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.
2025 Spring Term II Courses Available for Registration!
"Mobile's African American Legacy: A Guided Tour!"
Field Trip
Tour Friday, 3/14/25
4/9/2025 - 6/4/2025
Understanding Acrylics 9 AM - 11 AM
Continuing Acrylics 1 PM - 3 PM
Friday Afternoon Courses
U.S. Culture & the War in Vietnam Part I: 1950-1964
1 PM - 2:30 PM
Instructor: Rick Byrd
Before the Vietnam War, U.S. culture was already following a path of change, but the war would eventually become an accelerant. These changes and the war had roots in the 1950s.
In this course, Rick Byrd will examine the background and early stages of 1960s culture and the links to U.S. involvement in Vietnam. We will discuss in detail the role of the traditional belief in American “exceptionalism” as it, combined with emerging consumerism, found new fertile ground in the war.
Oratorio: It's Not Just Messiah!
3 PM - 4:30 PM
Instructor: Dr. Laura Moore
The oratorio, a large-scale dramatic sacred choral work, is a major genre of Classical music. This class will present the history and development of the oratorio with lots of listening examples taken from major works by Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn, and others.
Students will learn:
- the history and development of oratorio
- major work and composers of the oratorio genre
- critical listening skills from music excerpts
Dr. Laura Moore, one of Odyssey's most beloved instructors, will present in a way
you won't forget!
Never Stop Learning!