Wednesday Courses   

This is the second in a six-course series on the music of Beethoven, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his death in 1827. We’ll look at and listen to his last four symphonies, exploring how Beethoven expanded and changed the symphonic form from his earlier symphonies and how the spirit of Romanticism began to play a role. No previous knowledge is expected. The course will be mostly lecture, using PowerPoint and YouTube for musical examples.

NOTE: This course is part of an online share with OLLI at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Many people use AI simply as a tool, but individuals who think in images, metaphors or other nonlinear ways often experience something different. They feel “seen” by AI, finding that it helps them clarify ideas, translate intuition into language, follow metaphor or make sense of complex thoughts in ways the linear world hasn’t supported. This course will explore why AI resonates so deeply for nonlinear minds. Through examples, discussion and simple guided activities, we’ll examine right-hemisphere modes of knowing — imagery, intuition, metaphor, spaciousness and “felt” sense — and how these ways of knowing are supported by AI.

NOTE: Participants are invited to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone with access to the free version of ChatGPT. No purchase is required. No technical background is needed. Those without a device or account may pair up or observe.

Dowsing has been referred to as witching for water, divining, pendulum use and doodlebugging. It taps into an intuitive side of our consciousness and structures the response to make it usable. The course will cover its history, its development and the practical use of dowsing in everyday life. You will learn to access your intuition in a structured format and practice using different instruments that amplify the slight subconscious movements you make. In order to progress in dowsing ability, practice is essential, and proving our results will be part of the exploration process. This is a science-based inquiry and practice. There are no prerequisites except for an open, inquiring mind and the confidence to try something new that may challenge conventional understanding.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate.

Discover the remarkable world of pollinators, including native bees and honeybees and the vital roles they play in our ecosystems. Learn the basics of bee biology, behavior, habitat needs and the challenges pollinators face in the Pacific Northwest. The course also offers an overview of beginning beekeeping for those considering keeping bees. Participants will learn how to support pollinators in their home gardens and landscapes. The course will combine illustrated lectures, guided discussions, short film clips and optional hands-on demonstrations. The course presents a practical and ecological perspective, emphasizing science-based information about bees and pollinator health. An optional field trip is possible.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate in field trip.

Do you feel frustrated and ready to give up learning how to use your computer? Then this course is for you. The course will start with the basics, exploring the parts of a computer, including ports, the keyboard, the screen and the mouse. Students will learn to use and personalize the Windows desktop, icons and taskbar; to move and resize windows; and how various keys on the keyboard (such as home, end, backspace, delete, shift and tab) function. They will learn to download and save files, organize files into folders and subfolders, find lost files using Search and File Explorer, use Task Manager and safely access the internet. Students will be introduced to word processing and spreadsheet programs. There will be time for practice during class and optional assignments for review at home. 

NOTE: Students must have a PC-based laptop with MS Windows and bring it to class. Students will use a mouse while in class. If they do not have a mouse, one will be provided by the instructor. 

Cook along and let’s noodle around together! We’ll explore making a basic egg pasta from scratch and experience two delicious cuisines. From the Mediterranean we’ll make a traditional Sicilian pasta with broccoli or cauliflower, and then send our taste buds to the Far East to sample pan-Asian hoisin garlic noodles. Each day will feature side dishes to complete a meal. You’ll cook in your kitchen and I’ll cook in mine; I’ll provide recipes, demonstrations and support. Students should be comfortable in the kitchen and have basic cooking skills.

NOTE: There will be vegetarian options, but gluten-free cooking will be on your own.

From lyrical to lively, silly to sublime, English country dance dates from the 1600s. Discover dances of Jane Austen’s time as well as newly composed dances. Learn about the cultural aspects and history of this joyful living tradition as you enjoy moving to beautiful music. This is an “on-your-feet” and social class. No partner is necessary.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate.

This course will focus on the complex ethical questions posed by certain immediate and long-term existential threats to individuals and society. Among these are the growing use of AI, the politicalization of government institutions, the effect of mass media, genetic manipulation of embryos, global climate change and pandemics. The course will be taught seminar style. Students working in small groups will be responsible for researching a topic of their choice, writing a one-page paper and making a 10-minute presentation in class. Discussion will focus on the nature of specific threats, their ethical ramifications, and the influence of philosophy, religion and science on these issues. We will inquire into whether our current value system is adequate or if a new set of values is required. 

NOTE: This course is open to all students, including those who have taken it previously, since the discussion will be different.  

If you are experiencing serious problems in your manufactured home community, read on. This course is designed for residents of manufactured and floating homes in Oregon, especially those age 55-plus. Using lecture discussions, videos and interviews, the instructor will provide the 10 steps to form a tenants’ association and familiarize students with Oregon Rental Statutes (ORS). Mediation and small claims information will also be provided. The instructor is not a lawyer, and this class is not intended to replace legal advice. The material will be presented in everyday language. Students are expected to come prepared to work.

NOTE: A PDF of ORS, Oregon Rental Statutes (Chapter 90) and the organizing forms discussed in class will be provided. Students must have the necessary software to use these items. No OSTA (Oregon State Tenants Association) membership is required for this class.

If you are experiencing serious problems in your manufactured home community, read on. This course is designed for residents of manufactured and floating homes in Oregon, especially those age 55-plus. Using lecture discussions, videos and interviews, the instructor will provide the 10 steps to form a tenants’ association and familiarize students with Oregon Rental Statutes (ORS). Mediation and small claims information will also be provided. The instructor is not a lawyer, and this class is not intended to replace legal advice. The material will be presented in everyday language. Students are expected to come prepared to work.

NOTE: A PDF of ORS, Oregon Rental Statutes (Chapter 90) and the organizing forms discussed in class will be provided. Students must have the necessary software to use these items. No OSTA (Oregon State Tenants Association) membership is required for this class.

Students taking this course will make a child’s sweater and, by doing so, will learn how to read a pattern, ensure that a sweater will fit, select appropriate yarn, increase and decrease invisibly and fix mistakes. Students will also learn about key knitting resources. This course is for advanced beginners: Students should know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off in knitting. If you want to take your knitting to the next level and learn how to make a sweater that fits, this course is for you!

NOTE: This course is designed for someone who knows how to knit but wants to learn how to knit a sweater. Students will be given a pattern and instructions for purchasing yarn and needles prior to the first class.

Slow down, tune in and be amazed: Join us to experience the magic of nature journaling using a simple, flexible framework that you can use anywhere, any time. Whether you’re art-phobic or you’re a plein-air painter, whether you’re a scientist or a poet or both or neither, this course is for you — this approach to journaling is accessible to everyone! The course includes three two-hour sessions. The first session will be indoors on the Rogue Valley Manor campus, with a short trip outside. The second and third sessions will be primarily outdoors on the RVM campus, with gentle walks to find journaling subjects. Each session will include a mix of interactive lecturing, instruction, “follow-along” demonstrations, journaling time and group discussion. 

NOTE: This course will include walking outdoors on the RVM campus. Participants will need to be able to dress comfortably for outdoor conditions and sit on benches or in a camping chair while journaling. Liability waiver required to participate.

Using research-backed strategies, the AARP Smart Driver course has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of accidents, help you become more proficient in the current rules of the road, improve your defensive driving techniques and help you with safe vehicle operation in today’s demanding driving environment. This course will focus on the vital relationship between the driver, vehicle and road, and look at how factors such as aging, medications and alcohol can impact driving. You’ll also learn about the latest vehicle safety features and technological advancements. Importantly, you will learn how to identify when it’s no longer safe to drive and how to find alternative travel options. This course may qualify you for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance. 

NOTE: A required materials fee of $20 to $25 (discount for AARP members) includes a comprehensive 120-page Participant Guide. Both days are required for course completion and the insurance discount. The fee will be collected on the first day by cash or check made out to AARP. Credit cards will not be accepted.  

The 2026 Ashland Independent Film Festival returns to the Varsity Theatre April 23-26 with another outstanding slate of fine films from international and domestic filmmakers. OLLI members will view six preselected films over the four-day festival weekend. During the week following the festival, OLLI members will meet three times to discuss the films. The films are a mix of documentary and narrative films that have recently premiered at U.S. and international film festivals. The discussions will focus on the cinematic qualities of the films, with emphasis on the choices made by the filmmaker; the effectiveness of those choices; and the cultural, sociological and artistic content of the films.  

NOTE: Students will purchase their tickets on the Ashland Independent Film website. It is expected the price will be $12 per film.  

Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning three “The Lord of the Rings” films are a great, though not flawless, adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. Jackson and his team brought what had been considered an unfilmable story to screen as live-action movies, a monumental achievement, accomplished in part by Jackson’s innovative film technology. We will focus on one of Jackson’s films each week, discussing how Jackson’s team adapted the novels for the demands of film as a medium, the impact of Jackson’s changes on the story’s themes, and the filming techniques and their impact on audience experiences of the final film.

NOTE: Previous experience reading Tolkien’s novels is important, as much of our discussion will be a comparative analysis of the books and films. Participants will need to view the films on their own before class. The extended editions of the films are strongly recommended over the theatrical releases, though either version will serve for discussion.

This course is designed for students who have taken the Absolute Beginners Pickleball course or have a rudimentary knowledge of the game. It will be taught by seasoned instructors who are experienced players. They are members of the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club. Expect to build on the basic game to include advanced strategy in play. We will meet at Lithia Park pickleball courts for 1½ hours a day for five consecutive days. There will be an emphasis on safety, playing by USA pickleball rules and sportsmanship. This skill-building course will focus on serves; third-shot drops or “drop shots;” drives; lobs; partner communication; types of scoring; and understanding Bert, Ernie and Nasty Nelson. The last day will be a fun, fast-paced round-robin in which all players will rotate.  

NOTE: Please bring your favorite paddle, wear court shoes and a hat or visor, and bring a hydrating drink. Eye protection is recommended. If we have inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Liability waiver required to participate.

This is the foundation course for four courses of history that describe how current America was shaped. Two key events are covered: the idealistic founding of the Republican Party and Reconstruction that it created. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people, women, abolitionists and radical Republicans courageously fought to create an interracial, nonpatriarchal democracy. In the face of a hegemonic white and male supremist strategy of misrepresentation and terror, they succeeded in creating the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, the legal basis for citizenship, equality before the law, voting rights for all men regardless of race and abolishing slavery. This is their story and the consequences of their defeat. Required is an interest in how historical events shaped today’s America. 

NOTE: Strongly recommended reading before the class: “The Fall of the House of Dixie: The Civil War and the Social Revolution That Transformed the South” by Bruce Levine (2013). 

This is a six-week reading and discussion course for adults who have lived long enough to know what matters, who feel the erosion of genuine connection in a device-driven world, and who want their voices heard again in honest dialogue with the people they love. The text and in-class discussions will help participants better understand the ways that digital communication has been eroding the connective tissue between us and help us explore new ways we can change that dynamic. There will be weekly readings, journaling prompts and in-class invitations to share personal experiences as we look into the ways we seniors can give and receive more substantive contributions with our loved ones.

NOTE: Required reading: “Reclaiming Conversation” by Sherry Turkle. Any edition is acceptable. No previous knowledge is required except for participants’ regular use of basic digital communication tools and devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, and familiarity with social media like Facebook and Instagram.

You’ve studied Spanish for longer than you care to admit and have some basic vocabulary and understanding of mostly present-tense verbs. You can create very simple sentences. You can get around and converse hesitantly, asking only critical questions. Yet, you wish you were more comfortable, confident and fluent. Take this class! Here we’ll build stories together, one sentence at a time, with lots of interesting, comprehensible input, repetition and questions. We will speak in manageable chunks of language wherein students become part of the story. Students’ additions may enhance the story we create, one that each person will retell. We also write the story and read it. We emphasize high-frequency language. Active participation is required and absences are discouraged.  

NOTE: New students as well as those from the Fall 2025 class are welcome. The format will be similar, but the stories are always new. Students should have a basic understanding (like Spanish 1 or 2) of elements of grammar, present-tense verbs, a bit of past tenses and vocabulary of common everyday situations. Strong intermediate or advanced students are encouraged to continue their studies elsewhere.  

The Joy Map is a gentle, creative and heart-centered four-week experience designed to help participants learn practical tools for emotional self-regulation, heart-coherence, stress reduction and cultivating everyday joy. Each session blends short instruction with experiential activities such as guided heart-coherence practices, reflective writing, music appreciation, nature connection, movement, expressive art and meaningful group conversation. This program weaves all of these elements into an accessible, uplifting experience — the kind that nourishes the heart, mind and spirit. No prior artistic or mindfulness experience is required; all levels are welcome. Each participant will create a personal Joy Map, a living document and visual guide for purposeful, joyful living.

NOTE: Participants will need a journal and various art supplies, including art paper, colored pencils, markers, glue and other supplies of their choosing. Be prepared to go outside for short movement and mindfulness activities. The cost will depend on supplies to which the participant already has access.

The arts have always been integral to human cultural development. They are also integral to individual physical, cognitive and emotional development — an alternative language when words fail us. However, if we insist on thinking that art is only for a gifted few, we miss out. This class is designed to rediscover gifts that satisfy the urge to communicate visually. Each student will identify a meaningful theme that will provide focus and inspiration for four activities: a drawing, a painting, a collage and a mixed-media artwork. Eventually, students will make a handmade scrapbook to house their artworks. The instructor will be a guide-on-the-side, demonstrating techniques, making suggestions, answering questions and fostering a supportive environment.

NOTE: All are welcome; no prerequisite art experience is necessary. This course will build week by week. For optimal satisfaction, weekly attendance (especially Week 1) is recommended. There will be a $10 materials fee.