Reshaping Higher Education: Turbulence in the Academy
Governments, both State and Federal, are making an effort to challenge science, reinterpret academic freedom, control curriculum, reduce research funding, monitor admissions, limit student financial aid and define student misconduct. In addition many within the academy are calling for significant overhauls of the modern university. We will talk about the impact of these efforts on the future of higher education.
No class January 19 and February 16
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Interior Design
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 1/12/2026 - 2/9/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 5
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Angela Morris
Seats Still Available: 35
This course will cover all elements and principals that go into creating a wonderful space. The class will consist of presentations by local experts and new trends in Interior Design will be presented along with the current new subject matter of aging in place, making our homes more efficient.
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.
Beneath the Robes: Current Developments at the US Supreme Court
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 1/12/2026 - 2/23/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Paul Faxon
Seats Still Available: 27
The course will begin with a brief overview of Supreme Court practice and the judicial philosophies of the current Justices. We will then examine recent and pending Supreme Court cases, with particular attention to those that challenge established constitutional precedents or commonly held interpretations, as well as issues involving the separation of powers among the three branches of the federal government. Topics will include the 2024 decision addressing broad presidential immunity with limited qualifications; birthright citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment; the Impoundment Control Act; expedited deportation of immigrants; removal of commissioners from independent federal agencies; and the use of nationwide injunctions. Active class discussion will be encouraged throughout.
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.
Drawn to Life: Animating Memory, Art, and Human Experience in Film
Animation is often seen as children’s entertainment, but it can also serve as a powerful artistic medium to explore memory, history, and the human spirit with a depth that live action sometimes cannot match. Its stylized visuals invite audiences to engage with difficult subjects in approachable and deeply moving ways. In this three-week series, we begin with (1) Persepolis (2007), Marjane Satrapi’s sharp, funny, and poignant memoir of growing up during the Iranian Revolution; then (2) Tower (2016), which uses rotoscoping—a technique blending animation with live-action footage—to revisit the 1966 UT Austin Tower shooting, capturing fear and heroism; concluding with (3) Loving Vincent (2017), the world’s first fully painted feature film, a visual feast reflecting on art, loss, and the enduring mystery of Van Gogh. Join us for an insightful exploration of animation’s unique power to illuminate human experience.
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.
Write Your Memoir
Many people have a story to tell but don’t know how to write about it. In a non-threatening workshop environment, participants will focus on an experience or a person from their past which established significant meaning in their life and contributed to the person they are today. Instruction will include structure and prompts for writing a memoir as well as details needed for a strong lead, the use of figurative language, dialogue and the development of a solid conclusion. By the final session of the workshop, participants will have written a memoir that validates choices, decisions and events in their lives for themselves and for those who may choose to read their memoir.
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 Larry Hour" - Musings on Three Unrelated Subjects
Fee: $45.00
Dates: 1/14/2026 - 1/28/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 3
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Larry Fox
Seats Still Available: 29
This three-week course examines key forces shaping modern life. Week one explores population demographics and how changing age, work, and family patterns affect society. Week two, Where Does the Dough Go? , focuses on government finance and how public funds are raised and spent. The final session, Not Another Self-Help Book , asks why so many working-class people struggle to find happiness, looking beyond individual solutions to broader social and economic factors.
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.
Fred in Conversation at OLLI
Each session in this six-week course presents a timely topic in health, science, or the environment, delivered in the style of engaging, accessible “TED Talks.” The first three sessions explore a shared theme—food and appetite—including The Calorie Is Dead: Long Live the Calorie , The Physiology of Hunger, Appetite, and Taste , and Your Microbiome . Subsequent sessions examine The Future of Food , Nutritional Supplements: Why? , and Environmental Modeling to Predict Climate Change . Participants are invited to explore new ideas, current research, and emerging questions in an informative and lively format.
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 100 Greatest Artworks of the 20th Century
Some are beautiful, others are challenging. Some are dramatic, others are soothing. The 100 greatest artworks of the twentieth century show us how art history changed more in the past century than all other centuries combined. Picasso, Matisse, Wyeth, Chagall, Brancusi, Klimt, Ansel Adams—their work is on the list. But so, too, are the great artworks of artists you may not know: Chicago, Holzer, Picabia, Beckman, Boccioni, de Chirico and dozens of others. In this course, you’ll learn why and how the art came about, the artists’ fascinating back stories, and even how to look at art more enjoyably. We’ll also discuss the art together, and you don’t need to know a thing about art to participate. Just listen or share your thoughts knowing that there are no correct ideas, just your ideas.
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 Wines of Italy: Part One
This, first of two classes, will be an in-depth study of six of the great wine regions of Italy. Each class will include a discussion of the history, culture, and viticulture of each region, along with representative wine tastings of the best Italian varietals. The classes are interactive, and participation is encouraged. We will discuss the aromas and flavor profiles of many great Italian wines.
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: $75.00
Dates: 1/15/2026 - 2/19/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Neal Dinoff
Seats Still Available: 30
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 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.
Between Heroism and Treachery: Betrayal in Film
In Dante’s Inferno, betrayers occupy the lowest circle of Hell, where treachery erodes the soul. This six-week series explores the human cost of betrayal—whether driven by gain, conviction, nefariousness, or some higher truth in the following films: (1) John Ford’s The Informer (1935), a tale of guilt and redemption in revolutionary Ireland; (2) The Insider (1999), a tense whistleblower drama; (3) Donnie Brasco (1997), where undercover duty blurs into deceit; (4) Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), chronicling the infiltration of the Black Panther Party; (5) Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), a chilling study of espionage and moral compromise; and (6) the Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour (2014), capturing Edward Snowden’s revelations about NSA surveillance. These films will challenge us to ask: to whom do we owe our loyalty, and when betrayal serves a greater purpose, is the betrayer a hero, a traitor, or something in between? — Et tu, Brute?
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.
How Diplomacy Delivers for the US: From the Revolutionary War to the Security Council
How diplomats have promoted and protected the United States, by ending wars, avoiding wars, and forging alliances and new institutions. Big issues and big personalities throughout our history. Taught by a retired US Ambassador with 38 years service as a US diplomat.
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
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. This course will be a hybrid course.
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: $75.00
Dates: 1/20/2026 - 2/24/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Dale Knorr
Seats Still Available: 18
Experience the creativity and cinematic artistry of filmmakers from around the world. International cinema allows us to discover and appreciate the cultures, languages, landscapes, and lifestyles of people from all walks of life globally. We’ll view and discuss one feature film per week including critically acclaimed classics, overlooked gems, and the very best of contemporary world cinema. The films will be presented in their language of origin with English subtitles.
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.
Painting and Collage: To Bring Out the Artist in Everyone
Aside from being a lot of fun; this class takes the pressure away from painting a specific object. Collages are constructed from swatches hand painted in class. Paint with acrylics, experimenting with different papers, using untraditional materials such as squeegees, scrapers, straws to blow paint around; gravity to drip paint; and we shake our paint brushes to splatter the paint. Once the painting phase is completed and all the works have been dried, we cut apart our works, creating swatches of different sizes to assemble into collages. Time is spent placing the swatches in place much like designing a patchwork quilt. When we are happy with our placements, the swatches are glued in place and we have our finished collages.
For the first classes, students will need acrylic paints in a variety of colors, a paint mixing tray or palette, water containers (plastic or metal), and an assortment of brushes including narrow pointed, broad, round, flat, fan, and sponge brushes. Paper should include both watercolor paper and Bristol board, sized 9 × 12 inches or larger. Students should also bring a plastic table covering or newspaper to protect their workspace, an apron or old shirt suitable for painting, and a folder or large envelope for transporting artwork. For the final two classes, students will need scissors, glue or a glue stick, and one large zip-lock bag. Questions may be directed to susanrossstevens@gmail.com .
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 Escalation of Antisemitism. Ethics, Events and the Law
The course will focus on the modern history of antisemitism, the ethics of responses to antisemitism and the laws that can deal with antisemitism in the United`States and Canada.
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.
Espionage and Counterintelligence
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 2/25/2026 - 4/1/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Gary Gomez
Seats Still Available: 34
The course will explore the activities and goals of espionage, what constitutes espionage, tradecraft, contemporary and past espionage cases, laws about espionage, and espionage as a tool of intelligence and statecraft. We will also discuss the meaning of counterintelligence (CI), the different types of CI, foreign counterintelligence activities, the roles and missions of government CI organizations, and how CI functions as an input and tool for national security policymaking and execution.
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.
Introduction to Fine Fragrances
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 2/25/2026 - 4/1/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Lisa Gomez
Seats Still Available: 35
Over six sessions, explore the history of fine fragrance and the process of creating it. Experience a variety of natural and synthetic raw materials while delving into themes such as rose, orange flower, and fragrance families like citrus, fougère, and chypre. Learn the mechanics of perfume creation, how to set up a home lab, and ways to craft fragrances for candles.
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 Wines of Italy: Part Two
This, first of two classes, will be an in-depth study of six of the great wine regions of Italy. Each class will include a discussion of the history, culture, and viticulture of each region, along with representative wine tastings of the best Italian varietals. The classes are interactive, and participation is encouraged. We will discuss the aromas and flavor profiles of many great Italian wines.
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: $75.00
Dates: 2/26/2026 - 4/2/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Neal Dinoff
Seats Still Available: 35
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 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.
A Man's Gotta Do What A Man's Gotta Do: Hemingway's Man Code in John Huston Films
This course explores Huston’s landmark films—The Maltese Falcon (1941), The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), The African Queen (1951), Moby Dick (1956), Fat City (1972), and The Man Who Would Be King (1975)—each portraying men tested by fate, nature, and moral choice, illuminating how they measure against Hemingway’s complex ideal of manhood: grounded in strength, resilience, dignity, and grace under pressure. We will also consider the role of women, ranging from forceful presence to conspicuous absence, in challenging or affirming this “man’s man” ideal. Together, these films offer a profound study of an enduring archetype in American cinema.
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
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. This course will be a hybrid course.
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 Science of “Cool” in the Hot Desert: Be Fascinating for Life
What makes someone “cool” after 50—and how do you keep that intrigue-spark alive? Dr. Kaufman delivers a lively, interactive course that blends improv games, neuroscience, and embodied cognition to uncover the science of magnetism and presence. Drawing on research into “Cool People” and Gravitas theory (Self-Clarity, Vision, Mission, and Communicative Power), you’ll explore how to project confidence, relevance, and authenticity in any setting. Each week, we’ll practice at local events—playing, reflecting, and experimenting with real-world charisma. No theater experience required—just curiosity, humor, and a willingness to move, connect, and rediscover your cool. All abilities and personalities welcome.
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.
Civil Liberties & Civil Rights
This course will guide you through the foundational principles of civil liberties and civil rights, exploring both the rights protected by the Constitution and those established through federal and state legislation. We will discuss topics such as freedom of speech and religion, equal protection, due process, when is probable cause required, and your right to privacy, among others. A central feature of the course will be the examination of ongoing news stories, current events and real-world legal cases that are impacting individual rights. Whether it be from presidential actions, legislation or landmark court decisions, you will see how these events are actively shaping, expanding, or challenging our civil liberties and civil rights.
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.
Painting with Acrylics, Watercolors and Crana d'ache
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 3/3/2026 - 4/7/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Jack Flanigan
Seats Still Available: 35
This course will function as a lab for independent work using dry and wet water soluble mediums. Watercolors, acrylic paints, crana d'ashe, colored pencils, pastels, among other mediums can be used. Where you are in terms of conceptual thinking or technical ability and execution, come join us for some fun!
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.
Power, Politics, Principle, and the Gavel: Where is the Supreme Court?
In this course, there will be a presentation, followed by group discussion, of leading cases of the United States Supreme Court, past and present. The question to be debated is: Has the Supreme Court over the years endorsed the position taken by government officials, Presidents and Congresses alike, namely the rejection of the idea that the Constitution possesses a fixed meaning limiting the power of the US government?
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.
Our Changing Future: Forces Driving Change. Are We Ready?
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 3/3/2026 - 4/7/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Jag Dalal
Seats Still Available: 34
Since the planet’s formation, powerful forces—both natural and human-driven—have shaped Earth’s environment and human society. Today, we are experiencing an unprecedented period of transformation, as multiple forces simultaneously reshape nearly every aspect of our lives. Increasingly, these forces are driven by human activity, while even those rooted in nature now have profound and lasting impacts on our present and future. This six-week, two-part series will explore six major forces of change, excluding technology. In the first part, we will examine each force in depth and assess its influence on individuals, communities, and global systems. In the second part, we will focus on strategies for responding to these challenges, including ways to mitigate their effects and adapt to ongoing change, while also considering the evolving role of technological innovation in addressing them.
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.
Interior Design
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 3/9/2026 - 4/13/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room:
Instructor: Angela Morris
Seats Still Available: 34
This course will cover all elements and principals that go into creating a wonderful space. The class will consist of presentations by local experts and new trends in Interior Design will be presented along with the current new subject matter of aging in place, making our homes more efficient.
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