- Thank-You to OLLI Instructors
- Curriculum Committee Members
- Volunteer Opportunities on the Curriculum Committee
- Course Proposal Forms: Contact Beth Anderson BEAadvocate@gmail.com
A Big Thank-You to OLLI Instructors
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The Curriculum Committee extends a big round of applause to all of our course instructors.
Without your extraordinary contributions, where would OLLI be? We know that you put a lot into your courses – it is much more than just 90 minutes a week. Each class has interesting information and usually a touch of good humor besides. So we thank you for a job well done! The Curriculum Committee also extends many thanks to the class assistants. We very much appreciate the head count you do each week – and the class announcements too. The information that you collect is valuable to our committee for making decisions about future classes and OLLI growth. And to our members – thanks for making our classes such rewarding opportunities for our instructors. Remember the curriculum committee is open to your feedback. There is a form on the members web page (http://www.olliatduke.org/forms.html#FeedbkForm) and you can email us at curriculum@olliatduke.org. |
Peter Filene’s American photography class
Thomas Thorne’s wine-tasting class.
Photos by Margaret McKeon
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The Inside Scoop on the Curriculum Committee
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Through a very secretive process and in the dark of night, the Curriculum Committee works its magic; as a result, three times a year it produces a stellar selection of classes, which covers the gamut of exploration into realms of science, history, culture, economics, art, health, philosophy, literature, computers, prose and poetry, performance, history, architecture, and more. It beats the bushes and fans the flames to seek out highly qualified, inspired, and dynamic instructors to offer OLLI at Duke members fascinating classes that will capture their interests or imagination.
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The Curriculum Committee produces classes across a wide variety of subjects.
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The Curriculum Committee Details
The Curriculum Committee establishes a curriculum for the three OLLI terms each year—up to 400 courses a year! It organizes its curriculum into twelve subject areas, with 4 - 10 courses offered in each area each term. (Each subject area has a chair. To review the current list of subject areas and their chairs, click here.) New courses are introduced continuously, some classes repeat every year or so, and a few classes are offered every term.
Most classes meet once a week for 90 minutes for a full term (10-11 weeks). But some classes are shorter, including those in the Spring term, and some are offered as workshops or as field trips. Some classes are very participatory, some are lectures, and some have assignments. Basically, the Curriculum Committee fosters an environment of course flexibility. Individual course format is dictated by the course’s goals. Another attractive feature to instructors and students is that there are never tests nor grades!!!
Most classes meet once a week for 90 minutes for a full term (10-11 weeks). But some classes are shorter, including those in the Spring term, and some are offered as workshops or as field trips. Some classes are very participatory, some are lectures, and some have assignments. Basically, the Curriculum Committee fosters an environment of course flexibility. Individual course format is dictated by the course’s goals. Another attractive feature to instructors and students is that there are never tests nor grades!!!
Our Instructors
OLLI instructors come from many different corners of the Triangle with many different experiences and skills. Their common qualification is a passion for teaching. The Curriculum Committee seeks to identify, recruit, and retain these individuals, as instructors in the OLLI program. It is not unusual for instructors to teach in the area of their professional expertise; equally as likely, they may teach in an unrelated subject area where they have independently acquired an expertise. Many have advanced degrees, but it is not a requirement.
All new instructors are encouraged to attend one of the semi-annual Prospective Instructor Workshops (PIW).
All new instructors are encouraged to attend one of the semi-annual Prospective Instructor Workshops (PIW).
Prospective Instructor Workshop (PIW)
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For those interested in being an instructor, the Curriculum Committee hosts a Prospective Instructor Workshop twice a year, once in April and once in October. In this 90-minute setting, those interested in teaching at OLLI learn about the process and expectations. Attendees also meet with Curriculum Committee members one-on-one or in small groups to talk about their ideas for a class.
To learn about the next PIW or to register for it, contact Kevin Frank, 1235PANYC@gmail.com. |
PIW: An opportunity to discuss ideas for new courses.
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Test Drive a Course
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From time to time, the Curriculum Committee sponsors a “Test Drive” for a potential course. Using OLLI at Duke’s member website, a course idea can be proposed to all members with a goal of receiving feedback about student interest in such a course. You can learn more about Test Drive here. If you are interested in exploring using Test Drive for a course you are considering teaching, please contact the appropriate Subject Area Chair or the Curriculum Committer Chair.
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Test Drive: A tool for instructors to get member feedback on course ideas.
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Course Proposal Acceptance
Those who have decided to teach an OLLI course are required to submit a course proposal. This typically begins with a conversation with the appropriate Subject Area Chair to confirm interest and feasibility of the course. Once the Subject Area Chair approves the concept, the prospective instructor obtains a course proposal form from the Subject Area Chair. This electronic form is to be filled out entirely and submitted to the Subject Area Chair. The Subject Area Chair then submits the proposal for review by the Committee and the Director of OLLI at Duke. Final approval is granted by the Director. Courses are then assigned a meeting time and location.
Course proposal forms are due approximately three months in advance of the term (fall, winter, spring). Exact deadlines vary from year to year and are listed on the events calendar.
A main responsibility of the Curriculum Committee is to oversee this process.
Course proposal forms are due approximately three months in advance of the term (fall, winter, spring). Exact deadlines vary from year to year and are listed on the events calendar.
A main responsibility of the Curriculum Committee is to oversee this process.
Our Volunteers
The Curriculum Committee is the largest OLLI at Duke committee. It is continuously seeking volunteers to help with curriculum development. The Committee is composed of a Committee Chair, an Associate Chair, a Data Manager, and 12 Subject Area Chairs. Each Subject Area Chair has a sub-committee to help recruit new instructors and review curriculum balance.
If you are interested in any one of our 12 Subject Areas, in data management, or program analysis, please contact the Committee Chair (Curriculum@OLLIatDuke.org). To review currently posted opportunities, please click here.
If you are interested in any one of our 12 Subject Areas, in data management, or program analysis, please contact the Committee Chair (Curriculum@OLLIatDuke.org). To review currently posted opportunities, please click here.
Curriculum Committee Members
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OLLI Curriculum Committee Organizational Structure
April 2020 Chair Beth Anderson
Instructor Recruiting Coordinator vacant Members at Large
Archivist Retired Subject Area Chairs: Art and Architecture (AA)
Economics, Personal Finance and Public Policy (EFP)
Hands on Art (HOA)
History, Past and Present (HCA)
Literature and Languages (LL)
Performing Arts (PA)
Religion and Philosophy (RP)
Science and Technology (ST)
Society and Culture (SC)
Wellness Activities. (WA)
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A BIG thank you to Curriculum Committee Members who are the heart of OLLI course offerings.
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