All Classes Alphabetical   

Explore the federal 287(g) program and its role in state and local immigration enforcement. Examine current policies, Florida's immigration initiatives, including "Alligator Alcatraz," and the legal, policy, and public safety issues surrounding them. Consider multiple perspectives on law, governance, and public policy. 

Stories, personalities, and discoveries in the development of modern science over the last several centuries.

SEA CATS: Science Education for Adults—Citizens at The Sea Jump into real marine science with SEA CATS, a hands-on adult outreach program at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory! Participants head out by boat to explore nearshore seagrass beds, actively sampling vertebrate and invertebrate communities while experiencing the excitement of fieldwork firsthand. The day continues in the lab, where discoveries from the field come to life. Along the way, participants learn not just what marine ecologists know—but also how they create knowledge—by asking questions, collecting data, and making sense of patterns in coastal ecosystems. Through engaging activities and conversation, big ideas like biodiversity, interdependence, and ecosystem health take center stage.

SEA CATS: Science Education for Adults—Citizens at The Sea Jump into real marine science with SEA CATS, a hands-on adult outreach program at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory! Participants head out by boat to explore nearshore seagrass beds, actively sampling vertebrate and invertebrate communities while experiencing the excitement of fieldwork firsthand. The day continues in the lab, where discoveries from the field come to life. Along the way, participants learn not just what marine ecologists know—but also how they create knowledge—by asking questions, collecting data, and making sense of patterns in coastal ecosystems. Through engaging activities and conversation, big ideas like biodiversity, interdependence, and ecosystem health take center stage.

A broad overview of architecture in the United States from prehistory to the present day, with emphasis on the country’s contributions to architectural principles and design.

Imagine being wrongfully imprisoned for nearly four years and turning to art to help you describe, remember, and cope with being in prison for ‘looking like the enemy. Explore the artists and their works, arts and craft, photography, sculptors, and delve into the vocational skills made available in the ten camps. Learn more about the artists who survived the camp and later became famous in their respective fields after the war. GAMON – endure with dignity.

This course is appropriate for the novice to average+ bird watcher. We will address the what, who, where, and how of bird watching in your backyard and the Tallahassee area during Fall migration. Emphasis will be to teach new ID tips & other tools for seeing & identifying birds plus introducing 3 incredible birdwatching locations near Tallahassee. We may even net a bird, band a bird and will definitely see/experience incredible bird habitats.

Class includes:

• How to make your backyard enticing where birds eat and nest

• What are basic & advanced observation tips for identifying all bird species, especially back yard birds and birds in nearby birding hotspots

• What tools (equipment, phone applications, books) are available to enhance your bird watching experiences

• When and where are bird watching hot spots in the Tallahassee area, Florida & the world; and,

• How to make the most of your fun bird watching experiences.  

Mobility Requirement: Participants must be able to walk without a walker or cane and hold binoculars at shoulder level for 2-3 minutes. This class is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Suggested Reading:

1. The Crossley ID Guide Eastern Birds, Crossley
2. Birdwatching Basics or https://myfwc.com/media/10650/birdwatching-basics-2010.pdf
3. Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, Kaufman

Have you ever been dive-bombed by mysterious winged creatures at twilight? You may have had an encounter with bats. These incredible animals have created wonder, trepidation and an entire franchise of super hero movies, but they're so much more! Learn about the real-life super powers bats have, and what to do if they decide to take up residence in your Belfry (er, attic)!

 

Curious about ChatGPT but nervous — even a little creeped out? You’re not alone. This class takes the mystery and anxiety out of AI. It’ll help you simplify everyday tasks, make technology less stressful, and discover what you didn’t know you could do. Learn simple, practical ways to use free AI tools to: • Respond to email — whether it’s an emotional family debate or an intimidating letter from your insurance company. • Understand confusing instructions, bills, or forms. • Plan bigger projects like downsizing, travel, or event hosting. • Organize what to watch, find your next book, or explore new hobbies. Along the way, you’ll learn how to stay in control, so that AI works for you. No experience or paid Activityounts are necessary.

Dive into the transformative world of breathwork and healthy movement— a journey to enhance awareness and improve overall well-being. Explore how breath control profoundly influences body-mind-breath interaction to calm, cool, balance, and energize. Engage in concentrated guided breathwork followed by intentional movement with breath in Gentle Chair Yoga. Use a chair in seated and standing poses for greater stability and balance. Experience how connection to your breath and healthy movement helps you to live more mindfully.

In this engaging six-week online course, we will explore the works and legacies of charismatic classical performers through anecdotes, stories, humor, and rich audiovisual examples. The focus will be on artists who redefined technical brilliance, tonal richness, and showmanship on the piano, violin, cello, and other instruments. We will contrast performers who achieve a compelling balance of intensity, passion, and bold elegance—musicians whose distinctive sounds have captivated audiences over the past 150 years. Legendary figures such as Arthur Rubinstein, Jascha Heifetz, Lang Lang, and Itzhak Perlman will be the focal point of the course.

The debate about climate change can be summarized in four basic questions. These include 1. Is it warming?, 2. Why?, 3. What's the risk, either economic or otherwise? and 4. What can we do and at what cost? The current debate - as limited as it is - has focused generally on the last two but with some politicians renewing old arguments about settled science - questions 1 and 2. We will review the status of each of these questions while depicting pros and cons of various stakeholders.

Learn the lifesaving skills of CPR and AED use in this American Heart Association certified course. Gain the confidence to respond in an emergency with hands-on instruction and certification upon successful completion.

To complete an American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) CPR certification, you must physically demonstrate the required psychomotor skills on a training manikin on the floor. This includes performing continuous, uninterrupted chest compressions at a depth of at least 2 inches and a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, alongside delivering effective rescue breaths.  

Physical & Skill Demands

Do you have a physical limitation or injury that makes kneeling or heavy chest compressions difficult? Once you register, we can explain your options for official accommodation or modified testing with your instructor.

 

Jimmy Buffet, in his song "Margaritaville," told us we all have to eventually admit that our problems are largely our "own damn fault." This course will use that sentiment to review the current state of governance in America and discuss avenues to improve the political future of the nation.

 

We will explore the fundamentals of the photographic process. We’ll master basic digital camera operation (including cell phone cameras). All your photographic questions will be answered and you’ll quickly feel comfortable capturing better digital photographs. We will have digital image critiques from images classmates produce and bring to class, and from the photo safaris we take during class-time.

 

Fall OLLI Photography Class photo,  11/06/2025, Bob O'Lary

This course is designed for students who have a basic knowledge (those with limited knowledge are also welcome) of Spanish and want to improve their conversational and grammar skills to the next level. The course includes fun interactive activities for practice. Conversation is encouraged in a relaxed and casual atmosphere so that students feel comfortable and confident in our class. Looking forward to sharing this beautiful language with you. ¡HASTA LUEGO!

This course is designed for students who have a fair knowledge of Spanish and want to improve not only their grammatical skills but especially their conversational skills. In the class, we will be reading, writing, and translating Spanish using interactive activities, which help the student feel more confident in speaking this beautiful language at a higher level. The aim is to encourage each student to participate fully and enjoy the experience of being bilingual. ¡ADIOS!

This course is a continuation from last semester’s examination of human sexuality through an evolutionary and cultural perspective. Sexual selection theory is the lens through which we will view human sexuality in a biological and cultural framework. Topics include attractiveness, sexual orientation, parental investment, and the science of sex. Online research survey results will also be discussed.

This course will consist of visits to historic sites in Tallahassee and the surrounding area that are managed by the State of Florida. Collectively experiencing these sites through a combination of lectures and guided tours will provide students with an overview of major themes in Florida history from the pre-contact period to post-World War II.

During this three-part course, we will cover the behavior, ecology, conservation, and management of the manatees and sea turtles​​​​​​​ that are found in Florida's waterways, coastal areas, and beaches. We will share how FWC and our numerous partners help conserve these iconic, imperiled species.

Students will learn and explore elemental yoga poses sitting in chairs and standing using chairs for balance. The focus will be on learning to adjust movements and poses to meet individual needs and abilities. Each 3-week session can be taken separately or join both for more practice and continuity.

This three-week mini-course will emphasize discussion and encompass two topical areas selected by the Foreign Policy Association for discussion -- U.S. Engagement involving the continent of Africa, and the Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World, thereby exploring different topical areas than were explored during the Spring 2026 semester. An open forum will be maintained in one instance in an effort to be responsive to emerging issues of the day.

This course will focus on science-based physical fitness exercises, diets, and supplements for seniors. The lectures will provide practical approaches towards exercise that reduce risks of injury while maximizing results. Proper diet, sleep, and supplements will be discussed to assist students in improving their overall health and fitness. Students will be provided with handouts with links to science-based articles and numerous videos showing excellent exercises for seniors, with a focus on safety and longevity.

Back by popular demand, this course continues the Spring semester series with new topics from faculty at the FSU College of Medicine. Topics may include medication management, approaches to improving health, dementia and depression, and lifestyle medicine for older adults. 

This course will cover the significant political, military, social, economic, and cultural developments in postwar Leon County. We will examine how global, national, and state history connects with and influences Leon County. Granular stories and major events will be described to illustrate those connections.

In this class we will begin with a written dialogue we will read together and expand into more spontaneous conversation after our warm-up dialogue. We will hone in on pronunciation and address questions about language in the first part of class, so that we can relax into something more natural to individual students in the latter half. Each class will include at least 15 minutes of "atelier" or workshop, where I will give one-on-one pronunciation coaching to every member of class. Class will feature food and beverage tastings from regional France, and some listening to French music.

This course introduces novice learners to the fundamental elements of Japanese language and culture. It examines how key language features function as vehicles for cultural expression and communication. Instruction emphasizes the use of Roman characters to develop foundational skills in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Interactive conversational practice enhances listening and speaking aimed at functional proficiency. The course also integrates topics related to Japanese culture, history, and notable cultural and sightseeing destinations.

Italian for Travelers is an introduction to Italian language through the lens of culture. This beginner-friendly course is open to all levels of experience. Through an imagined journey to six Italian cities novice students will develop a working knowledge of basic Italian that sidesteps the need for complex grammar instruction. Along the way, they will personalize the material to suit their goals and interests, enjoy lively conversation, and pick up a lot of communication and study strategies. Returning or experienced students can review and strengthen that foundation while expanding their skills and adding new vocabulary. This course also includes supplemental materials for home study.

Suggested Reading: 

• Practice Makes Perfect: Italian (various topics)
• Any current phrase book (e.g. Berlitz, Lonely Planet)
• Any good Italian-English dictionary

 

Through evocative photos and descriptions, this talk will cover the many ways to explore our Big Bend region by foot, bike, and​​​​​​​ kayak. It is also an armchair journey through our remaining wilderness, where native creatures still roam through unspoiled landscapes and waterways, and where we are only visitors who stay long enough to snap a few photos and absorb the feeling of wildness.

Know Your Rights as You Age will expose you to the basic legal concepts one should be familiar with as they age. Topics will include advance health care planning, powers of attorney, guardianship, rights in long-term care facilities, Medicare and Medicaid, protecting yourself from financial exploitation and abuse, and more. Trained law students from the Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic will join in on the presentations and provide insight on specific areas of law they are studying.

The story of how the “Me Decade” transformed into the final phase of the Cold War. Starting in the final months of 1978 and extending throughout 1979 the period of torpor, malaise, and polyester was replaced by revolution in Iran, near-meltdown at Three Mile Island, tectonic shifts in China, the reworking of the intelligence authority, and the onset of a proxy war between the US and USSR in Afghanistan. Through the use of video, documents, music, and news of the day, this will tell the story of how the seventies ended before the decade was over.

Join me for an intimate look into the evolution of my nature-inspired art practice and latest collection, Fossilizing the Forest Floor. In this presentation, I will share how my life and work are taking me a step deeper into the woods—quite literally.  How my evolving technique of permanently embedding organic elements—such as moss, bark, petals, and lichen—directly into my pieces coincides with my land conservation work. 

This course is designed for recreational pianists. Anyone who loves music and has always wanted to learn piano is welcome to take this course.

 

Explore how the turmoil of the late 1920s and early 1930s gave rise to infamous American criminals. This session compares Al Capone’s Chicago outfit, the Dillinger gang, and Bonnie and Clyde—their motives, methods, and lasting impact.

On November 3, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 in the Senate will be up for re-election! Hundreds of local and state offices/issues will be settled! Turn-out in POTUS elections is around 60%. Mid-terms? Barely 40%! This mid-term may be more consequential than any recent election. So, let’s dig into all the national issues, looking at how they rank – by party affiliation, generation, and region. We’ll look at some of the better forecasts of results and we’ll conduct our own on-line, in-class polls of issues/results. YES, we will forecast the House – Senate results by party!

Meet the Purple Martin, North America’s largest swallow and a beloved, social bird now in decline. Learn about its unique habits, migration, challenges, and how you can help protect its future.

 

Revisit Harper Lee's beloved classic and explore the timeless themes that continue to resonate today. Through guided discussion, participants will examine key characters, moral dilemmas, justice, prejudice, childhood, and the social dynamics of Maycomb. Together, we'll consider the novel's enduring questions about conscience, courage, and compassion, and why To Kill a Mockingbird remains one of America's most influential works of literature.

Michael Kinnicutt presents an overview of ancient Roman history, spanning more than two millennia. Beginning with its founding as a kingdom in 753 BCE, we will trace the evolution of Rome from its humble, tribal beginnings into one of the world’s greatest empires. The tumultuous growing pains of the republic (510 – 27 BCE) culminated with the creation of an empire that lasted five centuries (27 BCE – 476 CE). After the Western part of the empire’s slow, but probably inevitable, decline, the legacy of Rome continued for another millennium in its final iteration as the Byzantine Empire (330 -- 1453 CE). We will focus on the political and military institutions, governance systems, and legendary personalities that combined to create a complex, and often combative, historical narrative.

The turn of the 20th century is a momentous period in Russian history, often underappreciated. While the 19th century is considered the Golden Age of Russian civilization, and the transformative events of the Soviet period attract much attention, this course will focus on the two decades known as the Silver Age of Russian literature and culture, when three revolutions occurred in Russia in quick succession. We will examine the political, philosophical, economic, and cultural developments of that period—and how Russia got from Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky to the Gulag camp.

This course will describe what it means to make a film and how that knowledge can improve how you think about and watch films. We will spend the first class learning about the entire process of making films, from initial ideas, shooting and editing practices, to the business side and distribution. Using this knowledge, we will then watch and analyze short films (films that are 40 minutes or less) that are award-winning and have universal themes. We will watch documentary, fiction, and animated shorts and discuss the themes, cinematic elements, and messages of each. Films from last summer will not be repeated.

This course explores the events surrounding American independence from the British perspective, investigating the political, cultural, and military responses to the crisis engulfing the Empire. In particular, it will think of the War of Independence as a civil war and consider how this perspective shaped attitudes to the conflict. The course will also consider how people in the UK itself, and other parts of the British world, were inspired by happenings in America, and sought to change conditions in Britain and other parts of the British Empire in the wake of American successes.

He’s a “Mean One,” but the Grinch is also part of how we celebrate the holidays. This course begins with a profile of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, and how he created the character in his 1957 book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! We’ll then explore how Seuss’ book became a beloved TV special, look at Jim Carrey’s live-action film adaptation, 2018’s animated feature, and the influence that the Grinch has had on the holiday season and pop culture. “The Grinch: From Page, to Screen, to Holiday Icon” celebrates the impact that Dr. Seuss’ story and its message have had on our lives.

Join us as we step into the lives and worlds behind some of literature’s most enduring voices. We will journey along the Missis1-Session In-Personpi River with Mark Twain during the Gilded Age, discover the imaginative landscape and powerful works of the Brontë Sisters, and immerse ourselves into the vibrant, restless world of the Lost Generation with Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein in Paris during the Jazz Age. These lectures combine storytelling, history, and discussion, bringing these writers to life while revealing how their experiences shaped the works we continue to cherish.

Contrary to popular belief, the Roman Empire did not come to an end with the loss of its western provinces. The eastern half of the empire survived until 476 AD and continued to thrive for another millennium. In this course we will explore the nature of this new medieval Christian Roman empire through biographies of several of its most notable rulers in addition to examining contemporary Activityounts of the rise of Islam and the Crusades.

What’s in a name? We will explore the importance of names in Jewish tradition from biblical times until today, including the name of God and even our own names. We will then delve into the power of words and language, in Jewish teaching, to both create and destroy. We will also examine the role of silence when words are limiting.

In this course, students will explore how stars are born within vast clouds of gas and dust, how they shine and evolve over millions or even billions of years, and how they meet their dramatic ends as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. Along the way, we will investigate stellar color, temperature, size, and energy, while discovering how these attributes shape our universe. This course blends astronomy, physics, and cosmic storytelling into an engaging exploration of the universe’s most brilliant inhabitants.

In 1633 the deeply religious townspeople of Oberammergau in Southern Germany prayed to their God to stop the bubonic plague that had entered their village. The plague had been ravaging Europe during the Thirty Years War (1618-48), killing an estimated two-thirds of the continent’s population. The townspeople promised to honor their God’s life, suffering, crucifixion, and ascension with a performance every ten years. God heard their prayers. The course addresses the geography, traditions, art, music, woodcarving, and historic sightseeing places of Bavaria, and evolution of the play. Charges of its alleged antisemitic text and its revision and the historical development of types of customs, orchestral music, and glorious chorus over time are analyzed in this intensive six-week class.

This course explores women writers of Provence, France, examining the intersections of history, place, and writing from a woman’s perspective. Readings include works by historical and contemporary authors: Azalais de Porcairagues, the Four Sisters of Provence, Elizabeth Bard, and Gwenaëlle Aubry. The course is conducted in English with some French language tips.