Browse Membership & Current Classes   

If you already purchased a 2024-2025 Annual Membership do not purchase the Spring semester membership. To verify your membership status go to our website and sign in to your account. Click "Account" in the maroon bar and then click "My Membership." Annual members will show an expiration date of 6/30/2025. 

The Spring 2025 FREE Classes for the annual membership are 023, 048, 094 & 121. The free classes included in our membership plans are pre-selected for each semester. You will still need to register for the class when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will show the charge, but when you checkout it will discount the fee. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if for some reason your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

The Semester Membership gives members access to all classes and events offered by OLLI at ASU for one semester. 

Membership Benefits 

• At least one free class session per semester
• Discounted tickets and special offers from our Community Partners
• Co-generational programs with ASU faculty and ASU students 
• The opportunity to contribute to academic research projects
• Educational travel opportunities

 

The free class included in our membership plan is pre-selected for each semester. You will still need to register for the class when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will show the charge, but when you checkout it will discount the fee. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if for some reason your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

If you already purchased a 2024-2025 Annual Zoom Membership do not purchase the Spring semester membership. To verify your membership status go to our website and sign in to your account. Click "Account" in the maroon bar and then click "My Membership." Annual members will show an expiration date of 6/30/2025. 

The Spring 2025 FREE class for the annual zoom membership is 094. The free class included in our membership plans are pre-selected for each semester. You will still need to register for the class when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will show the charge, but when you checkout it will discount the fee. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if for some reason your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

Discover the magic that happens when movement and sound come together in unexpected ways. Our workshops invite you to explore the art of expression through dance and music, where creativity flows freely and collaboration sparks new possibilities. In our first session, participants transform simple movements into powerful music and dance pieces, blending physical gestures with spontaneous sound to create something entirely new. The experience is all about exploration, where everyone’s unique perspective contributes to a collective creation. In session two, you'll step into an imaginative world where your body and voice bring scenes to life. Whether it’s the rustling leaves of a tree or the rhythm of crashing waves, you’ll create dynamic, living soundscapes by blending movement and sound. Working together, you’ll craft spontaneous performances that awaken new ways of thinking and expressing yourself. These workshops are about more than just learning new skills—they’re about breaking boundaries, tapping into creativity, and making connections through art. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to explore, collaborate, and be inspired. Join us for a unique artistic journey you won’t forget!

Many people living in the West are very comfortable buying and ordering California wines, especially those from Napa Valley and Sonoma. However, there are more than 150 different officially recognized growing regions in California. In fact, the oldest grapevine in the state is in Los Angeles. In this class, we will explore some of the state’s less well-known wine growing regions (especially those of Southern California) with the same curiosity and excitement as we do some of the more famous northern appellations. An *optional* recommended wine list will be sent out before each class for any participants who wish to purchase any of the wines/grapes/styles we will be discussing that week.

Discover the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this interactive workshop designed to showcase its transformative power for lifelong learners. Participants will receive the latest updates on cutting-edge AI initiatives at ASU from Executive Director of Creative and Communications within the Enterprise Technology (IT) division Tina Miller. Class will also cover the future of AI in higher education and generative AI. Additionally, attendees will delve into the technical aspects of generative AI with easy-to-understand explanations. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge on AI advancements and resources for further exploration. Please note: This class is being held at more than one OLLI location, check to make sure you are registering for the correct location.  This same class was presented at other locations in Fall 2024.

Discover the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this interactive workshop designed to showcase its transformative power for lifelong learners. Participants will receive the latest updates on cutting-edge AI initiatives at ASU from Executive Director of Creative and Communications within the Enterprise Technology (IT) division Tina Miller. Class will also cover the future of AI in higher education and generative AI. Additionally, attendees will delve into the technical aspects of generative AI with easy-to-understand explanations. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge on AI advancements and resources for further exploration. Please note: This class is being held at more than one OLLI location, check to make sure you are registering for the correct location.  This same class was presented at other locations in Fall 2024.

Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. In this course, we will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. By the end of the course, you will understand how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. Whether you are new to bonsai, have experience, or are simply curious, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of this fascinating art form.

The adventure begins in New York City, where the echoes of Tin Pan Alley's Great American Songbook still resound. We witness a new generation of talented songwriters, singers, and groups, who filled the airwaves and shaped the soundtrack of our lives. This course is a journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. We will discuss the music of legendary songwriters such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Neil Diamond, and others. Together we will rediscover the tunes from Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, the Ronettes, the Shirelles, the Animals, the Monkees, Manfred Mann, Andy Williams, the unforgettable Righteous Brothers, and many others.

Longevity comes down to one simple truth: our ability to weather the inevitable challenges life unexpectedly drops in our lap. Resilience is our ticket to extended healthspan. Western society is entering a phase of significant transformation that will change how we age. This course is a condensed version of Fulton’s Whealthspan Masterclass which focuses on the five foundations for extending healthspan and looks at societal changes that will impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science for a general audience and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values.

An understanding and appreciation of the religions of our neighbors is essential in a civil society. In his three-session class, Chris O’Brien, Fulbright winner, Musical Instrument Museum docent, and extensively traveled world history teacher, will explore a basic and practical journey through the “Western” religions of Judaism and Christianity. Chris will focus on the beliefs, practices, and social aspects of each religion covering how each has evolved historically and spiritually. We will also explore some of the interactions that have taken place among the religions. Copies of student notes will be available to participants prior to class. This provides the option of previewing the materials, printing, and bringing to class the notes. A field trip to a Jewish synagogue and a Christian church is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 26. Time TBD

Musculoskeletal disease is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, and degenerative disc disease are the major diseases that result in musculoskeletal disability. The ideal treatment for these diseases would regrow or rejuvenate the injured joint, however current treatments commonly replace the injured joint with a metal implant with a limited lifespan. The overarching goal of this course will be to explore treatments of osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease currently in the clinic, in FDA clinical trials, and in cutting edge research labs. Course participants will gain a better understanding of the theories underlying the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and learn about future regenerative approaches to joint damage.

In this course, we will explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. We will discuss the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette, and the appeal of visionary concept cars like the Ford Nucleon – all of which highlight the creativity and innovation of each era. We will discuss how global car cultures, from America’s muscle cars to Japan’s futuristic designs, reflect the unique identities and values of their societies. These vehicles have become symbols of creativity, status, and technological progress. Whether it's Germany’s precision-engineered sports cars or Italy’s exquisitely crafted performance masterpieces, each region brings its own distinct flavor to the world of automotive design. Learn how the worldwide car scene showcases the diversity of human innovation and cultural expression, cementing automobiles as both a tool of progress and a reflection of societal evolution.

Solar energy is the cheapest, most abundant, and fastest growing source of energy on Earth. So, what does it mean for Arizona’s future? In this fast-paced series of deep dives into different facets of solar energy, Dr. Clark Miller – Associate Director of ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society – explores how solar is changing how we think about energy and what it means for people, cities, cars, the desert, the economy, even culture. We’ll talk technology and climate change but also social movements, like solarpunk, that are using art and science fiction to dream about different solar tomorrows. Bring your imagination – and your questions!

In this six-week class, we will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli—a city famously pieno di contradizione (“full of contradictions”). Aimed at students and travelers alike, the course offers a virtual “grand tour” of Naples through a close examination of a dozen Neapolitan monuments/historic sites reflective of milestones in the city’s historical development from its origins through today, including: Castel dell’ Ovo, Spaccanapoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Castel Nuovo, the Duomo, Santa Chiara, i musei Capodimonte e Archeologico Nazionale, Palazzo Reale, Teatro San Carlo, and the Galleria Umberto I among others (including “side visits” to the city’s best pizzerias, food stalls, pastry shops and cafes!) .

Dr. David Schildkret, ASU Professor Emeritus of Choral Music, explores three monuments of western music: Mozart’s “Requiem,” “A German Requiem” by Brahms, and the Verdi “Requiem.” Each composer approaches the subject of death in a unique, powerful and moving way. The three classes will explore the background, content, and attitudes of the works from Schildkret’s unique perspective as a scholar and conductor. He will conduct the Brahms at Dayspring UMC in Tempe on May 18 and at New York’s Carnegie Hall on May 24.

Have you been yearning to know all about Japanese sake? Please join John Hornick, who holds several sake certifications and interned in the Daimon brewery near Osaka, Japan, to learn the types of premium sakes and what makes them "premium.” In addition, you will learn how premium sake ingredients affect taste, aroma, and regionality. We will go over the three main brewing methods and how they affect taste, the importance of rice polishing ratio, and sake terms you need to know. A list of recommended sakes will be provided after you sign up. John will lead a tasting of any sakes purchased by the course participants (but no purchase is necessary).

Is Anti-Asian violence a modern-day occurrence? Not at all. Fear, hatred, and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese began in the mid 1800’s culminating with the incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese at the beginning of WWII, two-thirds of whom were US citizens. Join Denny Kato, a third-generation Japanese American (Sansei) and former U.S. Army military intelligence to discuss the how, when, and why racism landed Americans in what is more accurately described as prison camps. We will cover what we can do to countermand the effect of anti-Asian violence and racism in America today. With the continuing immigration and border crisis, we will see how the incarceration of the Japanese in WWII can repeat itself today and why we should be ever vigilant that this never happens again.

Everyone has heard about Captain Hook and Long John Silver, but what happened when a real pirate lost a limb at sea? Join Dr. Manushag Powell, Professor and Chair of the ASU English Department, and learn about maritime prosthetics for real Golden Age sailors, the relationship of able seamen towards the disabled, and whether Lord Nelson wore an eyepatch. Pirates may have been remorseless criminals, but they were also forward thinking in that they offered accidental death and dismemberment insurance to their brethren. Come for stories about life at sea and the perils of battle, scurvy, and alcoholism--and what they can teach us about today's attitudes toward disability.

This offering builds upon Dr. Dudley’s previous courses on some of the forgotten founders. We will explore the fascinating life of John Hancock, a figure famously known for his prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. While many recognize his name, few are familiar with the complexities of his life beyond this iconic act. We will explore how the son of a modest preacher became the wealthiest man in America and why, despite his financial success within the British Empire, he emerged as one of the earliest advocates of independence. James Wilson’s true legacy is only well known to dedicated students of the Revolutionary era. He is primarily known today for how his character was portrayed in the musical 1776. He was depicted as a reluctant delegate, unwilling to take a stand on controversial issues. This course aims to correct this insulting misrepresentation

Join Robin Engel, gifted specialist, as she explores the intricacies of the brilliant mind. Have you ever wondered whether you might possess exceptional intellectual gifts—or perhaps even genius? What of your grandchildren? For nearly two decades, Robin has dedicated her life to working with gifted students as both a teacher and specialist. In this two-session course, we will explore the profound depths of genius, examining not only the cognitive and emotional attributes that characterize the gifted brain, but also what the very notion of genius may come to signify in the context of the imminent Singularity—an era when human intellect and artificial intelligence merge.

While traditions of caring for our domestic companion animals have been created and refined over many years, things can get complicated with wild animals. One way we reflexively view other animals is through anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is when we think about or describe nonhuman things or beings with human traits. We do this all the time, such as when we talk about ‘Mother Nature’, or claim our dog is jealous, or that killer whales are taking down yachts for revenge. Though at times this may seem silly, the ways we interpret and understand other animals has impacts on their lives. Join Dr. Lyon, PhD in the Biology and Society program at ASU, to glean a better understanding of the ways we understand other animals and can therefore improve the ways we interact with or care for the animals in our lives.

Discover the scenic wonders and cultural treasures of Arizona with Roger Naylor, an award-winning author. We will cover an extraordinary array of national park units (34 in all) that blanket Arizona from border to border. These parks range from the volcanic sprawl of stone hoodoos crowning Chiricahua National Monument to the badlands of Petrified Forest National Park, colored like blood and peaches. We will also discuss the miles of shoreline at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the never- ending diversity of the Arizona National Scenic Trail traversing the length of the state. National monuments like Tonto, Wupatki, and Montezuma Castle hold on tight to our past. Others like Sonoran Desert and Vermilion Cliffs preserve our precious wide-open spaces. And all the parks reconnect us to nature. We hike, bike, kayak, ride mules, bounce down dirt roads, slither through slot canyons, and camp under skies dripping with stars. There is something here to pique everyone’s interest.

This class will delve into the jazz styles that followed and extended the legacy of bebop into the 1950s and 60s, infusing bebop with elements of rhythm & blues and gospel music. Come learn about the music of Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Clifford Brown, and Jimmy Smith. This class is intended for jazz aficionados and those who would like to learn more about jazz! Instruments not required! The class will consist primarily of active listening to exemplary recordings with interspersed guided discussion.

The search for gold opened the American West in the mid-19th century, but it was copper that sustained it for many decades thereafter. Copper is not as glamorous or alluring as the other coinage metals (silver and gold) but it is the most plentiful and perhaps, in the end, the most valuable. The procurement of copper has driven the history of many Western states, Arizona among them. Copper tells a rich story that weaves together threads of science, industry, and the settling of the West.

Never before in history have we been so inundated by images, many of them doctored in a way as to sow mistrust, grab attention, and slant stories. This rise of AI in image generation affects us all: from grandchildren on Instagram to older adults paying attention to how our media circulates. As photographers (professional and amateur alike), AI introduces complex questions about authenticity, blurred boundaries between human and technology ownership, and ethical questions about strengths and limitations of AI use. Led by ASU graduate student li rothrock who studies photography, this course guides us through these conversations alongside a practical demonstration of AI image generation technologies (i.e. Midjourney) where participants will collectively use AI to generate/manipulate images.