I haven't found another way to fix the issue. Even though it's been years since this course was released, the refactored depsgraph is still only an experimental feature. But I assume the refactor will fix the issue. Here's info about launching Blender with the experimental refactor enabled: https://developer.blender.org/rBbac735380189c63d

Thanks Kent! I use the new depsgraph exclusively.. much more stable than running without it!