Wednesday   

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it revolutionized American travel and transportation, but it was inspired by Europe’s earlier canal networks. In this course, we will trace French, British, and Irish canals of the 17th and 18th centuries, then follow the story into the 19th century as we examine American canals, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. We will explore how canals reflect national politics and ambitions and why they remain vital to global shipping today.

Instructor: Bernie Carlson

Bernard (Bernie) Carlson is Vaughan Professor Emeritus of Humanities at the University of Virginia and an expert on invention, entrepreneurship, and technology’s role in society. He received the Sally Hacker Prize from the Society for the History of Technology and the William Middleton Prize from the IEEE, and filmed Understanding the Inventions that Changed the World. Now based in Ireland, he directs the MS program in AgInnovation at the University of Galway, where he trains adult learners in product development, startups, and sustainable farming.

Osher Online courses take place via Zoom and are not recorded.

MEETS IN PERSON AT THE CONCORD CENTER

The presentation explores trauma as a collective and intergenerational experience rather than solely an individual psychological issue. Drawing on trauma science, historical context, and lived experience, this session examines how chronic stress, systemic inequities, and historical harm shape the ways communities adapt, survive, and protect themselves across generations. Participants will learn how trauma is embodied and how stress exposure can be transmitted through families and communities. Through a guided reflection and facilitated discussion, attendees are invited to explore the survival messages passed down within their own communities and consider pathways toward collective healing, connection, and restoration. 

Dr. Talia Moore is a criminologist, associate professor, forensic researcher, and educational content creator specializing in graduate curriculum development, trauma-informed practice, and community engagement. Dr. Moore currently serves as the Graduate Forensic Psychology Program Director and Associate Professor at Saint Mary’s College of California. In addition, she works within the Department of Criminal Justice and within the Addictions Studies Certificate Program at California State University East Bay. 

Dr. Moore brings over a decade of experience in law enforcement and community corrections, having served as a Deputy Probation Officer supervising juveniles, adults, felony drug offenders, and individuals with significant mental illness.  

Dr. Moore is the host of Want Moore with Dr. Moore: The Criminologist of the Bay, a podcast dedicated to exploring the successes, challenges, and complexities of the justice system and other intersecting systems through education, advocacy, and community dialogue. 

She earned her B.A. in Social Welfare from University of California, Berkeley, an M.A. in Psychology from Golden Gate University, and an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology (Forensic Concentration) from Argosy University American School of Professional Psychology. 

ZOOM COURSE

This 4-week intensive course introduces students to the essentials of artificial intelligences (AI) while building their ability to critically assess its societal, political, and cultural implications.  Students will explore fundamental AI concepts--such as algorithms, machine learning, generative AI, automation, and bias--while learning to apply critical media literacy.

COURSE MEETS IN PERSON AT THE CONCORD CENTER

Women are often overlooked from two important art movements: Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism.  Today, while male contemporaries like Monet, Manet, Pollack and de Kooning are household names, fewer are familiar with Morisot, Bracquemond, or Krasner.  These women dared to enter the male-dominated world of painting -- not as muses but as artists.

MEETS IN PERSON AT THE CONCORD CENTER

Few Biblical characters have so captured the imagination over the millennia as King David. But what do we really know about him? This richly illustrated session will combine Biblical text, history and archaeology to give us a better sense of who David was and what he actually did. We’ll close by exploring how Hollywood has made him an A-List movie star over the last century of cinema.