College for Seniors   

We will explore first-draft writing—when a writer first meets an open page—in a risk-free environment. We will experience the freedom of sitting down and getting words moving. We will write 500-word first drafts (in and out of class) on topics of our choosing as springboards to discover, experience and cultivate essential skills in this often undervalued phase of the writing process. Prerequisites: Participants should be ready to write and to discuss their process; sharing work is optional. Materials: Computer, tablet or paper/notebook and pen.

We will explore the variety of people, places and cultures that make Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia their home through weekly expert lectures on topics of interest. Whether you are a new or longtime resident or an occasional visitor to these mountains, this course is for you! In summer 2025, dive into Appalachian history, culture, foodways, literature and music, as well as the impacts of railroads and the Vanderbilt family on Western North Carolina.

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.

More than just beautiful flower arrangements, ikebana (“giving life to flowers”) is a contemplative practice firmly rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics and philosophies of wabi sabi, simplicity, understated elegance and living harmoniously with nature. We will explore and practice the current expression of this graceful, ephemeral art by creating basic arrangements from simple miniatures to complex centerpieces and freestyle arrangements that can be reproduced and admired at home. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to use garden scissors to clip flowers and small branches and to carry flower containers with water. Note: As this is a progressive course that builds on knowledge gained in each class, participants should only sign up if they can attend all classes. Materials: Garden scissors, round container and Japanese kenzan (flower frog); cost varies if buying new. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $25 for fresh plant materials and other shared supplies.

Bargello is a form of needlepoint that consists of straight stitches in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, we will learn Bargello stitches and design our own canvas for 10-12 stitches. Prerequisites: Participants should be intermediate stitchers who have taken a basic needlepoint course, be able to read/follow a pattern and be able to see the canvas. Materials: 12” ruler, #2 pencil and small scissors (required); magnifying/reading glasses (optional). Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for shared materials.

We will dive into the most significant naval battle in the U.S. Navy's history. The Battle of Midway in 1942 shifted America’s strategic initiatives, but many of the battle’s facts are misconstrued by Western historians and Hollywood. We will gain insights into aircraft carrier operations, the officers and sailors who planned and fought this epic battle, and the operational and strategic implications to the U.S. and Japan. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

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 the basics of knitting including knit and purl stitches, simple increases (yarn over) and decreases (knit two together), how to cast on and bind off, and more! We will use these basics to make a scarf so that you can gain confidence undertaking projects up to the intermediate level on your own. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to read and follow instructions. Materials: Knitting needles (size 7), knitting gauge/needle size ruler, 3 oz. Lion Brand Wool-Ease (or equivalent) and project bag. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $20 for practice needles, yarn, tool kit and notebook with instructional handouts and patterns.

Mahjong is a stimulating tile game that uses skill, tactics and luck. We will learn to play mahjong using the National Mah Jongg League rules and cards. We will learn the fundamentals needed to play a supervised four-player game. Notes: As this is a progressive course that builds on knowledge gained in each class, participants should only sign up if they can attend all classes. Contact the instructor in advance for questions about accommodations for participation/color blindness. Required textbook: Let's Play Modern American Mah Jongg! by Stacey Rea (2017), ISBN: 978-0996750714, available from the instructor at a discounted rate of $10 on the first day of class.

Mahjong is a stimulating tile game that uses skill, tactics and luck. We will learn to play mahjong using the National Mah Jongg League rules and cards. We will learn the fundamentals needed to play a supervised four-player game. Notes: As this is a progressive course that builds on knowledge gained in each class, participants should only sign up if they can attend all classes. Contact the instructor in advance for questions about accommodations for participation/color blindness. Required textbook: Let's Play Modern American Mah Jongg! by Stacey Rea (2017), ISBN: 978-0996750714, available from the instructor at a discounted rate of $10 on the first day of class.

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.

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 day will include the practice of meditation.

We will learn the general rules of poker including hand-rankings, betting and playing. We will cover some basic guidelines for determining our chances of getting certain hands to help us with betting. We will learn three basic games then explore some of the hundreds of variations that we might enjoy playing with family and friends. Note: Participants will need a working Zoom camera and participate with it turned on. Materials: Pencil, paper and deck of cards.

This fun-filled introduction to the fascinating game of bridge is for newbies and those wanting to refresh skills. We will learn the language of bridge, play hands, discuss strategies and apply challenging concepts that make bridge the most popular card game worldwide. Required textbook: Beginning Bridge I by Patty Tucker (2015), ISBN: 978-0615949154; available from the instructor at the first class for $7.

Welcome to the fun-filled world of the ukulele. Whether an absolute beginner or someone looking to refresh old skills, we will be immersed in learning the instrument, how to tune and care for it, picking up a few chords and playing some tunes. Materials: Ukulele; if you do not have your own, contact the instructor for information about weekly rentals.

We will read the bestseller Being Mortal and discuss issues related to aging and ultimately dying. Topics include aging, dependence, letting go, hard conversations and courage, among others. Required textbook: Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande (2014), ISBN: ‎978-1250076229.

We will explore the Big Bang theory of cosmology and demonstrate how subatomic-particle physics can explain the details of the first few minutes of our universe. We will also build a device in class to see cosmic rays as they fly through the Reuter Center. 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 Big Bang theory of cosmology and demonstrate how subatomic-particle physics can explain the details of the first few minutes of our universe. We will also build a device in class to see cosmic rays as they fly through the Reuter Center. 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 favorite songs shine like jewels in the treasure chests of our memories. Long after much of what we have read or heard fades away, the lyrics to our favorite songs retain their pleasure, poignancy and power. In this highly participatory course, we will explore the artistry of especially well-written song lyrics, treating them as the works of art they are. Each participant will present several favorite songs for class discussion.

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.

William Shakespeare’s The Tempest conveys the disruptive impact of a great storm, and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World presents a dystopian world vision. Both seem prescient as increasingly intense and destructive storms become more commonplace, as demonstrated by Hurricane Helene. Some climate models project a climate-induced dystopia for the near future; whereas other models, involving carbon capture and geoengineering, predict a more benign future. We will examine the geological history of climate change and the probabilities for these two alternative futures. 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.

William Shakespeare’s The Tempest conveys the disruptive impact of a great storm, and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World presents a dystopian world vision. Both seem prescient as increasingly intense and destructive storms become more commonplace, as demonstrated by Hurricane Helene. Some climate models project a climate-induced dystopia for the near future; whereas other models, involving carbon capture and geoengineering, predict a more benign future. We will examine the geological history of climate change and the probabilities for these two alternative futures. 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.

If you were unable to manage your own affairs or were to die, would the person named in your will, trust or power of attorney know what to do with your accounts, property and related matters? Even a close family member or friend may not know all the details you take for granted or can find easily. We will learn how to document important information for agents and get started creating our own agents’ guides. Prerequisites: None; participants can create an agent’s guide even if they have not yet created estate-planning legal documents. Materials (optional): Laptop or tablet to assist with in-class exercises, or print emailed exercises and other handouts and bring to class.

We all know the cliché of a writer gazing in agony at the blank page. We will engage in a series of creative exercises to help us sidestep writer’s block, to cultivate a rich garden of poems and brief stories and to improve our craft. We will also discuss publishing. Prerequisites: This course is intended for writers at all levels of experience. Note: Participants will complete some writing in class and be encouraged (but not required) to share work for discussion.

Resilience is the capacity to navigate adversity and grow through struggles that we all face. Using curriculum from the Penn Resilience Program, we will learn actionable skills that build cognitive and emotional well being, strong relationships and signature strengths. Prerequisites: Participants must be comfortable with group discussion.

Dazzle needlepoint designs incorporate vibrant, contrasting colors and patterns, often with a bold and eye-catching aesthetic. We will work on a geometric design with multiple crossed, woven and laid stitches in 10 colorways. Prerequisites: Participants should be intermediate stitchers who can read/follow a pattern and have taken previous courses on needlepoint. Materials: A detailed list will be emailed to participants; approximate cost: $35 if buying new.

During the first half of the 20th century, Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) seemed to be everywhere and do everything. He was a poet, political activist, investigative reporter, columnist, film critic, lecturer, folk singer, musicologist, Lincoln biographer, children’s author, novelist and media celebrity. We will discuss his accomplishments and touch on his personal life, including his wife’s world-famous goats. Recommended textbook: Discovering Carl Sandburg: The Eclectic Life of an American Icon by John W. Quinley (2022), ISBN: 979-8218051204.

During the first half of the 20th century, Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) seemed to be everywhere and do everything. He was a poet, political activist, investigative reporter, columnist, film critic, lecturer, folk singer, musicologist, Lincoln biographer, children’s author, novelist and media celebrity. We will discuss his accomplishments and touch on his personal life, including his wife’s world-famous goats. Recommended textbook: Discovering Carl Sandburg: The Eclectic Life of an American Icon by John W. Quinley (2022), ISBN: 979-8218051204.

Photo albums hold more than pictures; they are storehouses for memories. From faded sepia-toned portraits of nearly forgotten ancestors to digital shots taken yesterday and posted on Facebook, the photographs we treasure most are precious because of the stories they tell. Inspired by the photos that have meaning for us, we will write about the people, places and things that have comprised the mosaic of our lives. By the end of the course, we will create a mini-album of not just photos but also of the strange, sad and wonderful stories behind them. Materials: Pen, paper or computer for writing.

We will examine the body of work of the Grateful Dead from 1970 to 1977 and the subculture that the band spawned. We will listen to studio recordings and live concerts via different forms of media (vinyl, cassette tape and streaming) and discuss their music in the context of events of the times. Note: This course is suitable for longtime fans of the band or newcomers to their music.

Since coming to widespread public attention in 1975 through Raymond Moody's popular book Life After Life, near-death experiences continue to be both compelling and controversial phenomena. We will challenge ourselves to understand the many different and highly conflicting views about NDEs using Bruce Greyson's book After and other sources as our guides. Required textbook: After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond by Bruce Greyson (2021), ISBN: 978-1250263032.

We will explore the tension between fate and free will in Sophocles’ three Theban plays, written in the 5th century BCE. Implicit in these questions are issues of justice, responsibility and personal accountability. To what extent are we guilty of an unavoidable crime? Does fate cement our guilt or negate it? Readings will include both ancient and modern sources translated into English. Required textbook: The Three Theban Plays: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles, tr. Robert Fagles (2000), ISBN: 978-0140444254.

The early film noirs of Germany’s Weimar Republic occupy a special place in motion-picture and social history. Of these, The Blue Angel (Josef von Sternberg, 1930) is perhaps the best known, starring Marlene Dietrich in her first and most famous role; it was the first film to include live dialogue. Yet lesser-known films also deserve recognition and viewing. We will survey the film industry and sociopolitical aspects of filmmaking during the Weimar Republic, then view and discuss films such as Warning Shadows (Arthur Robison, 1923) and Pandora’s Box (Georg Wilhelm Pabst, 1929). Note: Films will be shown in German with English subtitles.

We will explore selected cultures from around the world by looking at their history and foods. Each week will include lecture, discussion of assigned readings and and a related experience such as a tasting or foraging walking tour. Note: Participants with food allergies may not be able to taste all foods; contact the instructor for more information.

Fred Chappell (1936-2024) spent most of his life in his native North Carolina, where he wrote novels, poetry and literary criticism and served for decades on the faculty at UNC Greensboro. While he was sometimes praised as the heir to William Faulkner and Eudora Welty and earned national and international honors for his writing, he is too often described as “admired but unsung.” We will get to know Chappell by reading the first three novels in the Kirkman family cycle, based on his life growing up in Canton, just outside Asheville. Prerequisites: Participants should be able and willing to read and participate in weekly discussions. Required textbooks (all by Fred Chappell): I Am One of You Forever (1985), ISBN: 978-0807114100; Brighten the Corner Where You Are (1989), ISBN: 978-031205057; and Farewell, I’m Bound to Leave You (1996), ISBN: 978-0312168346.

We will investigate and critique neoliberalism, the paradigm of political economy that has guided the developed world for 50 years. The shakiness of “common-sense,” free-market ideology is evident in the present chaotic political-economic moment, and a transition is underway. We will examine how free-market principles got us here and consider current policies for clues about the shape of a new order. Prerequisites: Participants should have a general familiarity with political and economic trends over the past 50 years. Required textbook: The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era by Gary Gerstle (2022), ISBN: 978-0197676318.

The rules of go, an ancient board game from China, are much simpler than those of chess, but it offers much greater scope for strategy and creativity. Go is played on a large grid with hundreds of playable intersections, with the goal to enclose more territory than your opponent. We will dive into go through instruction, discussion and guided play.

We will explore the beginnings of architecture from prehistory through ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. We will examine key sites and buildings not only as architectural objects but also as expressions of artistic thought and theory that reflect the social collectives that created them.

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 share the fascinating stories of 50 colorful women, ranging from pioneering leaders and controversial figures to overlooked heroines. Using video clips and hundreds of historical images, we will examine the contributions, struggles and legacies of air devils, inventors, criminals, scientists, pirates, engineers, sex workers, comic-book heroines, midwives, ghostbusters, explorers, authors and more.

We will survey 4000 years of geography, history, art, literature and places to visit in order to gain an appreciation of ancient Egypt and its culture. 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 textbook: Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History by DK (2021), ISBN: 978-0744029246.

We will survey 4000 years of geography, history, art, literature and places to visit in order to gain an appreciation of ancient Egypt and its culture. 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 textbook: Ancient Egypt: The Definitive Visual History by DK (2021), ISBN: 978-0744029246.

We will use games as a lens to understand ancient and contemporary cultures. We will learn the history of popular games from ancient cultures including the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Romans, Vikings and Aztecs. We will also cover the various philosophies of games and how they can help us better understand our world today. Classes 1-4 will include lecture, game-play and discussion; the last two classes are field trips. Prerequisites: Good sportsmanship. Notes: Field-trip locations are located within a 10-minute drive of the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to field-trip host): $7.

Your life is just beginning. The integrative stage of life (from retirement to death) presents us with our greatest opportunity: to trade what Jungian psychologist Jim Hollis calls our "provisional adulthood" for an elderhood that is fuller, more authentic and more whole. We will clarify our life trajectory (past and future), appreciate the triumphs and challenges of our adaptation to the 20th/21st centuries, consider a wide scope of character strengths and virtues, and create a roadmap for our wonderful future. Prerequisites: Participants should be willing to read and listen, and have an open mind and a sense of humor.

From the greatest empire of the ancient world to the country we know today, Italy’s story is one of ingenuity, creativity and sheer survival. We will explore Italian art, music, history, language and food—everything from Renaissance artists to risotto alla milanese! We will learn a few basic phrases in Italian, hear Neapolitan songs, look at how Versace and Prada fashion designs reflect culture and take a virtual tour of Italy from Venice to Amalfi.

We will explore a different knitting technique each day including one-row pattern, mosaic, mitred squares, brioche and entrelac. We will introduce the technique, practice it and discuss other ways to use it in a project or pattern. Prerequisites: This course is not for beginners; participants should have basic knitting skills including knit, purl and cast on/off, and be able to read and follow patterns. Materials: Needles and yarn according to individual preference; materials will be discussed at the first class.

What is your personal experience when looking at art? Do you feel energized, inspired, curious, confused or even frustrated? We each have a different experience with art, and you do not have to be an art historian or have a guide to enjoy what you see. In this highly participatory course, we will learn to slow down, trust our eyes and reactions, use our knowledge and experiences to inform understanding, and work together as a small group to make meaning of one artwork each week. Prerequisites: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in this series to enjoy part 3. Required textbook (read before first class): All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley (2024), ISBN: 978-1982163310.

Change occurs in every phase of our lives, but do we change in harmony and balance with the earth? We will connect with Mother Earth as we discover our hidden treasures within. We will explore ways to manifest those treasures by working with the four elements (fire, earth, air and water), sacred geometry and new possibilities through calling the directions of the Medicine Wheel. Each class will include an illustrated lecture, discussion and short guided meditations.

With a plot that includes vaulting ambition, conspiracy, murder, witches, a ghost, overwhelming guilt, insanity and retribution, the tragedy Macbeth by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) has fascinated readers and electrified audiences for more than 400 years. Each week we will read one act of the play outside of class then, in class, discuss key scenes and watch video clips from stage and screen productions that demonstrate a wide variety of interpretations. Required textbook: Macbeth by William Shakespeare (2013), ISBN: 978-1451694727.

In 1939 Uruguay, a couple of bridge and rummy players invented a new card game that was meant to be less confusing than bridge and more sophisticated than rummy: canasta! We will learn to play modern canasta following the Canasta League of America’s rules.

Add a little flair to your dinner table. Each day we will explore and demonstrate table settings suitable for different occasions. Themes include various holidays, life events, guests and cuisines. We will take away lots of creative ideas to explore at our own dinners, parties and special events.

T’ai chi chih consists of 19 movements and one posture and, when done mindfully and with intention, is considered a moving meditation that strengthens the connections between body, mind and spirit. Circulating and balancing chi (life force) are achieved through applying the principles of slowness, continuity, circularity and moving from the center. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to stand for up to 40 minutes before break; a chair may be used if needed. Note: Movements include slow forward/back and side-to-side weight shifts with some arm movement; all are done slowly and softly.

Whether you are new to tap dance, need a refresher or would like to grow your skills, we will have fun and get some great aerobic exercise! Tap helps to improve balance, flexibility, memory, rhythm and musicality. Each day we will begin by generating sounds using basic steps; progress from one-/two- to three-/four-sound series; and combine steps to perform simple dance routines. Prerequisites: Course material can be modified to accommodate for physical limitations. Note: As the course is progressive, please sign up only if you know you can attend all five classes. Materials: Tap shoes such as Capezios with Teletone taps or Blochs with Shockwave taps; contact instructors for more information and/or recommendations.

We will cover issues that we encounter as we grow older and the possible solutions that devices and other technologies can provide. Each day, we will begin with research on a particular area (social interaction, health, housing, the future) then showcase various tools, gizmos and technology to help us with each of those areas. Participants will be invited to discuss experiences and problems that they have had with tools and technology.

Every day we hear politicians and the media say that something is unconstitutional or that the U.S. is in a constitutional crisis. But are we really? We will study the U.S. Constitution and learn what types of governmental actions are constitutional or unconstitutional. The last class will be a recorded interview with Chief Justice Roberts who will discuss how the Supreme Court goes about determining whether or not governmental action is unconstitutional. 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.

Every day we hear politicians and the media say that something is unconstitutional or that the U.S. is in a constitutional crisis. But are we really? We will study the U.S. Constitution and learn what types of governmental actions are constitutional or unconstitutional. The last class will be a recorded interview with Chief Justice Roberts who will discuss how the Supreme Court goes about determining whether or not governmental action is unconstitutional. 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.

Utopian communities have been a part of America since its founding. We will take a closer look at some of the most important communities from the 17th to the 20th century and the religious, political, social and economic events that influenced their founding, development and legacies. 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.

Utopian communities have been a part of America since its founding. We will take a closer look at some of the most important communities from the 17th to the 20th century and the religious, political, social and economic events that influenced their founding, development and legacies. 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.

Queen Victoria (1819-1901) had the second longest reign in British history, more than 63 years. We will look at some of the major events of her reign, societal changes that took place and the complex relationship between Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.

In Greek mythology, King Agamemnon of Mycenae sacrifices his daughter to win the Trojan War, setting off a chain reaction of blood vengeance that ends with a jury trial. When Aeschylus wrote The Oresteia in 458 BCE, Athens was on the verge of civil war; Aeschylus used the play to confront key issues of governance—aristocracy, authoritarianism and democracy—indirectly. Euripides' later play Iphegenia at Aulis goes directly to the scene of the crime where Agamemnon wrestles with his fateful decision, but mob rule decides for him. We will examine how these two Greek tragedies explored difficult social and political times, acted as a form of political discourse and influenced contemporary governments and justice systems. Required textbooks: The Oresteia by Aeschylus, tr. Robert Fagles (1984), ISBN: 978-0140443332; and Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides, tr. Holly Eckhardt and John Harrison (2012), ISBN: 978-1107601161.

We will review the evolution, history, science, engineering skills and cultural and artistic influences of wasps. We will gain an appreciation of wasps’ remarkable diversity, ecological value and engineering brilliance.