Programs

2024 Greater Birmingham In-Person Courses

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 7, 2024

The Greater Birmingham In-person courses are held at specific locations. See the catalog for the location and description of courses.

Note: In-person classes have space limitations so only select the classes you plan to attend. The system will not allow you to select two classes on the same scheduled day/time.


June 3, 2024 to August 1, 2024

BHM 101 Watercolor Class with Chris Cruz

Try something new this summer! Join Chris as she shows you step by step how to create textures in watercolors. You will be using watercolor grounds, absorbent grounds and more. No experience is necessary for this class.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 102 An Overview and History of Immigration Law

An immigration attorney, Allen will explain visas, the naturalization and citizenship process, consular processing, asylum law, deportation, quotas, and jurisdictional venues. And learn the real-life experience of being an immigrant from Maria Frias, Citizenship Program manager, HICA in Alabama.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 103 The Film Adaptation of the Comedy "Noises Off"

"Noises Off" is a hilarious film about a group of actors staging a play about a couple whose adopted dog disrupts their lives. Dr. Haarbauer and his wife Martha will provide commentary and a critique after viewing the film. Laugh and join the conversation with OLLI friends.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 104 Japanese Music

Experience the captivating world of Japanese music, from kumi-daiko drums to Gagaku court music. Explore traditional instruments and genres, delving into the artistry and precision of Noh and Kabuki theatre music. This course offers a unique journey through Japan's rich musical heritage.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 105 Travel, The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer

If you want to travel the world, or your own beautiful part of it, this course is for you. Is river cruising or ocean cruising for me? Should I join a tour group? What documents are needed and how do I obtain them? What to pack? Do I need travel insurance? Bring your questions and wanderlust!

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 106 Introduction to Bridge

Here's your chance to learn bridge, the card game you always wanted to play! In eight weeks, Beth Stewart will teach bridge basics, using videos and a PowerPoint created by renowned ACBL instructor Patty Tucker, along with actual play. What better way to learn than with your OLLI friends?

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 107 Zumba with Ronda

Zumba with Ronda is an easy-to-follow style of dance class using music from the '70s, '80s and more. This class focuses on all elements of fitness, cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance. Her choreography will make you move using a range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave empowered, feeling strong with your OLLI friends.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 108 Pilates and Move and Flow for Seniors

The first class, Sitting Pilates, is an exercise focusing on aligning and decompressing the spine, improving quality of movement. The second class, Move and Flow, is a structured dance experience for seniors seeking a fun, creative approach to maintaining physical health and well-being.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 109 Native American Cultures: Their Philosophical Roots and Legacy to the West

Dr. Hall will explore Native American philosophy, the Cherokee language and history, and the influence of medicine men. One lecture will focus on South American Shamanism. The final lecture will explore the appropriation vs. borrowing of Native American Shamanism by western cultures.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 110 Gardening

Each week a gardening expert will lecture on a specific topic.July 8 - A Fall Planting Garden - Jessica Hill, Jones Valley Teaching FarmJuly 15 - Floral Design Techniques with Treasures from your Garden - Beth White, Professional FloristJuly 22 - Invasive Plant ID and Control - Nancy Lowestein, Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemJuly 29 - How Changing Weather Conditions are Impacting Our Garden - Bethany O'Rear, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (BHM 110 Continued)

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 111 Transformative Dialogues and Skills: Shaping Our Future Together

This thrilling eight-week journey with the David Mathews Center for Civic Life is not just any course. It's a vibrant arena for the curious. Imagine a place where your opinions on today's most heated topics aren't just heard but are pivotal in shaping our collective future. But there's a twist.This adventure demands not just courage to voice your thoughts but also an open heart to embrace others. In these interactive sessions, you'll engage with diverse opinions, challenging your own views and refining your understanding. Issue guide topics include Medicare and Medicaid, environmental policy, immigration, gun violence and more. We'll navigate these complex topics, forging not just opinions, but pathways to real-world solutions. This course isn't just about deliberation; it's about sparking a movement of informed, empathetic citizens. Are you ready to be a part of this dynamic dialogue, to challenge and be challenged?

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 112 My Time in the FBI

Mayor Ashley Curry looks back at his 25-year career in the FBI. Beginning in 1980, he will share how he and his colleagues made a difference. His time included the Bruno/Food World extortion case, the Atlanta prison riot, the Judge Robert Vance murder, and the abortion bombing/Eric Robert Randolph case. He will describe the "FBI Family" and its qualities - plus some instances of humor (a necessity of serving 25 years in law enforcement).

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 113 The Celts

The Celts were a complex people group who originated in central Europe during the Iron Age and then settled their people in hillforts from the British Isles to central Turkey. This course will examine the Celtic culture from prehistoric beginnings to the Middle Ages. (BHM 113 Continued)

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 114 Spotlight on U.S. National Parks and Public Lands

Explore the history, philosophy and institutional structure of America's public lands conservation system, with special attention to Yellowstone, Glacier and the Great Smoky Mountains. A focus will be on challenges related to wildlife conservation and restoration as related to bison and wolves.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 115 Stargazing

The first session, Stargazing from Birmingham, will explore how to navigate the night sky from Birmingham, Alabama! Familiarize yourself with major constellations and learn how to identify planets using binoculars or an iPhone to open these wonders to us. The second session, Stargazing in the Atacama: Unveiling the Secrets of Chile's Clear Skies, will explore how and why the Chilean night sky is different from the Alabama night sky, and why it is an ideal location for celestial observation.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

BHM 116 The Mighty Eighth, Americas Air War over Europe 1942-1945

The Eighth Air Force formed one month after Pearl Harbor with seven men and no aircraft. It became the largest air armada ever assembled, fielding over 2,000 bombers and 1,000 fighter planes in a single mission. This course will cover the men, planes and tactics that destroyed the German Luftwaffe.

This course contains no sessions.
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.