College for Seniors   

The enneagram is a model of the human psyche that describes nine interconnected types, each with a unique pattern of survival skills, core motivations and giftedness. It offers a path to self-awareness, understanding and development. Abundant Enneagram explores how a person who is aware of the challenging parts of themselves 20% of the time, can then focus 80% of their time and energy on their gift. We will learn ways to bring out that 80% in an interactive and practical approach to the enneagram.

We will build upon the concepts from part 1 of this course by further exploring our type to focus on personal growth and development. We will also discuss interpersonal dynamics between types and the invitation to live from abundance. Prerequisites: CFS’s Abundant Enneagram, Part 1. Recommended textbook: The Enneagram of the Soul: A 40-Day Spiritual Companion for the Nine Types by Nhien Vuong (2025), ISBN: 978-1642970623. Materials: Journal, pen.

We will study and discuss selected photographers whose primary work dates from 1925 to 1960. Photographers will include Dorothea Lange (1895-1965), Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971), Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) and more. Note: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in the series to enjoy this one.

Athens was the intellectual and artistic center of ancient Greece. A drama festival honoring the god Dionysus was held there every spring; ideas and values presented in those plays have profoundly influenced Western thought. We will read a selection of plays written by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes in their historical context, exploring their structure, themes and enduring significance. Prerequisites: Previous experience with the classics is helpful but not required. Required textbooks: The Complete Aeschylus, Volume I: The Oresteia, eds. Peter Burian and Alan Shapiro (2011), ISBN: 978-0199753635; Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles, trans. Peter Meineck and Paul Woodruff (2000), ISBN: 978-0872204928; Medea by Euripides, trans. Diane Svarlien (2008), ISBN: 978-0872209237; and Lysistrata by Aristophanes, trans. Sarah Ruden (2003), ISBN: 978-0872206038.

Beyond beautiful flower arrangements, ikebana (“giving life to flowers”) is a contemplative practice firmly rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics and the philosophies of wabi sabi, simplicity, understated elegance and living harmoniously with nature. We will practice this graceful, ephemeral art by creating arrangements from simple miniatures to table centerpieces for the holidays including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to use garden scissors to clip flowers and small branches. Materials: Garden scissors and large Japanese kenzan (flower frog). Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for fresh flowers and other shared materials.

We will explore the important work of playwright Arthur Miller (1915-2005). After reading and discussing each play, we will watch its film adaptation, then compare and contrast them. Required textbooks (any edition, all by Arthur Miller): Death of a Salesman (1949), The Crucible (1953), A View from the Bridge (1955) and All My Sons (1947).

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and it is getting better as it matures. After an overview of different AIs and how they deliver results, we will focus on interacting with AI in order to get the results we really want. Class time will include real-time examples that participants can then try at home to get more comfortable using AI. Materials: Participants should have internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet; no subscriptions are needed, although participants may need to create accounts if trying at home.

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and it is getting better as it matures. After an overview of different AIs and how they deliver results, we will focus on interacting with AI in order to get the results we really want. Class time will include real-time examples that participants can then try at home to get more comfortable using AI. Materials: Participants should have internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet; no subscriptions are needed, although participants may need to create accounts if trying at home.

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and it is getting better as it matures. After an overview of different AIs and how they deliver results, we will focus on interacting with AI in order to get the results we really want. Class time will include real-time examples that participants can then try at home to get more comfortable using AI. Materials: Participants should have internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet; no subscriptions are needed, although participants may need to create accounts if trying at home.

We will discuss the latest in baseball statistics: what they mean, how they are used and which ones we can safely disregard in evaluating players, both current and some long since retired. We will also look at data on baseball strategy, how it is used and what possibly questionable choices are still being made due to recent changes in how the game is played. Notes: This course is designed for serious baseball fans. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will discuss the latest in baseball statistics: what they mean, how they are used and which ones we can safely disregard in evaluating players, both current and some long since retired. We will also look at data on baseball strategy, how it is used and what possibly questionable choices are still being made due to recent changes in how the game is played. Notes: This course is designed for serious baseball fans. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Have you decided that yoga is not for you because you think it is going to be hard, you are too stiff or you tried it once and found it too taxing to continue? Chair yoga is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of yoga without the difficulties of a regular practice. We will begin at the beginning and modify traditional yoga into accessible variations. Everyone can do yoga, no matter our flexibility! Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510.

We will learn how to play chess and strategies for the opening, middle game and endgame. We will cover how pieces move, castling, en passant, checkmate/stalemate and checkmate patterns through lecture, worksheets, analyzing real-life games and live play in the classroom. Recommended textbook: Everyone's First Chess Workbook by Peter Giannatos (2021), ISBN: 978-9056919887.

Meditation helps us to focus, quiet the mind and direct our energy. We will review various types of meditation and discuss physical techniques such as balancing, grounding and other methods to redirect energy. We will also study the energy centers, often called chakras or energy wheels, and how these impact our body and mind. Each class will include the practice of meditation.

Playing poker helps keep the memory sharp and provides an enjoyable social outlet. We will learn the general rules of three basic types of poker games then explore some of its many fun variations. Notes: This course is for newcomers to poker only. Participants will need a working Zoom camera and to participate with it turned on. Materials: Pencil, paper and deck of cards.

Are you afraid of adding beads to your needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, quilting or other craft projects? We will create a sampler with different stitches using beads and learn different beading techniques that can be applied to any craft project. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to handle needles and thread, maintain tension and read a chart. Required textbook: Bead Embroidery, The Complete Guide: Bring New Dimension to Classic Needlework by Jane Davis (2005), ISBN: 978-0873498883. Materials (depends on participant’s project): 12" × 12" needlepoint canvas, Aida cloth for counted cross-stitch or quilting cotton. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $5 for shared beads and threads.

Beavers—exceptional engineers and North America's largest semiaquatic rodent—have long played a critical and controversial role in the continent’s history, settlement, popular culture, chemistry and ecology. We will learn about the role beavers have played in the history and ecology of water systems, the causes and results of their near-extinction, and their importance in combatting the effects of the climate crisis. We will also consider beavers’ cultural role including folklore, mythology, literature, cartoons and art, and discuss conservation, restoration and relocation efforts for beavers in Europe and North America.

Beavers—exceptional engineers and North America's largest semiaquatic rodent—have long played a critical and controversial role in the continent’s history, settlement, popular culture, chemistry and ecology. We will learn about the role beavers have played in the history and ecology of water systems, the causes and results of their near-extinction, and their importance in combatting the effects of the climate crisis. We will also consider beavers’ cultural role including folklore, mythology, literature, cartoons and art, and discuss conservation, restoration and relocation efforts for beavers in Europe and North America.

In Sanskrit, the word Buddhism translates as “the study and practice of awakening.” Awakening can be described as the discovery of our core intelligence and its connection to all of creation. We will examine teachings such as the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the three refuges and the bodhisattva vow, and consider how they lead to an awakened life. Prerequisites: While it is helpful for participants to have some knowledge of meditation and esotericism, it is more important to have a sincere desire to learn about and apply these perspectives.

You must be a current OLLI member to register for College for Seniors courses.

Some courses may have additional fees, as noted in the course description.

We will cover chemical reactions which occur all around us and even within us. Some we notice, like heat generated by fire; others we are less aware of, like those in batteries in cordless tools. We will see results of reactions such as chrome plating on 1950s cars, rusted pliers left outside, photosynthesis, decay, fermentation, soap-making, plastics, metabolism and more!

We will join undergraduate students in UNC Asheville’s course Aging and Human Development once per week to explore and discuss generational similarities and differences. Topics will include the life course theory; emerging adulthood vs. youth; the shifting role of higher education; technology and connection; family and independence; identity and social justice; work, purpose and the future; and the shared journey. This is a unique opportunity for deep intergenerational engagement.

We will examine four controversial topics in modern medicine: vaccines, autism, foreign workers as healthcare providers and genetic engineering. Drawing on scientific, historical and social perspectives, we will explore why these subjects generate debate and seek to understand the impact of misinformation, politics and financial interests. Discussion will include ethical concerns as well as the potential for misuse and unintended consequences. Thoughtful discussion and critical thinking about complex medical issues will be encouraged. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will examine four controversial topics in modern medicine: vaccines, autism, foreign workers as healthcare providers and genetic engineering. Drawing on scientific, historical and social perspectives, we will explore why these subjects generate debate and seek to understand the impact of misinformation, politics and financial interests. Discussion will include ethical concerns as well as the potential for misuse and unintended consequences. Thoughtful discussion and critical thinking about complex medical issues will be encouraged. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will move beyond beginner Spanish and strengthen our language skills. Each week, we will discuss a short, preassigned reading on culture as inspiration for spontaneous as well as guided conversations, improve oral skills through some grammar review and expand our understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisites: At least two years of college-level Spanish or equivalent (present/past tenses of verbs and communicate basic information, ask/answer personal questions and understand sentence-length speech or longer from a native-level speaker); contact the instructor with questions. Note: As course materials are new each term, previous participants are welcome to repeat this course. Recommended textbook: Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish by Joseph Keenan (2015), ISBN: 978-0292761933.

By discussing six unclassified case studies in detail, we will examine the dynamics of counterintelligence investigations and their critical importance to U.S. national security. Prerequisites: This seminar is intended for those who are interested in but not intimately familiar with the field of counterintelligence). Note: Participants are expected to come to class prepared to discuss each case in detail, and should be able to hear and interact with others.

We will explore how to create and maintain habits for lifestyles that support healthy longevity for older adults. We will cover material from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, James Clear’s Atomic Habits (2018) and related content in our slide presentations and small-group discussions. We will focus on the important, simple, and practical things we can control, and leverage them for optimal aging. Prerequisites: Participants should be curious about exploring and making behavioral changes for a healthy lifestyle.

We will watch and discuss films featuring political crime and corruption, and compare them with their source material. Prerequisites: Participants must have a working email. Note: Films will be close-captioned. Recommended textbooks (any edition): All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (1947); Absolute Power by David Baldacci (1996); Wag the Dog by Larry Beinhart (1993); and All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward (1974).

We will focus on key areas in the U.S. economy including trade, taxation, monetary and fiscal policy, banking, infrastructure, population growth trends and inequality. We will examine current data, review historic trends and consider possible consequences of decisions. As we move into an important election cycle, it is critical that we discuss and examine these issues. Prerequisites: Participants should be open to courteous discussion.

We will focus on key areas in the U.S. economy including trade, taxation, monetary and fiscal policy, banking, infrastructure, population growth trends and inequality. We will examine current data, review historic trends and consider possible consequences of decisions. As we move into an important election cycle, it is critical that we discuss and examine these issues. Prerequisites: Participants should be open to courteous discussion.

We will trace the Crusades from their contemporary world to their enduring legacies. We will examine pressures facing Byzantium, the Islamic Golden Age, feudal rivalries of medieval Europe and the religious, political and economic forces behind the First Crusade and the fall of Jerusalem in 1099. We will follow the Muslim resurgence under Saladin, his rivalry with Richard the Lionheart and the decline and fall of the Crusader movement in 1291. We will end with legacies of cultural exchange, military orders and lasting tensions.

We will explore everyday technologies that shape modern life from phone apps and social media to streaming, smart-home devices and emerging AI tools. Through guided exploration and real-world examples, we will build confidence navigating digital platforms, staying connected with others and using technology to make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable.

PBS broadcasts great foreign series during late hours, and finding them on its website is difficult. We will discover two of these award-winning shows: Astrid et Raphaëlle, a French thriller in which an autistic archivist and an impulsive inspector work together to solve crimes; and Velvet, a feel-good Spanish drama across social class in a late-1950s fashion house. We will discuss themes that develop over the series, their award nominations and uncover similar buried content.

Plants hold an energetic signature: an electromagnetic charge that conveys information. We will learn lucid dreaming-style meditations to explore the subconscious and connect with higher guides, ancestors and the spirits of plants and animals. Together, we will meditate and experience a shared dreaming experience, reflecting how indigenous peoples accessed the healing power of plants. Prerequisites: Some meditations will take place outdoors on campus; participants may choose to stand, sit or lie down, and should be comfortable navigating paved and unpaved surfaces. Note: Participants do not need to have participated in other courses in the series to enjoy this one. Recommended textbook: Plant Spirit Medicine: A Journey into the Healing Wisdom of Plants by Eliot Cowan (2014), ISBN: 978-1622030958. Materials: Journal (required); cushion or blanket for outdoor meditations (optional).

We will explore the uniqueness of the southern Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest and most biodiverse ranges in the world. Each week, a different guest speaker will present their area of expertise, providing participants with an understanding of public lands, adaptive stewardship, hydrology, native and invasive plants, the human ecology of our region and how climate change is impacting these areas.

We will explore the history and future of energy use and its effects on climate. The 10 warmest years on record have occurred in the past decade. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have risen 50% since the Industrial Revolution—overwhelmingly due to fossil-fuel burning—resulting in ongoing warming of the climate. Human energy use has evolved rapidly over the past two centuries. How quickly we transition from non-fossil fuels will determine whether the warming is manageable or catastrophic. Note: Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

In his Booker Prize-winning novel, Canadian author Michael Ondaatje (born 1943) takes the reader from ancient Greece, Egypt and the Italian Renaissance to World War II and questions the concept of civilization, how nations divide and destroy each other, and the human need to make sense of the world’s madness. We will focus on this work of metafiction with its rich references to art, history and literature through close reading and watching clips from the Oscar-winning film. Required textbook: The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (1992), ISBN: 978-0679745204.

We will work in small teams to create short films using our smartphones. We will cover each part of the filmmaking process including pre-production, production and post-production, and participate in collegial critiques of our fellow teams’ films. Prerequisites: Participants should be willing to work on projects as a team and dedicate some production time outside of class. Note: As this is a progressive, team-based course that builds on knowledge gained in each class, participants should only sign up if they can attend all classes. Materials: Smartphone (required), tripod and video-editing app (recommended); the instructor will provide more information to enrolled participants.

We will explore strategies on how to deal with the most common financial-planning issues associated with retirement. Topics are universal among retirees including tax-planning, distributions and sustainable withdrawal rates, portfolio construction and leaving a legacy through philanthropy and estate-planning. We will learn strategies to help guide us to a rewarding and successful retirement.

Today, most Americans remember presidents who served in times of war or during our lives. While we may forget others, their times may have been equally tumultuous; this was particularly true of the decades following the Civil War. We will explore presidents from Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) to Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) and how the crises of their times—Reconstruction, spoils politics, the gold/silver vs. greenback debate, assassinations and the emergence of the U.S. onto the world stage—can provide insights on today’s United States.

We will complete and understand physics experiments performed using materials from the kitchen and garage, including static electricity, home electricity, circular motion, optics and more. We will also revisit previous experiments with new, upgraded equipment. Prerequisites: None; the use of equations is rather infrequent. Note: Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

We will prepare to access a meditative state independently. Compared to other approaches, functional meditation has been identified by past participants as the “express elevator” to your personal meditation level. We will use functional meditation as a method to reduce pain, improve sleep, manifest something good and find a parking place among other more important issues. There will be discussion and at least three meditation processes practiced at each session. Note: As the course is progressive, participants should register only if they can attend all class meetings. Participants are required to practice daily to develop the skill so should have a place at home to recline in comfort. Materials: Mat; a pillow and blanket or beach towel for warmth are recommended.

The Eternal City’s sculptures and monuments often record the political triumphs of its victorious rulers, mythological tales and sacred religious themes. We will explore the many art museums, archeological sites, churches, palaces and fountains throughout Rome, focusing on the chronological development of classical and religious art and architecture from antiquity down to the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

We will explore the history, construction and evolution of the Great Wall of China. We will consider the 11 dynasties that built and defended the wall as well as its impact on Chinese political, military, economic and social history. We will also cover the relationship between the Great Wall and the Silk Road. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Treat your feet as if they were grandchildren! In this course based on the Feldenkrais Method, we will learn to mobilize the joints and soft tissue of the feet to improve flexibility, circulation, sensation and, ultimately, balance. Each week, we will begin with a floor lesson to improve awareness and flexibility throughout the body and will end with a standing lesson to promote balance. We will also discuss shoe fit, reflexology and direct foot care. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to reach their own feet to effectively learn mobilization skills and to get down to the floor independently. Note: As the course is progressive, participants should register only if they can attend all class meetings. Materials: Mat (required); rolled towel/bolster for neck or knees (optional).

We will gain insight into our personalities using astrological theory. Topics include astrology basics, interpreting a birth chart, transits and aspects, predictive tools and how to use them, and celebrities’ charts.

We will look at a practical, physician-developed framework for aging well that draws on geriatrics and lifestyle medicine. We will explore how the body changes with age and how to improve energy, strength, cognition and overall health. Each week will focus on a key domain including activity, nutrition, sleep and habits with clear, actionable strategies. The framework will help us think about health more systematically and make meaningful, sustainable changes. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Are you interested in walking the Camino de Santiago, the 1200-year-old trail through northern Spain? We will begin with a brief history of the Camino then discuss considerations when choosing which route to take, physical preparations like training and packing, as well as the various options for eating and sleeping along the way. Note: Participants should have an active interest in planning a Camino walk as opposed to a simple interest in learning more about it.

We will enjoy a different hike each week to learn about the ecology, history and land-conservation efforts of the Southern Appalachian region! Each week we will hike on a different Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy property, conservation easement or U.S. Forest Service land. Prerequisites: Before the course begins, participants must be able to hike at least four miles on varied terrain with an elevation gain of up to 1000 feet. Note: All trailheads are located within a 50-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Hiking boots, rain jacket, backpack and water bottle.

We will explore feminism as it deals with the backlash against women’s rights with emphasis on reproductive care, health and safety, and the gender pay gap. We will also examine how the interests of feminism and the environment intersect. We will draw on ancient fierce goddesses—archetypes in the Jungian sense—as a way to reinvigorate a flagging feminist movement for women and their male allies. Recommended textbook: Righteous Rage: Why Feminism Needs the Fierce Goddesses by Susan Foster (2025), ISBN: 978-1685035808.

We will survey antisemitism through ancient literature, Christian scripture, early Church fathers, councils, Crusades, Reformation leaders and movements, and pogroms from 1000 CE through the Shoah (Holocaust). Class time will include lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: Participants should have a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will survey antisemitism through ancient literature, Christian scripture, early Church fathers, councils, Crusades, Reformation leaders and movements, and pogroms from 1000 CE through the Shoah (Holocaust). Class time will include lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: Participants should have a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will trace the development of Jewish comedy in the U.S. from its immigrant roots to contemporary stand-up and television. Through lecture, discussion and video clips, we will examine how humor reflects identity, assimilation and cultural tension, and how Jewish comedians helped define American comedy itself. Note: Participants may experience off-color language.

How did the internet become so central to daily life? We will trace the history of the information superhighway from early foundations through the web era, e-commerce and social networking to today’s digital platforms. Whether you are nostalgic for America Online or curious about what comes next, this non-technical course will inform and broaden our understanding of the online world. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

It is amazing how many memories involve meals shared around a table. Fancy or basic, each family’s meals are unique signatures. Just like food, recipes should be shared. We will discuss how to write a cookbook that shares your recipes with friends and family. We will dive into developing a concept, writing recipes, deciding on a format and designing a publication.

Although Mark Twain (1835-1910), America’s greatest humorist, is best known as a novelist, his short stories are equally brilliant gems of humor and satire. They include tall tales of the American West, literary hoaxes, spoofs of bureaucracy and married life, and biting satires of greed and organized religion. Each week, before class we will read a few stories then discuss them in class, focusing on the targets, techniques and tone of Twain’s humor and satire. Required textbook: The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain, ed. Charles Neider, ISBN: 978-0553211955.

Are you worried about losing your balance? While a common concern for older adults, there are simple ways to improve steadiness and reduce risk of falling. We will learn practical exercises to build strength for stepping safely, improve mobility for day-to-day activities and build confidence around balance. Prerequisites: Exercises will be done seated and standing next to a chair. Participants should be comfortable getting up and down from a chair unassisted and standing for 15 minutes at a time. Notes: As this course is progressive, participants should only sign up if they plan to attend each week. Former participants who wish to repeat this course may sign up during open registration.

We will understand and apply the rules summarized on the back of the 2026 National Mah Jongg League card to ensure we feel comfortable with gameplay procedures, scoring basics and common situations at the table. We will learn a reliable method for selecting and committing to a hand, plus an effective Charleston strategy: what to pass, what to keep. Prerequisites: OLLI’s Beginner Mah Jongg or equivalent experience; contact the instructor with questions. Note: Contact the instructor in advance with questions about accommodations for participation/color blindness.

Have you done yoga in the past but now find traditional poses too taxing? We will practice mindfulness, adapt standing and floor poses to a chair in order to reintegrate an active yoga practice into our lives, and accept and enjoy our bodies just as they are! Prerequisites: CFS’s Beginner Chair Yoga or equivalent experience; contact the instructor with questions. Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510.

We will learn about the history of black-and-white photography and will gain skills to produce images for printing. We will tune our photographic eye to B&W, capture images suited to convert from color, explore post-processing apps and techniques, and learn how to use them. Class time will include lecture, discussion and hands-on processing, with homework to complete between classes. Materials: Digital SLR or mirrorless camera and laptop computer with applications including Lightroom, Photoshop, iPhoto (optional) and NIK.

Mosaic is a slip-stitch and colorwork knitting technique that creates patterns using one color at a time. We will begin by learning and practicing mosaic knitting, then we will choose a project to knit in class. Prerequisites: Participants should have basic knitting skills (knit, purl, cast-on/-off) and be able to read and follow a pattern. Materials: Needles and yarn; size, amount and cost will depend on each participant’s chosen pattern.

Has your yoga practice stopped being enjoyable? Are the poses becoming more difficult or even impossible? Did you quit because you kept hurting yourself? If for whatever reason you no longer find joy in practicing yoga, this course is for you! We will practice mindfulness and explore modifications to traditional poses in order to return to the essence: sthira sukha asanam (“right effort”), or finding a good balance between effort and relaxation. Prerequisites: Participants will need to be able to get up and down from the floor, and have/have had a regular yoga practice. Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510. Materials: Yoga mat, cushion, strap/belt and other props if needed.

We will build on the fundamentals from previous improv courses or experience and learn to make strategic performance choices that elevate the overall production. We will master show structure by breaking down the mechanics of a flawless performance, develop host skills to lead the room with confidence and unlock advanced engagement techniques to create a memorable experience for the audience. Prerequisites: CFS’s Introduction to Improv or equivalent experience; contact the instructor with questions. Note: Participants will perform a short-form improv show at the Reuter Center on November 16.

We will delve into color theory, from paint-mixing and color interaction to the cultural and emotional significance of color. We will explore color temperature, saturation and value, and how they can be used to create depth, contrast and meaning. Hands-on exercises will include gouache paint and Josef Albers' experiments with colored paper. This course is for everyone, whether you are simply curious about color or want to dive deeper into color use in your own art. Materials: The instructor will email a detailed materials list to participants before the first class; approximate cost (if buying new): $35.

The Celtic Moral Code says, “live from deep inner knowledge of heart and soul, manifest it by physical action and be true to one’s word.” We will explore earth-centered Celtic spirituality, which respects the land, its spirits and the mysticism of the Otherworld. We will virtually visit sacred sites and explore celebrations and ceremonies of the eight-fold Celtic calendar, and conclude with a hands-on activity of creating personal icons. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $5 for shared art materials.

Centuries after she lived, Jane Austen (1775-1817) still captures our imaginations. We will read one of her earliest works, Lady Susan, an epistolary novella, and her last novel, Persuasion; examine the arc of her writing life; view several films; and consider whether she was a conformist or subversive author. Note: The instructor will provide links to additional online materials. Required textbooks (both by Jane Austen; any edition): Lady Susan (circa 1794) and Persuasion (1817).

In the 1960s and 1970s, Joan Baez (born 1941) emerged as a powerful voice of conscience, celebrated both for her distinctive musical artistry and her unwavering commitment to social justice. She has described herself as a human being, pacifist and songwriter—in that order. We will explore her life, music and legacy; trace her influence as a performer, activist, visual artist and writer; and examine her enduring role in movements for human rights and peace. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Scottish naturalist John Muir (1838-1914), champion of U.S. National Parks and founder of the Sierra Club, was a wild wanderer in nature and religion. As both a conservationist and preservationist, he brought a down-to-earth perspective to his explorations of the edges of traditional religion and beyond. We will read and discuss selected writings (provided by the instructor) and learn more about Muir through lectures and videos. Prerequisites: Participants should be ready and willing to participate in discussions. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Scottish naturalist John Muir (1838-1914), champion of U.S. National Parks and founder of the Sierra Club, was a wild wanderer in nature and religion. As both a conservationist and preservationist, he brought a down-to-earth perspective to his explorations of the edges of traditional religion and beyond. We will read and discuss selected writings (provided by the instructor) and learn more about Muir through lectures and videos. Prerequisites: Participants should be ready and willing to participate in discussions. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will explore one of nature's greatest mysteries: consciousness. Drawing on Michael Pollan's acclaimed 2026 book A World Appears, we will examine what it means to have a subjective inner life. Each class will center on group discussion, in which we will share our own reflections alongside Pollan's wide-ranging investigation of neuroscience, philosophy, plant intelligence, artificial intelligence, meditation and psychedelic experience. Prerequisites: Curiosity, openness and a willingness to question the nature of our awareness. Required textbook: A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan (2026), ISBN 978-1984881991; a hard copy of the book is recommended rather than an e-book.

We will explore one of nature's greatest mysteries: consciousness. Drawing on Michael Pollan's acclaimed 2026 book A World Appears, we will examine what it means to have a subjective inner life. Each class will center on group discussion, in which we will share our own reflections alongside Pollan's wide-ranging investigation of neuroscience, philosophy, plant intelligence, artificial intelligence, meditation and psychedelic experience. Prerequisites: Curiosity, openness and a willingness to question the nature of our awareness. Required textbook: A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan (2026), ISBN 978-1984881991; a hard copy of the book is recommended rather than an e-book.

We will explore one of nature's greatest mysteries: consciousness. Drawing on Michael Pollan's acclaimed 2026 book A World Appears, we will examine what it means to have a subjective inner life. Each class will center on group discussion, in which we will share our own reflections alongside Pollan's wide-ranging investigation of neuroscience, philosophy, plant intelligence, artificial intelligence, meditation and psychedelic experience. Prerequisites: Curiosity, openness and a willingness to question the nature of our awareness. Required textbook: A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan (2026), ISBN 978-1984881991; a hard copy of the book is recommended rather than an e-book.

Although plants do not talk the way we do, they absolutely communicate. Plants send chemical warnings through the air, pass defense signals through underground fungal networks, transmit electrical pulses through their own tissues and emit ultrasonic sounds when stressed. Recent research has revealed a communications web that connects individual plants to their neighbors, their predators’ enemies and even plants of entirely different species. We will study plant communication and its broad implications for ecosystem health, sustainable practices and agricultural applications.

More than 90 years later, the kidnapping of baby Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr. (1930-1932) remains a source of mystery and controversy. What really happened? Was his convicted killer Bruno Hauptmann really guilty? We will cover the crime itself, the investigation and trial, and some alternative theories.

We will listen to some of the marvelous, shorter orchestral masterpieces conducted by the instructor over his career, hear about the composers and explore historical context. This course is great for participants who want a fun introduction to classical music with a peek behind the curtain of how orchestras and conductors do their job. This term, we will explore music that celebrates holidays from the second half of the year in addition to some famous musical orchestral stories. Note: Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

Most of us know what the Marx Brothers look and sound like without understanding their lives. We will learn more about Chico (1887-1961), Harpo (1888-1964), Groucho (1890-1977), Gummo (1892-1977) and Zeppo (1901-1979) Marx, considered by critics, scholars and fans to be among the greatest and most influential comedians of the 20th century. We will watch and discuss key films—including Animal Crackers (1930), Duck Soup (1933), Horse Feathers (1932) and Monkey Business (1931)—that reflect the evolution of the troupe.

We will learn about the Mong, Hmong and Lao people who immigrated to the U.S. as political refugees from Laos. We will discuss their history, cultures, traditions, religions, languages and education along with their involvement in the Secret War (1959-1975), which was a major component of the Vietnam conflict.

Our natural world: Does it move you? Amaze you? Inspire you? We will tour Antarctica, Nepal, Africa, Australia, Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica and Panama, and the Galapagos, Virgin, Pribilof and Hawaiian Islands. Through photographs, anecdotes, basic biological science and discussions of what inspires us, our aim will be to find awe and hope in nature. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Our natural world: Does it move you? Amaze you? Inspire you? We will tour Antarctica, Nepal, Africa, Australia, Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica and Panama, and the Galapagos, Virgin, Pribilof and Hawaiian Islands. Through photographs, anecdotes, basic biological science and discussions of what inspires us, our aim will be to find awe and hope in nature. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will explore a practical roadmap for life and work transitions, including retirement. We will look at three stages (long/emerging ending, messy middle and new beginning) and six types to build transition intelligence and to better understand and navigate them. Supporting this exploration, we will learn about additional tools and maps—enneagram, self-awareness and presence—that help us identify conscious and unconscious patterns, blind spots and growth paths. Prerequisites: Some knowledge of the enneagram is helpful but not required. Recommended textbooks: Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age by Bruce Feiler (2021), ISBN: 978-1101980514; and The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types by Don Riso and Russ Hudson (1999), ISBN: 978-0553378207.

New York City has always been a magnet for innovation, culture, immigration and politics, and its evolution has led and often affected the evolution of the U.S. New York City has been the laboratory and testing ground for many economic, cultural and industrial ideas that we take for granted today. Many of those experiments succeeded, while others in retrospect provide us with warnings for our own lives. We will trace that evolution from the beginnings of civilization in the area to the modern city in the late 20th century.

We will learn to craft and perform original stand-up comedy in a fun, supportive environment. We will learn about writing jokes, storytelling, timing and stage presence. Through hands-on exercises and feedback, each of us will build confidence and develop a short set that will be performed live at the Reuter Center on November 14. Note: Participants may experience off-color language. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $20 for videographer.

After centuries of silence, in the 1950s writers from sub-Saharan Africa began producing some of the most profound fiction of the century, shining light on the lives and history of this region. We will examine the work of five pioneer authors and explore why they deserve to be better known. Prerequisites: To participate in this discussion-based course, participants should read the texts and come prepared to discuss them. Required textbooks: Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩi wa Thiong’o (1964), ISBN: 978-0143106692; The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola (1952), 978-0802164018; Xala by Ousmane Sembène (1973), ISBN: 978-0882080680; A Walk in the Night and Other Stories by Alex La Guma (1962), ISBN: 978-0810101395; and July’s ‎People by Nadine Gordimer (1981), ISBN: 978-0140061406.

Earth has seen major changes in its physical geography, chemistry of oceans and atmosphere, life forms and climate. We will learn how the rock record reveals and displays that history, look at a series of global maps depicting changes in physical geography and continental positions, and discuss topics such as the origin of life, biological evolution, ice ages and catastrophic mass extinctions. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

We will explore easy plant-based dishes—using neither animal products nor processed foods—inspired by a different world cuisine each week: Middle Eastern, Asian and Mexican/Caribbean. The instructor will prepare dishes from a shared set of recipes, after which participants will enjoy a lunch together. Note: We will meet each week at the instructor’s home, approximately a 10-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for groceries.

We will explore easy plant-based dishes—using neither animal products nor processed foods—inspired by a different world cuisine each week: Middle Eastern, Asian and Mexican/Caribbean. The instructor will prepare dishes from a shared set of recipes, after which participants will enjoy a lunch together. Note: We will meet each week at the instructor’s home, approximately a 10-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for groceries.

We will listen to and talk about how various forms of music interact and lead to new innovations in popular music in the United States. Each week, we will focus on a specific musician to explore how music connects with and moves us. Prerequisites: Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

Both Western and alternative medicine have turned their attention to the role breathing plays in health. We will explore the physical, biochemical and spiritual dimensions of breath based on current research outcomes for self-regulation. We will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of breathing techniques to help regulate stress and improve health, mental clarity and sleep. Note: Participants should wear unrestrictive clothing and may choose to do some exercises while lying on the floor. Recommended textbook: Consciously Exhale: The Power of Breath by Lillah Schwartz (2026), ISBN: 978-0964383535. Materials: Yoga mat, small blanket and book to use as a light weight.

We will examine the challenges, possibilities and benefits of cultivating more patience. Some questions we’ll explore are: How is patience connected to perspective and psychological flexibility, compassion and self-compassion, trust and confidence? What can we do to more graciously accept what cannot be changed, and more graciously change what can? If the earth is a school, what are our challenges trying to teach us, and how can we use these lessons to become more of the person we long to be? Required textbook: The Power of Patience: How to Slow the Rush and Enjoy More Happiness, Success and Peace of Mind Every Day by M.J. Ryan (2003), ISBN: 978-0767914864.

Misinformation campaigns, advancements in technology and so-called ghost armies have changed the way warfare is conducted. We will focus on the use of propaganda in wars from ancient history into the modern era, with special emphasis on operations during World War II that became the training ground for military deception. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

We will examine texts by queer authors from a diversity of backgrounds. We will grapple with questions such as: What, if anything, does an affiliation with a queer-identified label suggest about an author's writing? How do race and ethnicity impact queer writers, characters and social movements? What impact does social class have on representations of queer identity? Note: Additional readings will be emailed to participants. Required textbooks (any edition): On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (2019); and Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (1956).

Have you ever wanted to be on stage and express your creativity, without the pressure of memorizing lines? Or do you have a vision of bringing a script to life through readers' theatre? We will explore fundamental acting, directing and theater principles, balancing the practical and theoretical through a variety of activities. Materials: Three-ring binder. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $5 for course materials.

Ekphrastic poems are vivid, imaginative descriptions or interpretations of visual art—such as paintings, sculptures or photographs—that amplify, analyze or reimagine its meaning. These poems often explore a personal experience with the artwork and allow the writer to converse with, interrogate or bring life to static scenes. We will discuss, compose and share ekphrastic poems, and have fun in the process. Prerequisites: Experience with poetry- or prose-writing is helpful but not necessary.

Ekphrastic poems are vivid, imaginative descriptions or interpretations of visual art—such as paintings, sculptures or photographs—that amplify, analyze or reimagine its meaning. These poems often explore a personal experience with the artwork and allow the writer to converse with, interrogate or bring life to static scenes. We will discuss, compose and share ekphrastic poems, and have fun in the process. Prerequisites: Experience with poetry- or prose-writing is helpful but not necessary.

Each week we will read and discuss articles and watch lively videos on topics such as solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, hydropower, marine energy, energy from biomass, energy from waste and other sources of renewable energy. Since many renewable-energy sources depend on storage, we will also look at news on various storage methods such as pumped hydro, batteries, hydrogen, gravity, thermal and more. This course is full of good news. Note: Previous participants are welcome to register, as we will always be considering fresh content.

Grid operation is challenging: most renewable energy fluctuates in availability; grid operators must keep it balanced; and every minute, the supply of electricity must equal demand. We will consider how problems with storage and transmission are handled for renewable energy, since climate change depends on solving them.

Through slide presentations, videos and a hands-on stitching project, we will study these two related Japanese textile practices including their humble and utilitarian roots, their cultural and geographical origins and how they continue to evolve today. We will meet practitioners past and present, discuss how folk practices adapt to meet current needs and circumstances, and see how new generations adapt past traditions. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to do a running stitch. Materials: Embroidery snips. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $65 for consumable materials and shared supplies.

Scientists and science communicators from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Centers for Environmental Information and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies will provide a broad overview of the state of climate change. We will focus on how it affects society, natural systems and the impact on Western North Carolina. We will also foster discussion on how individuals can contribute to climate solutions including both mitigation and adaptation. Notes: Participants will have the option to take a guided field trip to the weather station on UNC Asheville’s campus to see first-hand how climate scientists collect data to support scientific research. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Scientists and science communicators from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Centers for Environmental Information and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies will provide a broad overview of the state of climate change. We will focus on how it affects society, natural systems and the impact on Western North Carolina. We will also foster discussion on how individuals can contribute to climate solutions including both mitigation and adaptation. Notes: Participants will have the option to take a guided field trip to the weather station on UNC Asheville’s campus to see first-hand how climate scientists collect data to support scientific research. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Eudora Welty (1909-2001) is recognized as a true master of the short story. We will read and discuss 16 of her works, some well known and others lesser known. Required textbook: The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty (2019), ISBN: 978-1328625649.

Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner (1897-1962) was one of the most important U.S. writers of the 20th century. We will read and discuss many of his short stories, emphasizing their relationship to his overall body of work. Note: Participants should read “Monk,” “Tomorrow” and “Knight's Gambit” in the textbook before the first class. Required textbook: Faulkner: Stories (2023), ed. Theresa Towner, ISBN: 978-1598537529.

The Dalai Lama quotes from Buddha’s teaching: “If you realize the nature of your mind, it is wisdom. Therefore cultivate thorough discrimination not to seek buddhahood elsewhere.” We will delve into key ideas of the classical Buddhist worldview including the Four Noble Truths, karma, samsara, nirvana and Buddha nature as the potential in each sentient being’s mind to realize perfect enlightenment. Notes: Depending on interest, offsite guidance and meditation may be offered. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes. Required textbook: The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by the Dalai Lama (1995), ISBN 978-0861710973.

The Dalai Lama quotes from Buddha’s teaching: “If you realize the nature of your mind, it is wisdom. Therefore cultivate thorough discrimination not to seek buddhahood elsewhere.” We will delve into key ideas of the classical Buddhist worldview including the Four Noble Truths, karma, samsara, nirvana and Buddha nature as the potential in each sentient being’s mind to realize perfect enlightenment. Notes: Depending on interest, offsite guidance and meditation may be offered. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes. Required textbook: The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by the Dalai Lama (1995), ISBN 978-0861710973.

Explore our glorious Blue Ridge Mountains! We will enjoy trail-hiking while practicing essential safety precautions using various hiking equipment and navigational tools. We will start with an easy trek and gradually work up to approximately three miles in distance with less than a 700-foot increase in elevation. Prerequisites: Participants must have experience hiking and be able to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain with elevation. Note: Trailheads are located within a 45-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Good hiking shoes, water and appropriate clothing (required); hiking poles and a pack to carry personal items (strongly recommended). Contact the instructors if you have any questions.

Join us for intermediate hiking experiences in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains! Hikes will take place each week at various locations and vary in distance from four to five miles, with an elevation change of up to 1000 feet. Prerequisite: This course is for experienced hikers only; participants should be able to hike at least five miles on uneven terrain with rocks and roots. Note: Trailheads are located within a 45-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Hiking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, backpack and whistle.

Flash back with us to the early days of television! We will share stories and black-and-white memories—comedy, drama, music, variety, sports, kids, game shows and more—from the 1940s to 1950s. We will look behind the scenes at programs and stars including Lucille Ball, Roy Rogers, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Alfred Hitchcock, Kukla, Fran and Ollie, Amos and Andy and Groucho Marx to name a few. Notes: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in the series to enjoy this one. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Flash back with us to the early days of television! We will share stories and black-and-white memories—comedy, drama, music, variety, sports, kids, game shows and more—from the 1940s to 1950s. We will look behind the scenes at programs and stars including Lucille Ball, Roy Rogers, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Alfred Hitchcock, Kukla, Fran and Ollie, Amos and Andy and Groucho Marx to name a few. Notes: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in the series to enjoy this one. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

In his last two novels, Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) shocked Victorian readers with his frank depictions of sexuality and attacks on social class, religion and marriage. We will bring our sensibilities as modern readers to Tess of the D’Urbervilles: A Pure Woman and Jude the Obscure, two moving but challenging novels, to see whether they still have the capacity to affect and shock us. Prerequisites: Participants must be willing to read carefully and engage in discussion. Required textbooks (both by Thomas Hardy): Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891), ISBN: 978-0141439594; and Jude the Obscure (1895), ISBN: 978-0140435382.

As baby boomers redefine what it means to grow older, more people are aging on their own whether by choice or circumstance. This shift raises important questions: Who will care for me in a medical emergency? How will I manage my finances, healthcare, transportation, housing and build a strong support network? Together, we will explore the opportunities and challenges of solo aging and discover how thoughtful planning can help us navigate this stage of life with confidence, clarity and peace of mind.

Americans are enthralled with cross-country excursions, so much so that the transcontinental journey has become a common framework for travel writing. Early explorers, literary figures, adventurers and journalists alike have composed accounts of the social, cultural and political geographies they have experienced. From Lewis and Clark to John Muir and William Least Heat Moon, we will explore the varied observations of U.S. travels in prose. Note: Suggested readings will be emailed to participants by the instructor.

We will navigate the complexities of aging by transforming critical self-talk into narratives of strength and self-compassion. Each week we will focus on a core theme—physical changes, fear of cognitive decline, grief and social connections—using tailored exercises and group discussion to discover how a supportive inner voice reduces suffering and builds resilience. We will learn to transform our aging experience by empowering our inner ally. Prerequisites: A positive attitude towards personal development and an open heart. Materials: Pen and paper or journal.

Creating a sketchbook journal during our travels can capture the experience in a far richer way than a phone full of snapshots or a few t-shirts! By sketching and describing objects, plants, buildings and people we meet, we create deeper memories and help us to really see where we are. We will learn what and how to sketch simple elements of natural and urban landscapes and people. Prerequisites: An interest in travel, journaling and drawing/sketching plus some experience with graphic arts are helpful but not necessary. Materials: The instructor will provide a list of suggested materials to registered participants and discuss at the first class.

Writing stories of our lives and gathering with others to share them can be a magical experience. The results are often building camaraderie, lasting friendships and, of course, wonderful stories written and heard. We will write short stories that capture meaningful experiences, memories and relationships. There will be no writing instruction; we will improve our writing by sharing words, listening to others’ stories and hearing how our writing inspires each other. Our goal is simple: to continue to enjoy both writing and sharing stories with others.

In a four-year period in the 1940s, Ukrainian American producer Val Lewton (1904-1951) created a lasting body of small-scale, atmospheric short films on meager budgets. Not content to simply make quick and easy shockers, he created a less-is-more school of psychological filmmaking of uncannily beautiful and unsettling films. We will watch and discuss four of his best—Cat People (1942), I Walked with a Zombie (1943), The Curse of the Cat People (1944) and The Body Snatcher (1945)—all subtitled in English and in black and white.

Wine is one of the oldest foods and first documented medicines made by humans. Where and when did it begin? How has wine changed over the millennia? We will discuss grape-growing and winemaking over the course of 8000 years, including today’s methodologies and technologies that changed viticulture (grape-growing) and viniculture (winemaking).

We will explore issues related to women aging that are presented in Mary Pipher's book Women Rowing North. We will examine issues related to what brings happiness at the end of life, attitudes toward aging and finding meaning in later life. Required textbook: Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher (2019), ISBN: 978-1632869609.

For many of us, baseball was the most popular spectator sport when we were young. Major League Baseball is now enjoying a renaissance with growing attendance and viewership over the past three seasons. We will start with a brief review of every World Series in the championship’s first 100 years and look at some of its top teams, players and managers. We will also track the 2026 World Series that will start on October 23.