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Professor Josephine Milano, who teaches Elementary Spanish, explores the Spanish language while introducing students to the rich history and culture of Spain. As an HCC professor for over 20 years, Milano says students need only to bring themselves and an empty stomach to class. “It’s probably my favorite part,” said Milano. “Food is one of the few things we all have in common with each other. Cooking and sharing traditional Spanish dishes really gets the students to start contributing and sharing their backgrounds and experiences.”
Milano believes her students benefit more from engaging conversation rather than reading from a textbook. “Because these classes bring people of all different ages and life experiences, I find there are more people are willing to talk,” said Milano. “This isn’t some required high school course. People are here on their own free will because they want to be, and that helps the class as a whole. I highly recommend anyone who is looking to learn a new language to take my class.”
Anthony Batson, who teaches Western Civilization at HCC, is another professor who offers much more than a typical history course. Batson takes his students on a journey through history with plenty of modern-day parallels. “Once we make that connection, that history is like a mirror, the class really comes alive," said Batson. "There’s this ‘a-ha’ moment.”
Students in Batson's classroom learn about the many ways history has shaped modern civilization throughout the years. “Comparing ancient Egyptian medicine to the medicine of today, looking at the similarities between our government and the Roman Empire, or warfare in Persia to modern warfare today are some topics that I cover,” said Batson.
Housatonic Community College and Jonathan Law High School have announced the return of spring class offerings in Milford. Back-to-school classes are available for new or continuing students, including non-degree college-prep courses.
For more information on the spring classes at Housatonic Community College, click here.
