Courses   

In this course, we will examine the dramatic circumstances that gave rise to the Beat Generation in the 1940s. Together, we will examine three famous Beat works: Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs. We will focus on historical events involving Beat writers, important passages of Beat literature, and the literary movement that spawned the 1960s counterculture

PRESENTER: Kurt Hemmer

Kurt Hemmer is the editor of the Encyclopedia of Beat Literature and a professor at Harper College. Hemmer has produced award-winning documentaries on Beat poets with filmmaker Tom Knoff and published extensively on Beat writers. He organized the Jack Kerouac Centenary Conference and serves as president of the Beat Studies Association. He is currently working on a biography of Beat poet Gregory Corso

In this course, we will examine the dramatic circumstances that gave rise to the Beat Generation in the 1940s. Together, we will examine three famous Beat works: Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs. We will focus on historical events involving Beat writers, important passages of Beat literature, and the literary movement that spawned the 1960s counterculture

PRESENTER: Kurt Hemmer

Kurt Hemmer is the editor of the Encyclopedia of Beat Literature and a professor at Harper College. Hemmer has produced award-winning documentaries on Beat poets with filmmaker Tom Knoff and published extensively on Beat writers. He organized the Jack Kerouac Centenary Conference and serves as president of the Beat Studies Association. He is currently working on a biography of Beat poet Gregory Corso

In this 6-week course, we will start by looking at some of the earliest images of New York and discover the early artists who created them.  We'll next look at the late 19th and early 20th century, when the Ashcan School took a grittier look at the tenements and slums of New York. We'll then move to the post-WWII movement, known as Abstract Expressionism, and see what a global impact artists like Pollock, de Kooning, and others had on modern art. We'll then look at Pop Art, which arrived as a counterpoint. Who better than this New York boy to show you how the city became a visual icon and why it attracted so many wonderful artists? Ultimately, we'll have a terrific time looking at great art together.

In this 6-week course, we will start by looking at some of the earliest images of New York and discover the early artists who created them.  We'll next look at the late 19th and early 20th century, when the Ashcan School took a grittier look at the tenements and slums of New York. We'll then move to the post-WWII movement, known as Abstract Expressionism, and see what a global impact artists like Pollock, de Kooning, and others had on modern art. We'll then look at Pop Art, which arrived as a counterpoint. Who better than this New York boy to show you how the city became a visual icon and why it attracted so many wonderful artists? Ultimately, we'll have a terrific time looking at great art together.

Mr. Bailey's final course on Russian Music features the incredible life and famous music of Dmitri Shostakovich, and also covers the range of significant, but lesser-known Russian composers who were contemporaries of the major figures already discussed in this series. Some may be more familiar - from Glazunov's traditionally Russian-sounding style to Scriabin's visionary and mystical works - while others may only be known for one piece, like Khachaturian (Sabre Dance), Glière (Russian Sailor's Dance), Ippolitov-Ivanov (Procession of the Sardar), and Kabalevsky (piano works). But there is more to explore with these and more composers, continuing into the 20th century with Gubaidulina, Schnittke, Shchedrin, and more - plus a special segment on Russian choral music. So if you liked the music you've explored so far in the past two courses, you'll find a lot more to enjoy in this course - even if you haven't heard of these composers!

Mr. Bailey's final course on Russian Music features the incredible life and famous music of Dmitri Shostakovich, and also covers the range of significant, but lesser-known Russian composers who were contemporaries of the major figures already discussed in this series. Some may be more familiar - from Glazunov's traditionally Russian-sounding style to Scriabin's visionary and mystical works - while others may only be known for one piece, like Khachaturian (Sabre Dance), Glière (Russian Sailor's Dance), Ippolitov-Ivanov (Procession of the Sardar), and Kabalevsky (piano works). But there is more to explore with these and more composers, continuing into the 20th century with Gubaidulina, Schnittke, Shchedrin, and more - plus a special segment on Russian choral music. So if you liked the music you've explored so far in the past two courses, you'll find a lot more to enjoy in this course - even if you haven't heard of these composers!

There are no winners in war. Only losers. In this course, we will examine the role of the American military and covert CIA activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) across several major interventions since World War II, from Tunisia and Lebanon, to Iraq and Iran. We'll explore why we get it wrong over and over again, while generating countless enemies and squandering American lives, treasure and global standing.

Michael Baker is a retired surgeon who also served in the military and retired as a rear admiral. He was deployed into both combat and humanitarian missions. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured at national and international conferences.

 

There are no winners in war. Only losers. In this course, we will examine the role of the American military and covert CIA activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) across several major interventions since World War II, from Tunisia and Lebanon, to Iraq and Iran. We'll explore why we get it wrong over and over again, while generating countless enemies and squandering American lives, treasure and global standing.

Michael Baker is a retired surgeon who also served in the military and retired as a rear admiral. He was deployed into both combat and humanitarian missions. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured at national and international conferences.

 

This course traces Apple’s fifty-year history and its massive impact on personal computing, design, product culture, platforms and ecosystems, and daily life. Each session focuses on a different decade in Apple’s history, from the birth of the PC in the late 1970s to the latest Apple silicon, VR headsets, and future iPhones. We will learn how Apple reshaped not just technology, but how people live, work, and communicate.

Instructor: D. Griffin Jones

D. Griffin Jones is an independent blogger and podcaster for Extra Ordinary, and previously, Cult of Mac.  He has been an avid computer enthusiast and historian since 2002 - his collection is made up of 40+ desktops, laptops, PDA's and devices, dating back to the early '80's.

This course traces Apple’s fifty-year history and its massive impact on personal computing, design, product culture, platforms and ecosystems, and daily life. Each session focuses on a different decade in Apple’s history, from the birth of the PC in the late 1970s to the latest Apple silicon, VR headsets, and future iPhones. We will learn how Apple reshaped not just technology, but how people live, work, and communicate.

Instructor: D. Griffin Jones

D. Griffin Jones is an independent blogger and podcaster for Extra Ordinary, and previously, Cult of Mac.  He has been an avid computer enthusiast and historian since 2002 - his collection is made up of 40+ desktops, laptops, PDA's and devices, dating back to the early '80's.

Harry S. Truman called the presidency “the most peculiar office in the world.” In this course, we will explore how the framers left the office open to interpretation, allowing presidential power to expand over time. We will examine how the presidency has come to dominate the three branches, how presidents gain and use power, and how the rise of the administrative state has altered the balance the framers intended.

SPEAKER:  John White

John Kenneth White is a political scientist specializing in American political parties and the US presidency. White is the author of several books, including The New Politics of Old Values, Still Seeing Red, Barack Obama’s America, Grand Old Unraveling, and Democracy on the Edge, co-authored with Matthew R. Kerbel. He taught at The Catholic University of America and writes a biweekly column for The Hill, a Washington, D.C. based publication covering the White House and Capitol Hill.

Harry S. Truman called the presidency “the most peculiar office in the world.” In this course, we will explore how the framers left the office open to interpretation, allowing presidential power to expand over time. We will examine how the presidency has come to dominate the three branches, how presidents gain and use power, and how the rise of the administrative state has altered the balance the framers intended.

SPEAKER:  John White

John Kenneth White is a political scientist specializing in American political parties and the US presidency. White is the author of several books, including The New Politics of Old Values, Still Seeing Red, Barack Obama’s America, Grand Old Unraveling, and Democracy on the Edge, co-authored with Matthew R. Kerbel. He taught at The Catholic University of America and writes a biweekly column for The Hill, a Washington, D.C. based publication covering the White House and Capitol Hill.

In this course, we will explore the history and cultural impact of kit homes in North America, focusing on their peak from 1905 to 1945. We will learn how to identify these mail-order houses and examine their rise, decline, and industrial innovations. We will also consider how kit homes intersected with issues of race and gender. Through examination of the industry and the stories of the people who lived in these homes, we will discover why they remain an important part of the cultural landscape.

PRESENTER:  Nigel Tate

Nigel Tate is an urban planning student at Michigan State University and an architectural preservationist and historian. Tate has studied kit homes for more than a decade, delivered talks across mid-Michigan, and created a guide to kit homes in Grand Blanc, MI. His interest began with a childhood discovery and has grown into ongoing research and advocacy focused on identifying and documenting these distinctive homes.

Technology has changed the way we communicate, connect — and commit crimes. From smartphones and social media to artificial intelligence and digital evidence, today’s crimes often leave behind a very different kind of footprint.

In this one-day course, participants will explore how technology is changing both criminal behavior and criminal investigations. We will discuss topics such as cybercrime, online exploitation, social media’s influence, digital evidence, scams, privacy concerns, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence.

Through current examples and engaging discussion, participants will consider important questions about safety, privacy, accountability, and what crime looks like in an increasingly digital world.

Learning Goals

Participants will:

• Understand emerging forms of digital crime
• Explore technology’s impact on investigations
• Examine ethical issues around privacy and safety

Technology has changed the way we communicate, connect — and commit crimes. From smartphones and social media to artificial intelligence and digital evidence, today’s crimes often leave behind a very different kind of footprint.

In this one-day course, participants will explore how technology is changing both criminal behavior and criminal investigations. We will discuss topics such as cybercrime, online exploitation, social media’s influence, digital evidence, scams, privacy concerns, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence.

Through current examples and engaging discussion, participants will consider important questions about safety, privacy, accountability, and what crime looks like in an increasingly digital world.

Learning Goals

Participants will:

• Understand emerging forms of digital crime
• Explore technology’s impact on investigations
• Examine ethical issues around privacy and safety

Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king, keeps death his court.  Shakespeare, Richard II

In the 15th century, the royal family of England spilled its own blood in a self-destructive struggle to achieve and retain a crown. This elusive and dangerous symbol conferred power, authority and prestige upon a man who was after all, more than a mere man. He was power itself, who could, as Shakespeare says, “kill with looks.” However, once achieved, by fair means or foul, his status was fragile. By assuming the crown, a man risked his peace of mind, his sleep, his family and friends, and even his life, through betrayal, murder or death in battle.

Join Professor Ken Alexander, as he leads you through 30 years of triumphs and tragedies known as the "Wars of the Roses." We will explore the real history of this volatile period, in which one dynasty will destroy itself, allowing another to rise in its place.

Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king, keeps death his court.  Shakespeare, Richard II

In the 15th century, the royal family of England spilled its own blood in a self-destructive struggle to achieve and retain a crown. This elusive and dangerous symbol conferred power, authority and prestige upon a man who was after all, more than a mere man. He was power itself, who could, as Shakespeare says, “kill with looks.” However, once achieved, by fair means or foul, his status was fragile. By assuming the crown, a man risked his peace of mind, his sleep, his family and friends, and even his life, through betrayal, murder or death in battle.

Join Professor Ken Alexander, as he leads you through 30 years of triumphs and tragedies known as the "Wars of the Roses." We will explore the real history of this volatile period, in which one dynasty will destroy itself, allowing another to rise in its place.

Laugh with your friends in this screening of 'The Absent Minded Professor' (1961), starring Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, and Keenan Wynn.

Charles Darwin’s geologic education formed the foundation of his scientific worldview and profoundly shaped the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. During the HMS Beagle voyage, he documented uplifted coastlines, marine fossils high in the Andes, active volcanism, island evolution, and widespread earthquake deformation across South America. These observations convinced him that Earth’s crust is immensely old, dynamic, and continually reshaped - insights that provided the context necessary for understanding how species diverge and adapt over time. This talk will examine Darwin’s geologic insights and illustrate how modern plate tectonic theory now explains many of the processes he observed.

 

Charles Darwin’s geologic education formed the foundation of his scientific worldview and profoundly shaped the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. During the HMS Beagle voyage, he documented uplifted coastlines, marine fossils high in the Andes, active volcanism, island evolution, and widespread earthquake deformation across South America. These observations convinced him that Earth’s crust is immensely old, dynamic, and continually reshaped - insights that provided the context necessary for understanding how species diverge and adapt over time. This talk will examine Darwin’s geologic insights and illustrate how modern plate tectonic theory now explains many of the processes he observed.

 

Opera fans love Giacomo Puccini.  His beautiful operas like La Boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot thrill us with his soaring melodies and move us with his pathos. But let’s take a closer look at Puccini’s world and discover what lies behind the music. No previous opera background required.  Just watch, listen, and enjoy.

Course Outline

Class I: The "Unknown Puccini: his early operas and his first big hit, "Manon Lescaut"
Class 2: The big favorites: "La Boheme" and "Madama Butterfly"
Class 3: "The Girl of the Golden West" and "La Rondine" ("The Swallow)
Class 4: "Il Trittico" (The Triple-Bill) and the great final masterpiece "Turandot"--the source of the beloved aria 'Nessun dorma"

Opera fans love Giacomo Puccini.  His beautiful operas like La Boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot thrill us with his soaring melodies and move us with his pathos. But let’s take a closer look at Puccini’s world and discover what lies behind the music. No previous opera background required.  Just watch, listen, and enjoy.

Course Outline

Class I: The "Unknown Puccini: his early operas and his first big hit, "Manon Lescaut"
Class 2: The big favorites: "La Boheme" and "Madama Butterfly"
Class 3: "The Girl of the Golden West" and "La Rondine" ("The Swallow)
Class 4: "Il Trittico" (The Triple-Bill) and the great final masterpiece "Turandot"--the source of the beloved aria 'Nessun dorma"

How Will the Elections in Israel and the United States Shape the Next Chapter? 

The Middle East is changing before our eyes. Peace initiatives, ceasefire negotiations, shifting alliances, and regional rivalries are reshaping one of the world's most volatile regions.
Following recent national elections in both Israel and the United States, this timely seminar examines how new or old political leadership and changing priorities.

How Will the Elections in Israel and the United States Shape the Next Chapter? 

The Middle East is changing before our eyes. Peace initiatives, ceasefire negotiations, shifting alliances, and regional rivalries are reshaping one of the world's most volatile regions.
Following recent national elections in both Israel and the United States, this timely seminar examines how new or old political leadership and changing priorities.

Concentrating on their best work in the 1960s, this follows the Beach Boys' growth from their early surf and hot rod anthems through their lyrical maturation with symphonic masterpieces like "Good Vibrations" and the Pet Sounds album. Leader Brian Wilson's songriting and the group's glorious vocal harmonies will also be highlighted through a wealth of audiovisual clips.

Concentrating on their best work in the 1960s, this follows the Beach Boys' growth from their early surf and hot rod anthems through their lyrical maturation with symphonic masterpieces like "Good Vibrations" and the Pet Sounds album. Leader Brian Wilson's songriting and the group's glorious vocal harmonies will also be highlighted through a wealth of audiovisual clips.

Straight from Broadway...come and discuss 'Oh Mary' (on stage at the Curran Theater).

It's Grand. It's Glorious. It's Larger than Life. It's Opera! 

• Curious about opera but don't know how to get started?
• Know a little about opera but want to know more?
• Love opera but would like better background knowledge?

Join San Francisco Opera's Kip Cranna for a brief insider's look at the world of opera with hints on how to better enjoy this wonderful art form.

It's Grand. It's Glorious. It's Larger than Life. It's Opera! 

• Curious about opera but don't know how to get started?
• Know a little about opera but want to know more?
• Love opera but would like better background knowledge?

Join San Francisco Opera's Kip Cranna for a brief insider's look at the world of opera with hints on how to better enjoy this wonderful art form.

Winter is coming!  Come watch 'The Lion in Winter' (1968), starring Peter O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn, and Anthony Hopkins.

SAVE THE DATE:  OLLI members are invited for a festive afternoon to welcome the holiday season and wrap up 2026.  Guests are welcome at this invite.  Additional event details will be made available in November.

SAVE THE DATE:  OLLI members are invited for a festive afternoon to welcome the holiday season and wrap up 2026.  Guests are welcome at this invite.  Additional event details will be made available in November.