Register for Current Classes & Membership   

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

Note: If you purchased an annual membership, you do not need to purchase a semester membership.

Beat the heat and join Dr. Kevin Sandler, Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies at ASU, for the 16th Annual Prescott Film Festival from Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19, 2026. 

A current OLLI membership is required.  The registration fee is $325.00 and includes the items listed below as well as the stipend paid to Dr. Sandler for his planning, expertise, facilitation, and behind-the-scenes access. The fee will be paid at time of registration with OLLI. It will become non-refundable on June 15, 2026.

• Morning discussion led by Dr. Kevin Sandler in private meeting room
• 4 tickets for each registrant (1 for each of the 4 movies Dr. Sandler picks for discussion)

Lodging is paid directly by the member. We are excited to partner with Springhill Suites by Marriott Prescott for a group discounted rate that includes a daily breakfast. Reservations will be made by members directly through the group portal.  The link for reservations will be available in your "Class List" once you pay the registration fee. 

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Prescott for 209.00 USD - 279.00 USD per night
• Thursday/Friday Rates: 279.00 USD per night
• Saturday Rate: 209.00 USD per night
• **RATES WILL BE CORRECTED AT CHECK IN***
• Last Day to Book : Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Join Dr. John Hendrickson for a thoughtful and engaging discussion of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This powerful nonfiction book explores the intersection of science, ethics, and human stories, offering plenty to reflect on and discuss together. Please plan to purchase and read the book in advance.

Book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This class invites learners of all ages to explore what early American leaders meant by happiness and why they believed it was essential to both a good life and a strong constitutional democracy. Drawing on ideas from ancient history, the Enlightenment, and the lives of the Founders themselves, this course examines how happiness was understood not as comfort or pleasure, but as building character, making ethical choices, and taking responsibility for oneself and one’s community.

This class is based on The Pursuit of Happiness, written by Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. It combines Arizona State University’s Principled Innovation framework with the National Constitution Center’s deep scholarly expertise and longstanding commitment to constitutional and civic education. Together, these perspectives equip learners of all ages with a richer understanding of American history and the enduring values necessary to sustain a constitutional democracy.

Register on the OLLI website to join us for a live Zoom Info session on Wednesday, Jun. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, where Ted Cross will explore key highlights from the course. Click 'Add to Cart' button to reserve a space.

Click here to access this FREE 12- session, self-paced online course! Registration for the 12-session course is not on the OLLI website.  All correspondence will come directly from the the department hosting the course.

Who should be responsible when an AI system causes harm? Should AI tools be allowed in classrooms or hospitals? Is large-scale data collection a fair price for convenience? This lecture invites you to explore the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and data collection in the modern age. Using real-world case studies and ethical frameworks, we will examine how AI shapes education, transportation, healthcare, social media, and everyday life. The course focuses on balancing benefits, harms, and social consequences while developing critical thinking skills.

Rob Reiner was one of the most beloved entertainers of the last fifty years. His films The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally represent cinema Hollywood just doesn’t make any more for the big screen: small character dramas that explore our capacity for kindness and growth as humans in the most outrageous or most ordinary of situations. We will look at the comedic timing, gentleness, and genre-bending nature of these two films to help us understand why Reiner’s work remain eminently watchable and memorable.

The Southwestern United States is home to an amazing array of different types of hummingbird. In this presentation, you’ll learn why this is so and you will get to see all of the fifteen or more species that occur here on a regular basis. We will also cover what makes the hummingbird one of the most unique members of the avian world. They have so many interesting behaviors and special adaptations. Finally, you will learn exactly where to go to see all of these hummingbirds!

Frances Perkins was more than just the first woman to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet; she was the visionary behind the modern American labor system. Serving 12 years under FDR, Perkins championed the creation of a federal safety net and lasting legislation that transformed social welfare. Despite a life marked by personal hardship, her dedication to worker's rights never wavered, leaving behind a legacy of protection and dignity for the American middle class.

Most technology headaches, security risks, costs, and electronic waste are preventable. This course explains the IT industry in plain English, including a look at recent trends such as the Windows 11 cash grab. Participants will learn the core components of computers and tablets, why traditional antivirus software is largely obsolete, and the four major modern threats. The course also covers proper backup practices, avoiding fake rental Wi-Fi, how to extend a computer’s lifespan to up to 15 years, ways to save money on printing, and includes time for questions.

Join us, along with Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski and Dr. Susie Bendix for this two-session interactive course, we'll explore the connections between physical movement and generative writing, as well as the healing power of both. We'll also use movement as a portal to deeper self-discovery and expression, generating poetry (and/or short narrative) in the process.

This class explores Hamnet - Maggie O’Farrell’s historical novel and its recent Oscar-nominated film - alongside Shakespeare’s life and his most enduring work, Hamlet. How did the death of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet influence his writing of Hamlet? We will compare short scenes from the film, excerpts from the novel, and passages from the play to investigate how this personal loss resonates throughout Hamlet, offering profound reflections on grief, memory, and the transformative power of art.

This course will explore the fraught relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and General George McClellan. Focusing on their differences in background, personality, and strategic vision. We'll look at the evolution of the relationship during several military campaigns, Lincoln's decision to remove McClellan from command, and the irony of McClellan's presidential candidacy.

In this class, with ASU's Dr. Ken Sweat, we will examine the use of plants and other organisms, such as algae and fungi traditionally grouped with plants, as evidence in criminal investigations. Starting with the wood grain of the ladder left at the Lindbergh residence and continuing into modern genetic techniques, we will review how plant evidence has been in the past and can be expected in the future to help solve crimes, prosecute the guilty, and free the innocent.

During World War II, almost 400,000 German soldiers were held in POW camps across the United States, a story few Americans know. Historian Anette Isaacs explores how these men lived among American communities, confronted Nazism within the camps, and formed relationships that challenge easy narratives of enemy and ally. From Texas to Florida, this lecture reveals a complex and surprising chapter of the American home front.

Spices once drove exploration, shaped empires, and transformed cuisines. In this flavorful session, we’ll trace the ancient spice routes that connected continents and cultures—from pepper and cinnamon to saffron and turmeric—while tasting examples that reveal how geography and trade influenced global cooking. Along the way, we’ll discuss how colonization, preservation, and modern culinary trends continue to shape the story of spice today.

When you or your family members decide how to spend your limited budget of time and money every day, are your choices rational or irrational? Classical economists assumed that we make well-informed decisions, rationally designed to optimally maximize benefits. Behavioral economists amassed data suggesting our decisions are often shockingly irrational and oversimplified. Evolutionary psychologists suggest a third view—that our decisions are neither ultra-rational nor fecklessly irrational. Please join Dr. Douglas Kenrick, President’s Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, to learn more about how evolution made us smarter than we think.

Join us for this class using tai chi martial arts for health and wellness. Emphasis will be on balance, flexibility, and relaxation skills. Each session includes stretching and balancing exercises. In the first session, students will learn tai chi moves that exercise both the body and mind. In the last session, students will expand their tai chi balancing skills and learn breathing techniques for relaxation related to the tai chi movements. Ample time to practice will be provided. Comfortable clothes and shoes recommended.

Step back in time and discover the hidden musical gems of classic cartoons in this exciting course. While many of us grew up enjoying the music of Disney movies, there's a whole world of iconic songs and soundtracks that came out of Fleischer Studios and Looney Tunes productions that are just as noteworthy. Join us for an exploration of the music and songs of beloved cartoon characters like Betty Boop, Popeye, Olive Oil, Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck. You'll be surprised by the adult themes and sophisticated musical arrangements that accompany these timeless characters and stories.

This class will provide an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its interconnection with Federal Indian Policy and history. It will include a look at where Arizona Tribes stand in securing their water rights within Arizona and the Colorado River Basin, as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso is a research fellow who analyzes and develops recommendations on Tribal Nations' water interests, collaborating with Tribal leadership, government agencies, and stakeholders.

Stress is gaining increased attention across the U.S. and globally due to its significant impact on physical and mental health. At the same time, mindfulness is emerging as a powerful, evidence-based tool for well-being, demonstrating how the simple act of self-awareness can help downregulate the body’s stress response, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life. This presentation explores the neurobiology of stress and its effects on the brain and body, the science of neuroplasticity and our ability to rewire thought patterns, and practical, data-driven techniques to regulate the nervous system in the face of everyday and high-stakes stressors. With a dynamic blend of science, humor, and real-world application, this session will leave you thinking differently about stress, and empowered to lead your life with greater clarity, calm, and purpose.

In 2026, Route 66, America’s iconic “Mother Road,” celebrates its 100th anniversary. Join acclaimed author and travel writer Roger Naylor as he takes us on a lively and insightful journey through the history, culture, and enduring charm of this legendary highway. Discover how Arizona played a pivotal role in preserving Route 66, becoming its greatest champion and caretaker. Roger will share stories of the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant small towns, and quirky mom-and-pop eateries that still thrive along Arizona’s stretch of the road. Don’t miss this chance to rediscover the road that shaped a nation and continues to inspire wanderers today.

Join Arizona Broadway Theater’s Director of Education, Stephen Hohendorf, for a lecture class exploring the magic behind "Cats," one of the most iconic musicals in theatre history. Based on the whimsical poetry of T. S. Eliot, "Cats" transports audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle cats during the night of the Jellicle Ball, where each cat shares their story through dynamic dance, acrobatics, and unforgettable music while hoping to be chosen for a journey to the Heaviside Layer and a new life. In this engaging session, participants will learn about the history and lore of the show, explore ABT’s unique makeup design process, and even create their own original cat character makeup. Featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score—including the beloved song “Memory”—this class offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical artistry that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. This class includes the matinee showing of "Cats" and lunch on Sunday, June 28. *Excludes meal upgrades, alcoholic beverages, and dessert.

Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection, Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan celebrates the originality and virtuosity of 36 women artists who have explored sculptural expression outside the traditionally male-dominated field of Japanese studio ceramics. The exhibition’s 40 avant-garde works featuring motifs of flora, geology, human anatomy, and fantastical abstract forms illuminate the technical achievements and creativity of leading women ceramicists from post-World War II Japan. Led by Phoenix Art Museum Docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Note: Classes 023 & 024 are the same class.

Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection, Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan celebrates the originality and virtuosity of 36 women artists who have explored sculptural expression outside the traditionally male-dominated field of Japanese studio ceramics. The exhibition’s 40 avant-garde works featuring motifs of flora, geology, human anatomy, and fantastical abstract forms illuminate the technical achievements and creativity of leading women ceramicists from post-World War II Japan. Led by Phoenix Art Museum Docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Note: Classes 023 & 024 are the same class.

Join Dr. Hendrickson (an erstwhile quantum mechanic) for a journey into the strange world of quantum physics. This branch of modern physics focuses on light and very small particles, which behave very differently from familiar, macroscopic objects. This is not a class in metaphysics (the philosophical study of time and space) nor will we cover quantum mechanics, the mathematical, how-to side of quantum theory. Instead, we’ll be tourists admiring the view, with no prerequisite knowledge of physics or math required. Please note that parking is the responsibility of the member. 

What makes an Oriental rug so captivating—its elegant design, intricate patterns, or the mystery of its origins? In this richly illustrated course, we will discover the stories woven into these remarkable textiles. We will travel through the history and artistry of rug and carpet weaving, a tradition rooted in Asia and North Africa, with examples dating back to the 4th century BCE. Using stunning visuals and expert insights, we will explore major carpet-making cultures and regions including Anatolia, Iran, Transcaucasia, North Africa, and Central Asia. We will learn to recognize defining features of Oriental rugs: weaving traditions (nomadic and settled), key historical periods (from the Early Modern era through the nineteenth-century), purposes (from prayer to decoration), and production contexts (from royal courts to bustling markets). We will also be introduced to basic methods for identifying weave structures and deepen our appreciation of these remarkable works of art.

In this course, we will trace the evolution of literature specifically written for children - from its earliest forms to the modern era. We will begin with the oral traditions that underpin all storytelling, then follow the shift toward published works created specifically with young readers in mind. We will survey key moments and turning points that shaped the growth of children’s literature as a distinct field. We will conclude by analyzing how a well-known children’s literature has evolved over time.

In this course, we will explore how a tiny nation – Portugal – played an outsized role in world history. We will examine Portugal’s fifteenth and sixteenth century maritime expansion (once called the “Discoveries”), as well as its central role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. We will trace how Portugal, once a fringe region of the Roman Empire, emerged as the only independent kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula as Castile grew into Spain. We will follow Portugal’s rise as a global power, with outposts stretching from Brazil to Japan, and then its decline as rival empires overtook it – culminating in twentieth century poverty under Europe’s longest dictatorship. Finally, we will consider how this past continues to shape Portuguese identity and culture in the decades since a revolution ushered in democracy. As we survey Portugal’s landscapes, art and architecture, and food, we will see why record numbers of Americans are now visiting the country.

In this course, we will explore a wide range of horticultural practices with something to offer no matter our experience level or where we live. We will cover container gardening, aquatic gardens, ornamental and fruiting plants, bonsai, landscape design, and pest management. Each week, we will focus on a theme and examine design ideas, plant choices, and long-term care practices for success. Whether we garden on 10 acres or in an apartment, we will find plenty to learn and enjoy in horticulture.

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it revolutionized American travel and transportation, but its inspiration came from Europe’s earlier canal networks. In this course, we will trace the development of French, British, and Irish canals in the 17th and 18th centuries. We will follow the story into the 19th century as we turn to American canals, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. Along the way, we will explore how canals reflect the politics and aspirations of different nations and why they still matter for global shipping today. Whether we are drawn to engineering marvels, the people who built them, or the pleasure of drifting along a canal or hiking a towpath, we will deepen our appreciation of canals’ importance and beauty.

Coffee will provide a lively lens on major past and present issues, including climate change, social life, health, global North–South differences, social and economic justice, tourism, and slavery. We will begin “from the ground up,” tracing coffee from planting and processing through shipping and, ultimately, the beverage in our cups - part of nearly two billion cups consumed daily worldwide. We will explore coffee’s global history and its shift from an elite drink to an everyday staple. Drawing on current research, we will examine coffee and health, as well as practical questions such as how more income might reach farmers and how coffee production might adapt to a changing climate. The instructor will share firsthand experiences from coffee farms around the world, discuss a range of brewing methods, and demonstrate how coffee is brewed. Sessions will be interactive, with time for questions throughout.

The Declaration of Independence is a pivotal American document, not just for eighteenth-century revolutionaries, but for people throughout US history. This course will explore how individuals in Washington, D.C. used the Declaration and its ideas after independence was won. From the capital city’s planners to Union soldiers who defended Washington amid civil war, many evoked the Declaration to support their causes and shape a capital city. Spotlighting museum artifacts from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, this course will cover D.C.’s early history through 1876, the nation’s first centennial celebration.

This course introduces key aspects of Deaf Culture in the United States and the factors that define the Deaf community as a cultural minority. We will focus on awareness, cultural diversity, and the preservation of language. This course addresses the cultural identity, group norms, rules of social interaction, values, and traditions held by deaf members. Together we will explore the impact of modern technology, emerging issues, trends, and advocacy with the Deaf community. We will also address topics related to communication, terminology, educational alternatives, state and federal legislation, and community resources.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, this course will examine the indispensable founder, George Washington. We will explore Washington's life and political leadership as well as his work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and architect. We will also review the groundbreaking work of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association (MVLA) which has owned and managed George Washington's Mount Vernon since 1858. In that year, an intrepid group of women (who had no right to vote or own property) came together to save George Washington's home, after both the Federal Government and Commonwealth of Virginia had refused to help. MVLA formation marked the birth of the historic preservation movement.

Often overlooked in traditional design and architecture courses, twentieth century women designers profoundly shaped the way we perceive, experience, and enjoy our built environments, interiors, and decorative objects. In this course, we will explore the work and influence of such designers and architects as Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Lilly Reich, Charlotte Perriand, Dorothy Draper, Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and others. Their lives and the beauty of their enduring designs are documented within the context of the social and political issues they faced, as they left their unmistakable imprints upon twentieth century design.

In this course, we will gain a comprehensive introduction to Hindu traditions, emphasizing the importance of ritual, knowledge, and devotion across Hindu traditions from classical to contemporary times. We will introduce Hinduism’s South Asian roots, that can be traced to the Vedic tradition, which provides key conceptual and religious foundations. We will consider early and classical expressions of Hindu thought and religious life through the complex term dharma. Major Hindu deities are then introduced alongside associated narratives, practices, and iconography. We will examine the six major schools of Hindu philosophy using both secondary and primary sources. We will then consideration bhakti (devotion) that has characterized diverse Hindu traditions across centuries. Finally, we will  consider sacred space and places including temples and tīrthas, as well as the interrelationship of the concept of divine presence and pilgrimage practices the relate to these holy sites.

The music we stream, the photos we swipe through, the real time news we consume, the books we read or listen to – all have been radically reshaped by digital technology. This course will explore how media is created, stored, and experienced in a digitized world. We will unpack fundamentals like text files, encoding and decoding, pixels, and algorithms in clear, easy-to-understand ways – no prior computer knowledge needed. Each session will focus on a different medium, comparing its analog origins with its contemporary digital version. We will also consider the impact of Generative AI and speculate on future trends. Topics will include text (books, e-books, news portals), images (photography and movies), music, video games, social media, and media ownership (physical media, streaming, and copyrights).

This course will arm us with the knowledge we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe when engaging with the healthcare system. Health care today is more complex, technical, and volatile than ever. Medical harm (unintentional but often preventable) injures and kills hundreds of thousands of patients each year. In this course, we will learn how to prevent the most common types of medical harm including medication errors, patient care accidents, procedural and surgical complications, infections, and diagnostic mistakes. Patient safety experts and advocates will provide us with practical tips and insights to navigate the healthcare system confidently and safely. Through presentations, videos, and group discussions, we will come to understand the common sources of error and discover tactics, resources, and cautions to help protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Musicals have been a major part of American theater, from the Tin Pan Alley-driven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated musicals that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury America. In this course, we will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the arrival of European mega-productions late in the century. We will profile some of the theater world's leading composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. With the help of audiovisuals, we will study many of the most unforgettable shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more.

Explore 100 years of American history through objects often taken for granted in everyday life: signs. Led by the American Sign Museum (ASM) staff, this course introduces the Museum’s origins and features a conversation with ASM’s founder about why signs matter. We will examine how signs have evolved due to trends in commerce and technology. We will also explore case studies of three major food companies who used signage to shape their brands. In the final session, we will take a virtual visit to ASM’s neon shop to see how a neon sign is made.

The natural world can be a very dangerous place, especially living in an evolving planet 66 to 220 million years ago. Over a period of nearly 160 million years, dinosaurs evolved from relatively small omnivores to fast carnivores with bigger, sharper teeth and claws and tremendous bite strength and to herbivores with defenses of more and bigger horns and spikes, thicker armor, and incredible size. Other survivor adaptations including behavior, camouflage coloration and intelligence are inferred from recent scientific discoveries. Other creatures which evolved and competed with the dinosaurs grew to incredible sizes and ornate skeletal features which are still topics of much discussion. This class will examine many of these evolutionary changes that may or may not have been beneficial.

This class is brought to you by OLLI at University of Arizona.

TIME CHANGE: 8:15 - 9:45 a.m.

Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son. Hundreds of Americans frequently gathered to watch Black people lynched. Tens of thousands of Germans helped to implement Hitler’s Final Solution. Police and prison guards are known to abuse their authority. Why? Two experiments deal with two possible answers: the late Stanley Milgram at Yale addressed “following orders” in 1961, and the late Phillip Zimbardo at Stanford addressed “going along with the crowd” in 1971. We’ll look at both experiments (which could be a wee bit scary) in an attempt to answer the Why question.

This class is brought to you by OLLI at Rochester Institute of Technology. 

This class will introduce you to basic foundational skills in establishing a composition for a photo, using the rule of thirds, and considering the values in a photo. This content will be followed by an introduction to the many photo editing tools available on an iPhone and how to use them with the photos you have taken. If you have taken this class previously, you are welcome to take it as a refresher.

This class is brought to you by OLLI at Chico State University.