Courses

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.

September 28, 2019 to October 1, 2019, BEC 0154
Saturday, September 28, 2019, BEC 0154
September 28, 2019 to October 3, 2019, BEC 0154

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.

October 10, 2019 to December 12, 2019, BEC 0151

Blurring the Lines: Fiction vs Non-Fiction

This class will discuss the consequences of choosing whether to tell a story in fictional or nonfictional form, the differences between these forms, the ethics involved in writing true stories, and the use of perspective. Students will engage in point of view and perception exercises, and each student will produce fiction and nonfiction writing.

November 9-16, 2019, HCC 0190

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Add your name to our Community Emergency Response Team Interest List to be notified of future courses.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train-the-Trainer

The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train-the-Trainer course is to provide the information and training needed for anyone who will be teaching the CERT Basic training course or managing a CERT team.

Add your name to our Community Emergency Response Team Interest List to be notified of future courses.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Creating Keepsakes Through Memoir Writing

Create a unique and special keepsake to remember a special trip or time in your life. Learn memoir and travel writing techniques by using a series of writing and memory prompts. In this class, you will write several small pieces that can be polished and integrated with items from a trip or event.

August 17-24, 2019, RDM3 306

Creating Memorable Characters

Want to write characters that readers never forget? Join award-winning author Kat Mattingly for an in-depth look at how to make your heroes and heroines come to life on the page. We'll study the art of penning interesting, relatable protagonists and villains for your fiction novel or memoir. Learn to write active, effective dialogue, format a main character arc and show satisfying hero growth.

October 15, 2019 to November 19, 2019, RTEC 224

Creative Writing Basic

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.

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.

December 7-14, 2019, HCC 0230

Creative Writing: Narrative - Point of View and Voice

Who is actually telling the story? To whom are they telling it? And why are they telling it? These are three questions that we should ask of everything we write. In this writing workshop, we'll learn the difference between the character, the narrator, and the writer, and discover ways to have each of them be a more effective story teller (fiction or nonfiction).

Saturday, November 23, 2019, HCC 0230

Creative Writing: Striking the Balance Between Tension & Information

Avoid spoon-feeding your readers too much exposition and invite them deep into your story. In this Creative Writing Workshop, we'll draw on techniques from prose and poetry that emotionally engage readers and allow them their own discovery while maintaining clarity. We'll look at examples of absorbing prose and poetry, and work with prompts and exercises that help us build a mutually rewarding relationship with our audience.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Creative Writing: To Plot, or Not to Plot?

In this workshop, we'll look at using plot points to create works of fiction and nonfiction. We'll also look at the pros and cons of outlining our work vs. letting it all hang out, and participate in writing exercises that help us understand how we can manage both sides of the coin.

Saturday, October 12, 2019, HCC 0260

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.

September 30, 2019 to October 7, 2019, CHLAB 207

French 101 (First Year)

Learn alongside COCC credit students in this French 101: First Year course. The first course of a three-course sequence in French emphasizes active communication in the language. Students will also develop basic skills in listening, reading, and writing in French. Textbook is required for this course.

September 23, 2019 to December 13, 2019, OCH 0221
September 24, 2019 to December 12, 2019, RDM3 309
September 24, 2019 to December 12, 2019, CAS 103

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.

October 2, 2019 to November 20, 2019, SHS

Generative Writing Workshop Fall Series

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. Each month, we will explore a theme through reading short pieces of writing, engaging in silent writing to suggested prompts, and sharing our raw (but often exciting!) pieces with one another. Take them individually or register for the series and save $28.

October 20, 2019 to December 8, 2019, RDM3 306

Generative Writing Workshop Winter Series

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. Each month, we will explore a theme through reading short pieces of writing, engaging in silent writing to suggested prompts, and sharing our raw (but often exciting!) pieces with one another. Whether students attend one or several of these workshops, they will assemble a portfolio of project ideas and short works-in-progress. Writers of all levels, in all genres are welcome. Workshops are not progressive, so students can choose the monthly workshops that appeal to them or can attend all as part of a regular writing practice.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Generative Writing Workshop: Beat Spirit

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. Each month, we will explore a theme through reading short pieces of writing, engaging in silent writing to suggested prompts, and sharing our raw (but often exciting!) pieces with one another. December 8: "Beat Spirit": We will use some of the techniques of the Beat writers (many of them "borrowed" from the Surrealist writers!) to get in touch with our inner cool cats. Expect to play with word collage, collaborative writing exercises, and automatic writing.

Sunday, December 8, 2019, RDM3 306

Generative Writing Workshop: Ghosting

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. November 17 topic: "Ghosting." We will explore pieces and prompts that play with the idea of the unseen or the missing. (Not necessarily the paranormal!)

Sunday, November 17, 2019, RDM3 306

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. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. Each month, we will explore a theme through reading short pieces of writing, engaging in silent writing to suggested prompts, and sharing our raw (but often exciting!) pieces with one another.

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. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. Each month, we will explore a theme through reading short pieces of writing, engaging in silent writing to suggested prompts, and sharing our raw (but often exciting!) pieces with one another.

This course contains no sessions at this time.

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. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. October 20 topic: "Writing What You See." We will use a variety of images to create characters, settings, and inspire scenes

This course contains no sessions at this time.

Generative Writing Workshop: Write What You See

Generative writing workshops provide time and space to create new work inspired by writing prompts, craft discussions, and sharing work. They stretch your writing practice by introducing new frameworks and forms, spark fresh ideas or dig up buried memories, and offer a place to share fellowship with other writers. October 20 topic: "Writing What You See." We will use a variety of images to create characters, settings, and inspire scenes.

Sunday, October 20, 2019, RDM3 306

Get Paid to Write From Home

Looking for a way to earn money from home? This one-of-a-kind workshop shows you how to turn your talent for writing into money in the bank. We'll zoom in on exactly how to create content that sells and where to find publishers who will pay well for your work. Get coached by a seasoned pro writer who reveals the best path to take and the dead ends to avoid.

October 1, 2019 to December 3, 2019, SCI 0190

Get Traditionally Published

Join traditionally published and award-winning author Kat Mattingly for invaluable information on how to get an agent and publisher. Kat will show you how to identify what agents are looking for in your novel, how to write a compelling synopsis and query letter, and how to give an accurate, intriguing novel pitch. Come learn the dos and don'ts of querying agents!

October 15, 2019 to November 5, 2019, RTEC 224

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 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, October 12, 2019, HCC 0230
Saturday, November 16, 2019, HCC 0230

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.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019, BEC 0152

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.

October 1-24, 2019, CHLAB 301

Intro to Theatre Dance

Let's dance! Whether you are new to dance or have years of experience, all will enjoy learning easy to follow choreography using Broadway musical numbers from shows like A Chorus Line, Chicago and Singin' in the Rain. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

September 23, 2019 to November 4, 2019, BEC 0151

Introduction to Argentine Tango

Argentine Tango is a vibrant social dance that has gained popularity all over the world. Learn the fundamentals as well as the movement, rhythm and culture behind this beautiful dance. Come join the exciting world of Argentine Tango in a fun and supportive environment. Wear shoes that allow you to pivot easily and slide into the exciting world of Argentine Tango. No partner or experience required.

September 23, 2019 to November 18, 2019, BEC 0151

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.

September 30, 2019 to October 23, 2019, BEC 0152

Learn About Horses Three Part Series - Choose all three and Save $

This three-part series is great for anyone considering purchasing a horse, taking riding lessons or with a general interest in horses. This series explores how to communicate with horses, how to care for horses and how to prepare for owning a horse. Register in the full series and save $28.

September 28, 2019 to October 12, 2019, HORSETALK

Learn About Horses Three Part Series - Part 1: Communicating with Horses

Learn about safety when working with horses, while exploring your own leadership skills. Experience the language of horses, horse perspective and herd dynamics.

Saturday, September 28, 2019, HORSETALK

Learn About Horses Three Part Series - Part 2: Caring for Horses

Learn what it takes to care for a horse including all aspects of health, housing, psychological well-being, grooming, handling, equipment and resources.

Saturday, October 5, 2019, HORSETALK

Learn About Horses Three Part Series - Part 3: From Gear to Go with Horses

Learn how to select a horse for adoption, how to work with professionals in the field, how to navigate the world of horse tack and the costs associated with horses.

Saturday, October 12, 2019, 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

September 23, 2019 to December 11, 2019, CAS 102

Novel Writing: Fiction or Memoir

Award-winning author and college educator  Kathryn Mattingly will introduce you to the art of novel writing. Explore the essential building blocks for the fiction book or memoir you might wish to pen one day. Plot, setting, theme, characterization, point of view and dialogue will all be covered.

August 7-28, 2019, RTEC 224

Parti-Gyle Brewing: One Mash, Two Beers

Parti-Gyle is a historic brewing technique that brewers still use to make two beers from a single mash. Learn about recipe design, sensory analysis and off-flavors while brewing your own Parti-Gyle mash on COCC's Sabco Brew System at Geist Beerworks in Redmond. Learn from a professional, award-winning commercial brewer in this hands-on class and find out how to get your "parti" started right. Students need to bring $15 cash or check to the first class to cover the cost of materials and beer samples. Students must be 21 years of age or older and bring ID. Brewing experience helpful but not necessary.

October 12, 2019 to November 16, 2019, Geist Beerworks

Pet Partners Handler's Course

You and your pet can bring unconditional love and proven psychological and medical benefits. 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, September 28, 2019, 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.

Saturday, December 7, 2019, HCC 0190

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.

Saturday, November 23, 2019, HCC 0260

Poetry Workshop: Poetic Tools for Writing in Every Genre

Good writing of any kind benefits from clarity, precision, and fresh language, and 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 writing game, whatever your genre. 

This course contains no sessions at this time.

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.

November 7-14, 2019, CHLAB 301

Self-Publishing Basics: Ebooks and 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.

October 5-26, 2019, 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.

October 19, 2019 to November 9, 2019, HCC 0260

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.

November 5-7, 2019, HCC 0260
Saturday, December 14, 2019, HCC 0260

Simple Portrait Photography

Join professional photographer Robert Agli as he teaches you how to navigate the world of portrait photography. Learn simple tools and lighting techniques to capture beautiful portraits both indoors and out.

October 29, 2019 to November 5, 2019, CHLAB 301

Smart Home Technologies

Technology for your home has become smarter than ever. Learn to save time, reduce stress and put your mind at ease for home security. This course will take an in-depth look at smart devices available to implement in your home to control your lights, locks, security system and other applications with just your phone, tablet or voice. Learn to use these devices to their full potential.

October 29, 2019 to November 21, 2019, BEC 0152

Tax Reform: Manage Your Finances Under the New Tax Law

Learn the details of the 2018 Tax Law and how it may affect your personal tax situation. Discussion will include tax optimization strategies for gifting, Social Security, estate planning and investments including Roth conversions.

Thursday, September 19, 2019, HCC 0140

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.

October 10, 2019 to November 14, 2019, Natural Mind Dharma Center

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

Writing Compelling Plots

Join award-winning author and college educator Kat Mattingly for an in-depth class on the art of storytelling. Choosing the correct voice for your novel or memoir will be covered, along with exploring your themes, enriching your settings, and writing a correct timeline for your book. Each one of these elements can help elevate and strengthen your story, allowing it to resonate better with readers.

October 17, 2019 to November 21, 2019, CAS 118

Writing Powerful Prose

Would you like to take your short stories to the next level? Let's analyze how to make that happen! This class will teach you all the skills you need to create short stories with greater impact. Award-winning author and college educator Kat Mattingly will focus on 'raising the stakes' regarding your plot, along with how to create powerful characters and compelling dialogue.

October 17, 2019 to November 21, 2019, CAS 118

Youth Program: Be a Radio DJ for Teens

If you're 15-18 years old, you can train to volunteer for KPOV, High Desert Completing this class will qualify you to host the Youth Radio Hour on KPOV.

September 28, 2019 to October 9, 2019, BEC 0154