Wednesday Courses   

The multiple hormonal changes that occur with menopause and aging affect a woman’s well-being and bedroom life. Some of these changes become obstacles that need guidance to overcome. The good news is that there is no better time in history than today to be a post-menopausal woman who wants to have great intimacy. This course, created at the request of some OLLI female members, will use lecture with PowerPoint slides as well as discussion to identify the obstacles that may be encountered and the available options and workarounds to deal with them. This will include relationship tips to stay connected and close.

NOTE: It is expected that only those who identify as female attend.

Several years ago a chaperone on a school field trip to SLAC (The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) asked if there was any danger from radiation on the tour. The answer was “No more than background.” Citing that obvious danger, the chaperone got back on the bus and refused to go in. That’s about as extreme an example of misplaced fear coming from a misunderstanding of physics concepts as one can imagine, and not all misunderstandings of physics concepts lead to fear, of course. Nonetheless, the word ‘radiation’ seems to generate fear more than any other. Some is justified. Much is not. The instructor will show what physicists mean by the word radiation and attempt to alleviate misplaced fear regarding 5G and nuclear energy, and instead instill fear regarding tanning salons. After that he will talk about other misunderstood physics concepts as time permits such as entropy, Schrödinger's Cat, and The Uncertainty Principle. We'll decide based on what most interests the class.

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

Several years ago a chaperone on a school field trip to SLAC (The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) asked if there was any danger from radiation on the tour. The answer was “No more than background.” Citing that obvious danger, the chaperone got back on the bus and refused to go in. That’s about as extreme an example of misplaced fear coming from a misunderstanding of physics concepts as one can imagine, and not all misunderstandings of physics concepts lead to fear, of course. Nonetheless, the word ‘radiation’ seems to generate fear more than any other. Some is justified. Much is not. The instructor will show what physicists mean by the word radiation and attempt to alleviate misplaced fear regarding 5G and nuclear energy, and instead instill fear regarding tanning salons. After that he will talk about other misunderstood physics concepts as time permits such as entropy, Schrödinger's Cat, and The Uncertainty Principle. We'll decide based on what most interests the class.

NOTE: Two sections of this course are being offered at the same day/time as a hybrid: one on Zoom and one in-person. Please register for and attend either the online or in-person section.

“Ancient science fiction, paleontology, free-thinkers, and eats” sums it up well. The course covers four distinct topics, knitted together by a common background in the Greco-Roman world. Did the Greeks and Romans have memes and stories that echo down into modern science fiction? What did they make of the giant bones that were cropping up all over the Mediterranean? Is it true that philosophical atheism in the West dates back not to the Enlightenment, but to the 5th century BCE? How did the ancients eat, drink, and party? These topics have been chosen not because they are important to the grand sweep of history, but because they are intrinsically interesting and lead us down byways of ancient history that we normally miss. Although they are not taught in “classic” Classics courses, they reveal a great deal about the depth and sophistication of ancient thought. This PowerPoint-assisted lecture course includes short videos, Q and A, and discussion. No previous experience or study is required.

This is a previously taught course with new content. This course aims at broadening a student’s vocabulary and understanding of the day-to-day German spoken today. The etymology of certain words will be discussed, and the rules of grammar will be explained on request. This term we will read the author’s diary describing his travels in six European countries in 2005, reading and discussing a short section at a time. The German text is emailed to students before the term starts.

NOTE: Students should have a basic knowledge of German. Because there is no clear definition of “basic knowledge,” the instructor invites students to attend the first class to find out if their knowledge is sufficient to profit from the course.

Classical Greek art (5th C. BCE) reflects the idealism of the Athenians after finally defeating the Persians in 480. The rebuilding of Athens and the Acropolis temples and sculpture revealed “man as the measure of all things” (Protagoras), with “correct” mathematical ratios as they strived for perfection. But defeat by the Spartans later in the 5th century shifted the tone to a more naturalistic form, softer and more individualistic. With the rise of Alexander the Great at the end of the 4th century, Greek art became even more realistic and dramatically expressive, as it reflected their now-widening world. We will look at examples from architecture, sculpture, pottery, and painting to trace the culmination and decline of ancient Greek art. This is a lecture course, lavishly illustrated with PowerPoint images. Questions are welcome, but it is not a discussion class. It is not necessary to have taken Part 1 of the course, as there will be an introduction and review of earlier Greek art.

Your expensive iPhone is good for a lot more than just snapshots, text, and talking. Do you know you can use it to create high-resolution art, starting with your own iPhone photographs? Explore new image-making possibilities by using simple tools to shoot, edit, and make mobile photos and artwork. The instructor will guide you through the use of two free image editors—Snapseed and Union—and offer hands-on introduction to the features of the powerful app, Camera+ Pro Camera and Editor. These tools will help turn your iPhone into a virtual DSLR camera. Students will have out-of-class shooting and editing assignments that they will debrief each week with a learning partner. Class time will offer demonstrations, review of student images, and Q and A. Enjoy hands-on instruction; build a local learning community; and make images you’re proud to display, publish, or sell. This class assumes students know the basics of using the iPhone camera and how to obtain and download apps from the Apple App Store. 

NOTE: The social learning aspects of the rapid-instructional model used for this class require that all participants attend all five sessions. Please bear this in mind when registering.

Listening to songs and studying the words and grammar points in them is a fun and effective way to improve your understanding and speaking in Spanish. We'll listen to and watch videos of about a dozen songs from a variety of regions, dialects, genres, and cultures of the vast Spanish-speaking world. We will read the lyrics and use translations to help figure out meanings. After listening, we'll discuss and zero in on specific vocabulary, expressions, and grammar points in the song. There may be some pencil and paper work inventing backstories or futures for the characters in the song or creating dialogs using key vocabulary and grammar. Students are encouraged (but not required!) to sing along or dance. Classes will be conducted mostly in Spanish, with liberal exceptions as needed. At least a strong beginner level of proficiency is suggested, but each student will benefit in their own way. No textbook is required. Songs will be available online.

Perhaps you’re curious how mindfulness could make a difference in your life. Or you’ve tried meditating but thought it’s not for you because your mind is too busy. Maybe you already have a meditation practice but you’re looking for new inspiration. In this course you’ll learn more than a half-dozen mindfulness practices. Some practices enhance concentration while others utilize effortless meditation. You will find out that there are as many ways of practicing mindfulness as there are people who practice—you are the expert of your own life and mind! We’ll do each practice together, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions and share reports. Strategies will be presented for developing a regular formal practice as well as for applying mindfulness in daily life. No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is expected. This is a secular presentation that is intended for people of any cultural, religious, or non-religious background.

Want to know more about what your pet is thinking, feeling, or how to best care for your pet to ensure a long and healthy life? Please join us for an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices involved in responsible pet ownership and their life-long welfare. Kent Bailey will present sessions on home grooming methods and techniques for dogs and cats. He also has invited several guest lecturers to give presentations in their areas of expertise: a canine trainer and behaviorist; a feline adoptions and home-care expert; and the Executive Director of Friends of the Animals (FOTA). He will send a recommended reading list in his pre-course email. Areas of focus include the nature of the human-animal bond, recommended healthcare procedures, survey of body language and behavior, home behavior problems, safely bringing a kitten or adult cat into your home, and animal welfare laws and adoption in Jackson County. NOTE: For those who have pet dandruff allergies, know that there may be live animals in the classroom for demonstration purposes.

Walking in springtime is a delight. While the weather may be unpredictable, warmer temperatures are returning and signs of new growth are everywhere we look. Each walk will be about two hours, covering three to four miles. The trails will be mostly dirt paths with some elevation gain. While the walks are not intended to be of an aerobic nature, it is important that participants be reasonably fit and have good balance. Directions on where to meet will be emailed each week. Trails that may be included: North Mountain Park/Riverwalk Loop, Road 2060 above Lithia Park, Emigrant Lake, Bear Creek Greenway, TID ditch trail, Lithia Park hillside trails, Hald-Strawberry Park trails, and Oredson Todd Woods. We will walk rain or shine. A liability waiver must be signed prior to participation in the first class. NOTE: Humans only on these walks. Dogs will need to stay at home.

This class, a repeat of the same class held five years ago, will show 10 classic comedy films starting with 1923's silent film "Safety Last" with Harold Lloyd and finishing with 1988's "Coming to America" with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The other eight are "Sons of the Desert," "Way out West," "His Girl Friday," "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek," "The Ladykillers," "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming," "Sleeper," and "Manhattan." A handout for each film will be made available the week before the showing of that film except for the first film. That first handout will be made available on the day of the showing of the first film. The instructor will mention anything special to be noticed about each film just before it is shown, and students may offer comments or questions at that time. A guided discussion will follow the end of the film. Students need bring nothing more than a desire to see these special comedy films that are true classics & still enjoyable no matter how many times one views them.

NOTE: This is the second session in a four-year (12-term) series of classic comedy films first introduced eight years ago and introduced again four years ago.

Are you curious about what animals are thinking and feeling and what they know about us, themselves, and the world? Is it possible that they could be spiritual messengers with deep wisdom to share? The animals want to work with human beings to serve the Earth at this most challenging time in our history. They have tremendous gifts to share. Rather than guessing about what your companion animal wants, needs, or knows, you can actually find out for yourself, or you can know how to best assist wild animals in having better lives. In this experiential course, we will commune and communicate with whole species of animals, as well as individuals, both domestic and wild, and have discussions and guided meditations. The goal is to help you develop not only a deeper understanding of animals, but also your own inner nature and that of the planet. This course is for people who have some experience in spiritual pursuits and are open and receptive to new concepts and ideas…and who love animals!

Are you interested in wine and the wineries of Southern Oregon? Do you enjoy learning about the nuances of growing and winemaking? In this class, we will visit six Rogue Valley or Applegate Valley vineyards and wineries to hear talks from the staff on selected topics. Topics could range from the factors contributing to vineyard loss to how prices are determined. At each venue, the talk will be followed by a directed tasting where students will be guided to sense the differences and characteristics of the wines presented. Come enjoy the bounty of southern Oregon! If you have taken this course before, please understand that we may have to start repeating the wineries we visit. However, the instructor will do his best to ensure new topics are discussed. A waiver must be signed before the first class.

NOTE: A $102 class fee covers all wine tastings. Students must be able to walk on uneven ground and spend all two hours of class time on their feet. Attendance at the first class, which is in-person held at the Campbell Center, is mandatory and cannot be waived. Students must provide their transportation to each venue. This course has a limited enrollment, and there is no assurance that both you and a partner will be enrolled. No guests or accompaniment are permitted.

A legacy letter (also called an “ethical will”) is a written document that allows people to share their life lessons, express their values, and transmit their blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family, friends, and loved ones. This four-session online course includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help you examine your life history, explore your values, and capture important insights. It offers advice, encouragement, and a model structure to help you draft and complete your own legacy letter. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all four meetings, as each session builds on the previous ones.

This course is designed for those interested in creating a story that will intrigue and interest readers. If you have considered writing a longer treatment of a story, this course is for you. It will include a general orientation as to the overall process, prompts that stimulate writing, and illustrations of how the groundwork paves the way to the story being told. Novel-writing skills will be developed through discussion, instructor presentations, examples taken from the instructor’s own published novel, exercises, and consideration of the steps one might employ in writing an extended story. Small groups, questions, and shared observations related to the material will lead students toward a path for beginning or even developing work on an extended story. Most important is the readiness to work with what the student feels is a story that will intrigue and interest readers. Students will maintain a notebook and work in it at each class, as well as outside of class. NOTE: The instructor’s novel, “Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free,” is required reading and should be read or heard prior to the start of class. It is available online at Amazon, Audible, Bookbaby Bookstore, as well as Bloomsbury Books in Ashland at a cost of $16.