The Jefferson Clemente Course is relaunching this month with a free 11-week college course that explores the theme of metamorphosis through art and literature from ancient to contemporary times. 

“This theme feels particularly relevant right now” said Heather McRae-Woolf, Jefferson Clemente’s academic director. 

“After the isolation of the last couple of years, we all have had to emerge from a kind of chrysalis. Young people especially are trying to find ways to re-engage with their community and find their paths forward,” McRae-Woolf explained. “We hope that this Clemente course can be an opportunity to reflect on the powerful personal and collective transformations taking place all around us.”

The course is free and open to young adults 17 and up. 

Neither high school diplomas or GEDs are required, and Jefferson Clemente noted there are no grades or tests. 

Books, tuition, transportation, and childcare are available at no cost to participants. Interested students may earn college credits, but earning credit is not a requirement for participation.

Classes meet from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Feb. 21 through May 4 at the Fort Worden campus of Peninsula College.

Organizers of the course said Clemente is designed to offer safe, supportive college experiences that explore important questions about what it means to be human and how we can be more engaged in our communities.

But why the humanities? According to Jefferson Clemente’s board president, 

“A lot of emphasis is placed on STEM these days,” said Richard Kenney, Jefferson Clemente’s board president.

“But STEM fields are powerless to tell us what that knowledge is worth. The humanities do that. They refine and clarify our values, and teach us how to think.”

The Jefferson Clemente Course is made possible through a partnership with The Clemente Course in the Humanities, Bard College, and Peninsula College. 

More information or to apply email Heather McRae-Woolf at jeffcoclemente@gmail.com or visit jeffersonclemente.org.