Thursday Courses   

Introducing one of the most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean, “Les Misérables” ranks among the greatest novels of all time. Victor Hugo takes his readers deep into the Parisian underworld, immerses them in a battle between good and evil, and carries them to the barricades during the uprising of 1832 with a breathtaking realism that is unsurpassed in modern prose. Within his dramatic story are themes that capture the intellect and the emotions and speak to the universal desire to escape the prisons of our own minds. In the words of Victor Hugo, “Wherever men go in ignorance or despair, wherever women sell themselves for bread, wherever children lack a book to learn from or a warm hearth, ‘Les Misérables’ knocks at the door and says: ‘Open up, I am here for you.’”

NOTE: We will use Christine Donougher’s 2015 Penguin Classics translation of “Les Misérables,” which is 1,456 pages long. Widely praised for its readability and fidelity to Hugo’s original French, this unabridged translation offers a rich and immersive experience for English-speaking readers.

This course will introduce students to the gnostic philosophy and theology of one of the Nag Hammadi codices. Our focus will be on the ancient text called the Tripartite Tractate, an early Christian adaptation of Gnosticism that was purged from the Christian religion around A.D. 350 and is considered a heresy by modern churches of all denominations. Because of its exclusion by Emperor Constantine, the material remains controversial to this day. This theology answers many of life’s most important questions and will be presented from a positive point of view with practical applications to one’s life. Because of the inherent controversy surrounding Gnosticism, discussions will be handled with respect for all points of view. 
 
NOTE: The book “A Simple Explanation of the Gnostic Gospel” by Cyd Ropp, PhD, is suggested but not required.  

This seven-week course for the novice as well as for seasoned meditators is designed to be user-friendly, devoid of any ideological framework and meant to make the practice of meditation accessible. For some, this may entail “un-learning” rigid doctrines and expectations. For others, it’s an invitation to quiet, to better regulate your nervous system, release tension and follow your curiosity down the yellow brick road of your inner world, as well as to better understand how we all create our subjective experience. Each class will include discussion, guidance and lengthening periods of meditative practice. No meditation experience is required, only a curiosity around how you put your world together.

Enjoy an opportunity to speak and listen to Spanish in a comfortable, nonjudgmental atmosphere. This course is for those who already speak Spanish with some fluency and would like more chances to converse in the language. Each week, students will be provided with questions, readings and song lyrics to stimulate conversation on the week’s topic. This term includes careers, buildings, myths and more, but it’s OK to stray from the theme. Grammar and vocabulary questions that arise will be answered, but the class is about enjoying conversation in Spanish. Students should spend some time with the materials supplied before each class. During class, we’ll talk in a whole group and in breakout rooms with three or four.

NOTE: This is not a Spanish course per se, and it won’t work for beginners; it’s meant for those who have achieved enough fluency to listen to others, converse freely, and enjoy readings and songs that reflect Hispanic culture. Translations are provided for readings and song lyrics, but not discussion questions. Those who have been in previous Conversaciones courses will find new material. 

The ballet barre is how professional dancers start their day. Often referred to as a “warm-up,” it brings blood flow to the small and large muscles of the body. A simple ballet barre, including stretches, will bring students to a new level of wellness, body awareness and confidence. During the four sessions, participants will learn the eight progressive elements of barre work, including ballet stretches focusing on posture, strength, flexibility and artistry using household items as a ballet barre. While practicing the ballet stretches, the instructor will share notions specific to ballet, including French ballet terminology from the Opera de Paris, discuss ballet history of the 20th century and share techniques in the art of ballet from around the world. No prior experience is necessary.

NOTE: Participants should be able to stand on their feet for 45 minutes and have a mat or blanket for floor stretches. All students are encouraged to practice at their own pace. An optional book is recommended: “Ballet Dictionary” by Thalia Mara. Liability waiver required to participate.

Ready to plant a seed for natural dyeing and sewing? Join us as we plant our community dye garden, fix living color from indigo and dyestuff into natural fibers and sew it all up into something wonderful! During this eight-week course, you’ll learn about different fibers, how to scour fiber for dyeing and dye fibers using indigo and dye pots. Once you’ve successfully dyed your fibers, you’ll use those fabrics to sew napkins, drawstring pouches and silk eye masks.

NOTE: Total cost to participate is $200 ($25 per session). Liability waiver required to participate.

There are multiple hormonal changes that occur with menopause and with aging that affect a woman’s well-being and bedroom life. Some of these changes become obstacles around which women need to navigate. Women’s hormonal symptoms have often not been given focused medical attention, and many women do not know about available options. The good news is that there is no better time in history than today to be a postmenopausal woman who wants to have great intimacy. We will use PowerPoint as the backdrop support for discussing all the options for dealing with menopausal changes. This will include tips to increase the power in your day-to-day connection with your partner.

This course introduces participants to the core principles and practices of improvisational theater. Designed for beginners, it emphasizes creativity, cognitive flexibility, collaborative communication and low-stakes play. Through a series of structured improv exercises, students explore “yes, and” thinking, character creation, spontaneous storytelling and social connection in a supportive, humorous environment. No prior improv or performance experience is needed. There are no required texts. Many exercises can be done seated, standing or adapted for mobility or comfort needs.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate.

This is a beginning course in 3D printing. Students will learn about the history of 3D printing, its uses and how it works. The many types of 3D printers and the wide range of materials that can be used for printing will be discussed. As part of the actual printing process, students will use 3D modeling software to access existing files of 3D models for printing 3D objects. Students will print objects and learn to decorate and modify them. Additional topics will include an introduction to high-tech 3D printing in space travel and other applications. No prior experience with 3D printing is required; however, participants should be comfortable following directions to navigate computer software.

NOTE: Total cost to participate is $100 ($25 per session). Liability waiver required to participate.

Transform nature into sparkling silver! Discover the magic of turning leaves, flowers and found treasures into stunning fine silver jewelry. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to capture botanical textures and natural forms using art clay silver — a versatile fine silver clay. Create a one-of-a-kind pendant inspired by the beauty of the world around you. No prior experience is needed — just your curiosity and a love of nature. Let your creativity take root and blossom into timeless silver pieces you’ll be proud to wear or give as a gift.

NOTE: The total cost to participate is $120 ($30 per session).

Using a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration and participation, students will study the fundamentals of music theory, beginning with the notes, intervals and chords of the C-major scale. Each week we will work through exercises in the assigned workbook, progressing through major and minor scales, and chords and intervals. Students are invited to bring their own instruments to class. Participants will learn the basic blues chord progression, which is the foundation of American folk and popular music. The class will be relaxed and fun, and students will be encouraged to create their own songs and share them with the class.

NOTE: Required workbook: “Music Theory Workbook for all Musicians” by Chris Bowman, $16.99, available on Amazon.

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.  

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 fun and active course is for pickleball players who understand and play the game and want to meet players through a rotation/competitive type of play. All levels of players are welcome. There will be three classes during the term, each with 3½ hours of play. Players will learn format, partnering, stacking, hand signals, types of scoring, byes, types of pickleballs and when to utilize them. Timing and numbering of rotations will be taught with an emphasis on safety. Six games will be played in each class, with frequent rest breaks. You will be an active participant and connect with your partner in strategizing your game plan. This course is taught by experienced local players from the Ashland Oregon Pickleball Club.  

NOTE: This course will be at Lithia Park pickleball courts; courts 1 to 4 have been reserved for 8 a.m. to noon. Bring your favorite paddle and a hydrating drink, and wear court shoes and a hat or visor. Eye protection is recommended. In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel. There is a $3 fee for pickleballs payable to the instructor. Class dates are 4/23, 5/14 and 5/28. Liability waiver required to participate.

Anyone can write a song! Whether you are a seasoned lyricist or have never written a song at all, this course will help you create something totally new. Some class time will be spent listening to and analyzing songs that are well-crafted. We will discuss how the example songs can be used as guides and inspiration. Most of the class will be spent doing writing exercises that will result in the beginning of songs. Over the ensuing week, each student will expand and refine the in-class work to fashion a song. We will listen to and talk about the completed (or incomplete) songs the following week. 

NOTE: The course will require significant time outside class. It is highly recommended that each student be able to play an instrument. No one has to be an accomplished player, but basic knowledge of chords is helpful.  

So you think you know how to play poker? Your skills will be displayed in this advanced poker class focusing on No Limit Texas Hold’em. Students must have a good understanding of poker rules and etiquette to take this course. You will learn all the following: basic betting strategies, fold equity, bluff tactics, bluff equity, bluff catching, game theory and game theory optimal, exploitive theory, poker math and, finally, luck and how it affects the game. There will be an in-class poker tournament using chips (no money) to exercise students’ poker skills.

NOTE: Students must have a good understanding of poker rules and etiquette. Students who have taken Bon Stewart’s Beginning and Winning Poker class should have this knowledge base as would those who play poker for real money outside OLLI.

The American war of choice on Vietnam remains the most divisive conflict of the 20th century. This course will repeat in lecture and guided discussion the 1974 documentary “Hearts and Minds” by Peter Davis, taught at OLLI in Fall 2025. The course will also include new material from the 2017 PBS production of the Ken Burns and Lynn Novick film “The Vietnam War,” as well as poetry by Vietnam veteran W.D. Ehrhart from his website, wdehrhart.com. The course will include a discussion of the two equally disastrous 21st-century American wars on Afghanistan and Iraq and conclude with a speculative look at the still looming specter of war with the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

NOTE: Course materials will include disturbing subject matter: violence, racism and some brief sexual content. Member discretion is strongly advised. 

Share ideas, make new friends and celebrate women in an updated answer to the salons of the French Enlightenment. Find common ground and camaraderie with other women via conversation and intellectual stimulation using modern pop culture as the catalyst for discussion — like a book club, but with films. Students will jointly select five themes, ranging from angels to zeitgeist, deep diving into topics that touch women across ages, cultures, communities and circumstances. Weekly emails with current film titles for home viewing (from Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.), along with links to quotes, articles, visual artistic works and music will become touchstones to recall personal stories and insights to share in discussions. Classes may include a short meditation.

NOTE: Students will watch one or two films weekly at home before class, chosen from current selections on Netflix, Amazon Prime and/or other popular streaming services available via free trials.