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Community Education

CONTACT US
Community Education and Workforce Development
Phone: 541-888-7214
Email

Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)

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.

Spring term classes start Monday, April 1, 2024.

REGISTRATION FOR SPRING TERM COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES OPENS MARCH 8, 2024 AT 8:00 AM

To register for a class:

  1. 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 . 
  2. 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.
  3. When you have an active SWOCC Student ID number, call or email:

CONTACT US
Community Education and Workforce Development
Phone: 541-888-7214
Email

Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)

Coos Campus  In-Person

The Arts

ART 0257 65  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 Pollard

Location: Eden 5 Cost: $129

Day: Tue Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

 

ART 0259 65  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: Aimee Bennett

Location: Eden 5

Cost: $209

Day: Mon, Wed 

Time: 12:30pm-3:20pm

 

MUP 0105 65  COMMUNITY CHOIR

The SWOCC Community Choir provides an opportunity for singers of all levels to participate in a musically rich, and socially engaging choral ensemble. The Community Choir will focus on providing a safe and stimulating environment for people of all backgrounds to learn, practice, and perform quality choral literature in a large group setting. Focus will be placed on healthy vocal production, musically inspiring performance, strong social connections, and effectively working with others. A wide variety of musical styles will be explored, and participants will present a concert performance at the end of each term. This is a non-auditioned ensemble, but the ability to match pitch is requested.

Instructor: Ken Graber

Location: Sunset 2 Cost: $30

Day: Mon Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Cooking

CRT 0103  65  SOFT GERMAN PRETZEL MAKING

Come learn how to make soft German pretzels! Mixing, ingredient selection, forming and shaping, poaching for flavor and texture, baking and finishing techniques will all be explored. We’ll also enjoy a beer-cheese sauce demonstration and sampling. 

Instructor: Chef Chris Foltz

Location: OCCI Hollandaise Kitchen,

room 121 Cost: $89

Day: Sat 4/6/24 Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Please Note:

As a safety precaution 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.

Fitness & Recreation

PE 0507 65  YOGA FOR HEALTH – BEGINNER

Therapeutic, restorative yoga. Easy, safe, comfortable practice for healing, stress and tension release. Ease into movement for improved mobility and balance. Hatha yoga with a bit of flow for better health. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers are not provided. Patrons may bring their own for use. Instructor: Linda Laverty

Location: Rec Center 121 Cost: $75

Day: Mon         Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm 

 

PE 0506 65  YOGA FOR HEALTH – INTERMEDIATE

A more challenging yoga practice with restorative and therapeutic benefits. Hatha yoga with a bit more flow for better health. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers are not provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.

Instructor: Linda Laverty

Location: Rec Center 121 Cost: $75

Day: Wed Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm

 

PE 0503 65  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 0505 65  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 0201 65  BELLY DANCE BEGINNING

Belly Dance has long been admired as a form of dance that is sensual, exciting, uplifting, healing, and fun! This class is for anyone looking to incorporate some physical activity while learning traditional dance moves related to the art of Belly Dance.  No dance experience is necessary. This class gives you the understanding of basic belly dance technique, posturing, language, move execution and it helps you to build necessary strength. Some use of finger cymbals or veil may be covered as the course progresses.

Instructor: Mezdulene Reed

Location: Rec Center 131 Cost: $85 

Days: Fri Time: 10:15am-11:15am

 

PE 0201 66  BELLY DANCE INTERMEDIATE

This class will expand on the foundations of Belly Dance that was gained in the beginning sessions. Focus of this course will be on gaining familiarity with moves, technique, posturing, language, and choreography. Use of props in dances will be more regularly used as the course progresses.

Instructor: Mezdulene Reed

Location: Rec Center 131 Cost: $85 

Days: Mon Time: 6:15pm-7:15pm

 

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 Woodworth

Location: Rec Center 131 Cost: $95

Days: Mon, Wed Time 5:15pm-6:05pm

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. 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 register for this course. A presto!

Instructor: Yazmin Gamble

Location: Stensland 202 Cost: $225

Day: Mon, Wed  3/27-6/7  Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Special Interest

G 025CA 65  REGIONAL GEOLOGY – CAPE ARAGO FIELD TRIP

This fun day features a lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast with stops focused along Cape Arago and around Bandon. Some of the highlights include stops at: Fossil Point, Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, Bullard’s Beach, Bandon Marsh, Bandon South Jetty, Face Rock and more. The course consists of a field trip designed to illustrate the geologic setting, stratigraphy and structure, topography, age and origin, significant event through geologic time, and special features unique to the region. Find out more about the rocks, fossils and landscapes found in our neighborhood.

Instructor: Ron Metzger

Day: Saturday, April 27, 2024 Time: 7:45am-5:00pm

Location: Itinerary in Canvas & sent via email

Cost: $60 (includes transportation, participants bring lunch)

 

WR 0100 65  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: Sitkum 11 Cost: $105

Day: Thu Time: 12:30pm-2:50pm

WR 0100 66 Online Zoom Version

Location: Zoom at 11:30am-1:50pm Cost: $105

Day: Tue Time: 1:30pm-4:00pm

 

CIS 0165 65  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): EMBRACING THE FUTURE TODAY! 

This course unlocks the world of tomorrow which is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Starting with a quick look at the captivating history of AI, you will then learn to harness its power for creative pursuits – from writing, art and music, to transforming your home into a tech utopia, revolutionizing travel, and discover the impact AI is having on health and longevity. If you’re eyeing the future job market, we’ve got you covered with AI-driven opportunities. This course offers a blend of foundational knowledge, practical applications, and hands-on experiences. At the conclusion, you’ll be equipped to harness the power of AI in various aspects of life and work. Sign up and start shaping your future today!

Instructor: Dr. Alla Sergueeva

Location: Stensland 201 Cost: $50

Day: Thu Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

 

DRIV 0622 65  BASIC RIDER TRAINING

Basic Rider Training is a 15-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: Sat 7am-4:30pm 3/30/24

           Sun 12pm-4:30pm 3/31/24

           Sat 7am-4:30pm 6/29/24

           Sun 12pm-4:30pm 6/30/24

 

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 3/30 & Sat 6/29 Time: 7:00am-4:30pm

 

TA 0104 65  THEATRE IMPROV – INTERMEDIATE

Join us in this fun, adventurous, and inspiring class where we create a safe space to explore improvisational theatre. Prior experience appreciated (Intro to Improv course or other improvisation classes or troupe involvement). Improv paves the way for limitless possibilities while providing expanded avenues for more courageous, spontaneous and creative moments in your life. Bring your curiosity, that spark of discomfort, a willingness to embrace the unexpected, and all your excitement and join in the fun!  With improv there is no right or wrong, and no need to be anyone other than yourself. So say YES, and…. join us!

Instructor: Kellie Cronin

Location: Umpqua Hall, rm 184    Cost: $89

Day:  Mon     Time: 5:00pm-7:50pm

 

HD 0964 65  INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM SOLVING 

Interpersonal Problem Solving is for both men and women (separate sessions). The length of the program is 36 weeks (Oregon State Law) and the intake/assessment fee is $150.00. Each session attended is $35.00. Alternatives to Violence offers these classes in cooperation with The SAFE Project. Appointments are scheduled with Chuck Stepping at 541-808-7436 or 541-888-1048 Ext 102.

 

IND 0905 65  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 Cost: $15

Location: Columbia Pacific Maritime, 2140 Newmark Ave

Day:  3/23, 4/20, 5/18 Time: 8:00am-5:00pm

Curry Campus  In-Person

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.

Art

ART 0147 99  COLOR DRAWING

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of color theory applied to colored pencil and marker drawings. Using elements of design, students will learn to combine different color combinations of the color wheel to produce works that enhance drawing mark-making techniques.

Instructor: Gary Christensen

Location: Curry Campus 138A/B Cost: $90 Fee: $20

Day: Mon, Wed Time: 1:00pm-3:20pm

Cooking

CRT 0107 31  THE MYSTERY OF SOURDOUGH

This two-part class teaches you how to make simple sourdough bread with step-by-step instructions. Learn how and what to feed your starter, how to store it, and what to make with the discard. Sample sweet breads and treats made with the sourdough discard. You’ll leave the class with a sourdough starter and ideas and recipes for utilizing the discard. Please bring a mason jar with lid or sealed container to transport your sourdough starter home. The second part is Sourdough Day – celebrate and share the sourdough you made at home. Bring your bread and something to share (soup, sandwich fixings, salad). Sample breads, share recipes, ask questions.

Instructor: Karen Perry

Location: Curry Campus 137A/B                              Cost: $45

Days: Sat 2/17/24 & Sat 3/9/24        Time: 10:00am-12:20pm

Fitness

PE 0506 99  YOGA FOR HEALTH

An introduction to the Hatha physical yoga. Includes the background, safety precautions, and value of yoga.  Stretching postures, proper breathing techniques, and stress reduction will be emphasized. This course will focus on the health and wellness aspects that are gained in making yoga an integral part of everyday life.

Instructor: Leslie Caswell

Location: Curry Campus 138A/B              Cost: $88

Days: Mon, Wed                    Time: 8:30am-9:50am

 

PE 0506 98  YOGA FOR HEALTH

Location: Curry Campus 138A/B               Cost: $68

Days: Wed                                Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm

 

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

Location: Curry Campus 137A/B Cost: $63

Day: Tue Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm

 

PE 0570 99  LOW-IMPACT AEROBICS

This low-impact Aerobics 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, and boosting your overall fitness level. This is a great class for active seniors no matter your level of fitness. You are encouraged to work at your own fitness level and to modify moves based on your fitness needs. Mats are not supplied and needed for floor exercises.

Instructor: Mary Whitaker

Location: Curry Campus 138A/B Cost: $63

Days: Tue, Thur 4/9/24-6/13/24 Time: 8:30am-9:50am

 

PE 0502 99  BETTER BONES AND BALANCE®

Better Bones and Balance® is an exercise program designed to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and falling. Based on research of the Bone Research Laboratory at Oregon State University, this exercise program utilizes a simple weighted-vest exercise program to protect bone by halting bone loss and reduce fall risk by improving balance, muscle strength and power. Instructor: Lisa Reed

Location: Langlois Lions Club Cost: $89

Day: Mon, Fri Time: 9:00am-10:20am

Special Interest

A 0103 99  CLASSIC MOVIE MATINEE FILM APPRECIATION

Are you a classic movie fan, or maybe just enjoy watching films with your friends? Join SWOCC for a ten-week classic movie matinee film appreciation class. In this class we will view and discuss classic movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age – movies from the 1930s to the 1960s. Film is more than entertainment; it’s a reflection of our history, culture, and psyche. Understand why film matters and the personal significance and joy it brings people. In partnership with the Wild Rivers Film Festival, students enrolled in this class are eligible for a “Buy One, Get One Free” offer for their choice of film festival passes for the August festival, a $20-$150 savings. Please see page 12 for more details. Students must have a receipt from SWOCC for this class in order to claim the discount.

Instructor: Stacy Bergstedt

Location: Curry Campus 137 A/B Cost: $75

Day: Thur 4/11/24 – 6/13/24 Time: 2:00-4:00pm

  

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 history of ASL, the deaf community in North America, and deaf education. 

Instructor: Bj Farris

Location: Curry Campus 206 Cost: $115

Days: Tue, Thur Time: 4:00pm-5:20pm

 

GED 0745 99  GED

The GED program prepares adults age 16 or older for passing the GED exam, entry to postsecondary degree or certificate programs, training, and/or success in the workforce. Classes are offered in Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. GED classes adhere to Oregon Adult College and Career Readiness Standards.

Instructor: Claudia Moser

Location: Curry Campus 234 Cost: NO COST

Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur Time: 12:00pm-1:50pm

 

ESL 0747 99  ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

The English as a Second Language program offers classes in reading, listening, speaking, and writing English. ESL classes are offered according to Oregon Adult Learning Standards guidelines. Class is a live Zoom session with instructor.

Instructor: Karen Taylor

Location: Curry Campus 234 Cost: NO COST

Days: Mon, Wed Time: 5:00pm-7:50pm

Days: Tue Time: 5:00pm-6:50pm

Online Community Classes

Online courses are accessed through mylakerlink.socc.edu.
After registering, log into myLakerLink and click on Canvas under Quick Links for access to your online class.

Special Interest

WR 0100 66  WRITING YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY – Online Zoom

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: Zoom at 11:30am-1:50pm Cost: $105

Day: Tue Time: 1:30pm-4:00pm

 

 

 

 

Take classes “on the go!” with ed2go.

Classes
Online classes start every month and are typically six-weeks long. With 24-hour access to your class, you choose the right time to be engaged. Check out the variety of courses to choose from and complete registration here.

Teach A Class

Our vision at Southwestern is to lead and inspire lifelong learning. Do you have a skill, hobby or interest that you would like to share with others? Do you want to offer a course that is going to harness inspiration and give others an opportunity to learn? Does it support personal enrichment, enhance a life skill, or meet a need in our local workforce? Community Classes are taught by people in our community, for our community.

We are always looking for enthusiastic people who want to combine an interest in serving the community with the benefit of supplementing their income. Depending on the class, certification and/or formal education may not be required. The first step is filling out the Adjunct Faculty Community Education/Workforce Development Instructor application. 

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