WINTER TERM 2017
Beginner Taoist Tai Chi
This Tai Chi exercise program (often referred to as moving meditation) involves 108 moves
designed to benefit one’s overall health through the slow rhythmic stretching of muscles,
ligaments, and tendons. Taoist Tai Chi has been shown to improve a person’s balance, leg and
core strength and coordination and to reduce stress and aid in relaxation. It is an exercise in
which people of all ages and fitness levels can participate. Participants will remain in an upright
standing position throughout the exercise and must be able to stand, walk and move without
assistance. In order to learn all of the movements, the course will meet twice a week.
Jan. 23–March 8 | Monday and Wednesday, 9–10:30 a.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Randy Alford, Certified Taoist Tai Chi Beginner Instructor
Introduction to Pine Needle Basket Making
Explore the creative opportunities of the ancient art of pine needle basket making as you design
and make your own baskets. You will make a small basket from pine needles coiled around a
slice of black walnut by using the “plain stitch” and “Indian wrap.” All supplies will be provided,
and a $10 fee for supplies will be collected in the first class. The class is limited to 15 students.
Jan. 23–Mar. 6 | Monday, 9–10:30 a.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Jean Kerr
Europe Between the World Wars
This course will trace the political, cultural, and social upheavals of Europe between the wars.
Topics include the challenges facing the Weimar Republic; the growth of pacifism and political
polarization in Britain and France; the Spanish Civil War; and the rise of fascism in Italy and
national socialism in Germany.
Jan. 23–March 6 | Monday, 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Ann Linder
Becoming Alabamians
This course begins with prehistoric Mississippian culture and historic Creeks and ends with
post- World War II population mobility and reverse emigration. Included will be the Creek and
European interface; black and white Americans and the Creek War; the antebellum Northerners
and the postbellum carpetbaggers; along with the history in between. As Alabamians, between
2016 and 2019, we will celebrate the births of our city, county and state.
Jan 23-March 6 | Monday, 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Instructors: Jeff Benton and guest presenters
Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation is the knowledge and understanding of the universal and timeless qualities that
identify all great art. If your interest in art is simply for your personal enjoyment, or a greater
knowledge of art history and an understanding of pictorial elements such as composition and
technique, the course should increase your appreciation of art and enhance the pleasure you
derive from looking at it.
Jan. 23 – Mar. 6 Monday 10:45 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.
Instructors: John Wagnon, Carol Barksdale, and Shirley Esco
Gallery One, Inc., Sandi Aplin, Director
Near-Death Experience
Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Raymond Moody’s (M.D. Ph.D.) book, Life After Life, created
a worldwide change in the understanding of death. Dr. Moody’s research has rippled
throughout the world and has helped in no small part to form modern expectations of
what people will experience after death – the tunnel, the white light, the presence of long dead
loved ones waiting on the “other side.” Dr. Moody inspired a first generation of researchers
dedicated to a scientific understanding of human consciousness and death, researchers who
have in turn created a new science of near-death studies. Bruce Greyson, professor of
psychiatry at the University of Virginia, has said that “a whole new world” opened up following
the publication of Moody’s research. Life After Life was hugely successful because it addressed
two major problems in 20th-century Western civilization: (1) the loss of collective societal myths
having to do with death and dying, and (2) the systematic devaluation of anything to do with the
spiritual side of humans. The class will cover Dr. Moody’s Life After Life and the near-death
experiences of Howard Storm, Dannion Brinkley, Eben Alexander, and others.
Jan. 23–March 6 | Monday, 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Gary Kennington
American Noir: The American Hard- Boiled Detective Mystery
The Hard-Boiled Detective mystery novel is a major American contribution to popular
literature. It has reigned over our literary scene for more than a century and draws on a much
earlier mythos of the American Hero. While the hard-boiled mystery is generally considered a
form of popular entertainment in the United States, French readers and film-makers raised it to
the level of high art, naming it “fiction/film Noir,” often shortened simply to “Noir,” because it
centers on the actions of an existential protagonist struggling to live honorably in a dark and
morally ambiguous world. In the hands of its masters, it transcends genre and stands high in the
pantheon of literature’s presentation of the human heart in conflict with itself. Our course will
concentrate on examples of American Noir written by six of the best writers currently working in
this tradition. Participants should read each of the following novels, readily available in
paperbound form from Amazon or used book dealers, or at area libraries. In the order they will
be discussed, they are: Dennis Lehane, Darkness; Take My Hand; Sue Grafton; A is for Alibi;
Michael Connelly, The Last Coyote; Laura Lippman, The Sugar House; James Lee Burke, In the
Electric Mist with Confederate Dead; and Gillian Flynn, Dark Places.
Jan 23–March 6 | Monday, 1:30–3 p.m.7 weeks
Instructor: Richard Anderson
Extremely Extreme Engineering –How Did They Do That?
We will study some of the world’s most interesting and outstanding engineering (and
construction) feats such as the Turning (Twisting) Torso, Boston’s Big Dig, Iceland’s tunnels and
dams, building the Hong Kong airport, the remake of Teddy’s Big Ditch and a romantic French
poem that is really a bridge. Please remember that: “Structural Engineering is the art and
science of molding materials that we do not fully understand into shapes we cannot precisely
analyze to resist forces we cannot accurately predict, all in such a way the society at large is
given no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance.”
Jan. 23–March 6 | Monday, 1:30–3 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Jim Barber
Intelligence Community and Special Operations
This course provides an inside view of the U.S. intelligence community, with a focus on the Big
Five (CIA, NSA, NGA, DIA, and NRO). It will include an overview of Special Operations
organizations and technologies, as well as a look back at an event during the Cold War that
could have started WW III and was the idea behind the movie Wargames.
Jan 23 – March 6 | Monday, 1:30–3 p.m. | 8 weeks
Instructor: Claude (Frenchy) Fortin
Basic Knitting and Needle Art
Amaze your friends with wonderful projects using simple techniques. In this course you will
learn to make two types of scarves. In addition you will have the opportunity to make a winter
cap for the homeless. (Supply fee $25 to be paid directly to the instructor).
Jan. 25-March 8 / 7 weeks / Wednesdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Instructor: Lynda Smitherman
Photography
Today’s cameras have an overwhelming number of features and buttons. It is easy to get stuck
on AUTO and never use the camera to its full potential. You have the vision, but how do you
translate it through your lens? Through hands-on instruction, we will explore the fundamentals
of photography and composition including how to handle and store image files and easy ways to
order and print your photos. No matter your camera type or experience level, you will leave
armed with the information to put you in control of your camera and more confidently take
photos of the things and/or people you love.
Jan. 25–March 8 | Wednesday, 9–10:30 a.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Lisa Smith, POP Photography
Asher and Amadeus: The Artist in Novel and Film
In the first four weeks of this class, we will view and analyze Milos Forman’s brilliant
film version of Mozart’s life as it is portrayed in “Amadeus.” Winner of numerous awards,
including Academy Awards for Best Film, Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham), and Best Director,
the film vividly portrays how artists create. It also shows the darker side of artistic creativity and
jealousy. During the second four weeks, we will read Chaim Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev.
This novel clearly illustrates how a young and talented Hasidic youth growing up in Brooklyn
finds his artistic vision, a vision that profoundly clashes with Jewish tradition in terms of art and
his faith. The climax of the novel is gloriously heartbreaking. The thread that runs through both
works is how artists develop into such unique humans and give expression to every human
emotion.
Jan. 25–March 15 | Wednesday, 10:45 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. | 8 weeks
Instructors: Cliff Browning and Claudia Mann
Zentangle Inspired Art
Using Zentangle patterns as a starting point, we will explore various techniques for creating
unique drawings on different surfaces. Pre-Requisite: Basic Zentangle Class
Materials Fee (to be paid at first class): $20 Limit: 20 participants
Jan. 25–March 8 | Wednesday, 10:45 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructors: Sharon Wheelahan and Suzie Smith, Certified Zentangle teachers
Line Dancing
Line dancing is defined as choreographed dances with repeated sequences of steps danced by
a group of people in a line or in rows. It can be danced to country, pop, swing, and other forms
of music. Get your brain and body working while you have fun. No partners needed.
Jan. 25–March 8 | Wednesday, 1:30–3 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Wayne Nicholson, Line Dance instructor and Executive Director of the
Alabama Square Dance Callers Association, Inc.
Introduction to Microsoft Access 2010
If participants are looking for a data management system to replace or supplement
their paper filing system, they might be interested in learning to use Microsoft Access
2010. This introductory class is designed for new and beginning users of Access 2010 and will
cover the basics for creating and using a simple database system. Participants need to be
familiar with using personal computers, a keyboard, and a mouse, as well as with entering basic
text into a document. Experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel is helpful.
Participants also need to have the Access 2010 program installed on their home computers to
obtain maximum benefit from this class. Classes will be held in the computer lab at the AUM
Center for Lifelong Learning. Enrollment is
limited to 16.
Jan. 25–March 8 | Wednesday, 1:30–3 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Barbara Larson, Ed.D.
Everyday life in the Time of Jesus
One of the hardest tasks of people who read the Bible, whether the Old Testament or the new is
learning to think like the people who wrote the Bible because our language, culture, lifestyle,
concept of reality, values (both moral and ethical), are totally at odds with the day-to-day
existence of the people who lived in Biblical times. This class will reconstruct a picture of
everyday life 2000 years ago. To do this the very latest research into these phenomena will be
used: the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeology, philosophy, how history was written in ancient times
and studies by the leading biblical scholars of today. No textbook will be required, but a selected
reading list will be made available.
Jan. 25 – March 8 | Wednesday, 1:30-3 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Ed Beckstrom
Decorating Cakes, Cupcakes, and Cookies
Learn the basics of cake and cookie decorating, including the best recipes; baking and icing
techniques; fancy borders; flowers; figure-piped characters; and more. This hands-on course
will provide the skills needed to create beautiful, delicious treats for holidays and other special
occasions. Students will need to bring baked goods to decorate for most of the classes. The
cost of supplies is $20, payable to the instructor at the first class meeting. Enrollment is limited
to 15 students.
Jan. 25–March 8 | Wednesday, 3:15–4:45 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: Carol Alford, experienced hobby cake decorator and successful cake show
Competitor
Evaluating Prospective Investments
This course is designed to help non-professional investors make the best possible investment
decisions in the current economic environment. Topics include learning the standard methods of
calculating the value of companies and/or their stocks; the impact of technology changes on the
concept of fair value; and the impact of financial engineering and mathematics on the
investment evaluation process. Students will select one or more companies to study using the
criteria learned in class.
Jan. 25–March 8 | Wednesday, 3:15–4:45 p.m. | 7 weeks
Instructor: George Rutland, 40 years of experience in corporate management, 20 of
which were at the officer level
Ballroom and Social Dancing I
This is an introductory course to social and ballroom dancing. Participants learn the basics
steps for slow dance (foxy), waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha cha and swing. Couples are
welcome but NOT essential. We’ll employ a potluck system of people bringing snacks and light
dinner fare to keep our energy up. Come have fun! Experienced dancers are encouraged to
come, as well.
Jan. 26–Mar. 16 | Thursday, 6:30–8 p.m. | 8 weeks
Instructors: Sandra Carbaugh and Dale Baskett
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Bonus Opportunities
Find Your Story at the Alabama Department of Archives and History
Steve Murray, director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, will recount the
development of the oldest state archival and history agency in the United States and describe
its continuing mission to collect, preserve, and share the history of Alabama. In the 21st century,
rapid changes in technology are transforming the way records are created and preserved,
creating new challenges in the preservation of historical materials, and presenting new
opportunities for enriching history education. Mr. Murray will discuss how the State Archives is
adapting to these changes and seeking new audiences while also maintaining the best
traditions in the agency’s service to the public.
Presenter: Steve Murray, Director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History
Monday, January 30, 2017 | 12:20 – 1:20 p.m. | Lunch provided | Reservations required
Central Alabama Aging Consortium Area Agency on Aging
The local governments of Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery Counties established the Central
Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC) in 1975 to respond to the needs of the older citizens in
these counties. The Alabama Department of Senior Citizens designated CAAC as the Area
Agency on Aging to provide services which assist senior citizens in maintaining their
independence and improving their quality of life. Presenter Sandra Whatley will discuss these
services and how you can take advantage of them.
Presenter: Sandra Whatley, Central Alabama Aging Consortium
Monday, February 13, 2017 | 12:20–1:20 p.m. | Lunch provided | Reservations required
“The Painted Sky”
In this oil painting demonstration, Barbara Davis will paint a skyscape from start to finish using a
photo reference. Are you curious about the process? As she paints, she will offer art tips and
answer any questions!
Presenter: Barbara Davis
Monday, March 6, 2017 | 12:20-1:20 p.m. | Lunch provided | Reservations required
AUM Study Abroad to Oxford, Lewis & Tolkien Class
The two presenters have led several trips to Oxford, England, as part of a course they teach on
the Inklings: a group of mid-twentieth century authors that includes C. S. Lewis and J. R. R.
Tolkien. This presentation will provide an overview of the course and their past trips. They plan
to return to Oxford in July 2018 and hope interested OLLI members will travel with the group.
Presenters: Elizabeth Woodward, AUM associate professor of English, and Matthew Jordan,
associate professor of philosophy and director of the AUM Honors Program
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 | 12:20-1:20 p.m. | **Bring your own lunch**
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Special Interest Group: Tuesday Book Discussion Group
AUM OLLI is initiating an ongoing discussion group that will meet on Tuesdays (generally the
first and third, with a few exceptions) of all three quarters. Participants are encouraged to read
the books before the meetings, but certainly may sit in on the discussions regardless. The
format will be informal, with a moderator guiding the discussions. A few minutes at the end of
each session will be devoted to what the participants are reading and potential selections for
future sessions. Books can be found in libraries or bookstores or online.
Selections for Winter Quarter 2017 are:
 Jan. 24 (optional), organization and general discussion about selections for Spring
Quarter 2017
 Feb. 7, William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona
 Feb. 21, Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See
 March 7, Katherine Clark, All the Governor’s Men
Instructors: Nancy G. Anderson and visiting discussion leaders
First and third Tuesdays | 10–11:30 a.m.