Fall 2025   

Alabama is one of the most fossil-rich states in the U.S., and its paleontological history offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient life on Earth. This course explores the state’s exceptional fossil diversity in the context of the developing science of paleontology. Participants will examine how people have discovered and interpreted fossils over time—and how these discoveries inform our understanding of Earth’s deep past and our place in it today. 

Although opera originated in Italy, there are wonderful operas from countries such as Russia, Finland, Hungary and even the U.S.! Explore works from far-flung locales and enjoy the music along the way.

Founder George Washington believed political parties were detrimental. Despite Washington's fears and early efforts to avoid, parties soon developed and still dominate American politics. This non-partisan course will trace the evolution of the party system from our founding until our present day by examining and analyzing how parties have emerged, collapsed and reinvented themselves in response to prominent personalities, national crises and societal change.

Discover the origins and evolution of American folk and roots music, with special attention to African-American folk traditions and their commercial separation from Anglo-American folk music. This course also explores the folk music of Alabama, the structure and composition of traditional folk, roots, and blues music, and the lasting cultural impact of influential musicians.

This course introduces climate change science by exploring the Earth’s atmosphere and the physical processes driving changes in the climate system. Together, we will investigate the impacts of climate change through observations and examine possible future consequences, as well as potential solutions to the problems of climate change.

The 1960s were a time of profound social and political transformation in the United States. This course explores the major movements that defined the decade, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Antiwar Movement, the Counterculture, the Women’s Movement, and the rise of the New Right. Participants will examine how these movements challenged traditional norms and reshaped American society and politics through historical analysis and group discussion.

Familiar with the basics of traditional tai chi and want to continue the practice? Maybe you’ve taken tai chi previously and you appreciate the health and wellness benefits tai chi offers to your mindful concentration, body balance and physical coordination. This advanced beginner course will concentrate on learning, improving and performing the 24-movement form of Yang tai chi. Build upon tai chi basics and start to make tai chi a life-changing habit that can be practiced alone or with others.

The ability to delay gratification when tempted and to self-restrain when provoked are necessary skills for successful adaptation. They are not acquired easily! Psych lab-derived principles for self-control and impulse control will be reviewed and illustrated with addiction recovery (temptation) and anger management techniques (provocation).

The ability to delay gratification when tempted and to self-restrain when provoked are necessary skills for successful adaptation. They are not acquired easily! Psych lab-derived principles for self-control and impulse control will be reviewed and illustrated with addiction recovery (temptation) and anger management techniques (provocation).

What was the 2022 Quantum Entanglement Nobel Prize about? The microscopic world is very different from the world we experience. Can a particle be in two places at once--you bet! Are things real if we don't observe them?. Does empty space have anything in it? Is Schroedinger's cat dead or alive?  What about the multi-verse? Tune in, sign up and discover the wacky world of quantum physics.

What was the 2022 Quantum Entanglement Nobel Prize about? The microscopic world is very different from the world we experience. Can a particle be in two places at once--you bet! Are things real if we don't observe them?. Does empty space have anything in it? Is Schroedinger's cat dead or alive?  What about the multi-verse? Tune in, sign up and discover the wacky world of quantum physics.

It's time to write your family history and genealogy.  This basic, beginning course will explore many documents to trace your family genealogy such as Federal and State Census, land, courthouse, military, ship and passenger, immigration, and vital  records i.e.  birth, death, adoption and medical records. Bring your laptop, or an I-pad or a smart phone for on-line research.  You will need a subscription (account) to one (1) of the following: Family Search.org; Ancestry.com; or My Heritage.com.

Join photographers Jeannee Sacken and Michael Briselli as they travel to such far-away places as Mongolia for the millennial-old Golden Eagle Festival, safaris in southern Africa, and Southeast Asia. See the eagles soar. Learn of Genghis Khan's continuing impact on Mongol culture. Discover the secrets of how endangered rhinos socialize. Listen to the intriguing saga of "Churning the Ocean of Milk." Hear photographers' experiences in the field and how Jeannee fictionalized them in her novels.

Experience a low impact exercise that can become a lifelong approach to improving and maintaining balance, coordination, and flexibility.  Tai chi incorporates slow, gentle movements that promote concentration and mindfulness.  It also builds a sense of community and belonging as participants perform the movements together.  Upon completion, enjoy tai chi's physical and mental benefits at a basic level.  This course is intended for individuals new to tai chi (i.e., true beginners).  Students will learn the fundamentals of tai chi through the Yang style 10-movement form.  This class is appropriate for individuals capable of standing without a need for assistance. 

What does music mean, how can we find authentic words for the bodily-affective resonances of music that fills us spontaneously with joy or sadness or boredom? The literary imagination of poetry, novels, and other genres can help us find new answers to these philosophical questions. No previous knowledge of philosophy or literary criticism is required.  

Visually, light and shadow define the shape of an object. We'll apply this idea, using pencils/graphite to turn a line drawing into a realistic portrait of a person.  If you've ever been told you can't draw, this course is for you.

A key to a healthy lifestyle is good nutrition. This course will concentrate on dietary guidelines, nutrition-related diseases, current news, and how to evaluate nutrition information claims.

A key to a healthy lifestyle is good nutrition. This course will concentrate on dietary guidelines, nutrition-related diseases, current news, and how to evaluate nutrition information claims.

Have you ever attended a play and wondered, “What’s going on backstage?”  “Why did they choose that actor to play the snake?”  “How did they make the stage look exactly like a Medieval Castle?”  “How was make-up used to make that actress look precisely like a sloth?”  If so, then this is the course for you!  Learn the fascinating process of taking a play from the page to the stage by exploring the many aspects of staging a live production:  Set building, lighting, make-up, costuming, directing, casting, and more.  Featuring guest speakers from Huntsville’s vibrant theatre community, this course will help you learn all about the pure magic of creating live theatre.  Exciting field trips will let you experience firsthand different elements of theatre….all leading up to class attendance at a live production!

Beer Class is back!  But this time we’re putting a spin on things.  As we continue to explore new beer styles every week, we’ll also be engaging in a tradition that goes back to Socrates: thinking while drinking.  All sessions will be at Yellowhammer Brewery, and there is an additional fee for beer sampling.  An OLLI staple, if it’s Monday, it’s Beer Class.  Join us!

This beginner yoga course is designed to promote healthy aging and overall well-being. It will incorporate fundamental yoga poses that help increase flexibility, improve balance, and strengthen muscles needed for daily activities. You'll also learn breathing techniques and mindfulness practices to promote a calm mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety. Using a gentle, accessible approach to yoga with modifications, this course is suitable for all levels, including those with limited flexibility or prior experience. Please wear comfortable clothing that will not restrict movement.

Pilates exercises are low impact, each movement is initiated by stabilizing the core and performed in a controlled range of motion. Exercises can be modified to match the ability of the student, which makes Pilates a wonderful workout for people of all ages and fitness levels. Benefits of regular Pilates practice are increased muscle strength and endurance, improved flexibility and posture, as well as better balance and coordination. 

Read an awesome mix of literature, history, psychology, and philosophy...masterworks to reclaim conversation and foster spirited intellectual exchange.  Instead of raising and lowering our eyes to check our phones let's engage in dialogue.  Conversation is the most human and humanizing thing we do. So, here is a chance for good face-to-face engagement and connection.

This course will survey the major world religions and their fundamental beliefs. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss the similarities in these faith traditions.

This course will survey the major world religions and their fundamental beliefs. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss the similarities in these faith traditions.

Experience great art that features the highlights of the Royal collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Compare the world’s most lustrous collection of Spanish paintings—the finest works of El Greco, Zurbaran, Velázquez, Goya,  Sorolla and others. View these masterworks against the greatest of the Prado’s extraordinary possessions of Flemish and Dutch masterpieces,  confiscated in war, or commissioned by aristocratic Spain. 

Experience great art that features the highlights of the Royal collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Compare the world’s most lustrous collection of Spanish paintings—the finest works of El Greco, Zurbaran, Velázquez, Goya,  Sorolla and others. View these masterworks against the greatest of the Prado’s extraordinary possessions of Flemish and Dutch masterpieces,  confiscated in war, or commissioned by aristocratic Spain. 

The traditional holiday of Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December commemorating the messianic birth of Jesus of Nazareth. But what if that birth actually occurred at another time of the year? Could evidence from planetary motions of our solar system and interpretation of scripture accounts prove such a hypothesis? Participants will learn and utilize ancient Babylonian astrology, clues from The Gospel of Luke, and modern planetarium software to propose an actual date.

Do you use one or more Apple products? This course will take you on a tour of the Apple world, with a focus on how to make Apple devices work together, things you didn’t know they could do, and how to get the most out of what you have. At the end of the course, we will save time for questions and share tips.

Do you use one or more Apple products? This course will take you on a tour of the Apple world, with a focus on how to make Apple devices work together, things you didn’t know they could do, and how to get the most out of what you have. At the end of the course, we will save time for questions and share tips.

Back by popular demand with all new titles! Bollywood is the center of Hindi language films throughout the world.  In this course, we’ll take a look at Indian culture through the lens of several Bollywood movies.  Don’t worry, there’ll be English subtitles!  We’ll learn about some of the big stars and major themes of this genre.  If you liked the American musicals of the 50’s and 60’s, come give Bollywood a try. 

It's never too late to learn to dance! Get in line to learn several popular line dances to a wide variety of music. Each line dance has its own repeating sequence of steps danced in unison. No dance experience or partner needed.

Philosophy is the originator of all academic fields. Despite this status, it is often neglected by individuals as too abstract or inconsequential. In this course, we will survey the history of Western philosophy through three of its primary disciplines: ethics (the study of morality), epistemology (the study of knowledge), and aesthetics (the study of beauty and art). Thinkers will range from Greek antiquity to the contemporary period. No prior familiarity with the subject matter is required. 

Want to better understand and learn how to listen to classical music? This course will enhance your enjoyment by explaining more of its historical development, forms, style and other details.  Course will also inform attendees of upcoming music events for the fall in Huntsville and Decatur and let you know which ones are truly worthwhile.  Course will also feature guest performers and plenty of Q & A.

Here is your chance to discuss hot topics in a forum setting. In each class, members talk about a question they have chosen that does not have a yes or no answer. What’s on your mind — today’s news or a timeless topic of general interest? Challenge yourself to think about it, talk about it, and listen to others from all walks of life, nationalities, religions, political opinions, and genders. Everyone and all points of view are welcome.

Have you ever been part of a ukulele “jam” where it seems many of the songs were difficult for you to sing - too high or too low?  In this course, students will address this with harmony skills.   Learn your vocal range and apply to any song.  Chord theory - the backbone of harmony – will be covered.  Popular songs will be introduced for harmony discovery and group singing.   These skills apply to other instruments/singers as well, not just ukulelists.  A bonus is students will come away from the class with enhanced ear training!

Afghanistan, sometimes called "The Graveyard of Empires", has a long and troubled history. As the crossroads between the Middle East and West Asia, and the Indian subcontinent's routes to both, it has been conquered and resettled many times. Come learn all about it's beginnings and early history.

How we consume health information can influence our behaviors, self-care decisions, and communication with healthcare providers. Identifying health misinformation is a challenging yet achievable task. After developing better consumption skills, we will examine current health recommendations in areas including diet, exercise, alcohol, social media use, and vaccines. 

This course will take you through how to identify and deal with Alzheimer's and other dementias. We will take a look at what it looks like, how to deal with some of the issues, and the legal and financial steps needed when the diagnosis has been established in your family.

Have fun while learning one of the most used languages in the world!  Emphasis will be on vocabulary and phrases that are used in everyday life while traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, or at home enriching the knowledge of speaking Spanish. 
Grammar is covered to facilitate understanding and use of vocabulary. 

Most readers know about Jane Austen, but her literary mothers helped to shape the early English novel and make Austen's own novels possible. Course lectures will discuss writers like Frances Burney, Elizabeth Inchbald, and Ann Radcliffe and will also cover women's roles as readers and fictional characters in 18th-century British fiction.

Energy is humanity's most vital resource. Our relentless demand for greater and affordable energy has brought us to the brink of a global crisis. Solutions are imperative to mitigate ongoing environmental catastrophes, geopolitical conflicts and adverse climate effects. This course offers an overview of the history of energy, usage patterns, and trends, followed by an emphasis on opportunities and challenges presented by emerging and evolving energy sources. Topics covered include advanced fossil fuel technologies, renewable energy, nuclear power, and energy storage systems.

This introductory level course in urban forestry covers the main aspects of urban forest ecology, urban forest management, and urban forest inventories. Learn the details about tree care and maintenance (tree selection, tree planting, risk assessment of hazard trees, tree pruning, urban soils, urban forest health, and much more). 

Improve your French reading fluency with a diverse selection of authentic French-language texts. In this course we will read and discuss graded French readers, classic French poetry, news reports, and more. Some prior knowledge of French is strongly encouraged. 

Join us as we employ music to learn more of the Spanish language!  We will be using in-class and independent activities that will help you build upon traditional Spanish classes you’ve had in the past.  Music gives us an opportunity to practice hearing and understanding different accents.  In addition to language skills, I hope you will also discover a few new artists for your listening pleasure.  

Writing your life story can be an exciting journey. Join a group of like-minded explorers as you share your life. This is not a "how to write" class--your skill level doesn't matter at all. It is an environment to encourage and support your journey. You will be provided hand-outs and reading recommendations to guide you. Be prepared to write and read parts of your story and enjoy sharing your life  and hearing about the lives of your classmates.

Enrich your knowledge of contemporary German terms as we engage in reading and translating the next book, Sturm auf Sylt.  Dino joins a group of diverse and eccentric travelers headed to the island of Sylt.  In addition to exploring the Island of Sylt and learning about local sights, culture, and cuisine, part of the class time will also be devoted to practicing conversational German.  Viel Freude beim Lesen und Lernen!

Take a tour through the basic varieties of wine at Church Street Wine Shoppe in Downtown Huntsville.  Enjoy a walk (and taste) through the basics of how wine is made, basic wine terms, and common wine varietals.  The course will also dicuss appellations, bottle opening, wine tasting basics.  (A sampling fee will be charged per session.)

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare weaves a story in which good intentions are overwhelmed by machination and manipulation. Treachery and political turmoil eventually erupt into civil war.  What relevance has this play for the 21st century? The course will feature selected DVD scenes as well as class discussions.  A text of the play is helpful, and students who might be concerned about 16th century English may find the No Fear Shakespeare edition helpful.  

Learn how to identify up to 30 tree species at the recently established Tree Trail at Maple Hill Cemetery. Along the way, we'll visit several interesting historic gravesites. All class sessions will meet at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Exploring Applique will lead you through the different kinds of Applique techniques to help you add beauty, style, and detention to your quilting experience. We will play with fabrics and have fun with design.

Are you seeking a better understanding of your investment options? Join your instructor as she shares strategies to help you achieve your financial goals in today’s market. Learn how to ensure your investments are on track, explore ways to save on taxes, plan for your family’s future, protect your assets, and pass on your legacy. 

The Battle of Leyte Gulf is the largest naval battle between opposing forces. Despite U.S. Navy numerical superiority over a desperate Imperial Japanese Navy, General MacArthur's successful return to the Philippines was jeopardized by poor decisions and saved by unparalleled sacrifice. This course addresses how the U.S. Navy met its military objective of annihilating the Japanese force only to face a new terror in naval warfare.

Develop oral communication and pronunciation fluency of French through dialogues on specific topics, basic phrases, and expressions. Conversations will be based on life issues using the news, magazines, arts, etc. as source material. (This course is not recommended for beginners.)

Do you have an idea of a story you’d like to write and need the encouragement of a group and weekly discipline to bring that story to life? In this writing group, we will begin the class with writing advice or an exercise, then participants will read a segment of a story on which they are working and receive feedback.  The writing genre can be whatever you bring. Let your creative muse loose.    

Explore the practice of birding in North Alabama, including lectures and a field trip. Course includes an overview of North Alabama birds, the practice of birding, birding opportunities in North Alabama, bird photography, backyard birding, etc.

Learn tips and tricks to journaling your day-to-day life with recycled materials and everyday “junk”. 

Always wanted to be able to draw, but didn't know where to start? This course will teach basic usage of pen and ink as well as methods of shading and contouring.  No experience necessary.  Have fun learning a new skill.

Have you heard about Pickleball and are interested in playing, but don't know where to start? This is the course for you. Designed for beginners, this course will teach you the rules of the game, proper techniques and basic strategy. Join the latest sports craze that is taking over the nation. All necessary equipment will be provided.

This course will delve into the inner workings of stress and anxiety, practical coping skills, and the practices of breathwork and mindfulness. Classes will consist of a combination of lectures and opportunities to practice various methods of relaxation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. 

This course will delve into the inner workings of stress and anxiety, practical coping skills, and the practices of breathwork and mindfulness. Classes will consist of a combination of lectures and opportunities to practice various methods of relaxation, coping skills, and mindfulness techniques. 

The course is about the science of stars and includes the Sun, H-R diagrams, formation of stars, careers of stars, stellar explosions, and the end-points of the careers of stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes).

The course is about the science of stars and includes the Sun, H-R diagrams, formation of stars, careers of stars, stellar explosions, and the end-points of the careers of stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes).

Enjoy the award-winning "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," a 2009 television documentary miniseries that features the nation's National Parks and traces the system's history. This is the 2nd part of a course that began last spring, but new enrollees are welcome as well.

Enjoy the award-winning "The National Parks: America's Best Idea," a 2009 television documentary miniseries that features the nation's National Parks and traces the system's history. This is the 2nd part of a course that began last spring, but new enrollees are welcome as well.

Learn pronunciation of the German language, with basic phrases and expressions.  Practice simple conversation for day-to-day communications.  This course is great for travelers to learn everyday words and phrases.

View the White House as you've never viewed it before. With a mix of history and humor, we'll take a look at the White House from its early design up to the present. Discussion will include not only the history of the physical structure but also little-known stories about some of our First Families who lived in this biggest fish bowl in the world! This will be a fresh and substantially updated program from prior OLLI presentations.

The Tudors are all over the screen, but if it's backstabbing, betrayal, and ambition you want, you should hear the story of the family that succeeded them -- the Stuarts!  It's Shakespeare, Civil War, beheading,  Restoration, and more illigimate offspring than you can count. Sign up for a whirlwind ride on the royal mantles of England's (and Scotland's) first family of chaos.

The Tudors are all over the screen, but if it's backstabbing, betrayal, and ambition you want, you should hear the story of the family that succeeded them -- the Stuarts!  It's Shakespeare, Civil War, beheading,  Restoration, and more illigimate offspring than you can count. Sign up for a whirlwind ride on the royal mantles of England's (and Scotland's) first family of chaos.

This intermediate yoga course is designed for those with some yoga experience wanting to expand their practice. It will incorporate modifications and variations of poses to ensure safety and promote well-being, while also incorporating alignment cues to help refine the practice and improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Each week will build upon the previous, introducing new poses and variations while reinforcing foundational movements and breathwork. This course aims to improve physical health, reduce stress, and promote a greater sense of well-being and balance. Please wear comfortable clothing that will not restrict movement.

This art history course follows art movements from 1860 to 1940, including Impressionism, Post and Neo Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Art Nouveau/Art Deco, and Symbolism/Surrealism.

Join Alabama State Park Naturalists for an immersive journey exploring the skills, science, adventure prompts, and traditions of the north Alabama autumn wilderness. This engaging series blends hands-on learning with expert-led discussions, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their connection to Alabama State Parks and other natural landscapes. From culinary heritage to ecological wonders, each session highlights a unique aspect of fall in our state parks and encourages discovery, skill-building, and a deeper appreciation of our state’s natural heritage.

The South is a palimpsest - a layering of meanings and images - defining itself and defined by others...boundaries marked by the Civil War, slavery, and now by non-union labor, and of course by its culture, conservatism, and Southern-fried. Here we will concern ourselves with contemporary Southern literature and identity - idealized, generalized, stereotyped...you decide. The writing life of the South is strong and vibrant. Southern fiction is a testament to its strength and vibrancy. Southern storytelling spreads as fast as kudzu, north and south of the Mason-Dixon Line, so come and check if this is true.   

Discuss selections from the infamous Banned Books List. Be prepared to suggest and lead a discussion on a banned book you have a passion for making sure future generations should read.    

Discuss selections from the infamous Banned Books List. Be prepared to suggest and lead a discussion on a banned book you have a passion for making sure future generations should read.    

Buddha, Copernicus, Einstein, Gandhi, Mandela, MLK, are a few iconoclasts who were vilified because their dangerous ideas challenged the received wisdom about our traditional place and identity in the world and were, thus, an affront to "collective decency".  The vilification and condemnation of bold ideas and thinkers has only increased today.  This course will present some "don't-go-there" taboos and ideas of our time.  The voices presented will be reflective, authoritative, and provocative to spur your own thinking.  Class participation and lively interaction without raising your blood pressure will be the objective.  

It's never too late to learn to dance! And Waltz is the classic Ballroom dance. Learn several steps to elegantly glide around the room, regardless of your level of dance experience. It is helpful to sign-up with a partner, but is not required. 

This country has been fortunate to have a host of amazing women make incredible contributions to our nation.  Meet the warriors, spies, pioneers and the influencers who helped create this country.

Join us for an exploration of the erotic and devotional poetry of John Donne, the leading English poet of the Metaphysical school and dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Donne is often considered the greatest love poet in the English language. We will focus on Donne but include some key works from Andrew Marvell, Robert Herrick and George Herbert. 

This course will explore the Populist and Progressive movements and how these movements broadened democracy by shaping national discourse and policy decisions. The complex dynamics between class, gender, and race will be highlighted.

Learn about Nordic Walking, the newest exercise craze sweeping its way across the world.  Nordic walking will help activate your muscles while burning calories, boosting ciculation, and improving your overall health. This course includes classroom lectures and outdoor Nordic Walking.  Walking poles will be provided.

Has SCOTUS travelled the proverbial arc that bends towards justice, or has it just been on a political roller coaster? This course will try to answer that question by looking at some of the Court’s most prominent eras. We’ll see how the Court’s focus has shifted over time, starting with the Marshall Court’s efforts to prop up the fledgling national government and ending with modern the Courts' focus on restoring states’ power...sort of.