Practice the art of writing consciously and with purpose. Whether writing a letter, newsletter, or a short story, use well-chosen words and form focused sentences that express key ideas. Hone your writings skills though exploring sentence structure active/passive verb use, transitions, tone, and clarity. If your writing is clear and concise, it’s a positive reflection of you and your skills.

How does the short story create a sense of power in such a small space? With a focus on viewing the short story as a microcosm we'll discuss how to select and use detail in building story, how to create character through conversation and the different ways of structuring the short story. Class includes group discussion, writing and reading exercises.

At some point in a writers’ career, addressing the ethics of writing about loved ones will occur. Do we disguise them? Do we tell them? What happens when they see themselves in our work? Explore the pitfalls, challenges and triumphs of writing about real people. Figure out where you stand before you put your work out into the world.

Examine some of the different spiritual traditions of poetry writing. Through analysis and discussion of various cultures, students will explore the themes, content, imagery and musical form in spiritual poetry. The course includes in-class writing exercises, readings and work-shopping of student poems. Students will be encouraged to practice drafting and crafting their own poems that deal with spiritual themes.

This 2-day hands-on intensive course is aimed at students who need to shoot fast short news-style video items for the web. The course is divided into camera, sound techniques, and basic post-production. Journalists, photographers, businesses, non-profit organizations, or anyone who needs short vi

Note: This is held at our Film training centre at the Broadway Plaza Campus.

Are you ready to move? This intuitive approach to acting taps into the body’s intelligence, emotional life and unique ability to express effortlessly and naturally. Through breath work, relaxation exercise, sense memory exercise, and creative visualization students will focus their attention and fully commit their energy in a supportive group environment. Suitable for students who have a foundation in acting.

Explore how to access, allow and express freely your characters deepest desires, wants and needs. Through various breath work, relaxation and creative visualization exercises over the course of the weekend, student will work with partners and one on one with the instructor to analyze and perform a short monologue and scene. Suitable for students who have a foundation in acting.

Are you ready to perform? Imagine past limitations. Create beyond habits. Discover fun ways to build the confidence to Just do it! Through various exercises over the course of the weekend, student will work with partners and one on one with the instructor to analyze, write and perform a short monologue. Suitable for students who have a foundation in acting.

Students continue on from Composition and Design to look at design theory in more depth. Shooting assignments are complimented with an ongoing assignment to be completed throughout the 12 weeks.
Topics include the psychology of seeing, unusual composition techniques, image association, deliberate image distortions, telling stories with sequences of images and creating a simple multi-media presentation of a final assignment.

Prerequisites: Composition and Design, Practical Lighting, Photoshop Level 1

This course is a companion to Basic Digital Photography, or a pre-requisite for Digital Intermediate Photography. Concerned entirely with digital workflow, it provides students with a thorough overview of how to get the most out of their DSLR cameras. This includes optimum camera setup, exposure controls, reviewing, organizing and ranking files, adjustments, publishing, file handling, storage, archiving and printing.

Prerequisites: Basic computer skills

This course explores botanical photography from nature scenes to designed and domestic gardens. The workshop involves 4 separate field trips over a weekend and helps the students hone their style and vision for both large-scale scenic and close-up macro work. Floral and botanical scenes have been amongst the most studied topics for painters and photographers throughout art history.

Prerequisites: Basic Photography or equivalent

This weekend workshop introduces students to the extraordinary world of Macro Photography. Whether shooting nature, scientific or abstract images, Macro Photography exposes students to an entirely new world of image making. Students will learn about the tools and technical considerations of macro work and will explore a world where detail and limited depth of field create extraordinary landscapes.

Prerequisites: Basic Photography or equivalent.

Join Art historian Anne Kristiansen on a walking tour of some of the key public artworks on and around the Seawall in Vancouver. Setting the public art in a historical context, discussion will focus on analyzing the form and content of the works, and their unique meaning within the fabric of Vancouver life. No pre-requisites. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Note: Off Site location will be emailed to students prior to class start.

Impressionist drawings from 19th century on loan from the Musee D'Orsay in Paris France. Featuring 100 works by French masters like Manet, Degas, Renoir, Rodin, Van Gogh and Lautrec. Two on campus pre-tour lectures will provide background information for this unique exhibition. The final class will be a private tour of the exhibition at the VAG led by Anita Willson.

Note: Course fee includes entrance to the gallery.

Let your intuition, imagination and creative spirit guide you and your paintbrush in this day of play with paint, ink and mixed media materials. Open to all levels, this course will guide participants through various exercises intended to loosen up creative expression in a fun and positive environment. Exploring your creativity, artistic freedom and develop greater personal confidence in painting.

Note: All supplies are included in the cost of this course.

Painting directly from nature is a distinct artistic activity, with special functions, problems and qualities. This course will help the practiced painter to develop skills in observation, simplification, and technical mastery, to capture an understanding and experience of the natural world. The nature sketch is an integral part and process directed towards an ultimate synthesis in your studio work.

Note: A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

Explore the deeper reasons why you enjoy making art. Through a unique blend of various art-therapy and meditation exercises develop an understanding of your personal symbol systems. In a safe and nonjudgmental environment examine your artistic abilities and develop meditation and artistic practices. Learn to identify your creative blocks, and discover ways to navigate your way out of them.

Note: A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

Join Art historian Anne Kristiansen on a walking tour of some of the key public artworks on and around the Seawall in Vancouver. Setting the public art in a historical context, discussion will focus on analyzing the form and content of the works, and their unique meaning within the fabric of Vancouver life. No pre-requisites. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Note: Off Site location will be emailed to students prior to class start.

A six week yoga series aimed at improving health and happiness. Practice yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditations blended with global chants and uplifting music. Learn to let go of stress, tension and negative thoughts. Experience inner joy and contentment while connecting to your mind, body and spirit. Find your center on and off the yoga mat.

Note: This is a mixed-level class. Yoga Teachers and practitioners welcome.
10% off if registered by April 20th.

Yoga Nidra (the yoga of sleep) is an ancient meditation technique proven to speed up rejuvenation after training, sickness, surgery or injury. It alleviates insomnia, eases mental fatigue and balances emotional turbulence. All achieved by lying down, relaxing and following specific instructions that guide one on a conscious journey through deep states of mind- providing total relaxation, healing and peace.

Note: Beginners Welcome!

We all have a deeper purpose(s), gifts to share, beauty to deliver. This course is for those who yearn to understand, deliberately shape and transform their present life into one of genuine purpose and contribution, passionate relationships and joyful vitality.Through the 10 principles of reality creation, participants will be given the tools necessary to manifest and live their purpose-driven life.

Note: 10% if registered by May 1st.
Instructor: Michael Talbot-Kelly, MA, Holistic Psychotherapist.

Learn to breathe deeply, relax and let go. Practice simple yoga postures to gain a solid understanding of the power of your breath. Learn how to become more conscious of habitual breathing patterns. Deep breathing and pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) calms the mind, relaxes the nervous system, reduces stress and improves functioning of the various systems of the body.

Note: Beginners Welcome!

Get away from the everyday to embody the synergy of nature, nourishing cuisine, holistic yoga practice, meditation and mindfulness. Discover fluid and authentic movement in yoga and daily life. Devote early morning hours to yoga practice, afternoons to movement and nature, evenings to dance, laugher and sharing with community. Time for soltitude and reflection will be provided.

Note: Find inner awareness, stillness and peace at this sacred retreat setting in Nanaimo, BC. This retreat is open to all.

Discover yoga meditation techniques and practices. Learn to calm your busy mind allowing for clarity and contentment to arise. Explore practical tools and techniques for stress management, relaxation, and concentration. Live in the present moment while letting go of stress and tension. Find freedom in watching the activity of the mind and emotions without being effected by them.

Note: Beginners Welcome! 10% if registered by May 20th.

A six week yoga series aimed at improving health and happiness. Practice yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditations blended with global chants and uplifting music. Learn to let go of stress, tension and negative thoughts. Experience inner joy and contentment while connecting to your mind, body and spirit. Find your center on and off the yoga mat.

Note: This is a mixed-level class. Yoga Teachers and practitioners welcome.
10% off if registered by April 20th.

Discover yoga meditation techniques and practices. Learn to calm your busy mind allowing for clarity and contentment to arise. Explore practical tools and techniques for stress management, relaxation, and concentration. Live in the present moment while letting go of stress and tension. Find freedom in watching the activity of the mind and emotions without being effected by them.

Note: Beginners Welcome! 10% if registered by May 20th.

Learn to breathe deeply, relax and let go. Practice simple yoga postures to gain a solid understanding of the power of your breath. Learn how to become more conscious of habitual breathing patterns. Deep breathing and pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) calms the mind, relaxes the nervous system, reduces stress and improves functioning of the various systems of the body.

Note: Beginners Welcome!

Yoga Nidra (the yoga of sleep) is an ancient meditation technique proven to speed up rejuvenation after training, sickness, surgery or injury. It alleviates insomnia, eases mental fatigue and balances emotional turbulence. All achieved by lying down, relaxing and following specific instructions that guide one on a conscious journey through deep states of mind- providing total relaxation, healing and peace.

Note: Beginners Welcome!

Get away from the everyday to embody the synergy of nature, nourishing cuisine, holistic yoga practice, meditation and mindfulness. Discover fluid and authentic movement in yoga and daily life. Devote early morning hours to yoga practice, afternoons to movement and nature, evenings to dance, laugher and sharing with community. Time for soltitude and reflection will be provided.

Note: Find inner awareness, stillness and peace at this sacred retreat setting in Nanaimo, BC. This retreat is open to all.

We all have a deeper purpose(s), gifts to share, beauty to deliver. This course is for those who yearn to understand, deliberately shape and transform their present life into one of genuine purpose and contribution, passionate relationships and joyful vitality.Through the 10 principles of reality creation, participants will be given the tools necessary to manifest and live their purpose-driven life.

Note: 10% if registered by May 1st.
Instructor: Michael Talbot-Kelly, MA, Holistic Psychotherapist.

From the University of Victoria , this FREE workshop provides information and teaches practical skills on managing chronic pain. Led by trained leaders, the workshop gives tips to manage the challenges of living with chronic pain.

Note: This course is hosted by Langara College and provided by the BC Ministry of Health Services and the University of Victoria Centre on Aging. For more information, please call Challayne Kenney at toll-free 604-940-1273 or email ckenney@eastlink.ca

We all have a deeper purpose(s), gifts to share, beauty to deliver. This course is for those who yearn to understand, deliberately shape and transform their present life into one of genuine purpose and contribution, passionate relationships and joyful vitality.Through the 10 principles of reality creation, participants will be given the tools necessary to manifest and live their purpose-driven life.

Note: 10% if registered by May 1st.
Instructor: Michael Talbot-Kelly, MA, Holistic Psychotherapist.

This training program is a thorough and engaging way for ECE students, parents, and caregivers to learn First Aid specifically geared to children. Learn to recognize, prevent and respond to: choking, airway, breathing, and cardiovascular emergencies. Pre-reading is required before the actual training day so please register early so that you can pick up your book.

Note: This course is offered through St John's Ambulance and meets the provincial requirements for Early Childhood Education licensing. More courses available if there is demand.
At the end of the course, successful students will receive an Emergency First Aid – Community Care certificate, and a CPR Level B certificate both of which are valid for 3 years.

For many people, dogs and cats are a very important part of our everyday life. Learn how to pet-proof your home, learn life-saving education, and practice first aid and CPR skills for dogs and cats. Learn to respond effectively in emergencies such as bleeding, wounds, poisons, bone injuries, and delivering puppies or kittens.

Note: This workshop is not a substitute for veterinary care but does teach you the best possible first-response procedures. A 3-year Pet First Aid certificate will be given to students who successfully completed the course

For students with good English knowledge, but who still struggle with various grammatical and structural areas. Each workshop will focus on a specific topic and will give students practice in solving problems identified with that topic

Register for all four workshops and get a 10% discount.

Learn to deliver brief business presentations that are commonplace in a supervisory role. Students will learn to develop oral communication skills in a mutually supportive and interactive environment. This course will help students become more confident in speaking in public.

Note: Students can take this course to receive Pubic Speaking completion for the CGA program if the Communication requirement has been accepted by CGA.

This course provides an overview of financial accounting and the construction and interpretation of financial reports prepared for external users. Major consideration is given to accounting techniques for corporate financial statements. Emphasis is placed on accounting principles and policies and the underlying rationale of these principles.

Note: Registration is completed with CMABC.

This course provides an introduction to the design and use of accounting information for management planning and control as well as the development of cost information for financial reports. Issues of particular importance include cost accumulation, cost behavior, identification of relevant costs for decision making, and the use of budgets and standards in evaluating performance.

Prerequisites: CMA QuickStart Introductory Financial Accounting, or equivalent.

Note: Registration is completed through CMABC.

Maximize your stock market portfolio by following a step-by-step approach to understanding the market. Learn how to find good value equities, when to buy and sell, and how to increase your total return. This course is facilitated by Donald Dony editor of the "Technical Speculator", an investment newsletter specializing in world equity markets, currencies, bonds, interest rates and commodity markets.

Empower yourself with the necessary knowledge to rebuild or grow your assets for your financial security. Learn the full spectrum of financial basics from the importance of your credit rating, monitoring your cash flow, investment basics to financial planning.

Do you have enough to retire? What is enough? This seminar will help answer those tough questions. You will be able to determine your present net worth, define your objectives, find solutions and implement your strategy. The seminar will cover investment considerations for and during retirement and different income sources including: CPP, OAS, Pension plans, RRSP, RIF, TFSA, and savings.

Is your investment portfolio performing well? Is your financial advisor making all the money? Learn how to use forensic accounting techniques to determine the health of your investments. A stock or mutual fund statement can reveal many facts about your investments such as the competency of your advisor and the level of risk you are assuming.

Note: Bring in your statements for analysis.

Gain an in-depth understanding of stock market investment. Register for all 6 in courses in the series in a term and save.

Introduces students to the insurance business, insurance intermediaries, basic documents, insurance practices and automobile insurance. In addition, the course covers, at an introductory level, law and insurance, insurance contracts, insurance organizations, fire insurance, the homeowner's policies, personal lines policies, liability insurance, commercial insurance coverage, reinsurance, risk management and loss prevention.

Note: Course tuition includes: mandatory exam fee ($105 including tax), mandatory IIBC annual membership fee ($60); GST included. Textbooks not included. Textbooks are not included, available at Langara bookstore.

Practice improving and maintaining an assertive style under pressure. Whether you are negotiating an important issue, or expressing yourself in a conflict or standing firm under pressure, the ability to assert yourself is crucial to reaching outcomes that work. In conflict situations, it can be especially difficult to maintain an assertive stance rather than overreacting or selling yourself short.

Prerequisites: None

Many people find themselves targets of hostile or aggressive behaviour as a part of their jobs. Dealing with these encounters requires emotional energy and frequently results in increased stress. Attention is given to risk factors and ensuring personal safety. You will identify factors that escalate hostility, identify personal responses to hostile behaviour, learn and practice a model for defusing hostility.

Prerequisites: None

If you have not had previous training in interpersonal communication skills, this elective course is strongly recommended immediately after CCR100 (formerly CR110A) or CCR101 (formerly CR110B). Focus on communication theory and skills that are the building blocks of mediating, negotiating or resolving interpersonal conflict. Specific skills include non-defensive listening, questioning, reframing and assertive speaking.

Prerequisites: None

Help others to resolve conflicts respectfully and effectively. This course combines coaching with conflict resolution theory and practice, so that you can coach others towards practical, interest-based resolution. Based on a business-coaching model, the methodologies presented are easily transferable to personal coaching and will be of particular interest to leaders, managers and those involved in dispute resolution.

Prerequisites: None

A general introduction to hotel and resort operations with emphasis on facility management standards and practices. Major topics include: types of hotels and general hotel operations; how hotel departments operate and how they interact with the facilities department; standards of practice within facilities; building systems; and prerequisites for working in a hotel facilities department. Ideal for new hotel employees.

Frustrated with Windows? Think there must be a better way of doing things? This course will unlock the hidden power of your PC, including tips to master Windows Vista. Learn to configure Windows to your preferences and launch and manage programs. Master essential file management skills to organize your documents for efficient retrieval and back-up.

Note: Text included in price.
Register for this course at the same time as Computer Basics 1 and receive a 10% discount for both courses! This course may be used as a pre-requisite in place of Windows File Management.

Learn everything you need to know about computer hardware for home or home office in this practical course. You'll learn how to make intelligent purchasing decisions for the computer and important peripherals, such as printers and scanners. Finally, you'll be shown your options for connecting to the Internet and how to surf the web safely and securely.

Note: Text included in price.
Register for this course and Computer Basics 1 at the same time and receive a 10% discount on both courses!

Learn how to keep your computer running cleanly and safely. Use a variety of free tools to carry out maintenance tasks such as uninstalling unnecessary programs and accessories, tuning up and backing up your hard drive, and so on. You'll reduce crashes and speed up your computer with the simple maintenance procedures taught in this course.

Note: This course is held off-site in Unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

Play Music CDs and Movie DVDs on your computer; rip your favourite songs to your hard drive and sort them into your own play lists. Install free media plug-ins and Apple's iTunes software to make your Windows PC more media friendly - enabling it to play the many current music and video formats.

Note: This course is held off-site in Unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

Outlook 2007 is Microsoft's powerful organizer, combining email, calendar, and contacts into a single package. It is the corporate standard for email and scheduling. In this course you'll take control of e-mail with folders, send options, flags, formatting, voting buttons, and attachments. Invite and respond to meeting requests with the calendar. Create distribution lists and mail merge with contacts.

Prerequisites: Windows File Management, Computer Basics, or equivalent experience recommended.

Note: Text included in price.
This course is held off-site in Unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

This Exam session is for anyone who wants to achieve MCAS Certification and is prepared to write the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access exams. Candidates should have completed up to the Langara Level 2 course for the software they'll be testing, or equivalent training elsewhere. The fee includes one re-test (if necessary).

Note: This exam takes place off-site in unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

Learn how to keep your computer running cleanly and safely. Use a variety of free tools to carry out maintenance tasks such as uninstalling unnecessary programs and accessories, tuning up and backing up your hard drive, and so on. You'll reduce crashes and speed up your computer with the simple maintenance procedures taught in this course.

Note: This course is held off-site in Unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

Play Music CDs and Movie DVDs on your computer; rip your favourite songs to your hard drive and sort them into your own play lists. Install free media plug-ins and Apple's iTunes software to make your Windows PC more media friendly - enabling it to play the many current music and video formats.

Note: This course is held off-site in Unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

If you run your own web server you need this course! Learn how to install and configure Apache Web Server, MySQL database server, and the PHP scripting language. Network security is vital, and this course will show you how to configure and update your server so in accordance with current security practices.

Prerequisites: Some web publishing experience.

Note: This course is held off-site in Unit L9 at our 601 West Broadway location.

How can you speak up at your workplace in ways that are much more likely to create connections and get you results? This course will build on the work of Marshall Rosenberg and the book, "Non-Violent Communication - A Language of Life." Learn and practice skills that will help transform conflict into collaboration and increase productivity in the workplace.

Prerequisites: Communication with Compassion (Level One)

At the heart of Nonviolent Communication is a vision of a world where everyone’s needs are met peacefully. Through demonstration and group work, you will learn to negotiate with people in positions of power, deal with your own and others’ anger, identify ways to achieve sustainable long-term results through dialogue, and practice self-compassion to increase your effectiveness.

Prerequisites: Communication with Compassion (Level 1) or practice with NVC methods

Come learn simple, practical “innerwork” techniques relevant to all areas of your life. This experiential, participatory course introduces quick ways to check intuition, set energy, make decisions, and gain insight into problems. Access the powerhouse of your inherent insight and creativity because each of us is sitting on a gold mine that can “make light work” in our lives.

Feel the need to be more creative but not sure where to start? Is the pace of change outpacing your ability to keep up? We’ll open the door to your creative DNA through fun and engaging activities. We’ll combat common myths (‘I’m not creative’) and common fears (‘I’m not creative enough’) through practical application of 6 main creativity skills for use both at home and in the workplace.

Learn about the philosophies and practices of community development emerging from the global South. Through multimedia presentations, , case studies and discussion, we’ll explore concepts and practices of community development in different parts of the world. Learn from the innovative thinkers, stories and practitioners from the south and be inspired to create a better world for all.

At the heart of Nonviolent Communication is a vision of a world where everyone’s needs are met peacefully. Through demonstration and group work, you will learn to negotiate with people in positions of power, deal with your own and others’ anger, identify ways to achieve sustainable long-term results through dialogue, and practice self-compassion to increase your effectiveness.

Prerequisites: Communication with Compassion (Level 1) or practice with NVC methods

What would you like to see changed in your community? What issues concern you? Learn how small actions can have a big impact. Hear stories from people who've made a difference in their own communities and in anti-poverty, food security and human rights work. Learn what motivated them to take action, their struggles and challenges and how the world is better for what they’ve achieved.

Note: Please pre-register.

Explore the lives of the wild animals that are our urban neighbours! Learn about the life histories of the most common species brought in for rehabilitation, how our habits affect their well-being, and how humane pest control operates. We will tour a rehabilitation centre, survey diverse habitats at Burnaby Lake Park, and discuss how we can co-exist with other species.

Explore the cultural and economic causes of the various Global Crises. We investigate key underlying western values, beliefs and institutions, and the blocks to social change. Is the fundamental root cause of our global crises over-population, personal/spiritual, political, lack of efficiency in our systems, or institutional – the growth economy? This exploration leads to understanding the possibilities for a positive future.

Are you wondering what sustainability means and how it applies to you? Do you feel confused by contradictory information in the media? Learn sustainability basics: how sustainable are we in North America? How do we compare with the rest of the world? We’ll also take a look at our own life choices and the impact of these on our sustainability.

Protect the environment - and your health - while relaxing in the summer. Apply your awareness of sustainability to summer fun. This participatory and hands-on session will provide you with concrete ideas to live more sustainably. We will look at camping, sports, children, traveling including cruises, and more.

Discussion and action on sustainability often focus on the environment with less emphasis on social issues. Two great threats to humanity’s future – poverty and climate change – show the need for an approach based on principles of equity. The discussions, led by key people in the field, will demonstrate that social justice and environmental protection are equally important legs of sustainability.