Are you looking for affordable and fun classes? Southwestern's Community Education & Workforce Development department offers a variety of life-long learning and personal exploration opportunities to enrich your life.

We offer classes at both of our beautiful campuses in Coos Bay and Brookings. All of our Community Education courses are noncredit. Whether you are looking for an art class or need to get your flagger certification card, we’ve got you covered. Our instructors are highly qualified individuals from our very own communities.

Winter term classes start Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
To register for a class call or email:

Coos: 541-888-7352
[email protected]

Curry: 541-813-1667
[email protected]

COOS CAMPUS

The Arts

ART 0105 01  TIE DYE FOR BEGINNERS
In this class you will learn all the basics of creating tie dye works including hands-on instruction to demonstrate the process. Gather tips and tricks from a seasoned tie dye artist to achieve intentional patterns on your garment. Participants need to bring a white cotton shirt to complete the tie dye project.
Instructor: Brenda Belongie
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $85
Day: Sat, Sun 2/4-5
Time: Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-12pm

ART 0110 01  TIE DYE INTERMEDIATE
In this class you will learn intermediate skills of creating tie dye works including demonstrations of more advanced techniques in design creation. Gather tips and tricks from a seasoned tie dye artist to achieve intentional intricate patterns. Participants need to bring a white cotton shirt.
Instructor: Brenda Belongie
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $85
Day: Sat, Sun 2/11-12   Time: Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-12pm

MUP 0125  VOCAL TRAINING WORKSHOP
This workshop is an introductory course for singers, experienced or not, in a group setting designed to teach you how to make your voice more powerful, how to use vocal technique to expand your range and expression, and how to become more confident in vocal performances.
Instructor: Keely Whitney
Location: Sunset 2
Cost: $75
MUP 0125 01    Day: Sat 1/21      Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm
MUP 0125 02    Day: Sat 3/11     Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm

MUS 0101 01  BASICS OF PIANO/KEYBOARD
This course is a perfect introduction to piano and music for those who wish to learn to play piano in a group setting. No experience is required as this course starts with basic training and skills. You will gain an understanding of reading music, chords, harmony and rhythms, while exploring the joys of playing music.
Instructor: Keely Whitney
Location: Sunset 2
Cost: $99
Day: Mon, Wed        Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm

MUP 0106 01  COMMUNITY VOCALS
This course is intended to develop and enhance the skill, knowledge, and attitudes to perform musical styles and genres written for the concert choir ensemble. Course teaches lifetime vocal health and maintenance with a current industry standard vocal warm-up and regimen.
Instructor: Keely Whitney
Location: Sunset 2
Cost: $99
Day: Mon, Wed           Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

ART 0257 01  CERAMICS BASICS
Explore in a studio setting the art of working in clay. In this course, students are guided to develop skills with hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Perfect for beginning and intermediate potters.
Instructor: Annie
Cost: $129
Day: Tue Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

ART 0259 01  ADVANCED CERAMICS
Create works of art through supervised mentoring of advanced techniques for advanced level potters. Course cost does not include clay. Clay is purchased as needed in class through the ceramics department.
Instructor: Sue Scott
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $209
Day: Mon, Wed Time: 12:30pm-3:30pm

ART 0620 01  KNITTING FOR BEGINNERS
Make simple knitting projects with yarn and needles while learning the basics. Students will be taught stitches like knit and purl, stockinette, garter and ribbing, read patterns, correct simple mistakes and perform finishing work.
Instructor: Oksana Holt
Location: Newmark 207
Cost: $69
Day: Wed Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm

Special Interest

CE 0505 01  PERFUMERY
Discover the art and practice of perfumery! Learn the history of the perfume industry and development of the natural perfume niche. Create a custom blend, a bespoke signature scent to bring home and enjoy.
Instructor: Abigail Houston
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $40
Day: Sat, 1/14          Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

DRIV 0620 01  AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE 
This course offers you an important opportunity to learn how to drive more efficiently and safely. The course contains up-to-date information about changes over time in ourselves, our vehicles, and our roads. For more information and to pre-register call 541-305-6454. Cost: AARP members $20, non-members $25, check or cash is payable to AARP at the class.
Location: Newmark 207
Day: Thur 1/19             Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

G 025CB 01  REGIONAL GEOLOGY – CAPE BLANCO FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the southern Oregon Coast with stops focused between Cape Blanco and Brookings.
Instructor: Ron Metzger
Location: To be determined and sent via Email
Cost: $60
Date: Sat 1/28              Time: TBD

G 025DU 01  REGIONAL GEOLOGY – DUNES FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast with stops focused between Coos Bay and Yachats.
Instructor: Nadia McLaughlin
Location: To be determined and sent via Email
Cost: $60
Date: Sun 2/5                 Time: TBD

DRIV 0622 01  MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING
From Team Oregon, Basic Rider Training is a 15-hour (3 days) course for novice riders to build fundamental street-riding skills and strategies. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. For individuals with no riding experience, this is the recommended course. Registration must take place prior to the date of the class at http://team-oregon.org/.
Instructor: Michael Heinen
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $229
Days: Fri, Sat, Sun 3/3-5
Time: Fri 6:00pm-8:30pm; Sat 8:00am-3:15pm; Sun 8:00am-3:15pm

DRIV 0623 01  INTERMEDIATE MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING
Intermediate Rider Training is an eight-hour (1 day) course for riders who already know how to get underway, turn, shift and stop a motorcycle or scooter and strengthens fundamental street-riding skills. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. Registration must take place prior to the date of the class at http://team-oregon.org/.
Instructor: Michael Heinen
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $199
Day: Sat 3/4                  Time: 8:00am-5:00pm

HD 0964  INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
This is a 16-week program supported by The SAFE Project for Coos County. This program provides men and women with information on how to build healthy relationships with significant others, children, friends, co-workers and others. Registration is by appointment only. A fee of $50 is due at the appointment time. The fee covers registration, a workbook and class materials. A fee of $15 per class is due at each class. To schedule an appointment contact Chuck Stepping at 541-808-7436. Prices are subject to change and are paid directly to ATV program reps.

IND 0905  MARINE SAFETY
This is an Oregon State Marine Board approved course that will provide the instruction (with prior study) to pass the Oregon Boater Education Card test. Pre-registration is required and is completed by calling 541-267-6152.
Instructor: George Tinker
Location: Columbia Pacific Maritime
Cost: $15
Day: March TBA                 Time: 8:00am-5:00pm

Languages

ITAL 0210 01  ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS
Italian for beginners is designed to introduce students to fundamental tools for how to approach learning Romance languages in addition to learning Italian. This course will build the foundation for Italian speaking, writing, and comprehension. Students of all language levels are welcome. The course is modeled to use Italian as early and frequently as possible, allowing students to quickly develop their Italian language skills. If you are ready to learn about Italian culture and its language, then I encourage you to register for this course. A presto!
Instructor: Yazmin Gamble
Location: Stensland 202
Cost: $225
Day: Mon, Wed  1/4-3/8            Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Cooking

CRT 0145 01  THE SECRET’S IN THE SAUCE!
Do you want to learn how to make a killer sauce to compliment any meal?  In this course you will learn to make a variety of sauces that the chef has chosen to explore.
Instructor: Randy Torres
Location: OCCI 121
Cost: $89
Day: Sat 1/14                      Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

CRT 0140 01  SOUP DU JOUR
This class will explore creation of several different soups chosen by one of our chefs.
Instructor: Randy Torres
Location: OCCI 121
Cost: $89
Day: Sat 2/11                       Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Please Note: As a safety precaution all students attending cooking classes must wear pants and closed toe shoes. Menu items are subject to change up to the day of the class based on availability, costs, and shipping times. Due to this we are unable to provide information on specific dishes.

Fitness & Recreation

PE 0232 01  THE NEXT STEP
This intermediate international folk-dance class involves a group of happy people learning traditional ethnic dances in a circle, line, couple, trio, longways sets or individual formation. The suggested dress is cool, comfortable clothing. This is an intermediate level class for people who have completed PE*0234 Beginning International Folk Dancing.
Instructor: Stacy Rose
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $69
Day: Thur                         Time: 7:00pm-8:45pm

PE 0234 01  INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE (BEGINNING)
Tour the world one dance step at a time in this beginner-level class for people 12 years of age and older. Dancers will learn dances from Eastern Europe, Israel, Turkey, Portugal, and various other countries. The suggested dress is cool, comfortable clothing.
Instructor: Stacy Rose
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $69
Day: Wed                           Time: 7:00pm-8:45pm

HE 0201 01  MEDITATION
Mindfulness, the awareness of the present moment, is directly applicable to everyday life.  This course in mindfulness meditation will be an opportunity to build or sustain a gentle, accessible, relaxing, and lifelong personal practice suitable for all ages. This course will guide you in the basic practices of meditation to support you in retuning your awareness back to the present moment and to help you find genuine peace and freedom in the here and now.
Instructor: Kelli Bosak
Location: Rec Center Room 131
Cost: $99
Day: Wed                         Time: 6:00pm-7:15pm

PE 0507 01  YOGA FOR HEALTH – BEGINNER
Restorative, therapeutic yoga practice safe and comfortable. Improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility and stress reduction while calming and quieting the mind. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center Room 121
Cost: $75
Day: Mon                         Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

PE 0506 01  YOGA FOR HEALTH – INTERMEDIATE
A more challenging Yoga practice with restorative and therapeutic benefits. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $75
Day: Wed                           Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

PE 0509 01  ZUMBA^®
Zumba^® Fitness is a global brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an addictive dance-fitness class. Zumba^® utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning.
Instructor: Tina Creamer
Location: Rec Center 131
Cost: $95
Days: Mon, Thur                 Time: 5:15pm-6:05pm

PE 0517 01  JUDO
This course is designed to guide students through basic skill development in the fundamentals all the way through the advanced skills and techniques of Judo.
Instructor: Clayton Willett
Location: Prosper Hall
Mat Room 3
Cost: $75
Days: Tue, Thur                   Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

PE 0518 01  KARATE
This course is designed to introduce students to basic skill development in the fundamentals all the way through the advanced skills and techniques of Karate.
Instructor: Clayton Willett
Location: Prosper Hall Mat Room 3
Cost: $75
Days: Mon, Wed                 Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm

PE 0503 02  PILATES^® EXERCISE
Pilates^® is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility and muscle strength. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core, as well as improving coordination and balance.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Tue, Thur                   Time: 12:00pm-12:50pm

PE 0535 01  DANCE FITNESS
Dance Fitness fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an addictive dance-fitness class. The course utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Mon, Wed                 Time: 12:00pm-12:50pm

PE 0505 01  TURBO KICK
Turbo Kick is a combination of intense kickboxing moves, as well as a unique blend of intense interval strength and endurance training all perfectly choreographed to high energy and motivating music. Turbo Kick requires no previous kickboxing experience or equipment.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Mon, Wed                Time: 5:30pm-6:20pm

PE 0513 01  INSANITY^® WORKOUT
This program uses MAX Interval Training^®, which alternates periods of moderate intense exercise with maximum-intensity and smaller intervals of intensity with smaller periods of rest.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Tue, Thur                  Time: 5:30pm-6:20pm

PE 0522  FITNESS FOR RECOVERY
Fitness for Recovery provides a sober active community to individuals who have suffered from a substance use disorder and to those who choose a sober life. This is about rising up together to meet the challenges of recovery and living life to its full potential. Using a peer support model, members heal and rebuild their lives. For more information, please contact Jennifer Stephens at 541-404-6438.

 

CURRY CAMPUS

Special Interest

WR 0105 01  CREATIVE WRITING & STORY WORLDS
This course introduces the theory, techniques, and practice of fiction writing to the beginning student. It emphasizes the short story. Part of the term is spent reading and analyzing published work in terms of such writing techniques as characterization, scenes, dialogue, thematic content, and structure. Writing exercises complement these discussions, and are critiqued.
Instructor: Laec Christensen
Location: Curry Campus 118
Cost: $109
Day: Thur                      Time: 3:00pm-4:55pm

Fitness

PE 0550 01  SEATED YOGA FOR HEALTH
Yoga practice with benefits of restorative and therapeutic results for improved posture, balance, strength, flexibility and stress reduction, while calming and quieting the mind. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Please bring your own.
Instructor: Glencora Powers
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $83
Day: Mon, Wed              Time: 11:00am-11:50am

PE 0502 01  BETTER BONES AND BALANCE^®
Better Bones and Balance^® is an exercise program that was developed and tested by researchers at Oregon State University.  This program targets strength and balance through key exercises shown to reduce the risk for falls and fractures, and is suitable for ambulatory individuals who are at beginner and intermediate exercise levels.
Instructor: Lisa Reed
Location: Langlois Lions Club
Cost: $89
Day: Mon, Fri                  Time: 9:00am-10:20apm

PE 0506 02  YOGA FOR HEALTH
Yoga practice with benefits of restorative and therapeutic results for improved posture, balance, strength, flexibility and stress reduction, while calming and quieting the mind. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Please bring your own.
Instructor: Glencora Powers
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Mon, Wed               Time: 8:30am-9:50am

PE 0503 01  PILATES^®
Pilates^® is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the legs, abdominals, arms, hips, and back. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core, as well as improving coordination and balance. Pilates^® lengthens and improves muscle tone, balance, and supports correct posture all without creating bulk. Pilates^® is also helpful in preventing and rehabilitating from injuries, improving posture, and increasing flexibility, circulation, and balance. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Please bring your own.
Instructor: Glencora Powers
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Mon, Wed                Time: 10:00am-10:50am

PE 0570 01  LOW-IMPACT AEROBICS
This class uses easy to follow dance steps and rhythmic movements that are choreographed to upbeat music. This is a fun way to get you moving while improving your cardiovascular system, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, while boosting your overall fitness level. This is a great class for active seniors no matter your level of fitness. Bring a mat for the floor exercises.
Instructor: Mary Whitaker
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tue, Thur                   Time: 8:30am-9:45am

PE 0504 01  TAI CHI
This course in Tai Chi is a gentle, relaxed, non-sweat, personal exercise (translated as the “Grand Ultimate”) for any age. The ‘Yang Form’ will be taught along with ‘Chi Gwa’ (circulating breath) and ‘Silk Cocoon Chen’ (fine intertwining energy). This course is noncompetitive and will start with the basics, and then individuals will progress at their own rate.
Instructor: Deane McConnell
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tues                          Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Online courses are accessed through mylakerlink.socc.edu.

Special Interest

G 025CB 02 REGIONAL GEOLOGY CAPE BLANCO FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the southern Oregon Coast with stops focused between Cape Blanco and Brookings. The course consists of a virtual field trip.
Instructor: Ron Metzger
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $60

G 025DU 02 REGIONAL GEOLOGY DUNES FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast with stops focused between Coos Bay and Yachats. The course consists of a virtual field trip.
Instructor: Nadia McLaughlin
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $60

WR 0100 01  WRITING YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Who better to tell your story than YOU?  Come and learn how to put together all of your stories into a book.  Your autobiography is sure to be something cherished. This course will introduce you to the techniques of writing an autobiography.
Instructor: Sally Harrold
Location: Live Online Zoom
Cost: $105
Day: Mon                       Time: 1:30pm-4:00pm

ENG 0115 01 JANE AUSTEN AND CHARLOTTE BRONTE
Within this course, you will get the opportunity to read works such as Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. You will get to know both authors on a deeper level and develop a better understanding of the importance of their works as well as their roles as female authors. *Books and movies are not included in the cost of the class.
Instructor: Tyana Brown
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $99

ENG 0120 01  PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Within this course, you will have the opportunity to review and study The Phantom of the Opera. You will learn the importance of stage performance techniques and will receive the opportunity to explore genre and gothic themes, the language used within the play and the overall representation.
Instructor: Tyana Brown
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $99

WR 0110 01  SHORT STORY WRITING
This course you will learn the basics of short story writing. Within this course, you will explore and examine major themes and genres (such as comedy, romance, tragedy and history) as well as writing techniques and format.
Instructor: Tyana Brown
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $99

ENG 0110 01  INTRODUCTION TO POETRY
This course introduces students to the basics of poetry writing. Within this course, students will explore and examine classic poets such as Emily Dickinson, William Wordsworth and John Milton. Optional bi-weekly Zoom sessions included.
Instructor: Tyana Brown
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $99

ENG 0105 01  SHAKESPEARE
This course introduces students to the plays of William Shakespeare. Within this course, students will explore and examine major themes and genres (such as comedy, romance, tragedy and history) present within his plays through discussion posts and close-reading exercises. Optional bi-weekly Zoom sessions included.
Instructor: TyAna Brown
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $99

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Advanced Career Training

Need more than what can be offered in six-weeks? We have programs ranging in length from 6 to 18 months. Programs offer industry recognized certifications, are self-paced, and include all the materials. Where could your journey take you? Check out this video. Investigate the variety of training programs to choose from and complete registration here.