On-Ground Classes   

Comedy, one of the oldest examinations of human character and associated exploits, is universal. Portrayed in a humorous or satirical tone depicting amusing people and incidents, comedic characters ultimately triumph over adversity. Humor and satire also examine and reflect upon circumstances and situations pertaining to the characters’ social and cultural identities as expressed in their language. This course examines French comedic cinema vis-à-vis contemporary social and political questions, culture, and social nuances. Course films include PlayTime, Amélie, Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu?, and La Vache.
(On-ground) Membership not required for tuition-free courses. 

Tuition-free Class
Must complete Sierra College application and/or registration forms - click here for more information and forms 
If needed, we can email you the application/registration form. Email us at: olli@sierracollege.edu   

We all should revere the names of Lafayette, Rochambeau, van den Capillan, Kosciuszko, Pulaski, Galvez and Cordoba as much as we show towards Washington, Madison, Franklin, Adams and Jefferson. The help of these “revolutionaries” and their governments provided ensured that America was able to defeat the British in 1783. This class will focus on Lafayette with the aforementioned cast of revolutionary characters playing lesser roles in this untold story of the American Revolution.

We all should revere the names of Lafayette, Rochambeau, van den Capillan, Kosciuszko, Pulaski, Galvez and Cordoba as much as we show towards Washington, Madison, Franklin, Adams and Jefferson. The help of these “revolutionaries” and their governments provided ensured that America was able to defeat the British in 1783. This class will focus on Lafayette with the aforementioned cast of revolutionary characters playing lesser roles in this untold story of the American Revolution.

Nearly 200 years ago in 1823, President James Monroe set forth his “Monroe Doctrine” to halt European influence in the Americas. President Teddy Roosevelt strengthened the Doctrine with his own 1904 Corollary which allowed him to carry his “big stick” into Latin America. Calling our southern neighbors, “our little brown brothers,” Roosevelt and successive administrations have dominated Latin American politics and history. In fact, never mention the Doctrine or Corollary on your next trip to Latin America or you’re sure to get a harsh lecture. This class explores our history in Latin America and delves into the rationale behind these documents and our continued presence in Latin American affairs. From Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, Granada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and other Latin America neighbors, it’s a mixed bag of successes and failures.

Nearly 200 years ago in 1823, President James Monroe set forth his “Monroe Doctrine” to halt European influence in the Americas. President Teddy Roosevelt strengthened the Doctrine with his own 1904 Corollary which allowed him to carry his “big stick” into Latin America. Calling our southern neighbors, “our little brown brothers,” Roosevelt and successive administrations have dominated Latin American politics and history. In fact, never mention the Doctrine or Corollary on your next trip to Latin America or you’re sure to get a harsh lecture. This class explores our history in Latin America and delves into the rationale behind these documents and our continued presence in Latin American affairs. From Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, Granada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and other Latin America neighbors, it’s a mixed bag of successes and failures.

Set against the political turmoil of 1964, particularly passage of the Civil Rights Act, The Secret Life of Bees examines the ability of perspective to equalize human behavior, reaction, and response, and invites the possibility of cross-racial communication. Comparatively, the community photography of African American photographers Marion Butts, Louise O. Martin, and S. Juanita Williams, recorded achievement, self, and self-worth during this era. The photographs of Florence Mars and the Southern Documentary Project will add to this conversation.  The novel’s thematic adaptation for the screen will be studied alongside period photography.
(On-ground) Membership not required for tuition-free courses. 

Tuition-free Class
Must complete Sierra College application/registration form - click here for more information and forms 
If needed, we can email you the application/registration form. Email us at: olli@sierracollege.edu   

Set against the political turmoil of 1964, particularly passage of the Civil Rights Act, The Secret Life of Bees examines the ability of perspective to equalize human behavior, reaction, and response, and invites the possibility of cross-racial communication. Comparatively, the community photography of African American photographers Marion Butts, Louise O. Martin, and S. Juanita Williams, recorded achievement, self, and self-worth during this era. The photographs of Florence Mars and the Southern Documentary Project will add to this conversation.  The novel’s thematic adaptation for the screen will be studied alongside period photography.
(On-ground) Membership not required for tuition-free courses. 

Tuition-free Class
Must complete Sierra College application/registration form - click here for more information and forms 
If needed, we can email you the application/registration form. Email us at: olli@sierracollege.edu   

Michael Douglas is one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars. Like many long-running actors, he has a type of character he's known for — whether he's playing someone morally ambiguous and cutthroat, or playing an American everyman, his characters are always all too human and compelling. In this class we’re going to revisit three of this dynamic actor’s biggest psychological thrillers: “Fatal Attraction” (1987); “Disclosure” (1994); and “The Game” (1997).

Comedy, one of the oldest examinations of human character and associated exploits, is universal. Portrayed in a humorous or satirical tone depicting amusing people and incidents, comedic characters ultimately triumph over adversity. Humor and satire also examine and reflect upon circumstances and situations pertaining to the characters’ social and cultural identities as expressed in their language. This course examines French comedic cinema vis-à-vis contemporary social and political questions, culture, and social nuances. Course films include PlayTime, Amélie, Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu?, and La Vache.
(On-ground) Membership not required for tuition-free courses. 

Tuition-free Class
Must complete Sierra College application and/or registration forms - click here for more information and forms 
If needed, we can email you the application/registration form. Email us at: olli@sierracollege.edu   

Monthly gathering to discuss books selected by current members. Short presentation on facts about the author, historical setting or some interesting aspect presented by the book set tone for discussion, which is led by different member each month. Opening selection is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Our other summer selections are Where I was from by Joan Didion and The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. 

Membership required, No course registration fee

Tai Chi is a centuries old practice of gentle and graceful movements known as postures which are designed to build better balance, coordination, focus, stress relief, and mind/body connection. Students are encouraged to wear loose comfortable clothing. Our program features the Yang Long form.