Monday Courses   

PowerPoint presentations that include stories and facts are shared with an emphasis on birding in the Rogue Valley and around the region. The members of the class are invited to share their stories and information. Topics are chosen that best fit the time of year and the interests of the folks who come to the class. No experience or prior knowledge is needed. Rather, it is a class that invites curiosity and engagement with nature and community. Poetry is interwoven throughout. Topics may include fall birding, connecting birding with poetry, mindful birding and learning about how birds get their common and Latin names. Generally, we focus on birds’ behaviors and how we can connect with them and all of nature and how we can take care of the nature that we love. 

Ken Burns has been making documentary films for 50 years. Since the Academy Award-nominated “Brooklyn Bridge” in 1981, Burns has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made. This course will explore recurring themes of Burns’ lifetime of work, rather than covering events chronologically. We will view film clips ranging from less than a minute in length to just over eight minutes. By showcasing how the legacies of individuals and events can ripple through time, the clips encourage all learners to consider context and the importance of knowing our history and to develop stronger critical thinking skills. The clips make connections across time and film, drawing attention to the bigger picture.

This course is a one-week introductory boot camp geared for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of playing American Mah-Jongg. This boot camp is a one-week, five-day series of hands-on play and practice activities and is limited to two tables of four or five students at each table. Instruction will cover the game materials and the rules of play. This is not for people who have played before and want to get back into the game. Intermediate or advanced game play strategies are not part of this activity. At the conclusion of the boot camp, students will understand the game materials, objectives and rules of play, and be ready to form a group of beginners to continue their AMJ play. 

NOTE: The required reference text is provided by the instructor. The text fee is $10, payable at the first class, cash only. Please commit to the full week of classes. Missing one class can disrupt the learning experience for all participants. 

Sydney Banks, a Scottish welder working in Vancouver, B.C., had a profound mystical experience that transformed his life. Banks traveled the world teaching at universities, writing books and sharing about the principles he discovered. We will explore two novels of his, inspired by a Three Principles global community course: “Second Chance” and “In Quest of the Pearl.” Students are not required to read the books, because we will watch video excerpts of Three Principles teachers reading and discussing passages. These delightful, enchanting books follow Richard, a troubled man dealing with a terminal diagnosis, pain, grief and depression as he vacations on Maui. He meets a mentor, Jonathan, and their rich conversations evoke deep feelings of peace.

NOTE: This course is based upon two books by Sydney Banks, “Second Chance” and “In Quest of the Pearl.” Both books are available from the Jackson County Library Hoopla website as audiobooks. The instructor also has copies he can loan to students in the class.

Bridge is a rich card game that is challenging and fun. This course is for people who have never played bridge, people who are returning to the game after a long absence and beginners looking to improve their game. Using many prepared examples, students will learn how to bid and how to play, along with many tips for advancing beyond the basics of the game. Most class days will include playing some full hands of bridge with guidance from the instructor. 

You can truly learn something new about the game of bridge forever. This course is geared for people who know a little about the game — they have played before and are familiar with the basics of bidding — and now want to improve their game. The focus will be on the fundamentals of the Standard American Five Card bidding system, followed by some good strategies for both playing (i.e., how to “make” your contracts) and for defending (i.e., how to defeat the opponents’ contracts). 

This course will cover a number of tips for players already familiar with the basics of the game of bridge. The ideal student is familiar with the content of my first two courses: Learn How to Play Bridge and Beginning Bridge 2. That is, some knowledge of the basics of the Standard American Five Card Major bidding system are assumed — though they will be reviewed during the course. Examples of topics include special uses of doubling, slam conventions, competitive bidding situations, opening leads guidelines, and general declarer and defensive strategies. Each class session will include a minimum of 45 minutes of students playing bridge hands.

This course will review some Broadway musicals that were hits of their time that are rarely produced anymore or, conversely, were considered failures in their initial run but are now considered minor classics. Each session will feature a full-length video with a discussion following. When available, filmed productions of the original stage version will be used rather than less faithful Hollywood movie adaptations. Titles for this term will include: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Kismet,” “Barnum” and “On the Town.” Enrollment in the preceding Parts 1-3 of this course is not a prerequisite.

This course introduces the fundamentals of Oregon estate planning, which includes wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, incapacity planning, guardianships, conservatorships, POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) and advance healthcare directives. Students will learn how assets are transferred, how incapacity is managed, and the basics of probate, trust administration and the Oregon estate tax. Instruction includes lectures, discussion and practical examples. Topics include fiduciary roles, decision-making authority and planning strategies. No prior legal knowledge is required. This course presents a general legal perspective and is structured as lectures followed by guided discussion and real-world scenarios. 

This course introduces the fundamentals of Oregon estate planning, which includes wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, incapacity planning, guardianships, conservatorships, POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) and advance healthcare directives. Students will learn how assets are transferred, how incapacity is managed, and the basics of probate, trust administration and the Oregon estate tax. Instruction includes lectures, discussion and practical examples. Topics include fiduciary roles, decision-making authority and planning strategies. No prior legal knowledge is required. This course presents a general legal perspective and is structured as lectures followed by guided discussion and real-world scenarios. 

This course explores the structure and primary movements of the shoulders, arms and hands, and how they are connected to the entire skeletal system. Each class features a lesson involving gentle movements, done slowly with minimal effort while paying attention to one’s own personal experience. Students will be guided through easy, novel movement sequences, exploring and discovering ways of moving that activate the neuroplasticity of the brain. The lessons are safe, fun puzzles for the nervous system and brain, and are designed to create new patterns of behavior. Benefits may include less neck and shoulder pain and enhanced rib and spine mobility for ease in turning, reaching and breathing. It is beneficial to repeat this course. 

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This five-session course introduces students to the core principles of improvisational theater in a friendly, low-pressure environment designed specifically for older adults. Students will learn foundational improv skills; active listening; “yes, and” collaboration; simple character choices; emotional expression; and basic storytelling. Instructions will be delivered through short demonstrations, guided group activities, partner exercises and supportive discussion. Activities will include warm-ups, ensemble games, simple scene work and structured storytelling exercises that emphasize connection, creativity and play. No prior theater or improv experience is expected.

NOTE: This is the same course as “Improv for Beginners: Yes, And …With Friends” that was offered in the 2026 Spring Term. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Me? Teach an OLLI course? Yes, you have unique life experiences to share, just as other instructors who teach courses throughout a term do. In this course, the instructor will share her life experiences in detail, including travel, hobbies, and social and political activities with the hope that students will share theirs. Together we will talk about our interests and histories of courses taken at OLLI at SOU. OLLI courses come from an individual’s experience, knowledge and passion for a topic. Hopefully, this time together will lead students to a desire to teach an OLLI course in the future.

If you can already play basic guitar chords and would like to learn new techniques to make your guitar playing more interesting, this course may be for you. It will introduce the fundamentals of rhythmic playing, moving bass lines, various strumming and picking techniques, bar chords, chords used in jazz, understanding blues, music theory for guitar players, pentatonic scales, blues scales and melodic playing. One goal will be to help you become more comfortable playing with other guitar players and to even consider performing at an open mic!

NOTE: A study guide will be mailed before the first session and posted on the Raider Moodle communications platform. Students should provide their own guitar, guitar tuner and capo. A music stand may also be useful in class and at home.

Learn a complete tai chi form for health and longevity that can be done anywhere and is adaptable for all ages, body types and abilities. No previous experience is necessary. Reduce pain and stress, improve balance, increase focus and find comfortable ways to move while gaining benefits from a 3,000-year-old Chinese movement form. When students finish the course, they will have three tools for dealing with change, transition and life in general. These tools include the Tai Chi 17 Form (movements from a Yang short form), a martial arts sequence called Finished the Form, and a basic knowledge of tai chi and the martial arts. Each time students repeat this course, a deeper understanding of this lifelong practice can be gained. 

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

While many Oregonians have advance directives for healthcare, there are other documents they can use to help shape the kinds and extent of healthcare they want as they age. This course explores directives, healthcare representation, HIPAA rules, Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) and Oregon’s Death With Dignity law to help students guide their own decision-making and care. There will be four in-class discussions with PowerPoint slides and handouts and some recommended reading (none required).

This course presents films that are widely considered to be inspirational and have been well received by the general public as well as by movie critics. These films are from the 1980s onward, with most having been produced within the last 10 to 15 years. There are no overtly religious themes, but all could be loosely labeled spiritual in the broadest sense. The following films will be shown in class: “Departures,” “Cast Away,” “Billy Elliot,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” “Queen of Katwe,” “Ghostlight” (2024), “Dead Poets Society,” “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Coda” and “Chariots of Fire.” Discussion will follow. There is no requirement to take this class other than a love for movies that have depth and emotional appeal.

This course is based on the AARP Smart Driver course, which has been shown to significantly reduce older drivers’ risk of collision. It will help you become more proficient in the current rules of the road, improve your defensive driving techniques and help you with safe vehicle operation in today’s demanding driving environment. The course will focus on the vital relationship between the driver, vehicle and road, and look at how factors such as aging, medications and alcohol can impact driving. You’ll also learn about the latest vehicle safety features and technological advancements. Importantly, you will learn how to identify when it’s no longer safe to drive and how to find alternative travel options. This course may qualify you for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance.

NOTE: A required materials fee of $20 to $25 (discount for AARP members) includes a comprehensive 120-page Participant Guide. Both days are required for course completion and insurance discount. The fee will be collected on the first day by cash or check made out to AARP. Credit cards will not be accepted. 

How do we know what we know about our universe with all its galaxies, stars, planets? How did it form following the Big Bang? How do all these old and new telescopes work? How do we measure time and distance? How do stars form and evolve? What are gravity waves and black holes? This course will examine these topics that have no practical use for most but are fun to learn about anyway. The course will be taught using PowerPoint presentations and other visual and audio material. As much time as necessary will be devoted to your questions. Not included in the course: space exploration, planetary geology, extraterrestrial life, astrology, constellations and star positions, or exoplanets.

This course is designed for those who want to learn the fundamentals of the fastest growing sport in America. It is played by all age groups and physical abilities in recreational or tournament play. Join the fun, led by experienced instructors from the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. We will meet for 1½ hours for five consecutive afternoons. Beginning players will learn the basics: choosing a paddle, paddle position, serving, return of serve, dinking, drills, scoring and calling “out balls.” You might meet “Nasty Nelson!” An emphasis will be placed on safety, court etiquette and sportsmanship. AOPC will provide paddles, balls and instruction. Information on courts in the Rogue Valley will be included. 

NOTE: Please wear court shoes and a hat or visor and bring a hydrating drink. Protective eyewear is recommended. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Think you don’t have artistic talent? We are all artists! Come play, explore and discover your own unique creativity. Surprise yourself with our fun, playful art exercises. Make a maze; express yourself through painting, drawing, collage and words on 4-by-4-inch wooden boards. Challenge yourself to try geometric drawing and use Paul Klee’s saying, “A line is a dot that went for a walk” — to complete three-line drawings. Bring your enthusiasm and willingness to allow your inner child/artist to emerge. Playful Art 3 encourages you to experience the mystery of imagination and being open to curiosity with exercises, media and techniques that are different from what was taught in Playful Art 1 and 2. We will provide ideas and suggestions as you work. No art experience is required. 

NOTE: A materials fee of $10 is due at the first class. A materials list, a brief description of class content and list of materials provided will be sent to registered students. 

This course provides a calm and supportive introduction for older adults who are curious about psilocybin. Participants will learn about safety, preparation and what to consider when exploring psilocybin. Through open discussion and reflection, participants are welcome to ask questions and to follow their curiosity in a respectful and comfortable environment. This course is educational in nature and is not intended as therapy or medical guidance. Participants are encouraged to seek licensed professional support for personal or clinical concerns.

Shen Yun Lung Qigong, “spirit of the eternal dragon,” is a nine-posture Yin form composed of slow, soft movements designed to increase the body’s flow of energy. Qigong is a combination of breath, movement and meditation. It is a gentle practice that helps tonify the nervous system, tranquilize the mind and enhance blood flow. This introductory course will include Taoist warm- ups and breath work techniques to relieve tension in the mind and body. These are longevity practices that can be done occasionally or daily, if desired, and are designed for a lifetime. There will be handouts and visual aids to facilitate independent practice.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Published in 1975, E.L. Doctorow’s “Ragtime” explores themes of race, class and the rise of consumer culture in the early 20th century across a wide variety of fictional and historical characters living in a world on the cusp of change. The intertwined storylines follow three families — a white upper-class family, Jewish immigrants and an African American couple with a newborn baby — as they search for belonging in a rapidly changing America. Using lectures, discussions and even music, we will examine both the times depicted in the novel and the societal factors that were at work when it was written. Fifty years have passed since “Ragtime” was published, yet its themes are still relevant: the complex drive for progress, the search for meaning and the struggle for freedom and peace.

NOTE: Participants should read the novel before the course begins. This course is part of an online share with OLLI at the University of Nevada, Reno. Please note that the last session(s) of the course extend beyond the OLLI at SOU term.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All courts, states and people are bound by it. The Declaration of Independence is our fundamental ethical document. It contains our aspirations as a nation. Both the Constitution and the Declaration are flawed documents. How are they functioning today? The fundamentals of both are being challenged today. What role do “we the people” have in understanding and dealing with these seminal pieces of our lives as citizens? No prior knowledge is required, although it would be helpful to have read the body of the Constitution (it is short — only about seven pages) with the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments) and the Declaration, beforehand. Participants of all political, ethical and societal viewpoints are welcome to this discussion.

What would you do if an emergency happened right now? Preparing for that emergency is vital. The bug-out bag has long since evolved from a backpack with water and granola bars to a comprehensive plan for caring for yourself and your family. This course is evolving with it. The goal of this course is twofold: to help you prepare to be self-sufficient until help arrives, even if that is weeks away, and to provide the knowledge and foundation to use your supplies successfully both during and after the emergency. We will look beyond prepping to topics such as situational awareness and conflict avoidance. This course specifically focuses on children and seniors. This is not a quick fix — it is a long-term undertaking that will require your time and planning. 

What would you do if an emergency happened right now? Preparing for that emergency is vital. The bug-out bag has long since evolved from a backpack with water and granola bars to a comprehensive plan for caring for yourself and your family. This course is evolving with it. The goal of this course is twofold: to help you prepare to be self-sufficient until help arrives, even if that is weeks away, and to provide the knowledge and foundation to use your supplies successfully both during and after the emergency. We will look beyond prepping to topics such as situational awareness and conflict avoidance. This course specifically focuses on children and seniors. This is not a quick fix — it is a long-term undertaking that will require your time and planning. 

Why is the English language so absurd, yet it is the language most often spoken around the world? Why are so many words pronounced differently, but spelled the same? Based on the antics of Bill Bryson, Richard Lederer, Gabe Henry and others, we will journey through history to find out why in the world K-N-I-G-H-T has so many silent letters. There is a logic to the language. There are reasons why English is so crazy, and you can discover some of the mysteries here. We will delve into the theories about how human language developed, based on extensive archeological and other scientific research. This course will explore how Homo sapiens differs from other species of the Homo genus and how we compare to other primates. Language was the pivotal development that changed the world.

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.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing! This class offers an opportunity to reawaken your inner child, reduce your stress level, exercise your body, sharpen your mental and physical reflexes and laugh a lot! Drawing on games from childhood, theater, new games and movement game sources, this is a time to have fun through interactive playful movement. Use your creativity, wit and voice; stimulate your brain with quick-thinking mind challenges; and sharpen your ability to respond quickly. All this helps to keep our brains sharp. Time for improvisation through skits, mime and comedy will be included — with no competition and no judgment — just taking time to laugh, play and have fun, knowing that play and laughter are healing. It’s recess again! 

NOTE: Good health and the ability to move well and to get up and down are requirements for this class, which will involve a lot of movement and some spurts of running. No experience is necessary. To build class connection, full attendance is appreciated for the seven weeks. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Are the Tucks blessed or cursed by eternal life? In this course we will delve into the interesting questions that have made Natalie Babbitt’s novel “Tuck Everlasting” an enduring favorite of both children and adults. First, we will get an overview of magical realism for children, then look at Babbitt’s biography and bibliography. Session 2 will be an in-depth discussion of the novel and the themes that especially resonate with adults. For Session 3, students will have an opportunity to read and report on another title by Babbitt or by another children’s fantasy author. The course will appeal most to students who enjoy informal learning and lively book discussions.

NOTE: Students are encouraged to read the entire novel before the second session.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to plant and develop your own vineyard in the Rogue Valley? This course will give you an idea of what is involved, from the science of choosing a site and varieties to plant to the financial ramifications of the current wine market. You will hear about the heartbreak of early frost and vine viruses as well as the joys of making wine from grapes you have grown and sharing it with friends. If you enjoy wine tasting, every class will include a tasting of wine made from fruit grown in the instructor’s vineyard. The final class will involve a field trip to the vineyard.

NOTE: The field trip to the vineyard will occur during the regular class time. Students will provide their own transportation or carpool and meet at the vineyard. Those who choose to walk around in the vineyard must be able to walk safely over uneven ground. However, walking in the vineyard is not required. There is no class on Oct. 12. Signed liability waiver required to participate.