College for Seniors   

Traditionally, 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 an in-depth path to self-awareness, understanding and development. Abundant Enneagram explores how an individual who is aware of the challenging parts of themselves 20% of the time, can then focus 80% of their time and energy on their giftedness. We will learn ways to bring out that 80% in an interactive and practical approach to the enneagram. Recommended textbook: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self by Beatrice Chestnut and Uranio Paes (2021), ISBN: 978-1642970319.

We will build upon the concepts from part 1 of this course by further exploring our AEType and AETriType to focus on personal growth and development. We will also discuss interpersonal dynamics between the AETypes and the invitation to live from abundance. Prerequisites: Participants should have taken 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.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S., we will hear stories from the American Revolution that you may not have been taught in school nor seen in movies or on TV! Many events happened in Western North Carolina. Come find out why the American Revolution was more than a list of important dates to remember.

Enjoying our many regional breweries is a special part of living in Western North Carolina. We will gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for our regional brewing industry through the perspectives of its rich history and current events. We will explore a layperson’s view of the brewing business and process, and how to enjoy beverages and breweries in WNC.

We will explore the end of life and prepare for our own sacred passage—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. In doing so, we will learn how to live life to its fullest for the amount of time we have left, as well as how to best care for the ones we love. Recommended textbook: Heartwood: The Art of Living with the End in Mind by Barbara Becker (2021), ISBN: 978-1250095985. Materials: Pen/pencil and notebook.

We will explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence including its evolution, how it works, current capabilities and promising future. We will also consider the legal, safety and ethical implications of AI as well as its challenges and opportunities. 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 the fascinating world of artificial intelligence including its evolution, how it works, current capabilities and promising future. We will also consider the legal, safety and ethical implications of AI as well as its challenges and opportunities. 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.

By summer 1940, Nazi Germany had overtaken most of Western Europe and planned to invade Great Britain. The Luftwaffe simply needed to first gain air superiority over the outnumbered, underequipped and less experienced Royal Air Force Fighter Command in what would be called the Battle of Britain. We will cover events before and during the conflict with instructors that participated in the Smithsonian’s Battle of Britain tour.

Our healthcare system has become more silo-driven, technologically difficult, dismissive and non-patient-centered. We will identify principles and strategies to help us become better patient advocates for our healthcare. We will discuss medical errors as one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and different healthcare settings where patient or self-advocacy is vital such as minute clinics, urgent-care centers, doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, skilled- and assisted-living facilities, hospice and palliative care.

Have you decided that yoga is not for you because you think it is going to be too hard? Does your increasingly creaky body keep you from trying? If you know that you want to be more active, but yoga just seems too hard, then chair yoga is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of yoga without the difficulties of a regular practice. We will learn poses, breathing and relaxation techniques that provide strength, balance, flexibility and pain relief. 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.

We will learn to finger-pick a guitar—that is, play using our thumb and fingers rather than a flat pick or plectrum. We will cover chord arpeggios, block chords, Travis-picking and chord melodies in folk, blues, pop, classical and other styles for both solo and accompaniment. Prerequisites: Some background in basic guitar (chords and strumming) required; participants should be able to sit with a guitar on their lap for an hour at a time and have sufficient hand and finger strength and dexterity to form chords and pick notes. Note: We will use guitar-chord and picking diagrams and tablature; participants do not need to know how to read standard music notation. Required textbook: Guitar Method Fingerpicking by Gary Turner (1995), ISBN: 978-1864690712. Materials: Acoustic guitar (steel or nylon strings), music stand (required); guitar stand, footrest and tuner (recommended).

We will explore how to use the camera on your iPhone. We will cover basic operations, editing and sharing. Prerequisites: As course material is progressive, participants should plan to attend all classes. Materials: Apple iPhone; participants must bring their iPhone to class and know their Apple ID and the associated password.

We will explore how to use the camera on your iPhone. We will cover basic operations, editing and sharing. Prerequisites: As course material is progressive, participants should plan to attend all classes. Materials: Apple iPhone; participants must bring their iPhone to class and know their Apple ID and the associated password.

We will learn how to play the Wright-Patterson style of mahjong. This fun, tactile game is played with tiles and a book of 92 suggested hands. We will focus on creating non-competitive, intellectually stimulating play. Required textbook: Mah Jongg Wright-Patterson Rules (2022), available to purchase from the instructor at the first class for $8.25.

Insect evolution is intricate and surprising. We will explore ways that insects adapt themselves and their homes to hide, disguise, lure, capture, bluff, bully and escape predators and prey to survive.

Although black and white was the only option available to film producers when the art form was in its infancy, many films have been made in black and white even after color became the norm. We will feature six black-and-white motion pictures made during the budding and mature eras of the industry. Films include Modern Times (Charlie Chaplin, 1936); The Best Years of Our Lives (William Wyler, 1946); The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (John Huston, 1948); Witness for the Prosecution (Billy Wilder, 1957); David and Lisa (Frank Perry, 1962); The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon (Peter Bogdanovich, 1971 and 1973); and The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius, 2011). Note: Films will be closed-captioned in English.

Rock-and-roll is the only job Bruce Springsteen (born 1949) has ever had. He has perfected his craft to become one of the world’s best-selling music artists known for his poetic, socially conscious lyrics that often address the experiences and struggles of working-class Americans and for his energetic stage performances. Through the use of music, video and stories, we will explore his career from the bars of the Jersey Shore to large arenas, and on to the White House and the Broadway stage. 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.

Rock-and-roll is the only job Bruce Springsteen (born 1949) has ever had. He has perfected his craft to become one of the world’s best-selling music artists known for his poetic, socially conscious lyrics that often address the experiences and struggles of working-class Americans and for his energetic stage performances. Through the use of music, video and stories, we will explore his career from the bars of the Jersey Shore to large arenas, and on to the White House and the Broadway stage. 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.

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.

From a theatrical child to an icon of silent comedies, Buster Keaton (1895-1966) performed amazing stunts laced with naïveté, love and laughs. We will learn about the life and dazzling career of “Old Stone Face” through mini-lectures about aspects of Keaton’s life complemented by clips and full movies.

Four films—Odd Man Out (1947), The Fallen Idol (1948), The Third Man (1949) and The Man Between (1953)—form a thematic and stylistic quartet that helped define post-World War II British cinema. They were all directed by Carol Reed (1906-1976), one of Great Britain’s most acclaimed filmmakers whose films won prestigious awards and earned him the knighthood in 1952. We will watch and enjoy these films to learn more about Reed and to put him and his films in historical perspective.

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.

In a time of broken trust and cultural fragmentation, elders can play a vital role as bridge-builders, storytellers and guardians of integrity. We will explore practices of deep listening, trust-building and Indigenous-inspired “seven generations” wisdom. Through reflection, dialogue, and courageous conversations, we will discover we can stay relevant, foster connection and contribute meaningfully to families, community and society as we age.

Filmmaker David Lynch said that we do not create ideas; we catch them, like fish. But how does that happen exactly? What is the nature of inspiration, and how do artists of all kinds catch their ideas and transform them into art? Each week, we will hear from and engage in conversation with artists in various media—such as actors, composers, filmmakers, musicians, visual artists and writers—to learn more about inspiration and the act of creation. Recommended textbook: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin (2023), ISBN: 978-0593652886.

We will explore how to create and maintain habits for lifestyles that support healthy longevity, particularly those applicable to older adults. We will cover material from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Peter Attia’s Outlive (2022) and James Clear’s Atomic Habits (2018) in our slide presentations and small-group discussions, and may also track our progress. Prerequisites: Participants should be curious about exploring and making behavioral changes for a healthy lifestyle.

We will watch and discuss iconic black and white movies from the 1940s and 1950s and compare them with their source material. Recommended textbooks (any edition): The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (1930); The Postman Always Rings Twice by James Cain (1934); The Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb (1953); and The Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie (1925).

The Foreign Policy Association sponsors the annual Great Decisions program to encourage citizens to participate in the foreign policy process. We will discuss eight critical global issues facing the U.S. today: the U.S. and the world; Trump’s tariffs; U.S.-China relations; alliances and nuclear proliferation; Ukraine and European security; multilateral institutions; the U.S. and Africa; and human rights in a divided world. Recommended textbook: Great Decisions 2026 Briefing Book by the Foreign Policy Association, available through the FPA’s website; approximately $35. Participants will receive a background article (7-10 pages) to prepare for each class discussion.

Ever since the first democracy in Athens, there have been demagogues: political leaders who appeal to the emotions and fears of “common people” against the elite. We will examine the rise and impact of some of these populist leaders including the Populist Party, Huey Long (1893-1935), Father Charles Coughlin (1891-1979) and Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957). To accompany our historical examination, we will read All the King's Men, a novel about a fictional populist governor inspired by Long. Notes: Participants should be willing to engage in historical and literary discussions. 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: All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (1996), ISBN: 978-0156004800.

Ever since the first democracy in Athens, there have been demagogues: political leaders who appeal to the emotions and fears of “common people” against the elite. We will examine the rise and impact of some of these populist leaders including the Populist Party, Huey Long (1893-1935), Father Charles Coughlin (1891-1979) and Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957). To accompany our historical examination, we will read All the King's Men, a novel about a fictional populist governor inspired by Long. Notes: Participants should be willing to engage in historical and literary discussions. 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: All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (1996), ISBN: 978-0156004800.

We will survey European architecture of the 16th through 19th centuries including the Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, the Rococo and pre-modern technological developments. Key sites and buildings will be examined not only as architectural objects but also as expressions of artistic thought and theory that reflect the societies that created them.

For millennia, humans have expressed themselves by drawing and painting on walls. Art in public spaces can inspire, engage, provoke and entertain us. Each week we will visit a different neighborhood to view and discuss some of the public murals the Asheville area has to offer. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to walk and stand on uneven surfaces including gravel, pavement, sidewalks and parking lots for up to two hours. Note: Personal listening devices will be provided to assist with hearing in the urban environment. Travel not included in class time; one class will take place in Hendersonville. Materials fee (payable to hosts): $10-20 for host donations.

We explore outer space mostly in two ways: we use telescopes to study planets, stars and galaxies from the ground, and we send probes into space to explore things that cannot be seen from Earth. While the first method is centuries old, the second has only been around for a few decades. We will look at past space exploration and which projects are in development for the near future. 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 explore outer space mostly in two ways: we use telescopes to study planets, stars and galaxies from the ground, and we send probes into space to explore things that cannot be seen from Earth. While the first method is centuries old, the second has only been around for a few decades. We will look at past space exploration and which projects are in development for the near future. 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.

What do your favorite things reveal about who you are? We will explore favorites of all kinds—from films and vacation spots to books, memories, restaurants and beyond. Each week, participants will share a few of their personal favorites while discovering new ones from each other. Along the way, we will discuss how our choices reflect our values, personalities and life stories. Note: Participants should come prepared to reminisce, laugh and celebrate the things that make our lives unique.

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.

Stretching from Alabama to Newfoundland, the Appalachians form the backbone of eastern North America. We will explore the geologic, topographic and tectonic evolution of the mountain chain including multiple plate collisions culminating in Himalaya-like mountains, subsequent opening of the Atlantic Ocean and recent uplift. We will also highlight the geology behind the scenery in national and state parts, and the region’s natural resources. Notes: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online. An optional local field trip will be offered on a weekend day.

The Main Street of America, the Mother Road… immortalized by song, TV series, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and even in the animated feature Cars. Since its creation in 1926, U.S. Highway 66 has symbolized all things American. As the route celebrates its centennial, we will learn some of the history, personalities, unique and unusual sites as well as cultural references to this iconic highway.

How do children view and experience life in the 21st century? We will discuss topics such as technology, its rapid pace of change and its impact on children both individually and socially; economic growth, resource acquisition and income inequality; education, its rising costs and lifelong learning; and psychological challenges in achieving personal maturity. Prerequisites: Participants should be willing to contribute to in-class discussions by sharing their personal experiences.

We will survey artworks by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) and learn more about his life, the time in which he lived and turn-of-the-20th-century Vienna. We will also explore how the Austro-Hungarian Empire, of which Klimt was a citizen, influenced the artist’s extraordinary talents. 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 foot care, 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 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. Textbooks: Righteous Rage: Why Feminism Needs the Fierce Goddesses by Susan Foster (2025), ISBN: 978-1685035808 (required); Formidable: American Women and the Fight for Equality, 1920-2020 by Elisabeth Griffith (2022), ISBN: 978-1639361892 and Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women by Susan Faludi (1991), ISBN: 978-0307345424 (recommended).

Most people have heard of Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but what about William Chase, Leroy Edwards, Maude Sherman and Lucy Harris? They all made history playing basketball, the game invented by James Naismith in the late 19th century. We will learn about players and other key figures, and the evolution of equipment, rules and organizations as we review the game from its peach-basket beginnings to the present day.

Can a book be judged by its cover? Maybe not, but by the late 1800s, book covers became the canvas for beautiful decorative designs. We will look at examples of book covers and dust jackets by American and British artists such as Margaret Armstrong, Maxfield Parrish and N.C. Wyeth, and consider how their designs influenced magazine covers, illustrations and classical children’s books.

We will explore the military, social, political and economic evolution of Japan from 1937 through 1955. We will cover the 2nd Sino-Japanese War, the rise of Japanese expansion in East Asia and the Pacific, the decline of Japanese power, the post-World War II occupation of Japan and the nascent rebirth of Japanese economic power. Notes: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in the series to enjoy this one. Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Dynamic economic growth—fueled by an expanding land base, developing infrastructure and modernizing technology—pushed the fledgling U.S. toward the world stage in the 19th century. However, the period from 1815 to 1860 is sometimes ignored in history presentations; it should not be, since this tumultuous time leading to the Civil War redefined the country. We will explore the good and the bad of this important era of development. 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.

Dynamic economic growth—fueled by an expanding land base, developing infrastructure and modernizing technology—pushed the fledgling U.S. toward the world stage in the 19th century. However, the period from 1815 to 1860 is sometimes ignored in history presentations; it should not be, since this tumultuous time leading to the Civil War redefined the country. We will explore the good and the bad of this important era of development. 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.

Insects are the most diverse animals on Earth. They cycle nutrients, pollinate plants, disperse seeds, maintain soil structure and fertility, control populations of other organisms, and provide a major food source for other animals, including humans. But, both the number and diversity of insects are declining around the globe due to habitat loss, pollution and climate change. We will explore these important creatures and consider how, without widespread action, many face extinction within the next few decades.

The poems of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) are widely acclaimed but often challenging to decipher. They are best understood not by focusing on the poet's reclusive life but by looking within the poems themselves. We will read, analyze and interpret some of Dickinson's best poems on her favorite themes: nature, religion and death. We will also watch The Belle of Amherst (Charles Dubin, 1976), a one-woman play that integrates many of the poems we still study.

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: Participants should have prior yoga experience either at CFS or elsewhere. Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510.

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 asana (“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.

What do you do with outdated books, especially textbooks, that are out-of-date, have not been used for ages and will not be read again? We will turn them into art, both functional and decorative, and enjoy them anew. Prerequisites: Participants should be willing to cut and tear books apart, and able to handle scissors, cutting tools and glue gun. Materials: 10-12 books of various sizes, paper, scissors, ruler, precision knife and blades, glue gun and sticks, and other miscellaneous crafting supplies. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $7 for shared materials.

We will learn the fundamentals of short-form improvisational theater through progressive skill-building exercises, games and performance opportunities. Each class builds upon previous lessons while introducing new concepts and techniques. Note: This course is designed for beginners or those with some improv experience.

We will consider unclassified case files to explore six subfields of the intelligence profession: collection, analysis, counterintelligence, deception, counterterrorism and covert action. Cases include Manuel Ortega, the D.C. Beltway snipers, an exfiltration from Tehran and more. We will read each case carefully, think critically about its dynamics and discuss it in detail with the instructor as our guide.

We will read, discuss and compare classic and modern short stories in order to understand cultural context and to trace the evolution of Irish language and identity. Note: Participants should read two short stories before each class and be prepared to participate. Required textbook: The Art of the Glimpse: 100 Irish Short Stories, ed. Sinead Gleeson (2020), ISBN: 978-1788548809.

We will explore Islam as a comprehensive way of life— encompassing faith, ethics, law and culture—through the lenses of gender and social justice. We will examine how the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s example shaped the roles, rights and responsibilities of women historically and in the modern world. Prerequisites: None; we will briefly revisit the principles of Islam for better understanding.

In order to make an educated choice in the 2026 elections, we will take a close look at the new political landscape. Through lecture, discussion and supplemental readings, we will discuss voter suppression, gerrymandering, how to read candidate financial reports and the role of media and AI in the upcoming elections. Finally, we will discuss the role of the Electoral College. 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.

In order to make an educated choice in the 2026 elections, we will take a close look at the new political landscape. Through lecture, discussion and supplemental readings, we will discuss voter suppression, gerrymandering, how to read candidate financial reports and the role of media and AI in the upcoming elections. Finally, we will discuss the role of the Electoral College. 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.

Why did the early Christian church preserve four distinct gospels instead of one? We will explore the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as separate theological voices addressing different first-century communities. Mark wrote for a traumatized church; Luke championed Gentile inclusion; Matthew defended Torah observance; and John embraced Hellenistic philosophy. We will move beyond harmonized readings to encounter the rich diversity of early Christianity's portraits of Jesus and their continuing relevance. Recommended textbook: The Bible (new revised standard version).

Metaphor is an economic workhorse in the field of literature. Authors make one image or idea also signify another, using language to extend, compress or complicate meaning. We will read novels by two winners of the Nobel prize for literature in contrasting styles to explore their uses of metaphor and to deepen our awareness of the practical role of symbolic thinking and imagery in everyday life. Required textbooks (any edition): The Cave by Jose Saramago (2000); and Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee (2010).

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. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Social engagement has emerged as a key ingredient for leading a happier and healthier life as we age. However, there are many factors that can reduce the number of friends we have, and forming new friendships can be challenging. Through a review of current research, discussion and self-reflection, we will consider the benefits of friendship, building new friendships, maintaining old friendships and dealing with difficult friends.

Philip Roth (1933-2018) is considered a major postmodern writer. His writing blurred the lines between reality and fiction, often featuring a fictionalized version of himself to examine the constructed nature of identity. We will explore definitions of postmodernism, its various characteristics and how Roth’s fiction experiments with this genre in three novels. Note: Readers of traditional fiction should expect to be unsettled, but we will have fun in the process. Required textbooks (all by Philip Roth): The Ghost Writer (1979), ISBN: 978-0679748984; The Counterlife (1986), ISBN: 978-0679749042; and Operation Shylock: A Confession (1993), ISBN-13: 978-0679750291.

We will meet all of the key dynastic players in 12th-century Western Europe, from kings to popes, including King Arthur, Richard Lionheart and King John. We will learn about the First, Second and Third Crusades, and see how religion, land, beauty, courage, brutality and sheer luck drove the medieval world.

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.

Each week we will review a different aspect of U.S. culture from the 1940s to the present—including history, music, food, fashion, science, technology, film and television, art and social change—to consider what makes us the people we are. After class, we will write poems inspired by that day’s topic to share the following week in class. Prompts will be suggested, or participants may choose their own. Note: Participants should be willing to share their work and provide gentle commentary on others’.

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 and directing principles, balancing the practical and theoretical through a variety of activities.

We will focus on rock and soul music of the 1960s and some of the phenomenal artists who made the era special. Topics include the early California sound; girl groups; Motown; the British invasion; folk and folk rock; hard, art and progressive rock; and Woodstock.

We will explore canonical, extracanonical and other historical documents to learn more about the marginalized and mythologized mother of Jesus. We will compare Mary as seen in the major religious traditions with what can be known historically and develop an appreciation for her Jewish, political and religious significance. 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. Recommended textbooks: The Lost Mary by James Tabor (2025), ISBN: 978-1101947845; and the Christian New Testament (any edition).

We will explore canonical, extracanonical and other historical documents to learn more about the marginalized and mythologized mother of Jesus. We will compare Mary as seen in the major religious traditions with what can be known historically and develop an appreciation for her Jewish, political and religious significance. 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. Recommended textbooks: The Lost Mary by James Tabor (2025), ISBN: 978-1101947845; and the Christian New Testament (any edition).

In preparation for the Montford Park Players’ 2026 season, we will watch and discuss approaches by different directors and actors to adapting this year’s plays by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) for contemporary audiences. Plays include Othello, Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew. Note: Although reading is encouraged, emphasis is placed on watching the plays. Plays are available widely both in print and online.

Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot have long reigned as the most popular fictional detectives of all time. We will sample different media (print, audio, television and cinema) to more deeply appreciate how these two supremely eccentric sleuths have entertained and intrigued generations of detective mystery fans. Required textbook: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (2009), ISBN: 978-0486474915; other reading material is accessible online.

Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot have long reigned as the most popular fictional detectives of all time. We will sample different media (print, audio, television and cinema) to more deeply appreciate how these two supremely eccentric sleuths have entertained and intrigued generations of detective mystery fans. Required textbook: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (2009), ISBN: 978-0486474915; other reading material is accessible online.

Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. We will read, analyze and discuss many of his short stories in order to better understand how they fit into his body of work. Note: Participants should read the first six stories in the textbook before the first class. Required textbook: The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: The Finca Vigia Edition by Ernest Hemingway (1987), ISBN: 978-0684843322.

We will take a critical look at paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, and seek to understand why so many people believe them. Topics include extrasensory perception, unidentified aerial phenomena, astrology, faith-healing, ghosts, numerology and alternative medicine. Required textbook: Everyday Extraordinary: A Scientist Ponders a Lifetime of Magical, Bizarre and Paranormal Experiences by Barry Markovsky (2026), ISBN: 978-1493093793.

We will explore phonetics and phonology: the sounds of human language, and the relationships between them. We will learn to recognize and describe the sounds of English and other languages, and notice how those sounds change in informal speech. Topics include the anatomy of the vocal tract; articulation and voicing; consonants, vowels and their variations; tone, stress and intonation; and the quirkiness of English spelling.

Through lecture, discussion and film screenings, we will examine the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. from the 1920s to today. Films include The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Philip Kaufman, 1978); The Front (Martin Ritt, 1976); Good Night, and Good Luck (George Clooney, 2005); and 1984 (Michael Radford, 1984).

We will explore more than 60 historically true tales about fascinating people, places and events in WNC including Abraham Lincoln's real birthplace; underground Asheville; Zeb Vance revealed; Davy Crocket in Fairview; the disease that made Asheville famous; Buncombe and bunkum; slavery in WNC; Babe Ruth died here; con men; railroads; chain gangs; booms and busts; legal prostitution; crime and punishment; the book that embarrassed Asheville; WNC's Bonnie and Clyde; a one-room school teacher remembers; and many more. 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 more than 60 historically true tales about fascinating people, places and events in WNC including Abraham Lincoln's real birthplace; underground Asheville; Zeb Vance revealed; Davy Crocket in Fairview; the disease that made Asheville famous; Buncombe and bunkum; slavery in WNC; Babe Ruth died here; con men; railroads; chain gangs; booms and busts; legal prostitution; crime and punishment; the book that embarrassed Asheville; WNC's Bonnie and Clyde; a one-room school teacher remembers; and many more. 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 learn skills needed to photograph people in their everyday lives: uncensored, unposed and unprepared. We will examine the broad range of artistry of photography and practice formally evaluating and critiquing visual art. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to safely navigate public spaces with their cameras. Note: Participants will submit their work to the instructor via email each week for group discussion. Materials: Digital camera.

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 increase distance to approximately three miles and elevation to 700 feet. 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 walking shoes, water and appropriate clothing (required); hiking poles and a pack to carry personal items (strongly suggested). Contact the instructors if you have any questions.

As the U.S. commemorates 250 years since it declared independence from England, one freethinker continues to inspire independent minds, particularly concerning religion. Thomas Paine (1737-1809) fired up two revolutions: the creation of a new secular form of government and the birth of a new, sensible form of religion based on reason. Through lectures, discussions and readings, we will get to know Paine as a major voice of freethought and consider what he might say about religious liberty today. 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.

As the U.S. commemorates 250 years since it declared independence from England, one freethinker continues to inspire independent minds, particularly concerning religion. Thomas Paine (1737-1809) fired up two revolutions: the creation of a new secular form of government and the birth of a new, sensible form of religion based on reason. Through lectures, discussions and readings, we will get to know Paine as a major voice of freethought and consider what he might say about religious liberty today. 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 learn the primary drivers for a successful retirement plan. In addition to understanding how investments work and interact with each other, we will develop a risk profile and learn about asset allocation, diversification and location allocation. We will focus on understanding investment strategies, the significant impact fees have on investments and various tax strategies to possibly reduce investment taxes.

There are many online resources (websites and apps) to help plan a trip, whether it be selecting a destination, shopping for competitive airfare, reading reviews or finding lodging. We will discuss tools for keeping all of our travel plans at our fingertips and making our next trip the best one ever. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Some of the best contemporary U.S. fiction comes from the Southern Appalachians. Among many outstanding writers, Sharyn McCrumb (born 1948) and Ron Rash (born 1953) explore the collision between traditional ways of life and the modern world. We will read two novels by each author in order to understand and better appreciate contemporary Appalachian fiction. Note: Because this course is small and discussion-based, completing the reading and being prepared to discuss are essential. Required textbooks (any edition): If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O (1990) and The Rosewood Casket (1996) by Sharyn McCrumb; and Saints at the River (2004) and The World Made Straight (2006) by Ron Rash.

We will explore topics related to mental illness including anatomy; diagnosis and measurement; pharmacological and behavioral interventions; violence; mood disorders; delirium and dementia; personality disorders; and addiction.

Historically, women scientists have been overlooked for their work and discoveries. We will recognize them and credit their accomplishments covering a wide range of disciplines from astronomy to physics. We will also look at current programs for women scientists that ensure they are not erased like their predecessors.

Microsoft Windows is ever-evolving! We will explore features and techniques for using Windows and its apps effectively, delve into settings to improve privacy and security, and show how to navigate Windows so it works best for you. Instruction is by live demonstration and Q&A, not hands-on; however, participants may follow along with their personal Windows devices. Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar with Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11. 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.

Microsoft Windows is ever-evolving! We will explore features and techniques for using Windows and its apps effectively, delve into settings to improve privacy and security, and show how to navigate Windows so it works best for you. Instruction is by live demonstration and Q&A, not hands-on; however, participants may follow along with their personal Windows devices. Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar with Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11. 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 consider how Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) explored the art of reconciliation in her writings, suggesting how memory and imagination can reframe experience in salutary ways. We will read her novel To the Lighthouse as well as selected essays, diary entries and short stories. Required textbooks (both by Virginia Woolf): To the Lighthouse (1927), ISBN: 978-0156030472; and Moments of Being (1972), ISBN: 978-0156619189.

Wine is not the sole province of so-called experts; wine is for everyone. We will expand our understanding and enjoyment of wine by exploring tasting methods and the effects of viticulture (cultivation and harvesting of grapes) and vinification (fermentation) on wine taste and texture. Each week, after a brief presentation, we will taste and discuss five different wines. Note: We will meet at the instructor’s home, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to the instructor): $40.

Wine is not the sole province of so-called experts; wine is for everyone. We will expand our understanding and enjoyment of wine by exploring tasting methods and the effects of viticulture (cultivation and harvesting of grapes) and vinification (fermentation) on wine taste and texture. Each week, after a brief presentation, we will taste and discuss five different wines. Note: We will meet at the instructor’s home, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to the instructor): $40.

We will cover the lives of six wives of Henry VIII (1491-1547) as well as his mother and grandmother. We will also discuss Tudor life in general, with an emphasis on the lives of women.

We will explore opera in Europe and the U.S. from the 17th through 20th centuries, emphasizing the diverse roles of female characters. Each week will touch on a different topic, including fallen women, queens, priestesses, madwomen, seductresses, warriors and more. After an introduction to the time period and background of each opera, we will watch and discuss selected scenes. Note: Participants should read synopses of the operas to be discussed prior to each class.

Legacy letters are written documents that allow us to share our life lessons, express our values and transmit our blessings to future generations. Legacy letters are shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family, friends and loved ones. We will discuss legacy letters and participate in brief writing exercises that will help us examine our life history, explore our values and complete our own. Note: Participants should be willing to reflect on their own stories and life lessons and be open to hearing others’.

We all have life stories to tell. We will discuss how to explore our lives across a range of experiences and approaches, look at brief creative nonfiction pieces and poems as models, and explore how to make our writing come alive for readers. Prerequisites: Intended for writers of all experience levels. Note: Participants will be encouraged to share their own nonfiction and poetry for in-class discussion. Materials: Something on which to write such as paper and pencil/pen or laptop.