Courses

A Matter of Money

It's not a matter of how much money you have, it's your relationship with money that influences how you make decisions and experience satisfaction in your life. Your habits and attitudes about money drive your financial behaviors. Learn more about your own money habitudes. You will have the opportunity to complete a personal exercise and participate in a group discussion about this taboo topic of money.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Advanced Novel & Memoir Writing

Students will learn how to elevate their fiction novel or memoir by better understanding the five major components of a good plot, and the seven most successful types of conflict. We will cover how to make characters more relatable and how to write pertinent dialogue that is seamless. We will also examine the impact of easily visualized settings, poignant themes, and an accurate, tension-filled timeline.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Advanced Woodworking

Are you an experienced woodworker looking to expand and practice your skills? In this class, students will learn and practice various types of joinery including dadoes, rabbets, shiplap, dovetails, and mortise and tenon. Don't miss out on this opportunity to work in a generously equipped woodshop alongside an instructor who has extensive experience and the tool collection of a professional furniture maker. Experienced woodworkers only. Materials not included.

April 15, 2020 to June 3, 2020, SHS

Be a Radio DJ

Interested in going 'on-air'? In this hands-on course, learn the fundamentals of radio programming, including running the mixer and mics, planning for music/talk shows and developing your own style.

April 4-9, 2020, HCC 0190
April 4-5, 2020, HCC 0190
April 4-7, 2020, HCC 0190

Belly Dance

Learn the captivating movements, isolations and shimmies of Egyptian belly dance! This class introduces and reviews all the basic moves, then gently leads into combinations and short choreographies. Belly dance boosts mood, builds core strength and flexibility, and is a great way to release the stresses of everyday life. No previous dance or performance experience required.

January 19, 2020 to March 8, 2020, BEC 0151
April 9, 2020 to May 28, 2020, BEC 0151

Birding Malheur

Experience the superb birding opportunities that the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and fields around Burns, Oregon offer in the spring. Known for concentrations of waterfowl, sandhill cranes and raptors, the area also offers great opportunities to view and photograph owls, shorebirds and songbirds. In mid-May, the area hosts a songbird migration with warblers, vireos, tanagers, and orioles. Transportation, instruction, guiding and picnic lunches included.

May 11-30, 2020, CHLAB 301

Book Study: Waking Up White & Finding Myself in the Story of Race

Utilizing the book Waking Up White: Finding Myself in the Story of Race, this four-week book study explores how we as community members can start talking about race. We are exposed to a national climate that is often polarized around racial issues. This is an opportunity to start talking about race, what it means to grow up white in America, and learn skills and strategies to be good allies and support people of color. Book included.

February 11, 2020 to March 3, 2020, BEC 0154
February 12, 2020 to March 4, 2020, RTEC 224

Conversational Spanish V Special-Study: Perfecting Spanish through Literature

This Conversational Spanish V - Special Study course is for advanced students who want to practice speaking the language and incorporating it into their everyday life. Students will develop and practice Spanish-speaking, listening, writing and reading skills by by reading various portions of Spanish literature and engaging with the instructor and other students using advanced Spanish. No text is required and the instructor will provide materials.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Creative Writing Basics

Creative writing is any form of writing which is written with the creativity of mind: fiction writing, poetry writing, creative nonfiction writing and more. The purpose is to express something, whether it be feelings, thoughts, or emotions. If you have always thought you had a book or memoir in you, or just want to write for fun and relaxation, this is the class for you. We will explore different genres of writing using select readings and writing exercises and learn the principles of workshopping creative writing and share writing with one another.

Saturday, March 14, 2020, MDR 114

Creative Writing: Beginnings, Middles & Ends

If a roller coaster went straight and level, it would just be a quick train ride. In this two-day workshop, you'll learn how to make your stories (fictional and nonfictional) interesting and exciting by exploring a variety of craft methods to hook, engage, and hold your readers, even after they've finished reading.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Creative Writing: Flash!

Flash fiction and nonfiction are increasingly popular and sought after literary forms in magazine and journal publishing.  In this workshop, students will better understand the genre by reading and discussing some samples, creating some drafts of flash pieces using prompts, and workshopping those pieces with one another.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Creative Writing: Following Your Character

Ray Bradbury said: "Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations." In this workshop, we'll learn how to create characters, wind them up, and let them go-our only job is to try to keep up with them. We'll learn techniques and exercises to let our characters do all the work for us.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Digital Photo Stress to Digital Photo Peace

Do you have digital photos stored in multiple locations or printed photos hidden away in boxes? If you are feeling overwhelmed by your photos and looking for a way to better organize and preserve your precious memories, this course is for you. Join professional organizer and photo coach Debbie Bauman to identify your own personal strategy for managing your photos and techniques to create a beautiful collection of memories that your family will enjoy for generations. Bring 20-50 digital photos on a flash drive, laptop, tablet or phone for this interactive course.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

DIY Construction Framing Basics Made Easy

Using a mixture of lecture and hands-on application, your expert instructor will guide you through the importance of using scale and design before building, foundation basics, the components of a typical wall framing system, framing and truss layout, and roof system basics. You'll learn how to safely use construction tools and tricks of the trade for basic construction for homeowners. For students who want to learn about home/project based construction. Tools will be provided. Students will need to provide their own construction appropriate gloves.

Saturday, January 25, 2020, RTEC 113

DIY Home Electrical Made Easy

Take the confusion and risk out of DIY electrical projects. Get a solid grounding in how wiring works, what tools you need, how to make connections, how to work with wire and cable and how to avoid the most common errors and, most importantly, how to be safe around electricity.

March 7-14, 2020, RTEC 113

DIY Interior Design

Explore the essentials of interior design and learn to make informed, professional design decisions to create or enhance spaces that you and others will love. After completing the course, you will be able to create interior spaces or custom designs with the basic skills, knowledge and insight of a professional designer. Learn to convey your ideas through sketching and presentations. Feel confident in your decision-making and purchases. Materials are required for this course.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Energy Medicine 101

Join Nurse Practitioner and Certified Eden Energy Medicine Advanced Practitioner Gail Jett to explore the basics of energy healing and energy medicine. Learn the science behind these modalities and ways to augment your own health and well-being with some simple techniques that can increase energy, vitality, mental clarity and focus.

Saturday, March 14, 2020, CHLAB 301

Energy Medicine for Pets

Many people are exploring the benefits of alternative therapies for their pets. Join Gail Jett, Nurse Practitioner and Certified Eden Energy Medicine Advanced Practitioner, as she explains the foundation of energy medicine and demonstrates simple techniques you can use with your pets.

Saturday, April 18, 2020, CHLAB 301

Fast & Fab: Sew Your Own Hooded Fleece Poncho

Learn applied techniques of sewing and make your own fast and fab hooded fleece poncho. Students will have the opportunity to complete at least one poncho in this 3-hour class. All levels of sewing experience welcome. No pattern required. Materials are required for this course.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

First Year French II (102)

Learn alongside COCC credit students in this French 102: First Year course. The second course of a three-course sequence in French. Continues the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Particular emphasis on short interactions regarding everyday life. Prerequisites: FR 101.

January 6, 2020 to March 20, 2020, OCH 0221
January 7, 2020 to March 19, 2020, CAS 103

First Year French III (103)

Learn alongside COCC credit students in this French 103: First Year course. The third course of a three-course sequence in French. Continues the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Prepares students for entry into second-year level at COCC or any other university. Prerequisites: FR 102.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

First Year Mandarin Chinese III (103)

Learn alongside COCC credit students in this this Mandarin Chinese 103: First Year course. This third course of a three-course sequence. Course introduces Mandarin Chinese language presented within the context of Chinese culture. Third course of a three-course sequence. Expands on effective communicative skills in both the written and spoken language with particular attention to handling uncomplicated social situations and developing writing and reading to meet a number of practical everyday needs. Hybrid environment, requiring regular access to internet and computer. Prerequisites: CHN 102.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Fluent in Canine - The Language & Culture of Dogs

Learn how to see the world from your dog's perspective. Understand what causes anxiety, fear and behavioral issues and how you may be contributing towards behavioral issues without realizing it. Please leave pets at home.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

French Culture Through Film

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Fundamentals of Woodworking

Sharpen your woodworking skills. This class is designed for the beginning woodworking student. Learn universal woodworking basics including shop safety, sharpening, tool use and maintenance, wood selection, and more.

January 22, 2020 to March 11, 2020, SHS

Generative Writing Workshop: Love Letters

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. In this session, "Love Letters," we will use the form of the love letters to explore objects, people, and places that are important to us.

Saturday, February 15, 2020, RDM3 306

Generative Writing Workshop: Magical Realism

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. In this session, "Magical Realism" Forms", we will write about real world problems and challenges made new by the reveal of magical elements.  Be inspired by prompts that intertwine the everyday with fairy tale and mythology.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Generative Writing Workshop: Making it New

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. In this session, "Making it New," we will look at creative ways to employ revision to re-think and re-see our writing.

Saturday, March 21, 2020, RDM3 306

Generative Writing Workshop: Unexpected Forms

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. In this session, "Unexpected Forms," we will look at examples of essays and poetry that take the shape of other texts like recipes, liner notes, to-do lists, and letters, and then we will try our hand at borrowing forms for our own writing.

Saturday, January 25, 2020, RDM3 305

Generative Writing Workshop: What's in a Name?

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. In this session, "Magical Realism" Forms", we will write about real world problems and challenges made new by the reveal of magical elements.  Be inspired by prompts that intertwine the everyday with fairy tale and mythology. In this session, "What's in a Name?", we will explore the power of names.  Through a series of prompts about people's names, the names of things, and the names of places, we will investigate how naming can help writers with characterization, world building, and description.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Generative Writing Workshop: Writing Micro

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. In this session, "Writing Micro" Super short fiction and memoir and brief poetry forms have flourished in the age of social media and text communication.  In this workshop, we play with prompts for micro writing (fewer than 300 words) across genres. 

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Get Paid to Write: Creating Content that Sells

Do you dream of getting paid to write from home, but don't know where to start? Do you want to work on your own schedule and break loose from the shackles of hourly rates and fixed salaries? This unique workshop zooms in on exactly how to create content that sells. Get one-on-one advice from a seasoned professional writer who reveals the path to take and the dead ends to avoid. You can turn your writing dream into money in the bank. Come to class with a writing project in mind. Stop wishing and get going.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Ham Radio Technician Licensing

Ham Radio (amateur radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and understand the rules to operate legally. This class will help you prepare to pass the Ham Radio Licensed Technician test and obtain your license so you can begin your journey into ham radio. Bring $15 check for cost of test. Students age 16 or older may register for this class but those under age 18 must attend with a paid parent or adult.

Saturday, February 15, 2020, HCC 0260
Saturday, March 21, 2020, HCC 0260

Herbal Strategies: Increasing Digestive Health

Research indicates there is a direct link between digestion and overall health. Learn about foods and herbs used throughout the world to attain and maintain digestive health. Leave with recipes to make easy herbal remedies at home.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Horse Adventuring

Explore horse adventuring in Central Oregon. This short series focuses on safely accessing both front and backcountry trails on horseback including how and where to adventure as well as preparing for emergencies on the trail. Series includes guest appearances from local subject experts as well as hands-on activities and/or field sessions. No riding involved in this course.

March 2-16, 2020, RTEC 127

Human Body Language: A Horses Perspective

Horses are astute and direct at reading body language. If you've ever wondered how your body language conveys confidence, clarity, honesty and emotion, let the horses show you. Students will learn about themselves through these unique interactions with horses. No riding involved and no experience required.

Saturday, April 25, 2020, HORSETALK

Improv for Life

Join Renny Temple, master improviser and actor/director, in this interactive workshop of fun improv games and exercises for enjoyment, for stage and for life. Improv skills deliver a unique experience of on-your-feet enhanced decision-making, improved confidence, superior communication/listening skills, greater creativity and more.

February 4-27, 2020, CHLAB 301

Introduction to Astrology

Astrology has been defined as a symbolic language, an art form and a science. Join this class and learn the basic tenants of astrology, regardless of its definition. Class will cover the 12 signs of the Zodiac and the planets that rule each house. Students will identify their own sign, draw its symbols and create their own personal Zodiac chart.

Saturday, February 29, 2020, HCC 0230

Introduction to Poetry

Poems have the potential to provide fresh perspective, infuse our everyday language with music, and illuminate a path for self-expression and creativity - but where to begin? In this class, we will combine select readings with writing prompts to equip you with the tools to better appreciate the work of others and get a strong start, or re-boot, on your own poetry practice.

Saturday, February 8, 2020, CAS 115

Introduction to Practical Shamanism

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Introduction to Smartphones

This interactive, fun, hands-on class will teach you the basics of how to navigate your smartphone using the touchscreen. Practice using shortcuts on your smartphone and learn effective ways to keep in touch with family and friends through various applications.

February 4-27, 2020, CHLAB 301

Introduction to Smartphones II

If you've taken Introduction to Smartphones and still want to learn more, this class is for you!  Join Abe Makda and explore additional features on your phone. This class will cover Smartphone hardware, modes of communication, data transfer methods, connecting and navigating other smart devices, privacy, security and camera features. Take your skills to the next level and make the most of your investment. Class will cover both Android and Apple phone features. 

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Learn About Horses Part One: Communicating with Horses

Learn about safety when working with horses, while exploring your own leadership skills. You will experience the language of horses, horse perspective and herd dynamics. No riding involved and no experience required. Class held weather permitting. Will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Wear closed-toe leather shoes and wear layers.

Saturday, May 23, 2020, HORSETALK

Mandarin Chinese 201 (Second Year)

Join COCC professor Lin Hong and learn alongside COCC credit students in this intermediate Mandarin Chinese class. Chinese 201 is the first course of a three-course sequence in intermediate Mandarin Chinese language and culture. This course will focus on effective communication in the Mandarin Chinese language, emphasizing both the written and spoken language, as well as an understanding of the practices and products of Chinese culture. Particular attention will be given to exploring the relationship between Chinese language, literature, philosophy, and culture. Prerequisites: Chinese 103

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Marketing for Writers

You've done the hard work of writing that article, short story, or book, but how do you go about getting paid for your labor? Where can you sell your creation and what's a fair price to ask? This unique two-part workshop will answer those questions and more. You don't need a finished project to take this class, or even a solid idea, just bring a desire to learn about the business of writing.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Marketing for Writers: Who Pays and How to Reach Them

Have you already started or even completed a writing project and want to take then next step and be paid for your work?  This class is for you!  This workshop will help you with the basics of selling the unique content you have already created. Learn the major markets, how to price and promote your work and different tactics to get your work noticed. Bring your completed work or ideas, if you have one, or develop a project during the class.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Novel Writing: Fiction or Memoir

Explore the essential building blocks for fiction or memoir. Plot, setting, theme, characterization, point of view and dialogue will all be covered. What is the heroes' journey and how does a writer weave a tale into a page-turning best seller? Understanding these basics is the first step.

February 20, 2020 to March 12, 2020, RTEC 135

Pet Partners Handler's Course

You and your pet can bring unconditional love and proven psychological and medical benefits to others. Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program is a great way to volunteer with your pet for visiting animal programs. This workshop will provide you with the skills needed to take the next step towards visiting with your pet in hospitals, nursing homes, classrooms and other facilities.

Saturday, April 25, 2020, CHLAB 301

Poetry Works: Poetry Techniques for Prose

Good writing of any kind benefits from clarity, precision, and fresh language. Poetry can help! Perfect the well-crafted line, sharpen your imagery, and get the emotional impact you're after with prompts, exercises, and techniques borrowed from poetry to up your prose writing game.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Poetry Workshop

In this workshop, students will gain inspiration from contemporary poets who embrace a variety of forms. Learn to follow prompts to see where they will lead you and feed your fertile imagination sufficiently to fill a new notebook or MacBook with fresh and nourishing poems.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Printed Photo Organization 101

Join professional organizer and photo coach Debbie Bauman in this hands-on course focused on sorting and organizing printed photos. Students will learn how to identify their photo goals and develop a strategy to achieve those goals. This is a great course for those who are overwhelmed with how to start organizing their boxes, bins, and bags of printed photos and outdated media.

March 9-16, 2020, CHLAB 301
June 1-8, 2020, RTEC 124

Put Yourself in the Driver's Seat of Your Life

Experience a uniquely dynamic, introspective, and transformative process that asks the most important life questions. This class will empower you to access your own inner wisdom, power and passion. You will be gently guided by a certified professional coach to clarify, align, and write your life vision and purpose statements based on your core values and guiding principles, and take actions that produce intentional results.

June 2-9, 2020, CHLAB 301

Redmond Community Choir

Redmond Community Choir provides an opportunity for amateur singers to participate in a fun choral singing experience. This non-auditioned ensemble will learn and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres including classical, pop, sacred, jazz and spiritual. The course will culminate with a concert performance at the end of the term. All experience levels welcome. Bring $20 (cash or check) for music rental fee to the first class session.

March 23, 2020 to June 1, 2020, RTEC 209

Second Year Mandarin Chinese III (203)

Learn alongside COCC credit students in this this Mandarin Chinese 203: Second Year course. The third course of a three-course sequence in intermediate Mandarin Chinese language and culture. This course will focus on effective communication in the Mandarin Chinese language, emphasizing both the written and spoken language, as well as an understanding of the practices and products of Chinese culture. Particular attention will be given to exploring the relationship between Chinese language, literature, philosophy, and culture. Prerequisites: CHN 202.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Self-Publishing Basics: Ebooks & Print-On-Demand

Self-publish your novel, memoir, book of poetry or artwork. In this workshop series, you'll learn how to format your manuscript for a professional-looking interior, design covers that catch readers' eyes in print and online, and use print-on-demand (POD) services to distribute the finished product.

February 15, 2020 to March 7, 2020, BEC 0156

Sew Your Own Clothes: Recreate Your Favorite Clothes

Take your beginning sewing experience to the next level by learning how to recreate your favorite clothing in this hands-on class. Learn to deconstruct, create a pattern, and then reconstruct your favorite clothes. Discovers tips on pattern layout, making minor adjustments, matching prints and construction from start to finish.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Sewing Basics: Get to Know Your Machine

Want to learn to sew, but not sure how to use your sewing machine? This class is a great way to get started on your sewing adventure. Bring your machine and owner's manual and learn common features shared by all standard sewing machines, as well as some features specific to your model. This two-hour class is intended for the beginner with a portable, standard sewing machine (not specialty machines for quilting or embroidery). Materials are required for this course.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020, BEC 0160

Sewing Project: Aprons

Create a fun, personalized apron for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Choose your favorite style including a wrap-around, gathered skirt, bib, or Japanese cross back. Aprons can be made for men, women or children.  Pattern provided or created in class. Students will have the opportunity to complete at least one apron in this four-hour class. This is not a beginning level class.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

The Buddhist Point of View

Buddha taught that we all have a naturally conscious and loving presence. However, we get distracted by our reactions to life situations and develop habits of mind that overshadow our original nature. This class will explore how the Buddhist point of view guides the way to remembering the true heart/mind of compassion.

January 16, 2020 to February 20, 2020, Natural Mind Dharma Center

The Creative Writing Process

Learn to employ the techniques of writing effective fiction and creative nonfiction, including story and plot, character development, narrative voice, scene and setting, beginnings and endings, and the use of symbols and metaphor. You will generate work through a series of exercises, prompt writing, and freewriting, and create the first draft of a story (fiction or nonfiction). Learn the principles of workshopping creative writing and share writing with one another.

January 29, 2020 to March 4, 2020, HCC 0140

Tidying Up With the KonMari Method

Discover how to simplify and organize your home using the KonMari Method, developed by Marie Kondo. Over the five-week course, students will learn the core principles of the KonMari Method and how to apply them. By the end of the course, you will have learned the life-changing magic of tidying up, and begin living a life that sparks joy.

February 27, 2020 to March 26, 2020, HCC 0140

Tuesdays at 2

Join COCC Continuing Education on the second Tuesday of each month (October - June) for a presentation on topics that will expand your mind, ignite your creativity and broaden your horizons. Highlighting COCC faculty and Central Oregon experts, explore topics ranging from international culture to current events to emerging technologies and more.

October 8, 2019 to June 9, 2020, CHLAB 301