Welcome to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Sierra College Spring 2026 Registration is Open! Spring 2026 Term Dates: (M) January 26 - (F) May 15

Special Interest Groups   

  hands holding a book to read Special Interest Groups     

OLLI Special Interest Groups will keep you connected with like-minded adults who enjoy learning for the fun of it! These free discussion forums are led by OLLI instructors and volunteers. To participate in any Special Interest Group, you must be a current OLLI member. 

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  • Great Decisions (Rocklin)
  • Instructor: Bill Drabin
    Dates: 2/4/2026 - 5/13/2026
    Days: W
    Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 8
    Fee: $0.00
    Location: Rocklin Campus
    Building-Room: W-110
    Seats Available: 0
    SKU: SprSSIG1111
    THIS CLASS IS FULL.  Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
    *Note: You must be signed in with a current membership in order to see the button.

    Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book (short sections), watching the DVD and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Each year, a panel of experts chooses the topics. Members will need to purchase GREAT DECISIONS, 2026 EDITION, and read the topic of the week in preparation for discussion at the first meeting. The book will be about $35 and can be ordered at: https://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/ or call 1 (800) 477-5836.

    Great Decisions 2026 Topics

    1. America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
      Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.
      By G. John Ikenberry
    2. Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
      Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
      By Michael Mastanduno
    3. U.S.-China Relations
      Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?
      By Oriana Mastro
    4. Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
      U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
      By Gideon Rose
    5. Ukraine and the Future of European Security
      With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?
      By Thomas Wright
    6. Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
      Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
      By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
    7. U.S. Engagement of Africa
      Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?
      By Jendayi E. Frazer
    8. The Future of Human Rights and International Law
      As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?
      By Jose Enrique Alvarez
    *Class Dates: 2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, & 5/13.
    *Class meets every other week.
 

  • Mahjong Club: Grass Valley (NCC-Grass Valley)
  • Instructor:
    Dates: 2/4/2026 - 5/6/2026
    Days: W
    Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 13
    Fee: $0.00
    Location: Nevada County Campus
    Building-Room: N12-103
    Seats Available: 14 | Max Enroll: 24
    SKU: SprSSIG1131
    Come and play Classical Chinese Mahjong as codified by the British Mahjong Association. Some experience playing Mahjong would be beneficial, but not necessary. Bring your Mahjong set, if possible.
    Membership required - no course fee.
    *Class Dates: 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, & 5/6.
    *No class: 3/25
 

  • Mahjong Club: Rocklin (Rocklin)
  • Instructor:
    Dates: 1/28/2026 - 5/13/2026
    Days: W
    Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Sessions: 15
    Fee: $0.00
    Location: Rocklin Campus
    Building-Room: W-209
    Seats Available: 0
    SKU: SprSSIG1101
    THIS CLASS IS FULL.  Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
    *Note: You must be signed in with a current membership in order to see the button.

    Join us! Learn and play American Mahjong in a friendly, social setting with other Club OLLI members. Members meet and practice on a regular basis. All skill levels are welcome. No supplies needed.

    Membership Required - No course fee

    *Class Dates: 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, & 5/13.
    *No class: 3/25
 

  • OLLI Book Group: Spring 2026 (Rocklin)
  • Instructor: Gloria Beverage
    Dates: 2/25/2026 - 5/27/2026
    Days: W
    Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 4
    Fee: $0.00
    Location: Rocklin Campus
    Building-Room: W-203
    Seats Available: 5 | Max Enroll: 20
    SKU: SprSSIG222
    Monthly gathering to discuss books ranging from historic fiction to non-fiction and classics. Short presentation focusing on facts about author, historical setting or other aspects of the book sets the tone for informal discussion of book. Members will need to obtain their own books. Opening selection is "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick. Reading list will be provided upon registration.
    *Class Dates: 2/25, 3/25, 4/22, & 5/27.
    *Meets Monthly on the 4th Wednesday (except in April - class meets on 4/15). Class meets in Q-361 on 2/25 (only). All other class sessions meet in W-203.
 

  • OLLI Book Group: Spring 2026 (Rocklin)
  • Instructor: Gloria Beverage
    Dates: 2/26/2026 - 5/28/2026
    Days: Th
    Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 4
    Fee: $0.00
    Location: Rocklin Campus
    Building-Room: W-203
    Seats Available: 0
    SKU: SprSSIG221
    THIS CLASS IS FULL.  Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
    *Note: You must be signed in with a current membership in order to see the button.

    Monthly gathering to discuss books ranging from historic fiction to non-fiction and classics. Short presentation focusing on facts about author, historical setting or other aspects of the book sets the tone for informal discussion of book. Members will need to obtain their own books. Opening selection is "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick. Reading list will be provided upon registration.
    *Class Dates: 2/26, 3/26, 4/23, & 5/28.
    *Meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday.
 

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