OLLI at NC State offers over 200 programs each year, with a goal that at least 80% of our programs will be brand new and offered only once. Our emphasis is on program variety and creating a program menu that keeps members inspired and excited about learning year after year.
We organize our programs around seven thematic areas:
Arts and Architecture
Recent Arts and Architecture courses have included Fall 2024’s The Genius Filmmaking of Steven Spielberg and Bringing Art Exhibitions to the Public: From Concept to Completion.
Business, Economics, Government and Politics
Recent Business, Economics, Government and Politics lectures have included Fall 2024’s The 2024 Election: Key Factors and Possible Outcomes and Economics of Home Electrification.
Countries, Cultures, and History
Our members’ favorite programming area, recent Countries, Cultures and History courses have included America and Korea in the 20th Century; One Home, Two People: Israel and Palestine; The Silk Roads in Global History; and Cultural Arts of Canada.
Lifestyle, General, Health and Wellness
Recent Lifestyle, General, Health and Wellness courses have included Fall 2024’s Planning for Long Term Care; Learn to Play Mah Jongg; Nutrition for Healthy Aging; and CPR Explained: How Lives are Saved.
Literature and Writing
Recent Literature and Writing courses have included Fall 2024’s Voices of Freedom: Introduction to Contemporary Ukrainian Literature; Find, Write and Share Your Family Stories; and Table Read: Crumbs From the Table of Joy.
Psychology, Philosophy and Religion
Recent Psychology, Philosophy and Religion courses have included Fall 2024’s Against Type: Ageism in Today’s World; Cultivating Everyday Mindfulness; and Women in the Bible.
Science and Technology
Recent Science and Technology lectures have included Fall 2024’s Splendid Isolation: The Importance of Vernal Pools; How to Catch a Gravitational Wave; and Breaking Down Quantum Physics.
Help Us Develop New OLLI Courses for Adults
Each year, we survey our members about their interests to inform the mix of programs in these topic areas. We also solicit course ideas from our broader membership during our Idea Weeks in the Fall and Spring semesters, and we accept ideas and suggestions throughout the year on our course surveys. We are committed to ensuring that our program offerings reflect the interests of our members.
We encourage you to share your ideas with us and to get involved in helping to develop our course menu by joining one of our Program Development Subcommittees.
