Premise courses are designed for curious adults at all stages of life, from recent college graduates to retirees and everyone in between. We welcome anyone seeking intellectual stimulation and meaningful connections through shared learning experiences.
We offer Premise sessions both online and in person. Starting Fall 2024, in-person sessions will be held in Portland, Oregon, while our online sessions are open to participants nationwide—and globally! In 2025, we’ll expand in-person offerings to additional cities.
A Premise session is a lively, single-session conversation designed to explore life’s big questions through thought-provoking works of literature, film, or art. These intimate gatherings, typically involving 8-20 participants, are facilitated by experts and offer a relaxed yet stimulating environment for deep, meaningful dialogue. With minimal preparation (usually 1-2 hours), participants come ready to engage in thoughtful discussions, either in person or online, often with drinks—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—enhancing the convivial atmosphere. It's about intellectual exploration in a fun, approachable way.
Premise sessions are two hours long, whether in person or online. For in-person gatherings, we add an extra 30 minutes before the session begins, allowing participants to mingle and order drinks—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—as desired. This pre-session time helps create a relaxed, social atmosphere, setting the stage for engaging and meaningful discussions.
We keep our groups intimate to foster meaningful connections. Conversations typically range from 8 to 20 students.
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In-Person Series: Currently held in Portland, Oregon, with plans to expand to new cities in 2025. We meet in reserved and private spaces in restaurants, bars, and meeting spaces. Location listed on the class page at registration.
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Online Series: Accessible from anywhere via Zoom, with class times suitable for various time zones
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Absolutely! You’ll feel fully supported from the start:
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Warm, Inclusive Environment: Our expert facilitators create a welcoming space where every voice is valued.
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No Pressure to Speak: Participate at your comfort level; listening is valuable too.
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Clear Guidance: Structured discussions and preparation tips ensure you're always ready.
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Diverse Perspectives: We embrace different viewpoints that enrich conversations.
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Gradual Engagement: Ease in at your own pace, with an optional orientation to get started.
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Peer Support: Many participants are new, so you’ll be in great company!
Remember, the goal is to learn and grow together. Our community is supportive, curious, and always eager to welcome new voices to the conversation. You don't need to be an expert – your willingness to engage with ideas is what matters most!
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Absolutely! Our instructors are experienced in facilitating engaging online discussions. We offer support on Zoom basics and tech troubleshooting for any participant who needs support or wants extra practice to feel comfortable.
Preparation involves engaging with a thought-provoking film, short story, or article, with a total time commitment of no more than 2 hours. Reading and viewing times vary slightly based on individial pacing but our goal is to select works that are meaty but relatively short.
What makes Premise different is our focus on intellectual engagement that fits seamlessly into busy lives. We blend intellectual rigor with emotional connection in joyful, unpretentious sessions. Our discussions revolve around enduring questions, and diverse works, and are expertly facilitated to challenge and inspire. We believe this kind of enriching education should be accessible even with a packed schedule, so we've designed our sessions to fit naturally into your life, offering depth without demanding an excessive amount of time.