A new season of Third Age Learning at Kwantlen (TALK) is kicking off on Feb. 11, with a variety of stimulating learning opportunities for adults over 50.
Supported by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), TALK offers short and informative non-credit courses, both in-person and online. Courses explore a wide variety of subjects and are taught by community volunteers, including KPU instructors.
“TALK is a great way to meet new people, engage in stimulating conversations and keep your brain healthy and active by learning new things,” says TALK Board Chair Paul Tyndall.
Courses this spring will touch on topics including generative artificial intelligence, the psychology of golf, the hit television series The Pitt, and gardening for climate change. A number of field trips are also planned, including a guided forest walk in the traditional territory of the Sq’ewa:lxw First Nations People.
TALK also offers a series called Philosophers’ Corner, which are drop-in public events intended to foster lively discussions. This spring includes sessions on topical issues, such as the challenges facing Canada in its relation to the US, traditional versus alternative medicine, and the ethical dimensions of AI-generated music and art.
This season also features a lecture led by Dr. Lenore Newman, Director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley, on the future of agriculture and food production in the midst of technological changes.
"Agriculture is front and centre in discussions concerning the impact of climate change, political uncertainty and technology. Canada has a strong role to play in the future of agriculture and must focus on innovation and training without sacrificing imperatives of environment and health,” says Dr. Newman.
This free event will be held on March 11 at KPU Richmond and is open to the public of all ages, but registration is required.
“Our program committee works hard to ensure that there’s something of interest to everyone each semester, with a good balance between in-person and online courses,” says TALK Program Chair Jean Garnett. “Our classes are made possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers, and we always welcome more volunteers to join.”
TALK's annual membership fee is $10, with individual courses costing $15 or $20, depending on the number of sessions. For more information on TALK and events planned for the spring semester, visit kpu.ca/talk.