Continuing students can register for classes by sending an e-mail to: olli@sierracollege.edu
Summer 2008 Classes
Business
Business 809
Personal Investments
Learn how to manage investments during retirement. Topics include generating both income and growth from investments, fixed income, stocks, exchange traded funds (ETFS), mutual funds, and financial planning.
Russ Abbott is a registered financial advisor who holds an MBA in Finance and a BA in Economics. He has taught for over 17 years.
Lincoln Library at 12 Bridges
# 15392 June 12, 19, 26, July 10 (No class 7/3)
Thur 2 – 4 p.m.
Willow Room
Drama
Drama 809
Brideshead Revisited: The Novel and the British Mini-Series
For six weeks we will view the highly acclaimed (and addictive) television series and discuss it in light of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel of “romantic yearning and loss.” Lavish in production values and visually stunning, Brideshead Revisited is enhanced by superb performances. With Jeremy Irons, Claire Bloom, a hilarious John Gielgud and, in his Emmy-winning performance, Sir Lawrence Olivier.
Stephen Sterling has a BA in Film from San Francisco State University and also teaches English and Meditation.
Nevada County Campus
# 15795 Jun 9, 16, 23, 30, Jul 7, 14
Mon 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Room M-101
Great Westerns: Part V
For this series we are going to take a lighter look at the western. There have been a number of spoofs, parodies or tongue-in-cheek looks at the west that were highly entertaining, many with the major players of the more serious versions. We will look at such films as Destry Rides Again (1939), with James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich, Vera Cruz (1954), with Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster, North To Alaska (1960), with John Wayne, The War Wagon (1967), again with Wayne and Kirk Douglas, Support Your Local Sheriff (1969), with James Garner, and others to be announced.
Curtis Covington has a BA in political science with a primary interest in film, history, literature and current affairs.
Rocklin Campus
# 15407 June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14
Mon 1 – 4 p.m.
Room D-12
Best Films of the 1990s
We will study six varied and highly creative films of the era: Robert Redford’s insightful Quiz Show (1994); Slingblade (1996, Rated R) directed, written and starring Billy Bob Thornton; Peter Weir’s The Truman Show (1998) with a surprisingly effective performance by Jim Carrey; Academy-Award winning American Beauty (1999, Rated R); The Sweet Hereafter (1997, Rated R), and Remains of the Day (1993) with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins.
Stephen Sterling
Nevada County Campus
# 15803 Jun 9, 16, 23, 30, Jul 7, 14
Mon 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Room M-101
Modern German Film
Edgy, riveting, ironic, grotesque, moving - brilliant. These and other adjectives might describe aspects of the following six German films: Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972) Werner Herzog’s film of extraordinary imagery in the Amazon rainforest, starring an intense Klaus Kinski; Fassbinder’s The Marriage of Maria Braun (1978), with a memorable performance by Hannah Schygulla as Maria; Wings of Desire (1987), Europa, Europa (1991), Downfall (2004) and the Oscar-winning The Lives of Others (2006). All films in German with English subtitles.
Stephen Sterling
Rocklin Campus
# 15830 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2, 9, 16
Wed 1 - 4 p.m.
Room D-12
Modern American Comedy
Laughs come in many forms, and we will decide the level of hilarity in these six approaches to comedy - romantic: Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally…with Billy Crystal (1989, Rated R); comic fantasy: Big (1988) with Tom Hanks; vulgar absurdity: Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974, Rated R); quirky nostalgia: Tim Burton’s Ed Wood (1994, Rated R) with Johnny Depp; cynical: As Good as it Gets (1997) with Jack Nicholson; and Christopher Guest’s outrageous canine “mockumentary” Best in Show (2000).
Stephen Sterling
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15783 Jun 12, 19, 26, Jul 3, 10, 17
Thur 1 – 4 p.m.
Room 607
Rocklin Campus
# 15810 Jun 13, 20, 27, Jul 11, 18, 25 (No class 7/4)
Fri 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Room D-12
A Tribute to Burt Lancaster
Burt Lancaster was a major player in Hollywood from his first appearance on the screen in The Killers (1946), almost until his death at 80 in 1994. He was an actor of great power and range always willing to take chances. We will watch four of his more memorable films including, From Here To Eternity (1953), his Oscar winning performance in Elmer Gantry (1960), The Train (1965), and The Professionals (1966).
Curtis Covington
Nevada County Campus
# 15749 Jun 19, 26, Jul 3, 10
Thur 12 – 3 p.m.
Room M-101
English
English 813
Women of the Hebrew Scriptures
A close reading of the stories of the women of the Old Testament from Eve to Jezabel, many with whom we are quite familiar, and some with whom we are not. Stories are presented in the context of the times in which they were written. Class members are requested to bring a Bible to class, any edition will do.
Suzanne Villarreal has a BA and an MA in English and has taught English and the Bible as Literature for 35 years.
Nevada County Campus
# 15419 June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16
Wed 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Room M-101
English 814
Introduction to Modern Poetry: Reading the Poets and Poetic Writing Exercises
We will read representative modern poems by such writers as Denise Levertov, Wm Carlos Williams, Federico Garcia Lorca, and so on. Each class will include one or more writing exercises for novice writers or more experienced poets. This will be a writing workshop but not a critique class.
Iven Lourie has a BA and an MFA in English and Creative Writing. He studied with poets Richard Shelton, Peter Wild, and Steve Orlen; edited the Chicago Review; and published and read his work since the 1960s.
Nevada County Campus
# 16031 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2, 9, 16
Wed 3 – 5 p.m.
Room B-200
Writing Your Autobiography
On one level or another, everyone’s life is interesting and multifaceted. Learn to express your unique personal journey in the form of memoirs or journal entries in a very supportive atmosphere. We will practice techniques to make your writing flow and give you confidence in creating a vivid picture of your life story – a real page turner for your children and grandchildren. Bring a blank journal or something similar for writing in class.
Stephen Sterling
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15773 June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17
Thur 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Room 607
Writing Your Life Story
An opportunity to begin or finish writing your life story for yourself or your family members. Class will include exposure to published life stories, memory triggers, instruction in how to begin and organize the high points in your life, small group critiques, and the opportunity to have your writing edited and critiqued by the instructor. Class members are requested to bring writing materials to class.
Suzanne Villarreal
Nevada County Campus
# 15425 June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17
Thur 1 – 3 p.m.
Room B-200
English 815
The Poetry of Anguish: Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath
We will delve deeply into the “dark night of the soul” of these two gifted poets. Through their mental suffering, both Sexton and Plath share harrowing journeys with us as each one’s incredible poetry reflects the turmoil of their lives. At times, we will take a psychoanalytic approach, concentrating particularly on Plath’s most famous collection Ariel (“Daddy”, “Lady Lazarus”, “Fever 103”) and Sexton’s To Bedlam and Half Way Back (“Music Swims Back to Me”, “Ringing the Bells”, “Her Kind”).
Stephen Sterling
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15763 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2
Wed 10 a.m. – 12 p.m..
Room 607
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson (1803-1882), known as the Sage of Concord, was a mesmerizing orator and the greatest intellectual adventurer of his age. Through his life and writings we will learn why he was the quintessential spokesman for individualism and self-reliance and why he had such influence on Thoreau, Whitman, Robert Frost and many others. We will study his great essays, especially “Self-Reliance” and “Nature,” where he introduces us to his philosophy of Transcendentalism.
Stephen Sterling
Lincoln Library at 12 Bridges
# 15752 Jun 13, 20, 27, Jul 11, 18, 25 (No class 7/4)
Fri 1 – 3 p.m.
Willow Room
Music
Music 810
Ah, Puccini!
2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the year of Puccini's birth. Let's celebrate by watching and listening to some of Puccini's operas, as many as time allows. Relax, enjoy, maybe shed a tear or two, and share in some of the most beautiful music ever written.
Steve Miller has a MM and BM from CSU Sacramento. He is a part-time faculty member at Sierra College and teaches elementary band in the San Juan Unified School District.
Nevada County Campus
# 15431 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2, 9, 16
Wed 2 – 4 p.m.
Room M-101
Rocklin Campus
# 15442 Jul 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12
Tues 2 – 4 p.m.
Room D-2
Disney Animated Musicals
This newly updated class on the history of Walt Disney animated movie musicals takes us from the early days of the Disney Studio; from Steamboat Willie to the Silly Symphonies. Then we journey all the way from 1934's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to today's multimillion dollar productions, including 2007’s Enchanted. Much of the class will be spent on discussing the unique Disney perspective of music, character, animation, and story as well as viewing scenes from the actual movies.
Ray Ashton has both an MA and BA in Music from the University of Nevada and has taught music at Sierra College since 1999.
Nevada County Campus
# 16056 Jun 10, 17, 24, Jul 8, 15, 22 (no class 7/1)
Tues 10 a.m. – 12 p.m..
Room M-101
Sun City Lincoln Hills, Kilaga Springs Lodge
# 16063 Jun 12, 19, 26, Jul 10, 17, 24 (no class 7/3)
Thur 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presentation Hall
The Nuts and Bolts of Music II
A continuation of the spring semester's course dealing with the fundamental elements of music: notation, intervals, chords, scales, etc. This course will be tailored to the interests and needs of the students enrolled. A possible area of study might well be songwriting: how to construct and harmonize a melody that effectively communicates the meaning of the text. No tests, lots of fun. A great opportunity to share what you know about music with your fellow students.
Steve Miller
Nevada County Campus
# 15473 Jun 13, 20, 27, Jul 11, 18, 25 (No class July 4)
Fri 2 – 4 p.m.
Room M-101
Rocklin Campus
# 15485 Jul 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14
Thur 2 – 4 p.m.
Room D-2
Chamber Orchestra
This course is a wonderful opportunity for people who enjoy making music together to learn some of the world's great orchestral literature. Those enrolling should have 3 to 4 years experience playing one of the orchestral instruments.
Steve Miller
Nevada County Campus
# 15451 Jun 12 – Aug 14 (No class 7/3)
Thur 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Room M-101
Physical Education
PE 808
Fitness Options for Older Adults
Have you heard the saying, “Stay young at any age?” Are you familiar with the term “aerobic?” What else is necessary to become a well-balanced, healthy, physically fit senior? Discover how a good physical fitness regimen is dependent on many different factors and learn to plan a good physical fitness program using items commonly found in your home. You’ll be introduced through lecture, discussion, and instructor demonstration, to a wide range of flexibility and muscular strength and endurance exercises. Discussions and handouts will focus on fitness issues critical to senior health including essential vitamins and minerals and the hazards of osteoporosis. Each section offered introduces a different form of exercise through lecture, handouts, and instructor demonstration.
Emphasis: Tai Chi: Beginning
Tai Chi is a slow moving exercise which promotes balance, coordination and focus. This class is suitable for students of all ages and fitness levels. The Yang Long form is introduced.
Renee Neal has been teaching fitness classes since 1985. She currently teaches at Sierra College, Sacramento State and local health clubs.
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15533 May 6 – May 29
Tues & Thur 8 – 9 a.m.
Room 525
# 15577 Jun 3 – Jun 26
Tues & Thur 8 – 9 a.m.
Room 525
# 15617 Jul 8 – Aug 7 (No class 7/22 & 7/24)
Tues & Thur 8 – 9 a.m.
Room 525
Emphasis: Tai Chi: Intermediate I
This course is designed for students who have completed Section I of the Yang Long form.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15545 May 6 – May 29
Tues & Thur 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Room 525
# 15585 Jun 3 – Jun 26
Tues & Thur 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Room 525
# 15621 Jul 8 – Aug 7 (No class 7/22 & 7/24)
Tues & Thur 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Room 525
Emphasis: Tai Chi: Intermediate II
This course is designed for students who have completed Section I and 2 of the Yang Long form.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15553 May 6 – May 29
Tues & Thur 9 – 10 a.m.
Room 525
# 15596 Jun 3 – Jun 26
Tues & Thur 9 – 10 a.m.
Room 525
# 15632 Jul 8 – Aug 7 (No class 7/22 & 7/24)
Tues & Thur 9 – 10 a.m.
Room 525
Emphasis: Tai Chi: Advanced
This course is designed for students who have completed Section I - 4 of the Yang Long form.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15524 May 6 – May 29
Tues & Thur 10 – 11 a.m.
Room 525
# 15567 Jun 3 – Jun 26
Tues & Thur 10 – 11 a.m.
Room 525
# 15609 Jul 8 – Aug 7 (No class 7/22 & 7/24)
Tues & Thur 10 – 11 a.m.
Room 525
Emphasis: Tai Chi: All Level Practice
The Yang Long form is practiced.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15649 May 3 – Jun 28) (No class May 24)
Sat 1 – 2 p.m.
Room 525
Emphasis: Pilates for the Rest of Us
Pilates movements create a strong back and stomach, or “core,” and improve posture. This class is designed to accommodate a variety of fitness and ability levels. Students will need to bring a yoga or Pilates “sticky mat.” Wear loose comfortable clothing. Students will need to be able to lower to and rise from the floor.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15506 May 3 – Jun 28 (No class May 24)
Sat 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Room 525
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15516 Jun 9 – Jul 28
Mon 1 – 2 p.m.
Room 525
Emphasis: Yoga for the Rest of Us
Yoga is an ancient form of movement that relaxes and restores the body and mind. Yoga increases flexibility and decreases stress. Students will need a yoga/Pilates sticky mat, a towel or blanket, and fitness clothing.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15653 May 3 – Jun 28 (No class May 24)
Sat 12 – 1 p.m.
Room 525
Roseville Gateway Campus
# 15662 Jun 9 – Jul 28
Mon 12 – 1 p.m.
Room 525
Club OLLI
The following lectures and activities are available to members of Club OLLI.
For only $35 per calendar year for an individual, or $65 per calendar year for a couple, you can enjoy any of our special lectures, along with many other member benefits. Additional lectures and events will be announced on an ongoing basis.
New for 2008 is a 3-month Sampler Membership. For only $19, you can try out Club OLLI for three months.
Use the Membership and Registration Form to join today and be put on our advance notice mailing list.
For information on scholarships to cover the membership fee, please call 916-781-6290.
History and Humanities
Ancient Greece
This course looks into Ancient Greek civilization spanning 1500-400 B.C. It seeks to trace the links between our modern world and its Mediterranean origins. We will explore this historical period in the light of the newest and best research and criticism with special attention to two crucial centuries from 600 to 400 B.C. The course will touch on this amazing culture including its history, literature, art, philosophy, and religion, which continues to intersect our own life experience.
Rev. Emil Augustine, BA Northcentral University; MA University of Minnesota; M.Div. Luther Theological Seminary; Doctoral Studies, Drew University; Adjunct Faculty, Princeton Theological Seminary; Guest Lecturer, Centenary College
Lincoln Library at 12 Bridges
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 22221 Jun 10, 17, 24, Jul 1, 8, 15
Tues 1 – 3 p.m.
Willow Room
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44442 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2, 9, 16
Wed 1 – 3 p.m.
Room 607
Giants of Renaissance Art: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael
This trio of Italian painters, sculptors, and architects mark the essence and highest achievements of Renaissance art of the 15th and 16th centuries – some would say of Western art altogether. All three created both religious and secular works, many with profound significance and unusual beauty. This three-session course will survey and appreciate the artistic achievements of each artist, explaining the meanings and compositional secrets of their most important works.
David Adams has a PhD in Art History Education and has taught at Sierra College since 1996.
Nevada County Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 88881 Jun 10, 17, 24
Tues 3:30 – 5:45 p.m.
Room M-101
Cultural Studies: Popular American Music & Dance
American popular music has introduced new styles and techniques to the global community since the 19th century. Many new dance styles emerged to fit the new styles throughout the decades, and these two aspects of culture – music and dance – can tell us much about the American culture of the time. In this course, we will study popular American music and dance and analyze the underlying cultural processes at work.
Christina Havens has a BS in Anthropology from UCLA. She worked as a training supervisor with the UCLA Police Department.
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44441 Jun 10, 17, 24, Jul 1, 8
Tues 4 – 6 p.m.
Room 601
The Psychology and Sociology of Street and Prison Gang Membership
Learn the “whys” of youth joining street gangs and later, prison gangs. We will cover the sociological and psychological motivating factors, and community prevention techniques to include parental and school roles. Gain knowledge of gang member characteristics and behavior, and current National and California gang member statistics. Short films “clips” will be shown along with former student-made visual aids.
Dr. Manuel Roman worked for the State of California as a correctional officer, youth counselor, parole agent, and civil rights officer. He has taught criminal justice at the collegiate level for over 30 years.
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44449 Jun 17
Tues 9 – 11 a.m..
Room 216
Cultural Studies in Brief: Hinduism
With an origin around 6th century B.C., Hinduism is considered to be the oldest world religion that is still widely practiced. In this course, we will briefly review the origins of Hinduism and the major beliefs and practices associated with Hinduism.
Christina Havens
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44445 Jun 24
Tues 6 – 8 p.m.
Room 601
Cultural Studies in Brief: Folklore, Mythology, and Superstitions from Around the Globe
The word folklore has been in use since author William Thoms first used the term in 1846. Folklore consists of all of the aspects of popular and expressive culture, including mythology, folk tales, superstitions, legends, traditions, music, beliefs, and more. In this course we will “visit” cultures from around the globe by becoming acquainted with their folklore. We will also study the cultural processes that contribute to molding folklore and cultural beliefs.
Christina Havens
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44447 Jul 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19
Tues 4 – 6 p.m.
Room 601
Cultural Studies in Brief: Art of Native Americans of the Plains
The Plains Native Americans include many well known tribes, such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfeet, Comanche, Pawnee, and others. In this seminar, we will study the art of these groups for a brief glimpse of the underlying culture and beliefs.
Christina Havens
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44448 Aug 5
Tues 6 – 8 p.m.
Room 601
Mysteries of Prehistoric Art
Covering nearly 40,000 years of the first human artistic creations, this class looks back to the Stone Age world of mammoth-bone houses, mysterious cave paintings deep underground, and huge stone monuments such as Stonehenge. This art of the late Paleolithic to Neolithic periods – especially in Europe – has continued to intrigue, puzzle, and inspire investigators and art historians for centuries. This slide lecture will present an overview of the key types and sites of prehistoric art as well as consider its possible meaning and uses.
David Adams
Nevada County Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 88883 Jun 12
Thur 3 – 6 p.m.
Room M-101
Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics
The Words of Religion
This course is an anthropological look at the words used in the major religions, that is Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others. Starting with the origin of the words and how they have changed throughout time and how they are used today.
Jerome Pressler has a BA and MA in Geography with minors in Geology and Anthropology. He has been teaching these subjects at community colleges since 1973.
Nevada County Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 88882 Jun 10, 17, 24, Jul 1, 8, 15
Tues 1 – 3 p.m.
Room M-101
Science, Health, and Technology
Tai Chi Fan
Tai Chi is an ancient form of exercise which promotes balance, coordination, and concentration. This fun group class is designed for the intermediate and advanced student. The Yang Fan Form is taught. Students are encouraged to wear loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes. Students will need to bring their own nylon fan.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44450 Jun 3, 10, 17, 24, Jul 8, 15, 29, Aug 5 (no class 7/1 or 7/22)
Tues 12 – 1 p.m.
Room 525
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Update
This course will give a general overview of the various categories of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) including the historical and legislative development of the CAM department under the National Institutes of Health. Because the field is so dynamic only some of the latest research, mainly in the area of herbal and nutritional supplements, will be presented. Course content will be geared towards those supplements used by the participants. Emphasis will be given to nutrition as medicine. An extensive bibliography as well as many handouts will be given out for those who want to pursue more in-depth information about specific topics.
Shirley Schultz, RN, MS, ANP, and retired Nurse Practitioner, has special interest in the latest research regarding complementary and alternative medicine. She has extensive teaching experience in a variety of health care settings.
Lincoln Library at 12 Bridges
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 22222 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2
Wed 1 - 3 p.m.
Willow Room
Mental Fitness: Mah-jongg Beginning
Develop your mental acuity while learning this Chinese game of strategy, skill, and calculation, similar to gin rummy. Mah-jongg is a game for four players invented in the 1800s.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44443 Jun 11
Wed 2 – 5 p.m.
Room 601
Mental Fitness: Mah-jongg Club
Exercise your strategy and develop your skill when you practice with fellow Club OLLI members. Members will have a place to meet and practice on a regular basis. Bring your mah-jongg set if you have one.
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44444 Jun 11, 18, 25, Jul 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Wed 2 – 5 p.m.
Room 601
Mental Fitness: Mah-jongg Intermediate
Hone your skills and sharpen your mind as you learn a higher level of strategy and calculation.
Renee Neal
Roseville Gateway Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 44446 Jun 25
Wed 2 - 5 p.m.
Room 601
Vital for Life: An Update on Vitamins
This 2-hour course will offer an overview of what vitamins are and what their role is in sustaining and maintaining health. The common food sources for these essential nutrients will be identified, and the use of supplements will be discussed in light of the recommendations of the National Academy of Science and current ongoing research.
Shirley Schultz
Lincoln Library at 12 Bridges
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 22223 Jul 9
Wed 1 – 3 p.m.
Willow Room
Life in the Universe and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)
Explore the amazing story of life in the universe from the big bang to ancient life to the dinosaurs. From dinosaurs we move to civilization and planetary exploration and send rovers to Mars! This leads to the search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system and in the universe, and a brand new telescope looks for other civilizations in our galaxy. Discuss the consequences of contact including major decisions for humankind.
Dr. John Billingham started working for NASA in 1963. He began SETI in NASA and worked on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. He was a lecturer on life in space for Stanford University for over 25 years.
Nevada County Campus
Club OLLI Activity – Membership Required
# 88884 Jul 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12
Tues 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Room M-101
Page last updated
May 8, 2008