1. Centering Prayer: 15 Jan. – 19 March
Blanaid Gallagher OP     10.30-12.00 noon

During this semester we will reflect on Fr Thomas Keating’s suggestions for developing Centering Prayer. We will examine the ‘Human Condition’ and the ‘Formation of the Homemade Self’. Each session will include a period of meditation in common.

Voluntary contribution at each session.

2. Hatha Yoga:  15 Jan – 9 April
Marianne Smulders 10.00-11.30am

Regular yoga practice can impart a number of different physical, mental and emotional benefits. The exercises tone and strengthen the body, increase circulation and oxygen flow, energize for the day and help unwind in the evening. The course is suitable for all levels and ages. Newcomers most welcome!
€145 (12 weeks)

3. French Level 2:  (Advanced Beginners) 15 Jan. – 9 April
Marie Helène Dolan     10.30-12.00 noon

For students who can produce simple French sentences and can ask and respond to simple French questions. In a fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere, these classes will enable students to communicate with more fluency to feel confident in most everyday situations.
€130 (12 weeks)

4. Intermediate Italian:   15 Jan. – 9 April
Heather Abrahamson 10.30-12.00 noon

“Vino bianco o vino rosso, signore?” Are you able to book a table, order a meal, ask directions and actually follow them? If you have already studied some Italian and appreciate fun and informality, then this is the class for you.
€130 (12 weeks)

5. John of the Cross: his times and his experience of God: 15 Jan. – 12 Feb.
Natuca Cordón     10.30-12.00 noon

This module will explore the life and times of John of the Cross, Carmelite poet and mystic, a contemporary of Teresa of Avila and teresian reformer. There will also be an opportunity to pause with St John in a quiet atmosphere of prayer and to share our reflection.  €55 (5 weeks)

6. Exploring the Mystery of God: 5 March – 9 April
Andrew Pierce       10.30-12.00 noon
From its origins, our species has wrestled with its experience of God. This course looks at Christianity’s distinctive understanding of God, and at how the insights of philosophers, scientists and saints have contributed to this exploration of the mystery that surrounds us.  €65 (6 weeks)

7. Hatha Yoga: 15 Jan. – 9 April
Marianne Smulders 8.00-9.30pm

Regular yoga practice can impart a number of different physical, mental and emotional benefits. The exercises tone and strengthen the body, increase circulation and oxygen flow, energize for the day and help unwind in the evening. The class is suitable for all levels and ages. Newcomers are most welcome!
€145 (12 weeks)

8. From Shakespeare to Donal Ryan:   15 Jan. – 19 Feb.
John Scally           7.15 – 8.45 p.m.

This series will probe the works of six major writers for their insights into contemporary life. The featured writers are Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, George Eliot and John McGahern. The final session will feature an interview with Donal Ryan.
€65 (6 weeks)

9. Divided Cities:    5 March – 9 April
Dorrie Balfe OP, Duncan Morrow, Sabine Schratz OP and others    7.15 – 8.45 p.m.

Cities are places with the greatest diversity in the tightest of space. What makes them attractive is also their Achilles’ heel. We will look at how cultural, socio-economic, political, ethnic and religious difference can lead to conflict and how this might be resolved. Examples will include Belfast, Berlin, Jerusalem, Mostar, Port Elizabeth and Rio de Janeiro.       €65 (6 weeks)

10 Silver Swans:    16 Jan. 10 April
Nadia Quick    10.30 – 11.30 a.m.
Silver Swans is a ballet class for the over 55s. Dance is now considered to be one of the most beneficial ways of improving mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels and imparting a sense of wellbeing and fun. No previous dance experience is necessary!
€90 (12 weeks)

11. A Voyage of Discoveries in Art:  16 Jan. – 10 April
John O’Riordan     10.30-12.00 noon

We will investigate Greek art, early Christian and Renaissance art and then explore the eccentricities of Mannerism, muscular Baroque and sensuous, courtly Rococo. An analysis of the art of Islam and the extreme otherness of Japanese art and its transformative effect on the Impressionists will complete this
module. Gallery visits included.  €130 (12 weeks)

12. German (Conversation):    16 Jan. – 10 April
Ruzica Ruane    10.30-12.00 noon
Immerse yourself in German language and culture in this engaging class. Topical issues, art, literature and Austrian and German traditions are explored in a fun and informative way. The conversational manner is sure to boost both your confidence and fluency.
€120 (11 weeks: no class 23 Jan.)

13.  Powerlessness, Human Rights and Our Responsibility: 16 Jan. – 20 Feb.
Jude Lal Fernando, Gillian Wylie      10.30 – 12 noon

In democratic societies like ours we believe that there are no tyrannies. Yet, from homelessness to direct provision, from the uncertainty of employment to human trafficking and from long waiting lists for hospital appointments to rising costs of living we experience sheer powerlessness. How do we overcome powerlessness and regain true democracy against the seen and unseen tyrannies in our midst? What is our civic responsibility in protecting human rights? €65 (6 weeks)

14. A Life Well Lived?     6 March – 10 April
John Scally     10.30-12.00 noon
Today more and more people are wondering about the ultimate purpose of life. But in our fast-changing world how do we quantify what is meant to live a good life? This module will be of value to all who ask searching questions about the meaning of living and dying. €65 (6 weeks)

15. Irish (Conversation) 17 Jan – 11 April
Dáire Stevenson    10.30-12.00 noon
This module is designed for students to improve their skills in conversational Irish in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The emphasis will be on giving the student confidence to use the language in everyday situations. A good basic level of Irish is required. Fáilte roimh chách.  €130 (12 weeks)

16. French Level 4 (Advanced) 17 Jan. – 11 April
Marie Helène Dolan    10.30-12.00 noon

This module is for students who have a good command of French and would like to keep up to date with cultural, social and political developments in France and increase their fluency and confidence in spoken French. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere guaranteed. Au plaisir de vous voir ou de vous revoir!  €130 (12 weeks)

17. Exploring English Literature 17 Jan. – 11 April
Phil Dunne    10.30-12.00 noon
In this class, we read, discuss and share novels, poetry and drama. Our reading material is a mixture of classic and contemporary work written in English and translated writing of both established and emerging writers. No prior knowledge is required. Our emphasis is on enjoyment.  €130 (12 weeks)

18. Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation 17 Jan. – 11 April
Jane Bailey IBVM    10.30-12.00 noon

The ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi is becoming ever more popular in the West. With its slow, gentle movements, it is an excellent way of promoting physical and mental well-being. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, it helps to foster a “relaxed body, quiet mind, contented spirit.” Beginners and improvers welcome.  €130 (12 weeks)

19. The Long Arm of St. Augustine   17 Jan – 21 Feb.
Patrick Quinn    10.30-12.00 noon
This module will examine how Augustine’s writings influenced the following philosophers: Rene Descartes (on thinking about scepticism), Ludwig Wittgenstein (on language and life) and Hannah Arendt (on her study of Augustine). Discussion is encouraged in class and handouts supplied.  €65 (6 weeks)

20. Beauty in the Beast: Animals in the Christian Imagination  7 Mar. – 11 April
Conor McDonough OP     10.30 – 12 noon

For centuries Christian poets, preachers, and artists have made use of animal symbolism to communicate the mysteries of the faith. In this module we will study such topics as: animals in the Bible; monsters in the monasteries; peace and violence in the animal kingdom; animals at prayer; and the talking animals of
C.S. Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles.   €65 (6 weeks)

21. European Security and the Limits of Nationalism  17 Jan. – 21 Feb.
Bill McSweeney            7.15 – 8.45 p.m.

Within the past two years the growth of nationalist and populist movements within the EU has challenged its claim – over NATO, UN, neutrality – to be the major agency of peace and solidarity in Europe. How credible is that claim? €65 (6 weeks)

22. Sacred Dance / Dance Meditation:    18 Jan. – 12 April
Terry Hennessy      10.30am-12.30pm
Experience harmony of body, mind and spirit as you dance to beautiful music. Sacred dance is influenced by the classical and European folk traditions. No previous experience necessary – clear instructions are given. A warm welcome awaits all.
€175 (12 weeks)

23. French Level 3 (Intermediate):     18 Jan. – 12 April
Marie Helène Dolan      10.30-12.00 noon

In this module, the emphasis is on easing students into conversational French. Learned grammatical concepts are revised and put into a variety of conversation-based exercises that strengthen compre- hension and self-expression. These classes will give you the confidence to converse on many topics. À bientôt! €130 (12 weeks)

24. The Sign 2:       25 Jan. – 22 Feb.
Brian Grogan       10.30-12.00 noon

The course continues with the symbolic reading of the Gospel of John that commenced in the last semester. We will begin with the Bread of Life Discourse from ch 6 and read through to the Easter narratives in chapters 20-21. The course is based on Sean Goan’s recently published book on John, The Sign. €55 (5 weeks)

25. How to Read the Bible:     8 March – 12 April
Kieran O’Mahony OSA, Joseph Ralph OP     10.30-12.00 noon

We will look at four contemporary biblical methodologies: narrative, canonical, rhetorical and liberationist. Each approach has its own set of questions and criteria, leading to new interpretations. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach will be evaluated. Guided reading will be provided in the handouts. An introduction to the traditional method of Lectio Divina will round off the module.
€65 (6 weeks)

HEATHER ABRAHAMSON: BA Mod. (Hons.) Italian & French, TCD. Has many years’ experience in Adult Education.
JANE BAILEY IBVM: Accredited instructor with the Irish Tai Chi Chuan Association. She has extensive experience in teaching Tai Chi to individuals and groups of all ages & abilities.
DORRIE BALFE OP: worked in education in South Africa and in Pastoral Theology at All Hallows College. Main teaching subjects: Creation Theology, Biblical Studies and Feminist Theology.
NATUCA CORDÓN: BA, H.Dip. in Educ. and MA in Educ. has been involved in Education and Applied Linguistics for many years. She has a keen interest in teresian themes and spirituality.
MARIE HELÈNE DOLAN: BA, French & English, Brest University. Experienced French teacher, including many years in the Alliance Française, Dublin.
PHIL DUNNE: MA, LGSM is an experienced tutor in English literature, who has worked with students of all ages & abilities.
JUDE LAL FERNANDO: is Assistant Professor in Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies at the Irish School of Ecumenics and Director of the Centre for Post-Conflict Justice, TCD.
BLANAID GALLAGHER OP: is an experienced teacher and pastoral worker. She facilitates Centering Prayer groups and works on a retreat team.
SEAN GOAN: BA, BD, LSS is a Scripture scholar who has been involved in adult faith development for many years. He has given courses on Biblical themes and spirituality in a variety of locations around the country. He has also written commentaries on the Sunday readings for readers in Church.
TERRY HENNESSY: Trained and danced with a number of International Teachers of Sacred Dance. Has a gentle experienced teaching style and brings her own love of the dance to the group.
CONOR MCDONOUGH OP: MA (Cantab), STL (Fribourg), is a Dominican friar from Galway, currently teaching theology in the Dominican House of Studies, Dublin.
BILL MCSWEENEY: is Research Fellow in International Peace Studies at TCD. He has published widely in the areas of politics, theology and sociology.
KIERAN O’MAHONY OSA: is a Scripture scholar. At present, he is employed by the Archdiocese of Dublin, promoting biblical ministry in parishes and among those involved in ministry. His books include “What Does The Bible Say About The Stranger”, “Do We Still Need St Paul?” and “Speaking from Within: Towards Better Preaching”.
DUNCAN MORROW: is Professor at Ulster University Belfast. He lectures in politics and has published widely in the fields of conflict resolution, Northern Ireland politics and the relationship between religion and politics.
JOHN O’RIORDAN: BA, MA in Art History, UCD. He taught the subject for several years in the BA programme in UCD and was also a visiting lecturer on the Communications Degree course DCU.
ANDREW PIERCE: has a background in historical theology and is an Assistant Professor in the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD. He is involved in a variety of ecumenical projects – both grassroots and academic – and is particularly interested in how ideas about, and experiences of, place impact on religious self-understanding.
NADIA QUICK: is a Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans licensed teacher and a registered teacher of the RAD and a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance.
PATRICK QUINN: PhD, has taught in third-level and adult education for more than 30 years with extensive publications in philosophy and education and a series of programmes on these topics on RTE radio and television.
JOSEPH RALPH OP: is a member of the Dominican community in Newry and director of the Lectio Divina Centre (www.lectio. newrydominican.com).
RUZICA RUANE: Qualified native German speaker. Many years’ experience of teaching German to adults and students.
JOHN SCALLY: PhD, lectures in Theology in TCD and was a secondary school teacher for 20 years. He is the author of over 40 books.
SABINE SCHRATZ OP: Dr. theol. (University of Münster), MA Medieval and Modern History, is director of Lumen. She has published in the fields of Church History and liturgical praxis and taught in third-level and adult education.
MARIANNE SMULDERS: Graduate of the Irish Yoga Association, with years of experience in this field.
DÁIRE STEVENSON: BA, Irish and Economics, H.Dip. UCD. Experienced Irish teacher of both children and adults.
GILLIAN WYLIE: is Assistant Professor in International Peace Studies, Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD, and author of “The International Politics of Human Trafficking” (Palgrave 2016).