Rogue Valley Manor   

This class will provide an overview of the various choices in natural deathcare and why natural and conservation burials are the only sustainable solution based on scientific data. The class will discuss the public health and environmental concerns raised by cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, human composting and ocean/sky burials. Students will be encouraged to document their deathcare wishes and will be introduced to the Advance Natural Deathcare Directive, the four available regional choices and the four tasks of natural deathcare.

NOTE: This course is being offered in partnership with the Rogue Valley Manor. Seating will be shared equally with 20 seats for OLLI at SOU members and 20 for Manor residents.

Students will gain insight into the importance of the maritime world in our modern civilization. Maritime affairs are at the foundation of our economy and national security. Any disruption of that service by conflict, piracy, blockades or environmental regulations affects the stability of our economy. Maritime security is important for protecting supply chains, energy flows and national resilience. Students will learn about today’s maritime choke points and how nations use maritime presence to project power. The course will also examine the lighter side of maritime history, from the songs of the sea to the peculiar maritime-based phrases that illuminate our language. The instructor will regretfully be unable to comply with any student requests for course material due to copyrights.

Theodore Roosevelt is anything but boring. A man of many hats, he was a naturalist, cowboy, soldier, governor, president, trust-breaker, big game hunter and explorer. He was made vice president because party officials thought that he would drift into obscurity and never be heard from again. As president, he would challenge visitors to a boxing match. He once was shot by a potential assassin yet continued his campaign speech for an hour before seeking medical care. He went camping with John Muir and then reunited Yosemite Valley with the surrounding national park. He also dabbled in eugenics and held racist views. This course looks at the story of this American: from the streets of New York City to the jungles of the Amazon. Classes will include lectures, slides and videos.