As the busy fall season gets underway, be sure to schedule time for learning. Our fall semester includes classes in music, art, literature, history, writing, archaeology and more. Expand your understanding of a favorite topic or try something new. Enjoy a lecture and a gourmet lunch in our popular Food for Thought series, sample the local jazz scene at the Century Room and consider joining us for an exciting week of theatre, museums and more in New York this fall.

For more information on our programs, email: info@thelearningcurvetucson.com or call us at 520-777-5817.

The Learning Curve Team
Now in our 22nd year of connecting those who love to teach with those who love to learn…

Join Richard Hanson in New York this fall.

Group 1: Oct 3 – Oct 9 

Group 2: Oct 10 – Oct 16

  • Six nights at the Warwick Hotel in midtown Manhattan
  • Four of Broadway’s best new shows
  • Visits to museums, memorable meals at iconic NYC restaurants, and more.
New York Trip
Click on a class image or title for complete details. Click on an instructor name for more information.

Join us in 2023

The Language that Rises: Gertrude Stein in her World

The Language that Rises: Gertrude Stein in her World

Examine the life and work of Gertrude Stein who expanded, envisioned and explored language in a way no one else has ever done. She was the center of art in Paris from 1903 – 1938, with a salon that included Picasso, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Alice B Toklas, Ernest Hemingway and more.

Wednesdays , Sept 27 – Nov 1
9:30 am – 11:30 am

Instructor: Charles Alexander

More Info / Registration
The Music of Ukraine: The Road to Independence

The Music of Ukraine: The Road to Independence

Trace the historical evolution of Ukrainian folk and classical music, examine its Russian and Polish counterparts and learn about the development of a Ukrainian national style.

Wednesdays, Sept 27 – Nov 8
2:00 – 4:00 pm

Instructor: Alexander Tentser

More Info / Registration
Writing the Cornfield: Lost and Found

Writing the Cornfield: Lost and Found

Lose yourself in your writing in order to experience the mysteries of emotions and experiences, discover new connections and find new inspiration in this multi-genre writing workshop.

Fridays, Oct. 13 – Nov 17
1:00 – 4:00 pm

Instructor: Meg Files

More Info / Registration
Tracking the Footprints of Humanity

Tracking the Footprints of Humanity

Follow the archaeological evidence from Miocene apes in Africa through the peopling of the Americas as we discuss evolution, early hominids, art and cave paintings, and recent discoveries that are changing our understanding of the development modern humans.

Oct 19 – Dec 7
10:00 am – noon

Instructor: Matthew J. Rowe

More Info / Registration
The Voice of Wales

The Voice of Wales

Listen for the voice of Wales as we examine the work of ten poets spanning centuries and spinning unforgettable images. Examine works by Dylan Thomas, Roald Dahl, R. S. Thomas, Gillian Clarke, Sarah Waters, Owen Sheers and more.

Thursdays, Oct 19 – Nov 16
1:30 – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Cynthia Meier

More Info / Registration
Some Enchanted Evening

Some Enchanted Evening

Celebrate the Golden Age of American Musical Comedy, appreciate the scores created by legendary songwriters and view archival footage of performances by Broadway stars that created musical memories for generations of theatre goers.

Tuesdays, Oct 24 – December 5
10:00 am - noon

Instructor: Richard T. Hanson

More Info / Registration
Britain’s Pathway to World Supremacy (1760 – 1830)

Britain’s Pathway to World Supremacy (1760 – 1830)

The industrial revolution marked the beginning of modern Britain, created sustained economic growth, a class system that still defines modern society and established Great Britain as the most powerful nation on earth.

Tuesdays, November 7-Dec 5
1:30 – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Richard A. Cosgrove

More Info / Registration
New Orleans Jazz: Past, Present and Future

New Orleans Jazz: Past, Present and Future

Embark on a musical pilgrimage to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. Explore the rich history of this uniquely American music and listen to the innovative next generation of musicians who will carry our American soundtrack forward.

Wednesdays, Nov 8 – Dec 6
1:30 – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Khris Dodge

More Info / Registration
Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age

Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age

Following the blockbuster Vermeer Exhibit at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, we’ll examine the details and remarkable beauty of Vermeer’s work and consider the Holland of his time, the factors that made him unique and his remarkable sensitivity to the world of women.

Wednesdays Dec 6 – 20
9:30 am – 11:30 am

Instructor: Kevin Justus

More Info / Registration
Afternoon Delight: Jazz at the Century Room

Afternoon Delight: Jazz at the Century Room

Take your seat in the Century Room, Tucson’s only dedicated jazz club and enjoy a special performance featuring local jazz musicians. Proceeds benefit the Tucson Jazz Festival.

Sunday, Dec 17
4:00 – 5:30 pm

Instructor: Khris Dodge

More Info / Registration
William Fry

Bookmarks: Literary Lectures

Move beyond the well-known works of great American authors to discover often overlooked treasures in this new series of monthly lectures by literature professor William Fry.

– Register for each session individually –

Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allen Poe

“Murders in the Rue Morgue” (1841)

Oct 6
10:00 am - noon

Instructor: William A. Fry

More Info / Registration
John Grisham

John Grisham

“Funny Boy” from Ford County

Nov 3
10:00 am - noon

Instructor: William A. Fry

More Info / Registration
Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott

The Quiet Little Woman, A Christmas Story

Dec 1
10:00 am - noon

Instructor: William A. Fry

More Info / Registration
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Self Reliance” from Essays, First Series

Jan 5
10:00 am - noon

Instructor: William A. Fry

More Info / Registration
Vivace Restaurant

Food For Thought: a lunch lecture series

Nourish your intellect while you enjoy the delicious northern Italian dishes offered by Vivace Restaurant in this series featuring presenters from a variety of disciplines.

Food for Thought - Recipes for Success - Nov 6

Food for Thought – Recipes for Success – Nov 6

Hear the stories of remarkable Black women and learn about their significant role in Tucson’s history through a collection of recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Monday, Nov 6
11:30am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Tani Sanchez

More Info / Registration
Food for Thought - Recipe for Success - Nov 13

Food for Thought – Recipe for Success – Nov 13

Hear the stories of remarkable Black women and learn about their significant role in Tucson’s history through a collection of recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Monday, Nov 13
11:30am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Tani Sanchez

More Info / Registration
Food for Thought - A Child’s Christmas in Wales - Dec 4

Food for Thought – A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Dec 4

Enjoy the memories of Christmas from the view of a young child and discover more about a nostalgic and simpler time through this beloved work by Dylan Thomas

Monday, Dec 4
11:30am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Cynthia Meier and Joseph McGrath

More Info / Registration
Food for Thought - A Child’s Christmas in Wales - Dec 11

Food for Thought – A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Dec 11

Enjoy the memories of Christmas from the view of a young child and discover more about a nostalgic and simpler time through this beloved work by Dylan Thomas

Monday, Dec 11
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Cynthia Meier and Joseph McGrath

More Info / Registration
Food For Thought - Brave the Wild River - Jan 8

Food For Thought – Brave the Wild River – Jan 8

Marvel at the riveting tale of two pioneering women who mapped the botany of the Grand Canyon on their historic boat trip down the Colorado River in the summer of 1938.

Monday, Jan 8
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Melissa Sevigny

More Info / Registration
Food For Thought – Brave the Wild River – Jan 9

Food For Thought – Brave the Wild River – Jan 9

Marvel at the riveting tale of two pioneering women who mapped the botany of the Grand Canyon on their historic boat trip down the Colorado River in the summer of 1938.

Tuesday, Jan 9
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Melissa Sevigny

More Info / Registration