Morning   

Biblical Scholarship opens myriad perspectives on the four Gospels in the Christian Testament. The material in this course will enable us to more fully understand the ancient Gospel texts. We will focus on the ancient Jewish, Roman and Hellenistic context of the Gospels and the Early Christian Communities from which they emerged. We will concentrate on Mark, the oldest of the Gospels. During each class session, we will read aloud from Mark for about 20 minutes. There will be lecture, question and answer, and discussion during each class. 

This workshop will examine American Resistance Poetry--poems meant to pay tribute to those who resisted as well as being meant to empower, mobilize, and inspire others to resist. Participants can use these poems as models and inspiration to write their own resistance poems, which can then be shared, discussed, and revised during the workshop. Most of the workshop sessions will be devoted to the discussion of the participants' poems. The writing of poems, as Mary Oliver tells us, will need to be done at the solitude of the writer's desk. Course Note: This course was offered in Spring 2026, but will feature different poets and poems for inspiration. 

In this 8-week course, we will continue to explore the wonderful medium of watercolor painting! Through warm-up exercises designed to refine your value studies, we will focus on composition planning before you start painting. This will help ensure you start with a successful design...and painting! Each class, we will work with a photograph that needs some compositional editing. By practicing thumbnail sketching and quick small value studies, we will pre-plan for larger and more successful colorful paintings. This course assumes that you have had some watercolor painting and drawing practice. You are encouraged to paint from your own reference photographs or set up a still life in front of you from which to paint. This course is taught entirely online through the Zoom platform. 

When Africa appears in the news, it often looks the same: famine, conflict, poverty, corruption, crisis. But that picture is radically incomplete. Africa is also home to some of the world's fastest-growing cities, most dynamic youth populations, boldest democratic experiments, and most innovative responses to climate change. This five-week course invites OLLI members to look again, more carefully, more curiously, and more honestly. Each session takes a different lens: economics, politics, climate, culture, and diaspora, examining both the real challenges and the stories that rarely make the front page. Drawing on current research and firsthand knowledge of the region, we will move from stereotype to complexity, from headlines to human reality. 

Retirement can open new space for creativity, reflection, and connection. In this five-session course, participants will create one artwork in each class while exploring themes such as music, memory, nature, relationships, and personal growth. Inspired by artists whose works are in Boston-area museum collections, the course offers a relaxed, welcoming space for creative expression. No prior art experience is needed. The emphasis is not on technical skill, but on enjoyment, self-expression, and meaningful conversation. 

This class welcomes a mix of new and experienced knitters. To accommodate new knitters, the class will offer two sessions of basic information and how to’s. Experienced knitters will be provided with patterns, or they can bring their own, in order to get started on their projects. All participants will also be introduced to Ravelry, a free knitters website. In the third session there will be a discussion on colors and how to use different stitches and yarn to create original garments. According to what is new in knitting, the trend is to use a palette of colors (the bigger the contrast, the better!) and using a combination of stitches, yarn types, and geometrical pictures in the overall design. The rest of the course will be used to troubleshoot and to discuss different techniques. 

Drawing on speeches from the past 100 years, this course focuses on how political speeches persuade, inspire, divide, and shape history. Participants will analyze famous and lesser-known speeches from campaigns, debates, concessions, policy addresses as well as from other political events. Using video clips, transcripts, guided analysis, and  discussions, we will explore how content, delivery, audience connection, timing, and historical context influence a speech’s effectiveness and lasting impact. Together, we will examine why some political speeches inspire nations, shape history, or define a political era—while others fail, backfire, or disappear entirely. 

“A small man can be just as exhausted as a great man.” —Linda, Death of a Salesman 

Aristotle’s Poetics suggests that tragedy is most powerful when it depicts a person of stature falling from prosperity into suffering—think Othello, Hamlet, or Oedipus. Arthur Miller’s modern drama challenges this inherited model, turning instead to the tragedy of the ordinary man: a failing door-to-door salesman who dreams of being well-liked while struggling to like himself. In this course, we’ll read Miller’s Death of a Salesman and All My Sons, asking what tragedy looks like when its hero is not a king, prince, or general, but a father, husband, worker, and dreamer. Prior to the first class, please obtain copies of both plays and read Act I of Death of a Salesman. 

Planning a trip to Japan or simply curious about the language? It’s never too late to start learning Japanese. This class is designed for absolute beginners and lifelong learners. You will learn greetings, essential vocabulary and useful phrases for travel-related conversations. Each lesson also introduces Japanese culture through customs, etiquette, and seasonal traditions.  Through fun, engaging activities, you will build confidence in speaking in a relaxed, supportive environment. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate in simple Japanese and deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.  

American Roots Music series and is appropriate for both new and returning students. From the popular press to concert promotional materials to Grammy Awards categories, terms like “roots,” “Americana,” “folk,” “traditional,” and “bluegrass” are often thrown around with little distinction or context, yet these words carry specific meanings, histories, and legacies. In this course, we will study the genres of American roots music both as commercial categories and culturally specific musical practices. We’ll begin by examining how these terms have been used and applied to specific genres at different points in their development. As the course progresses, we’ll move beyond identifying what makes each genre unique to uncover the many ways they connect. 

In this class, I will present different paintings, documents and photographs during the colonial rule in India and how and why that rule lead to Indian partition which created three major countries. 

This five week course provides an introduction to all aspects of current knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders: from its history to current information and perspectives, including interventions, schooling and behavior management. 

This course is meant to be a movement class generated to the folks in the room. While we might take adapted ballet techniques, we're not rigid on meeting certain techniques. Instead, we focus on the physical/social/emotional wellness of the students in the virtual room. We believe that movement can be generated anywhere (like our homes or wherever you're calling from) while building community in virtual space (to show we can still build connection in virtual formats). This course is designed to get us in tune and connected to our bodies, develop a deeper sense of physicality, and enjoy joyful movement. Creative Movement will be a safe and inviting space to try new things and explore new forms of dance. Course Note: Since this course seeks to accommodate all participants, it is essential that students make it possible for the instructor to provide feedback. It is useful for participants to leave their Zoom camera on so the instructor can most effectively guide and encourage participants.  

Course Note: Since this course seeks to accommodate all participants, it is essential that students make it possible for the instructor to provide feedback. It is useful for participants to leave their Zoom camera on so the instructor can most effectively guide and encourage participants. 

 

This is a viewing and discussion program. We will watch the documentary together in class and then share our thoughts about the film.  Did we grow as we discover the value and/or purpose of what we watched. We can critique the quality of the film; indicate our enjoyment of or our displeasure with it; say if we learned anything new; tell if you were surprised at anything. A full list of the documentaries will be provided at the first class. 

In this 11th Exploring Longevity series, we will continue to explore human posture, an evolutionary miracle that enabled our species to evolve from quatrupedalism to bipedalism. We will explore how the S-shaped spine and upright posture have distinguished humans from other primates during our prolonged history of evolution. We will also examine how human posture, embedded in our social, cultural, and technological evolution, has played a critical role in our longevity and quality of independent living. This course has been enriched by the shared wisdom and insights from our participants’ lived experiences.

 

In this 11th Exploring Longevity series, we will continue to explore human posture, an evolutionary miracle that enabled our species to evolve from quadrupedalism to bipedalism. We will explore how the S-shaped spine and upright posture have distinguished humans from other primates during our prolonged history of evolution. We will also examine how human posture, embedded in our social, cultural, and technological evolution, has played a critical role in our longevity and quality of independent living. This course has been enriched by the shared wisdom and insights from our participants’ lived experiences. 

Despite facing decades of hatred and discrimination, Transgender people have built a rich, resilient culture and artistic tradition in America. This class is for anyone at any knowledge level on trans issues who wants to learn more about that culture and history. We will start with a practical guide on trans history, terminology, theory, and navigating real-world conversations. Then, we will look at and discuss excerpts from the landmark works of Trans Art. By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of the Trans perspective and of the ways Trans people have impacted your own life. 

This five-week course explores the underlying causes, evolving dynamics, and possible resolutions of major global political conflicts in the modern era. Through interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from political science, history, sociology, and international relations, the course examines how power, ideology, identity, and resource competition shape conflicts across regions. Participants will engage with classical theories of conflict and peace, study contemporary case studies, and discuss realistic pathways toward sustainable resolution and global cooperation. 

A recent issue of the Hedgehog Review (tagline: Critical Reflections on Contemporary Culture) explores the meaning of character and the causes and consequences of its apparent decline in today's world.  Drawing on the works of thinkers as diverse as Aristotle, Nietzsche, Emily Dickinson and Samuel Beckett, the readings explore our current moral climate and speculate on its future trajectory, providing us with food for thought and some new perspectives.  We will read from the Spring 2024 issue of the Hedgehog Review, titled "Missing Character," available for $14 from https://hedgehogreview.com/order. 

Some trials do not end simply with their verdict. They have a power that echoes throughout history. They have shaped and transformed the social, political and legal landscape. These trials deserve the description “Great” because they serve as enduring lessons for us all on such issues as social justice, race, abuse of power, and injustice. We will examine the Boston Massacre trials, the criminal minds in the Leopold and Loeb murders, the haunting Lindbergh baby kidnapping tragedy, the Lincoln assassination conspirators’ trial, and the Lizzie Borden case.  Class Note: This course will feature new cases and is not a repeat from the one offered Spring 2026.

Amidst enormous social upheaval after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Isabel Wilkerson published her book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. In it, Wilkerson drew connections between racism in America and the caste system of India (as well as the ideology of Nazi Germany). Is the caste system the same as racial discrimination? Is there a caste system in the U.S.? What can the experiences of millions of marginalized caste people in India and the U.S. teach us about inequality, identity, and justice? In this course we will discuss these questions guided both by Wilkerson’s book as well as the experiences of instructor Mahesh Admankar, a member both of an oppressed caste in India as well as a person of color in the United States. Course Note: This class was taught in Fall 2025 and has been updated with new material and content. Purchasing and reading Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is not required for this course. Readings will be provided by the instructor. 

Great news! There is no such thing as talent. Talent is actually skill developed by combining techniques and practice. If you’re a beginner, you’re only 60 drawings away from being good and 100 drawings away from being an expert. This introductory course is great fun because students will discover a new way of looking at shape, texture, source of light, and dimension as they uncover the optical illusions, the magic of drawing. Age or ability is not part of this learning process. How do I know this? Just watch kids stretched out at the kitchen table armed with a couple of #2 pencils, paper, and no one to disturb their concentration. You, my friends, will witness the birth of creative genius. Talent or thoughts of talent is never a consideration. Joy and enthusiasm and shared curiosity regarding each other’s masterpiece is what matters. Keys to drawing: Trust Your Eyes will rekindle the embers that have been smoldering for all these years. Are you ready to light the fire and regenerate the artist within? I know you are! 

The Baroque era in music ended with the death of Bach. We will learn the revolution in music which took place with the emergence of Bach's sons, Haydn, Mozart and the young firebrand Beethoven. 

This class is for anyone interested in learning how to draw from life and from reference photos using both pencil and colored pencil. Students will learn some color theory in order to understand layering techniques with their colored pencils. This course will focus on observational drawing in order to capture form and space using simple still life objects for inspiration. Additionally, students may choose to draw from their own reference photos or still life, particularly if they have had prior drawing experience. All levels are welcome. This course is taught entirely online through the Zoom platform. 

This course will address the treatment of religion and religious beliefs under the First Amendment. We will first examine the evolution of the “separation of church and state”doctrine under the Establishment Clause, and explore the increasing tolerance for religious expressions in public life under recent decisions of the Supreme Court. We will also examine how the Roberts Court’s embrace of religious rights under the Free Exercise Clause, the Freedom of Speech Clause, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in recent years is redefining the traditional separation between government and religious organizations as well as the application of nondiscrimination laws, health regulations, and the regulation of corporate entities. Finally, we will touch on the current Christian Nationalist movement, the policies of Trump 2.0, and their impact on the resurgence of Christianity in public life. 

Rediscover Shakespeare as we take a deep dive into Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night. For each play, outside of class, participants will be expected to read the play and view a selected film version. The texts we will use are the Folger Shakespeare Library editions (under $10 apiece and/or available for free download from the Folger Shakespeare Library). However, any editions of the plays are acceptable. Both required films are available for rent, but they may be viewed for free on Zoom (courtesy of the OLLI office). In class we will discuss the plays in the contexts of Shakespeare’s life and times as well as the historical periods of the plays, with reference to major critical research. Our goal is a rich appreciation of Shakespeare’s work. 

The objects we use every day - glass windows, paper, electric light, hold stories that have shaped the way we live. This course uncovers the surprising journeys behind familiar materials and inventions, revealing how they transformed homes, cities, and daily routines. Each session explores a different object, connecting its history to the world we know today. Along the way, participants are invited to reflect on their own experiences and memories tied to these everyday items. Together, we will rediscover the ordinary and see how small things have made a lasting impact. 

Are you going to France or to a French-speaking country? If so, you need to be able to communicate at least at a minimum to show that you are making an effort toward the culture of the host country. The people there will greatly appreciate (even if they answer in English) and may even be friendlier. In this class you will learn French basic vocabulary and phrases in a conversational setting. The course will integrate the Mango Languages computer program to practice and reinforce your new skills at home.  

The Black Plague, also known as the Bubonic Plague or Black Death, brought an apocalyptic sickness to Europe, never experienced, that those who lived it believed death itself had touched down on Earth. For our course, we will be diving into what it took to survive and what life was like for the survivors. Touching upon themes of medicine and politics, deciding whether surviving was based on random pure luck or something more. We will also be discussing the community and mental consequences, how were the survivors able to move forward and rebuild. 

This six-week seminar examines the 2026 U.S. midterm elections through the lens of presidential power, institutional dynamics, and democratic norms. Using the presidency of Donald Trump as a central case study, the course provides a structured, non-partisan space to explore current events, historical precedent, and competing interpretations of American political life. This course will rely in part on OLLI students actively participating by bringing a weekly question or topic based on a news article or other media they have encountered. Zoom breakout rooms will be used for small group discussions. Understanding a pivotal election through history, institutions, and informed dialogue is our aim. 

What makes the Great Gatsby so compelling? Published in 1925 and written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby is a treasure chest of characters, observations, and wonder. What does it say about the American Dream? Romantic love? The past? Wealth? Class? Most of all, how does Fitzgerald's stunning language affect us? We will read a portion of the book each week. Please do not read ahead! 

An engaging course that explores 30 artworks featured in Mona’s Eyes, blending literature, art history, storytelling, and the cultural legacy of the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Beaubourg (the Centre Pompidou). Participants will examine how art shapes the novel’s meaning and discover how masterpieces can be read as both image and story. 

What can one do about climate change? A lot! This series of six 90-minute meetings is designed for people interested in learning more about climate change and climate justice, becoming more effective in communicating with others about it, and taking action to mitigate its impact on our planet and ourselves. We start with the problems, basic science, and equity issues involved, but spend most of our time understanding the wide range of available climate change solutions and how you can get involved, both individually and working with others. Course Note: This course is similar to the “Can We Stop Climate Change” course offered in previous semesters, but it is continually updated with new material. If you attended previously you're welcome to repeat! 

This class is for anyone interested in learning the wonderful medium of watercolor painting! At the beginning of each class, the instructor will present a specific technique or concept. Topics of exploration include value studies, color theory, still life, composition, and landscape painting. Students will have the choice of painting from reference photos (provided by the instructor) or from their own photographs or still life set-ups. Students with prior experience will have opportunities for additional challenges. Some prior experience is helpful, but students new to watercolor are always welcome. This course is taught entirely online through the Zoom platform. 

Conspiracy theories often emerge during times of uncertainty, or fear when people seek simple explanations for complex problems. While some conspiracies proved to be true, most conspiracy theories rely on weak evidence, selective reasoning, or misinformation spread through media and social networks. Studying conspiracy theories is important because they influence politics, public health, and social trust. For example, conspiracy beliefs about vaccines or elections can shape public behavior and create divisions within societies. This course, therefore, explores what conspiracy theories are, why they deserve critical study, and how they can be identified and evaluated. 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, this class builds on students’ interest in art and history to explore important moments of Haitian history that intersect with American history.  A curated selection of artworks (by Haitian and non-Haitian artists) will be featured for active discussions.  At least one class will be hybrid, with students attending either online or onsite at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, to discuss a Haitian painting.  Classes are expected to be engaging and interactive, and students can also submit artworks relevant to the topic for interpretation. No formal background in art or Haitian history is required. 

What secrets and stories are hidden in song lyrics? What about songs which call back sharp memories? Songs offer gifts of comfort, inspiration, and amusement. In this writing workshop we will study a variety of song lyrics and use their lines and images as a starting point for creative writing.  Give yourself the gift of time to consider lyrics as a path into your own writing. Through writing prompts and writing sessions, your imagination will be invited to the page. Participants will be encouraged to share their work and offer positive comments to others. Prior creative writing experience is not necessary. Please come ready to write, please keep camera on during sharing and prompts to encourage our special community.