Lifelong Learning
Odyssey USA
Odyssey USA is a community of adult learners who share intellectual curiosity and who participate in educational opportunities offered them through The Center for Continuing Education (CCE). Courses are designed to stimulate the mind and to encourage personal growth throughout life. Topics are challenging and thought-provoking with mind-stretching activities on a wide variety of subjects. These courses are open to any adult in the community, or thanks to technology, any adult in the world! Most courses are offered both in the classroom and on Zoom. There are four terms per year, and each term lasts six weeks.
2024 Fall Term II Courses Available for Registration!
Wednesday Paint Classes: 10/2/24 - 11/20/24
Friday Afternoon Courses: 10/25/24 - 12/6/24
"Samurai: Their Day in the Sun"
"Vegetable Gardening: Grow More - Give More"
"U.S. Constitution: Origins and Creations"
To become a member, simply register for one or more courses in any term throughout the year. There are two terms in the spring and two terms in the fall. Memberships expire on July 30 of each calendar year.
Acrylics Art Courses
Instructor: Marcy Matherne
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Understanding Acrylics and Their Applications
Have you ever wondered if there is an artist in you just waiting to be discovered? Well, there is no time like the present to find out! In this course on understanding acrylics, you will learn about painting with this versatile medium. Is it water-soluble when wet? Yes. Because it is a plastic polymer, it dries into a flexible, water-resistant and durable surface. This course will include information on the theory and technique combined with practical application and hands-on exercises.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Continuing Acrylics Painting
This course is for students who would like to delve deeper into acrylics. This is a continuation of Understanding Acrylics Paints and is perfect for students who feel comfortable moving beyond the basics!
Friday Courses 10/25/24 - 12/6/24
U.S. Constitution: Origins and Creations
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Rick Byrd
Location: USA Baldwin County Campus in Fairhope
The Constitution of the United States stands as one of the most critical and esteemed documents in history. Our collective national consciousness is largely centered around the efforts of a select group of "Founding Fathers" who convened in a room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon emerging, the document was complete, awaiting ratification, or so we tend to think. This course will delve into the ideas brought forth by these men at the convention, as well as the processes, including ratification, that culminated in the creation of the foundational document that underpins our government.
Samurai: Their Day In The Sun
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. LeRon Harrison
Location: USA Mobile Campus at University Commons
Join us for an immersive journey into the captivating history of the samurai. Our first session will take you on an exciting excursion to the Mobile History Museum, where you'll experience the Samurai exhibition firsthand. While the exhibition provides a valuable perspective on samurai history and culture, the remaining five sessions will offer an exploration of additional aspects, including their origins, their evolving relationship with the Imperial court, their patronage of the arts, and the significant role of women in samurai history.
Delve into the fascinating evolution of the samurai's image in the latter part of their history. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the legendary samurai!
Book Option (not required): Samurai: A Concise History
*** The first class session, October 25th, will take place at the Mobile History Museum. Admission to the museum is $12 for nonmembers and free for museum members. The class will run from 12:30 PM - 2:15 pm for this session only. Students will pay at the door.
Optional: Students may choose to meet in the courtyard for a picnic lunch from Naman's Catering at 11:30 a.m. and then join the tour from 12:30 - 2:15 p.m. Cost for lunch is $11.95 for choice of sandwich, chips and dessert or $12.95 for choice of sandwich, side salad, chips and dessert. Tea will be provided.
To order lunch, please submit this form.
Vegetable Gardening: Grow More/Give More!
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jack LeCroy
Location: USA Mobile Campus at University Commons
Are you an experienced gardener or someone who wants to learn to be more self-sufficient? No matter your skills level, we welcome Jack LeCroy to lead a 6-week vegetable gardening course entitled, "Grow More/Give More." Each week you will learn to design, plant, and reap benefits from your vegetable garden!
There will be weekly hands-on activities that will provide additional training to enhance your knowledge and gardening abilities. Come prepared to learn:
- Basics of Vegetable Gardening
- Soil and Plant Fertility
- Scouting Your Garden
- The Fruits of Your Labor
...and more!
Whether you're new to vegetable gardening or have had a garden for years, there is something new to learn. Upon completion, this course offers a certificate in vegetable gardening. Come to all six sessions to earn your certificate!