Lifelong Learning
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 I Courses:
Wednesdays Paint Classes
8/7/24 - 9/25/24
Instructor: Marcy Matherne
Understanding Acrylics & Their Applications
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Continuing Acrylics Paint Class
1 p.m. - 3: p.m.
Fridays Afternoon Classes
9/6/24 - 10/11/24
Old Southwest Revisited: 1783 - 1821
Presented by Rick Byrd
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Know Your City!
Presented by L. Craig Robertson
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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. 鈥� 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. 鈥� 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 Sept. 6th - Oct 11th 2024
Old Southwest Revisited: 1783 - 1821
1:00 p.m. 鈥� 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Rick Byrd
Borderlands in Transition: Natives, Refugees, Opportunists,
Brigands & Traitors
A Different World: The Old Southwest 1783-1821
The Old Southwest is an area of U.S. History that seldom receives much attention in
most survey courses and even less among citizen enthusiasts of our history. We will
explore the landscape, domestic, and international issues that shaped and were shaped
by this area. Much of our attention will be devoted to some of the colorful groups
and individuals who lived, fought, and attempted to control this fascinating region.
Surprises of all sorts await.
This course overlaps with Rick's prior Old Southwest course, but contains substantially different content.
Know Your City!
3:00 p.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m.
Instructor: L. Craig Roberts
Step into the vibrant history of Mobile with "Know Your City!" Join local historian, architect, and tour guide L. Craig Roberts as he uncovers the captivating stories that have shaped the city.
Take a virtual stroll along the charming tree-lined streets and immerse yourself in the festive Mardi Gras tradition while admiring the historical architecture of Antebellum Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian homes. Gain a deep understanding of the city's evolving traditions, culture, and architectural styles that blend the old with the new, offering a glimpse into the future.
"Know Your City!" ensures a lively and interactive experience, providing a unique opportunity to explore the past and embrace the future of Mobile. This engaging course promises to be a blend of fun, education, and insight, where you'll journey through time and look towards the future.