Community Education
Take Classes For Fun and Personal Growth!
Southwestern offers a wide range of life-long learning and personal exploration opportunities to enrich your life. We offer a variety of community education classes at our beautiful Coos and Curry campuses, and online as well. All of our Community Classes are noncredit, and taught by highly qualified individuals from our local communities.
Fall Term classes start Monday, September 14, 2026
REGISTRATION FOR FALL TERM CLASSES OPENS MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026 AT 8:00 AM.
To register for a class:
- You must have an active SWOCC Student ID number. If you have taken classes at Southwestern within the last year, you will have an active SWOCC Student ID number .
- If you have NOT taken a class at Southwestern within the last year, complete the Community Education & Personal Enrichment application form. This will get you an active SWOCC Student ID number. Skip this step only if you have taken classes at Southwestern within the past year.
- When you have an active SWOCC Student ID number, call or email:
- Coos: 541-888-7352, Email
- Curry: 541-813-1667, Email
CONTACT US
Community Education and Workforce Development
Registration (Coos Campus): 541-888-7352
Registration (Curry Campus): 541-813-1667
Other General Inquiries: 541-888-7214
Email
Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Coos Campus
The Arts
Note: Fee for art materials included in price of class.
ART 0257 65 CERAMICS: HANDBUILDING BASICS
For all skill levels. Beginning potters create works of art through demonstrated and supervised basic hand building techniques that support exploration in a studio setting covering the processes of working in clay, designing, curing, finishing and firing. Intermediate and advanced students are self-directed to enhance their skills with hand-building and/or wheel throwing techniques with instructor support.
Instructor: Annie Pollard
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $189
Day: Mon
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
ART 0257 66 CERAMICS: HANDBUILDING BASICS
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $189
Day: Tue
Time: 6:00pm-8:50pm
ART 0259 65 ADVANCED CERAMICS
An independent study course for pottery and clay artists, who have a good understanding of basic techniques, to gather to learn from each other, share ideas, and create new pieces. You will define your own learning goals and work towards them in a supportive environment. Because there is a wide range of skill level and technique focus among students, emphasis is placed on individual development and one-on-one attention. Must have taken a class from Annie previously or concurrently.
Instructor: Annie Pollard
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $164
Day: Wed
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
ART 0146 65 SCRIBBLE ART & SKETCHBOOKS
Scribble Art is part doodle, part dance, and 100% delightful mess-making! We explore patterns, playful marks, whirly spirals, and the kind of intuitive wisdom that sneaks in when you're not trying to be perfect. Grab your magic on paper bags, junk mail, cardboard, newspapers, and yes, even real drawing paper.
Instructor: Shinan Barclay
Location: Eden 7
Cost: $90
Day: Tue
Time: 6:00pm-7:50pm
ART 0142 65 MASTER BEGINNING WHEEL THROWING
Achieve mastery of centering clay for wheel-thrown pottery; learn best practices to create simple shapes; understand craftsmanship, various techniques and safe habits. Instructor: Roberta Westerfield
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $194
Day: Wed
Time: 6:00pm-8:50pm
ART 0148 65 PAINT THE BEACH – BEGINNING WATER AND COLOR
In PAINT THE BEACH, students will use Scribble Art techniques, markers, and brushes to explore the magic of water, light, and nature’s patterns. In this playful, hands-on class we let the water do the work. Students observe patterns—waves roll forward dark to light as the sky descends dark to light. Beginning students discover their artistic voice and create colorful unique beachscapes. Instructor: Shinan Barclay
Location: Eden 7
Cost: $90
Day: Thu
Time: 6:00pm-7:50pm
Fitness & Recreation
PE 0503 65 PILATES® EXERCISE
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.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $109
Days: Tue, Thu
Time: 12:00pm-12:50pm
PE 0525 65 POUND® FITNESS
Rock-Out while you Work-Out!! POUND® is a full-body cardio session, combining light resistance strength training with constant simulated drumming. Through continual upper body motion using lightly weighted drumsticks, you'll turn into a calorie-torching drummer! Rock, rap, dubstep, pop and old school music fuse to create the POUND® track series. The POUND® workout fuses cardio, isometric movements, plyometrics and isometric poses with pulse-racing, sweat-inducing drumming.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $85
Day: Tue
Time: 5:30pm-6:20pm
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 0507 65 YOGA
Restorative, therapeutic yoga for any level. Improve and maintain breath awareness as well as skeletal alignment, balance, strength and mobility; releasing stress and tension with a somatic practice for health and quality of life.
Please bring your personal mat.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $75
Day: Mon, Wed
Time: 1:00pm-2:20pm
PE 0233 65 PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
Get motivated, improve your endurance, and get in shape! Designed for mature adults who need to modify a fitness program according to their current level of conditioning. Work on strengthening and flexibility.
Instructor: Dan Neal
Location Rec 121
Cost: $90
Days: Tue, Thu
Time: 10:00am-11:20am
Special Interest
DRIV 0622 65 BASIC MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING
Basic Rider Training is a fifteen-hour (three-day) 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 9/11 6:00pm-8:30pm;
Sat 9/12 8:00am-3:30pm;
Sun 9/13 8:00am-3:30pm
DRIV 0623 65 INTERMEDIATE MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING
Intermediate Rider Training is an eight-hour (one day) course for riders who already know how to get underway, turn, shift and stop a motorcycle or scooter while strengthening 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 9/12
Time: 8:00am-5:00pm
DRIV 0620 65 AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE
This course offers you the 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. The content of this course can help boost safety awareness, refresh and improve driving skills, minimize crash risk, increase confidence, prolong mobility, and maintain independence. Completion of this one-day six-hour driving refresher course can yield discounted auto insurance premiums for individuals. Bring your lunch as we will only take a 30-minute break. To register call 503-594-4024.
Instructor: Nancy Brown
Location: Tioga 103
Day: Fri 9/18, 11/20
Time: 9:15am-4:00pm
Cost: AARP members $20, non-members $25, check or cash payable to AARP at the class.
Bring your AARP card and driver’s license.
PHL 0844 65 PLAYING WITH PHILOSOPHY
We will play around with common idioms that include the word "play" to introduce philosophical concepts while we play games, play films, and play music, and even read a play.
Instructor: Pete Hodges
Location: Eden 1
Cost: $100
Days: Thu
Time: 10:00am-11:50am
WR 0100 65 WRITING YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
Elements of autobiography/memoir are presented, discussed, and practiced in writing short stories from your life. Reading short excerpts from published works expands understanding of these elements. The class is a supportive and positive writing group, helping each other develop stories while learning and laughing.
Instructor: Sally Harrold
Location: Zoom
Cost: $105
Day: Tue
Time: 11:30am-1:50pm
BOT 0221 65 FUNGAL ECOLOGY
From the forest to the classroom, you will learn to identify common mushrooms in Western Oregon. The main objective is to provide you with a broad overview of this kingdom of organisms. You will be part of robust classroom discussions to learn about fungal diversity, the role of fungi in decomposition, and other roles in the forest and across bioregions. Participate in field trips to learn to identify, harvest, and prepare wild mushrooms, followed with lab identification techniques and an opportunity to taste the culinary value of our region’s wild mushrooms. Instructor: Robin Koeller
Location: Coaledo 10
Cost: $219
Day: Lectures (5)
Time: 5:30pm-7:20pm
Every other Wed 9/23-11/18
Day: Field Trip (4)
Time: 10:30am-4:00pm
Every other Fri 10/9-11/20
TA 0104 65 SAYING YES! INTRO TO THEATRE IMPROV
Saying Yes has never been easier! Join us in this fun, adventurous, and inspiring class where we create a safe space to explore the fundamentals of improvisational drama. No prior experience necessary. Improv is not only fun but can pave the way for limitless possibilities while providing expanded avenues for more courageous, spontaneous, and creative moments in your life, along with more opportunities to listen, give, compromise, and collaborate.
Instructor: Dan Silvius
Location: Umpqua 184
Cost: $89 Day: Tue
Time: 5:30pm-7:20pm
G 025DB 65 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – DEPOE BAY FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast with stops focused between Florence and Depoe Bay. Some of the highlights are stops at Devil’s Churn, mollusk fossils at Beverly Beach, Cape Foulweather, Devil’s Punchbowl, Pillow Basalts at Depoe Bay and more. The course consists of a field trip arranged to illustrate the geologic setting, stratigraphy and structure, topography, age and origin, significant events through geologic time, and special features unique to the region. Also offered as G145DB 01 for 1 credit.
Instructor: Ron Metzger
Location: Itinerary and details in Canvas and sent via email
Cost: $60 (includes transportation; please bring lunch)
Date: Sat 10/3
Time: 7:30am-5:30pm
Curry Campus
Instructions on how to register for an in-person Curry Campus community class are found at the top of this page (simply scroll up). Contact us at the Curry Campus directly with any questions at 541-813-1667 or Email.
Interested in teaching a class? These classes are taught by the community, for the community. We welcome new course ideas and enthusiastic instructors! Complete this form and we'll be in touch.
The Arts
ART 0145 99 DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS: INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING
Discover the joy of visual expression in this five-week in-person studio workshop. This course guides the beginner artist through the essential elements of observational drawing including techniques, perspective, light and shadow, texture, and composition. Through hands-on exercises with graphite, charcoal, and ink, you will learn to train your eye, accurately measure proportions, and translate the three-dimensional world onto a flat page. Materials will be provided to get you started.
Instructor: David Marlowe
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $95
Days: Fri 9/18-10/16
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
ART 0240 99 MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE: COLORFUL BOUQUETS
Create colorful bouquets in a vase using collage papers and watercolor paints. You don’t have to be an artist for this fun and easy class. Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a bouquet that suits your style and personality. There are no rules or limitations to what you can create! Materials and supplies are provided.
Instructor: Mary Whitaker
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $65
Days: Wed 9/16-9/23
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
ART 0240 98 MIXED MEDIA MASTERPIECE: PAINTING ABSTRACT FACES
Create faces that tell a story. No experience is needed for this fun class where you’ll learn to paint exciting creative faces using blind contour drawing. This three-session workshop will take you through a step-by-step process where you’ll explore new techniques and ideas that will help to make your art personal, expressive and uniquely your own. It starts with painting backgrounds using layers of paint, then draw faces using contour drawing, paint, collage, and other tools such as markers, pastels, and crayons. Add eyes, lips, and a finishing layer, hair, hats, necklace or any other special touches to make your own amazing painting. Paint will be supplied.
Instructor: Mary Whitaker
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $75
Days: Tue 10/6-10/20
Time: 6:00pm-8:50pm
ART 0295 99 MOBILE DEVICE PHOTOGRAPHY
Unlock the creative power of the camera you carry every day in this immersive, five-week in-person photography workshop. Designed for beginners, this course utilizes both dedicated digital cameras (DSLR/Mirrorless) and modern smartphones as primary artistic instruments. You will progress from basic automatic shooting to advanced manual controls, learning the trifecta of ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Through hands-on studio sessions and real-world assignments, we will dissect the unique strengths, advanced features, and hardware limitations of both platforms, explaining how to maximize a phone’s computational AI and unlock a dedicated camera’s raw optical superiority. The course concludes with a final digital portfolio presentation and a supportive peer critique.
Instructor: David Marlowe
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $95
Days: Fri 10/23-11/20
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
Field Studies
BOT 0224 MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION
This course instructs students in the identification of local wild mushrooms, their basic characteristics, and positive identification of edible and non-edible species. Preparation for food and methods of preserving will be stressed. Field trips happen even if it rains. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, snack/lunch.
Instructor: Bob Burch
Cost: $55
BOT 0224 99 Brookings
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Day: Lecture Fri 11/20
Time: 6:00pm-8:50pm
Day: Field Trip Sat 11/21
Time: 9:00am-1:50pm
BOT 0224 98 Port Orford
Location: Port Orford Senior Center
Day: Lecture Sat 11/21 Time: 6:00pm-8:50pm
Day: Field Trip Sun 11/22 Time: 9:00am-1:50pm
GEOLOGY ON THE SOUTHERN COAST
G 0251 99 LOCAL LANDFORMS: OUR RUGGED COAST
A lecture in the classroom and out in the field will highlight prominent Oregon landforms and their geological formation. Emphasis will be on the dynamic coastal environment, its rocky habitats - famous headlands and sea stacks - and the rich biodiversity they support, including tidepools and colonial nesting seabirds.
Instructor: Claudia Hasenhuttl
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $75
Days: Thu 9/24
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
GEOLOGY ON THE SOUTHERN COAST
G 0251 98 WATERSHEDS & ESTUARIES
In this course, we will explore the journey of some of southwestern Oregon’s prominent rivers, from their rugged headwaters through rich valleys, to coastal estuaries, and out to sea. Through combined in-class lecture and a field trip component, students will learn about local watersheds, the ecosystems and biodiversity they support, and a bit of cultural history.
Instructor: Claudia Hasenhuttl
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $75
Days: Thu 10/22
Time: 1:00pm-3:50pm
GEOLOGY ON THE SOUTHERN COAST
G 0251 97 COASTAL HAZARDS: KING TIDES & SNEAKER WAVES
This course explores basic coastal oceanography, focusing on tides, the predictable rise of king tides, and the hazardous, unexpected nature of sneaker waves. Students learn the gravitational mechanics of tides, the identification of dangerous seasonal wave conditions, and safety protocols to mitigate hazards.
Instructor: Claudia Hasenhuttl
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $45
Days: Tue 11/17
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Health & Fitness
HE 0201 99 MEDITATION
Quantum Reiki Meditation is an evolved holistic wellness technique developed by Aranka Fisher and open to all students. In class we will cover the etheric & physical body systems, breath, the soul, mind, consciousness, universal source, energy chakras, crystals and more. In class we will do a deep guided Quantum Reiki Meditation to help activate one’s pineal gland (third eye), connect to source, the soul, earth, etc. to receive infinite source light energy and get deeply detoxed & enlightened while in a higher state of consciousness and awareness.
Instructor: Aranka Fisher
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $75
Day: Thu
Time: 5:45pm-6:45pm
PE 0413 99 QIGONG
A meridian based whole-body program of meditative and flowing exercises designed to restore energy, foster relaxation and improve health and well being. Qigong is an innovative practice based on ancient Chinese healing methods.
Instructor: Linnie O’Flanagan
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $179
Days: Sat 9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14
Time: 9:30am-11:50am
PE 0502 99 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 of 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-10:20am
PE 0502 98 BROOKINGS
Instructor: Doni Boyd
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $89
Day: Tue, Thu
Time: 11:00am-12:20pm
PE 0570 99 LOW-IMPACT DANCE AEROBICS
This class uses easy-to-follow dance steps and rhythmic movements that are choreographed to upbeat music. It's a fun way to get moving while improving your cardiovascular system, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and boosting your overall fitness level. This is a great class for active seniors no matter your level of fitness.
Instructor: Mary Whitaker
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $75
Days: Tue, Thu
Time: 8:30am-9:50am
PE 0504 99 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: Tue
Time: 10:00am-11:20am
PE 0504 98 TAI CHI
Instructor: Deane McConnell
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tue
Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm
Special Interest
ASL 0501 99 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Introduces the natural, signed language of American deaf people. Includes instruction in proper sign formation, American Sign Language (ASL) grammar and vocabulary, expressive and receptive skills. Emphasis on the history of ASL, the deaf community in North America, and deaf education.
Instructor: Bj Farris
Location: Curry Campus 206
Cost: $115
Days: Tue, Thu
Time: 3:30pm-4:50pm
BA 0134 99 SMART PLANNING FOR TODAY'S RETIREES
This is a virtual class held via Zoom designed to help individuals plan for retirement. What’s your retirement dream? Learn how to put together a plan that will help you reach your goals. Class includes a workbook to help individuals create their own plan and a private coaching call. Pre-register by September 29.
Instructor: Jesse Coffee
Location: Virtual Zoom
Cost: $39
Days: Tue 10/6 & 10/13
Time: 6:00pm-7:50pm
CRT 0180 99 COOKING DEMONSTRATION: GLOBAL TEA JOURNEY
Join local tea expert Kai Druzdzel to learn about the wonderful world of fine loose-leaf tea. Whether you’re already a tea drinker or are just looking for a new hobby, this class is for you! Over two sessions, we'll look at global tea history and culture, check out the main styles of tea, and learn how to brew the perfect cup. Note: This class will focus mostly on caffeinated tea (Camellia Sinensis) but we’ll also look at some tasty non-caffeinated options.
Instructor: Kai Druzdzel
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost $95
Day: Fri 9/18-9/25
Time: 9:00am - 11:50am
HE 0591 99 MEDICARE 101
In this class students will learn about the four parts of Medicare: Medicare part A, B, C, and D. They will learn about the timelines surrounding Medicare enrollment and the policies. An in-depth presentation on Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements will be provided. Students will leave the class with the tools to make informed decisions on what type of plan best fits their own, or a family member’s needs.
Instructor: Alex Aranda
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: Free
Day: Mon 10/5
Time: 2:00pm-3:20pm
WR 0115 99 INTRODUCTION TO GRANT WRITING
This Introduction to Grant Writing course provides a basic understanding of grant writing and the foundations of project development. We will cover how to prepare your organization to apply for grants and identify local sponsors and small grants to consider. The course is open to all but geared toward smaller non-profits.
Instructor: Alisa Green
Location: Curry Campus 109
Cost: $75
Days: Sat 10/3 & 10/17
Time: 10:00am-12:50pm
