Literature & Writing   

Explore nonfiction books on issues shaping our society and our lives, from the institutions we rely on to the challenges we face together. We offer thoughtful conversation and shared reflection in a welcoming environment. This fall, as our nation marks its 250th anniversary, our readings examine what it means to be an American, both as a matter of law and as a matter of lived history. First: the story of the U.S. Constitution itself, tracing how its promise of amendment has been argued over, invoked. Then we visit 13 regions of the country, revisiting the places where America has repeatedly defined and redefined itself.

Fall books: Oct - We the People: A History of the US Consittution - by Jill Lepore Nov. - This Land is Your Land - by Beverly Gage Class

Meets for two sessions at Los Alamitos on Oct.23 and Nov. 20

2 meetings only

This Hyflex class, both Zoom and on campus, will make you smile with an occasional chuckle. Come for more laughter featuring a few of my favorite comedy movies from the past and from many comedy genres. See films I have enjoyed and I hope you will too! Most are not the mainstream comedies you would expect, but rather overlooked films that deserve a second chance. Grab the popcorn and get ready to enjoy your afternoon

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

“When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you.” — George Saunders

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

In this class, participants prepare memoirs that detail memorable life experiences. Each week, members have the opportunity to share the essays they have written in advance. Participants are asked to honor an 800-word/5-minute reading time limit in order to accommodate all class members. Each author will receive supportive feedback related to his/her submission. Discovering one’s personal writing style, voice, and effectiveness are part of the fun we enjoy in this class.

This session we will read short stories from those collected in A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025. These stories include “classic” stories by well-known authors, lesser-known stories by prominent authors, and just plain excellent stories. Each week we will discuss what makes the story unique: themes, techniques, characters, atmosphere, etc. All class members participate... Our source anthology is: A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025, Deborah Treisman, Ed. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025)

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Every life is a story waiting to be heard. As elders we carry not just memories, but the meaning behind those memoires, the synthesis of a life. Aging offers a rare opportunity to pause, examine and reflect on what has been experienced. This class combines story structure and life progression with remembered events through the lens of topics like cultural life scripts, autobiographic memory, narrative identity, life themes, and reframing and repair. A high degree of interaction and personal sharing is part of this class.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Everyone has a story or stories to tell. Regretfully, they seldom are brought to life, never articulated, never shared. This class encourages us to write our stories and share them in an environment that is supportive and offers a sense of intimacy, spontaneity, and possible surprise. Each week ALL class members will read a story they have written outside of class. Please read from a printed page rather than a device. Come join our lively readings and discussions.