Documentary Series: The Age of Aquarius: From Monterey Pop to The Last Waltz
Fee: $45.00
Dates: 9/10/2026 - 9/24/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 3
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center B
Room:
Instructor: Bernard "Butch" Epps
Seats Still Available: 83
Join us for a remarkable journey through time as we experience three landmark classic rock documentaries—Monterey Pop (1968), Festival Express (2003), and Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz (1978). Each documentary will be introduced within its historical and cultural context before we enjoy the unforgettable music and extraordinary performances captured in these remarkable cinematic time capsules of an extraordinary era. Together, we'll trace the journey of a generation—from youthful idealism to maturity and reflection. Come for the music, stay for the shared memories.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Ancient Wisdom with Modern Application: TCM for Health & Wellness
Did you know you may already use principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in your daily life? Discover this time-honored approach to health and wellness through an engaging, interactive course that explores acupuncture, herbal medicine, Qi Gong, and other TCM practices. We'll discuss how these therapies are used to support overall well-being and help manage conditions such as arthritis, depression, and back and neck pain.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Martin Buber: Philosopher, Gadfly, and Humanist
Martin Buber was one of the 20th century's most influential Jewish philosophers, theologians, and public intellectuals. A prolific author and publisher, he became a courageous critic of Nazi ideology and was forced to flee Germany in 1938. After settling in what would become Israel, Buber remained an independent and often controversial voice. He opposed the execution of Adolf Eichmann, arguing that it conflicted with his moral convictions, and drew criticism from many in Israel for referring to Jesus as "my great brother." Throughout his life, Buber championed dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence. He also worked tirelessly to advance kibbutz life, promote adult education for new immigrants, and encourage meaningful relationships between individuals, communities, and cultures.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The United Nations: Relevant or Relic?
Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations has played a central role in addressing global conflict, promoting international cooperation, and responding to humanitarian crises. This course explores the history and evolution of the UN, with special emphasis on the Security Council, crisis management, peacekeeping operations, and the challenges of international diplomacy. Drawing on firsthand experience, your instructor—a retired U.S. Ambassador and former member of the U.S. Delegation to the UN Security Council—will provide unique insights into how the organization works, its successes and shortcomings, and its continuing role in an increasingly complex world.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The Week's News in Review - Palm Desert
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 9/24/2026 - 10/29/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Building: Hybrid
Room: Building A Room 129
Instructor: Neal Dinoff, BFA
Seats Still Available: 19
An interactive discussion of events shaping the news each week. Media sources include print, TV, the internet, and social media. This course will discuss politics, the economy, sports, show business, and topics pulled from the "headlines."
*Please Note: This class will have a Hybrid attendance option in the form of a Zoom Meeting.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Current Events Discussion Group
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 9/25/2026 - 10/30/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: F
Sessions: 6
Building: Hybrid
Room: Building A Room 129
Instructor: Lara Bloomquist
Seats Still Available: 20
This course covers legal, social and political topics of the day based on articles, studies and brief foundational lectures. Articles, on both sides of an issue, will be taken from a variety of publications such as The New York Times , The Washington Post , The Wall Street Journal , The Economist , and more. All thoughtful views are welcomed and will be respected. The course is a hybrid course that can be accessed on Zoom or in-person.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Elections, Political Parties and Influence
Explore the American political party system and election process, including the history of political parties, the Electoral College, campaign dynamics, media influence, the role of money in politics, and concerns surrounding voter security and voter suppression. Together, we'll examine the institutions and forces that shape elections and influence the democratic process. In Week 5, the focus shifts to the November 2026 midterm elections, with a detailed analysis of key issues, competitive races, and the broader political landscape shaping voter decisions. Week 6 offers a post-election review, exploring the outcomes, implications for governance, and what the results suggest for the future of American democracy. Designed to encourage informed discussion, this course provides the knowledge and tools needed to better understand U.S. elections and their impact on our nation.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Classic Chinese Mahjong
Fee: $140.00
Dates: 10/6/2026 - 12/15/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 3
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Lise Baadh, Rob Ollander-Krane
Seats Still Available: 11
Curious about the mysterious and popular game of Chinese Mahjong? Mahjong is easy to learn and fun to play! In just 3 classes geared towards beginners, you'll learn all about the tiles, how to build a hand, and how to win a game. Along the way, you learn strategies to make the game more interesting. Plus, you'll meet others who share your interest. Even after the first class, you’ll be playing. Mahjong boards and mats will be provided during class. If you'd like recommendations for purchasing a set to practice at home, please contact us at olli@ucr.edu.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Deep Dive Shakespeare: Othello
This course is an in-depth exploration of one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Othello . Together we will undertake a close reading of this five-act play, examining how Shakespeare’s extraordinary language, imagery, and recurring motifs shape character and create meaning. The plot of Othello can be summarized in a few sentences; its language, however, reveals layers of psychological insight, poetic power, and dramatic complexity. We will move through the play, act by act, exploring how the play raises enduring questions about jealousy, race, identity, trust, and the abuse of power.
Deep Dive Shakespeare is a year-long series devoted to the close study of one Shakespeare play each quarter: Othello in the fall, Macbeth in the winter, and Hamlet in the spring.
No Class on November 11 & 25, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The U.S. Intelligence Community: Purpose and Capabilities
Intelligence plays a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and national security, yet it is often misunderstood. This course explores the U.S. intelligence enterprise, examining the various intelligence disciplines and how they inform decision-making at the highest levels of government. Moving beyond Hollywood portrayals and social media myths, we'll take a closer look at how intelligence is gathered, analyzed, and used by policymakers. Topics include intelligence collection, the relationship between intelligence and foreign policy, politicization and distortion, and the causes and consequences of intelligence failures. By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper understanding of the vital role intelligence plays in national affairs.
No Classes on November 11 & 25, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Spiritual Themes in Cinema
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 10/28/2026 - 12/16/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Vanessa Theme Ament, PhD
Seats Still Available: 91
Film has the power to entertain, inspire, and prompt us to reflect on life's deepest questions. Combining the seeker's journey with the philosopher's insights through the lens of cinema, this course invites us to explore purpose, meaning, and the human condition by identifying with memorable characters on screen. Together, we'll view and discuss Koyaanisqatsi (1982), Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Razor's Edge (1984), Lost Horizon (1973), Grand Canyon (1991), and The Way (2010). As we connect the spiritual journeys of these characters, we'll also reflect on our own paths and consider what gives life meaning, purpose, and direction.
No Classes on November 11 & 25, 2026
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Dream Exploration Through the Lens of an Ancient Theory
Dreams have long been viewed as windows into our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This six-week experiential course explores dream interpretation through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), drawing on the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. You'll learn to interpret symbolic dream messages, discover how dreams may reflect balance or imbalance within the body, and develop personal practices for integrating dream insights into everyday life. Blending traditional TCM wisdom with contemporary reflective techniques, this course promotes greater emotional awareness, energy alignment, and overall well-being. Participants often find that the course enhances dream recall while providing practical tools for interpreting dream imagery in relation to underlying health and wellness.
No Class on November 23, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The Recurring Threat to Our Divided Democracy - Palm Desert
This course examines the nation's recurring self-consternation. Throughout U.S. history, periods of political polarization, racism, nativism, economic inequality, excessive executive power—or a combination of these forces—have risen to the point of threatening the very survival of the republic. Many would agree that the United States is once again experiencing one of these pivotal moments.
Following, in part, Four Threats: The Recurring Crisis of American Democracy (2019) by Suzanne Mettler and Robert C. Lieberman, we will explore the five moments in American history when the core beliefs and institutional foundations of U.S. democracy were called into question. These periods will also be examined through the lens of The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy: Rural vs. Urban (2025), also by Suzanne Mettler and Robert C. Lieberman.
What is unique—and alarming—about the present moment in American politics is that all four conditions exist simultaneously. Yet the nation has survived these threats before. The challenge is to identify the methods, leadership, and resolve needed to repair our civic fabric once again.
No Class on November 23, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
International Cinema
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 11/3/2026 - 12/15/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center B
Room:
Instructor: Dale Knorr, BA
Seats Still Available: 82
Experience the creativity and cinematic artistry of filmmakers from around the world. International films can transport us to faraway lands, introduce us to unfamiliar narratives, and ignite our curiosity about the world beyond our own borders. This course incorporates an exploration of topics in film studies as we view and discuss one film per week including critically acclaimed classics, overlooked gems, and the very best of contemporary foreign language film. The films will be presented in their language of origin with English subtitles.
No Class on November 24, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Nunchi and the Power of Observation,
Fee: $45.00
Dates: 11/3/2026 - 11/17/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 3
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center B
Room:
Instructor: Arlette Poland, JD, PhD
Seats Still Available: 26
Nunchi (pronounced noon-chee) is a Korean concept often translated as "read the room,” the art of observing, listening, and understanding what is happening beneath the surface. Often described as Korea's "secret superpower," nunchi is considered a key to stronger relationships, better communication, and greater self-awareness.
In this interactive three-week course, you'll explore the meaning and origins of nunchi, learn the eight principles for applying it in everyday life, and discover the habits that strengthen—or hinder—your ability to read people and situations. Through stories, discussion, and practical examples, we'll examine body language, the connection between words and behavior, the influence of Stoic philosophy, and the role of cultural awareness and etiquette. Whether at home, at work, or while traveling, you'll gain practical tools to become a more perceptive observer and more effective communicator.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The Folk Singers, the FBI, and the Second Red Scare
Music has long been a powerful force for social change—and sometimes a target of government scrutiny. This course explores the lives and careers of influential folk musicians, including Woody Guthrie, Sis Cunningham, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, Burl Ives, Josh White, and others whose political beliefs and activism drew the attention of the FBI during the Second Red Scare. Through lectures, music, video clips, news accounts, and thousands of pages of FBI files obtained through the Freedom of Information Act—including previously unreleased material—we'll examine how government surveillance, blacklisting, and Cold War politics shaped the American folk music movement. Along the way, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Cold War, the FBI's operations, and how newly available historical records continue to reshape our understanding of this pivotal era in American history.
No Class on November 26, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The Week's News in Review - Palm Desert
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 11/5/2026 - 12/17/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Building: Hybrid
Room: Building A Room 129
Instructor: Neal Dinoff, BFA
Seats Still Available: 29
An interactive discussion of events shaping the news each week. Media sources include print, TV, the internet, and social media. This course will discuss politics, the economy, sports, show business, and topics pulled from the "headlines."
No Class on Novemeber 26, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Tests of Character: Robert Redford Through Six Films
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 11/5/2026 - 12/17/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center B
Room: B-100
Instructor: Bernard "Butch" Epps
Seats Still Available: 80
Robert Redford is one of America’s most enduring and prolific movie stars—both on screen and behind the camera—, but this is not a “greatest hits” retrospective. Instead, this course traces an artistic throughline across six carefully chosen films that explore recurring themes underlying Redford’s work as both actor and director. Organized into three parts, the series examines ambition put to the test in Downhill Racer (1969) and The Natural (1984); public life put to the test in The Candidate (1972) and Truth (2015); and concludes with justice and the individual put to the test in The Conspirator (2010) and All Is Lost (2013). Together, these films reveal deeper layers of Redford’s remarkable cinematic legacy. Come for Robert Redford; leave talking about the films.
No Class on November 26, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Current Events Discussion Group
Fee: $65.00
Dates: 11/6/2026 - 12/18/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: F
Sessions: 6
Building: Hybrid
Room: Building A Room 129
Instructor: Lara Bloomquist
Seats Still Available: 23
This course covers legal, social and political topics of the day based on articles, studies and brief foundational lectures. Articles, on both sides of an issue, will be taken from a variety of publications such as The New York Times , The Washington Post , The Wall Street Journal , The Economist , and more. All thoughtful views are welcomed and will be respected. The course is a hybrid course that can be accessed on Zoom or in-person.
No Class on November 27, 2026.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Inspirational Films: The Little Movies That Could
Fee: $45.00
Dates: 11/30/2026 - 12/14/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 3
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center B
Room:
Instructor: Bernard "Butch" Epps
Seats Still Available: 87
Rich in hope, compassion, courage, and perseverance, this three-week series celebrates three remarkable black-and-white films from the early 1960s, made on modest budgets and driven by extraordinary performances rather than spectacle: David and Lisa (1962), an intimate story of healing and human connection under unusual circumstances; Lilies of the Field (1963), the uplifting story of a proud, independent handyman, played by Sidney Poitier in an Academy Award-winning performance, who encounters an industrious community of nuns; and The Miracle Worker (1962), the inspiring story of Helen Keller and her newly arrived teacher, Anne Sullivan, featuring unforgettable Academy Award-winning performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. Join us as we celebrate three cinematic gems that remind us that some of the most powerful stories ever told come in the smallest packages. Come for the film, stay for the discussion.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
PALM DESERT CENTER