By Peter F. Bostic

Whether you’re looking to update your job skills, pursue a college degree, or just take classes for personal growth, there are a number of options to explore this fall at Lake Tahoe Community College.
LTCC students enjoy the highest transfer rate to UC and CSU schools for a community college of its size in California. They also learn from one of the best educated, most experienced faculty in the community college system. No matter what your educational goal is, LTCC can help you reach it.
New students can register for Fall 2013 starting on September 5, 2013. To find out if you qualify for priority registration in late August, contact Student Services at (530) 541-4660 ext. 726. Or, visit the college’s website at www.LTCC.edu for all the information you need to start your college career.
Here’s a look at some of the courses being offered this fall:
Field Methods in Wildlife Ecology – BIO 131AR
Survey techniques and field experience you’ll need to work in wildlife management and research. Instructor Madelyn Rios says, “You’ll get the tools and experience employers are looking for in their entry-level technicians and biologists. It’s a valuable addition to your resume that you won’t want to miss!” Learn about habitat assessment and survey protocols for the study of birds, mammals, amphibians, and other wildlife while exploring Tahoe’s great outdoors. Mondays & Wednesdays 12pm-1:50pm starting October 14.
Current Latino Issues – ETH 100
Explore the issues facing the Latino community in America, and especially in California. Public health policy, immigration, education, the plight of farmworkers, and other labor issues will all be explored. Find out about Latino lobbying efforts at both the state and federal levels. Mondays & Wednesdays from 1:30pm to 3:20pm starting September 23.
QuickBooks and Advanced QuickBooks – BSN 155A & 155B
QuickBooks is the most widely used accounting software by smaller businesses in America. It’s a must-know for job seekers and office workers looking to maximize their earning potential. Beginning class is Thursdays from 6pm-9:50pm from 9/26/13 to 10/31/13. Advanced QuickBooks is Thursdays from 6pm-10:10pm from 11/7/13 until 12/12/13.
Fundamentals of Radio and Television Broadcasting – COM 125
Ever wonder how radio and TV shows are so well made, even while facing daily deadline pressure? Here’s your chance to learn how the pros get it done from the comfort of your home computer! Instructor and longtime radio broadcaster Jason Beaton says, “No matter what career you end up in, you need to know about audio and video and how media works.” Join Mr. Beaton in this online class starting 9/23/13.
Intro to Google Applications – CAO 191XC
Google is giving Microsoft a run for its money with its wide array of FREE web-based applications. In this introductory course, you’ll learn the basics of Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Calendar. “Google does more than just search the web. You can use Google’s free apps from any computer linked to the Internet,” course instructor Jackie Lou points out. This 6-week course is on Mondays & Wednesdays 1:30pm-3:20pm from 9/23/13 until 10/30/13.
Career & Life Planning – COU 108
Unclear about your career path or academic goal? Not sure what direction to take? A little planning can make any goal a reality. This in-depth class will help you to understand your particular interests and personality, and how your skills and talents can translate into academic and career success. Mondays & Wednesdays from 4pm to 5:50pm starting September 23.
The Great Ideas of Buddhism, Part 1 – REL 131S
This trio of classes covers all the main ideas from the entire course of study followed by Tibetan monk-scholars at the great monasteries of Tibet. In Part 1, explore The Principal Teachings of Buddhism, Refuge, Applied Meditation, Proof of Future Lives and How Karma Works – the same beginner courses taught at the Asian Classics Institute in New York City. Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:20pm starting September 24.
A Layperson’s View of “Under the Influence” – CRJ 191AC
The perfect class for parents, teachers, criminal justice students, or anyone dealing with drug addiction or alcoholism in their family. Learn about the signs of alcohol and drug intoxication, how they can affect behavior, and how to respond appropriately to those behaviors. 11/1/13 to 11/8/13 on Fridays from 8am to 12:25pm.
Intro to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Studies – EDU 131N
Two of the leaders in this field of study help students examine a broad range of contemporary issues in different contexts, including bio-medical, sociological, racial and sexual, plus the concept of intersecting identities. “We’ll look at marriage, parenting, healthcare, employment, both domestically and globally,” says co-instructor Dr. Ardel Haefele-Thomas, chair of City College of San Francisco’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Studies Department. Join her and co-instructor Greg Miraglia from Santa Rosa Junior College Saturdays from 9/28/13 until 11/2/13.
Introduction to Pro Tools – MUS 119A
Pro Tools is THE software to know for professionals working in music recording and production, film scoring, and film and TV post-production. Class professor Dr. Mark Williams put it this way: “Learning Pro Tools will be extremely beneficial to any student wanting to make it in today’s music recording business.” You’ll learn basic audio editing techniques, and eventually will build sessions that include multi-track recordings of live and virtual instruments, MIDI sequences and audio loops. Taking this course plus the Pro Tools Production I course earns you an Avid Pro Tools User Certification. Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30pm to 5:20pm starting September 24.
