Online Learning   

The words "travel" and "vacation" are often used interchangeably, but careful examination indicates subtle differences between the two. Vacation implies an escape, while travel may offer the opportunity for total immersion in a different culture. Both are relevant and explored in depth by OLLI members whose pictures, stories, and information will leave you aching to go – and return with your own adventure to tell.

This class examines the precepts of Buddhism in general and of the Chan/Zen branch of Buddhism specifically. We will explore major examples of art and architecture related to Zen. A primary goal of the class is to examine the historical context for the development of the Zen arts; therefore, an examination of the social, religious, political, and cultural influences on the production of art and architecture will be important. In addition, we will consider the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and meditation as a means for developing thoughtful and humane interactions in contemporary life.

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With over 900 faculty members and 14,200 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard!

A scintillating review of current themes in the media will be discussed in each class. Class members present a topic, discuss it, then open the floor for discussion and debate. Poetry, literature, scientific discovery, and educational progress are examples of the issues addressed. Special guests are welcome to present.

Formerly "French for Travelers," this course is for those who want to focus on pronunciation, politesse, and practicalities – the vocabulary and idioms helpful as an introduction to French and for travelers in French-speaking countries. The class is conducted mainly in English, with the aim of explaining how to say and understand basic French expressions. Note: flirting WITH French, not flirting IN French!

This course is for people who have studied some French in the past. We study basic French grammar, usage, and vocabulary. The focus is communicating with others in written and spoken French. If you are new to French, consider enrolling in "Flirting with French" (formerly "French for Travelers") for an introduction to the sounds of, and expressions in, French.

You know a fair amount of French, but you sometimes blank on a verb conjugation or wonder when to use which preposition? You want to express your thoughts in French with more facility? Be prepared for classes that focus on grammar, usage, creating French sentences, and improving listening skills, plus reading French writings to hone our skills.

On parle français dans cette classe, sans traduction (si nous avons de la chance). On doit avoir l'envie d'entendre et de parler mieux le français, et peut-être un jour le parler couramment. Il n’y a pas de textes.

This course examines the various aspects that face gardeners on the West Coast: our warming climate, drought, and fire, and how we apply those challenges to a real garden.

"Great Decisions" is the Foreign Policy Association's public education program about U.S. foreign policy and global affairs. Topics include energy geopolitics, war crimes, China and the US, economic warfare, politics in Latin America, global famine, Iran and the US, and climate migration. We will select four topics each term, plus additional topics of interest to the class.

This lecture series consists of distinct classes, each designed to address a unique area of health-related issues. Presented by highly-qualified physicians and other caregivers, these classes will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about staying healthy and active. Each class is a complete topic and participants are invited to attend any combination of the offerings during the series.

If you can't draw, know it's not your fault. You weren't taught properly. First published in 1979, Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain applied brain science to drawing instruction. Using her teaching techniques to bypass our internal barriers and connect us to our innate ability to draw, we learn we can do more than we believed. If you want to start exploring art classes but still draw like a child, start here. Stick-figure level drawing skill is perfect and welcome.

Cartooning is a fun, non-threatening way to get into drawing. It can teach you many of the drawing fundamentals in an easy to understand way. Have fun exploring the many possibilities for creating your own unique characters. Learn how to bring your characters to life and give each their own personality. Make them talk and think. Absolutely no drawing ability required. All you need is a pencil and some inexpensive paper.

Knitting with others is a wonderful learning environment. This class is designed to give knitters who have mastered the basic stitches of knit and purl a chance to work on a project of their choosing while we hang out online with other knitters. All levels of ability are welcome! Gale contributes to the class by offering tips and suggestions for patterns, yarn, and tools based on her years of knitting experience.

This course will provide participants with the tools necessary to appeal denials of care or coverage for those with Medicare. Whether you're covered by regular Medicare or by a Medicare Advantage plan, including prescription drug coverage, you have certain protections and rights to appeal denials. This includes those who have retiree coverage as secondary to Medicare.

Each week the class will read poems by an individual poet, a collection of poems on a specific subject, or a collection of poems in a specific style. A class member once said that she liked reading poetry because it was like opening Pandora's box – one never knew what one would find inside. A wide range of poets and poetry will be presented, from classic to contemporary, and we will discuss them from the perspective that the poet creates the work, but the reader activates it.

This class will discuss favorite science fiction authors, their books, and the human, political, and scientific issues they raise. The books and authors will be chosen by Sydney from suggestions by participants. This is a fun, free-flowing gathering of science fiction enthusiasts. Please join us and bring your ideas, insights, and suspension of disbelief.

Another opportunity to explore a Shakespeare play and try to understand the source of its enduring appeal. You'll be encouraged, but not required, to join in the discussion. No prior exposure to Shakespeare is required. Seasoned readers will be on hand to help newcomers get traction.

We will look at the art, culture, and history of the British Isles. Vikings, monks, illiterate peasants, myths, and legends. The class will look at awesome art and decide how dark these years were!

What made Frank Sinatra the most popular singer and entertainer of the 20th century is a fascinating study of grit and determination that begs to be told. The many difficulties in his personal and professional life over his six-decade career constantly forced him to reinvent himself multiple times and stay relevant. It has been said that if his career ended in the late 1940s when he was known as The Voice, he would be remembered as a first-class singer, but not as a legend. It was only after his career hit rock bottom in 1952, that he climbed back from near obscurity and found his soul to become the cultural icon known as the Chairman of the Board and Ol’ Blue Eyes.

If you are a Sinatra fan or want to know the backstories on what made Sinatra Sinatra, this multimedia presentation will highlight his incredible singing on records, movies, television, Las Vegas and in concert halls. We will also focus on lesser-known career facts about how he impacted our culture and managed to stay on top of the entertainment world in the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.

Click here for a one-minute video intro to the class.

Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal weekly sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!

Drawing as a form of relaxation and meditation? Yes! Drawing accesses parts of your brain that are not so active in our twenty-first-century life. This will give you a break from the constant input of modern life and instead put you into a relaxing, creative space. You will learn and practice three relaxing styles of abstract, non-representational drawing in which there is no wrong way to do it. No drawing experience or "talent" required. Stick-figure drawing level skill works.