, I am most envious of the Argentine literature. I do hope you like it.) I really admire your commitment to learning.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - how much time I spend on the course depends on how much I'm enjoying it. There's so much out there to learn, and I've been delighted with all the things I've found.

There's nothing to stop you doing the course if you had time - it's available worldwide.

[aome]

I admit I don't know a thing about Argentinian literature. Do you speak Spanish?

I envy that you have so many opportunities for casual learning like that!

[smallhobbit]

I know a little Spanish so I'm hoping there'll be sufficient English that l learn something.

Future Learn is international so anyone can access it. I'm delighted to have found it, there are so many interesting things to learn about.

[debriswoman]

An impressive range here:-)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - at least I won't get bored!

[corvidology]

Sounds like you've been busy in the best of ways. I wish I had time to attend some of the university's courses.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it's been really interesting - I'm always happy learning new things.

[margaret_r]

It's amazing the things you find to do and it's wonderful you have the oportunites to do them:) Enjoy!

[smallhobbit]

I think I've got into the habit of saying 'That looks interesting, I'll do it.'

[adafrog]

Those sound very interesting.

[smallhobbit]

Plenty to keep me busy!

[luthienberen]

Interesting and fascinating courses! I don't know how you fit it all in - admire your energy and determination! Good luck with your new courses =^_^=

[smallhobbit]

They are. I probably spend about half an hour a day (less if I'm not that interested in the course) - I find it a great way to clear my head when I come home from work (I only work part-time so it's possible to do so).

[luthienberen]

That is a nice way to refresh the mind after work :) Also a good way to keep the mind active. Duolingo is forcing me to keep the brain active too.

[smallhobbit]

Yes - I do find it helps. I'm battling on with Hungarian on Duolingo.

[luthienberen]

Good luck with Hungarian! I hope it is going okay or at leaat more positive than frustrating :) I am barrelling on too with Polish .

[moth2fic]

I have no idea how you find the time to do all this! I am in awe!!

[smallhobbit]

I probably spend about half an hour a day (less if I don't find the course as interesting - I tend to go through quicker). Because I only work part-time I do it when I come home in the afternoon and find it a good way to get rid of work thoughts.

[moth2fic]

I can sort of see that! Once you're retired, like me, you find other activities expand to fill the time available... Having said that, I have spent time learning things, like formatting for e-books, various AO3 things, and Portuguese. The only one still useful is the formatting. Still, it's all been interesting!

[smallhobbit]

I can well imagine - I know there are things I'd be doing if I wasn't working. I can never tell how interesting a course will be until I'm doing it - I may be fascinated by the subject matter, but if it's not presented in a way the captures my attention then it doesn't work nearly as well. On the other hand something like Radical Spirituality which I had a slight interest in, but was really only doing because it fitted the gap between two other courses, totally gripped me.

I'm convinced it's good to keep learning things to keep one's outlook open, rather than letting it grow progressively narrow.