Osher Online   

Instructor: Diana Carlin

Have you ever wondered who writes presidential speeches? We will study the writing process presidents have used, examine drafts from the 20th century and view clips from speeches and from former White House speechwriters describing the process.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Douglas Mishkin

In July 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial—an eight-day clash over religion, science, public education, free speech and textbooks—was broadcast nationwide. We will explore what occurred in the courtroom, who won and lost, and why it still matters today.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Arnold Blumberg

Far more than superhero tales, comics are a versatile literary artform that capture intimate and epic stories, social issues and cultural moments through pictures and words. We will trace their history, explore their power, and read and discuss well-known comics in various media.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Heather Shirey

We will explore graffiti and street art in the U.S. and around the world, examining their histories, motivations and social impact. We will consider the rise of global mural movements, efforts to preserve and present street art, and its evolving role in activism, community identity and social change.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Asya Pereltsvaig

Siberia covers three quarters of Russia’s territory, yet its role in shaping Russia as a vast and wealthy empire is profound. We will explore Siberia’s economic significance, indigenous cultures, history as a penal colony and its importance for climate change, environmental issues and Sino-Russian relations.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Charles Blum

Throughout his presidency, John F. Kennedy pursued peace through a broad spectrum of initiatives. We will explore how his character and life experiences were the origins of those efforts; evaluate his powers of persuasion; and assess his successes and failures and their relevance to today’s world.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructors: Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our world. With fresh examples and timely updates, we will explore how AI works, where it is headed, what it means for society, and the opportunities and challenges it presents.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Ilana Zaks

We will explore the fascinating legacy of violinist-composers including Baroque virtuosos, Romantic legends and 20th century innovators. Through listening and discussing, we will examine how these artists wrote music tailored to their instruments and themselves.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Fernanda Blanco Vidal

Drawing on psychology, geography, architecture and design, we will reflect on the psychological and emotional relationships between people and their environments, and how physical environments shape behavior, cognition, identity and memory.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Oliva Espín

The death of Francis and the election of the first U.S.-born pope have captured the headlines and the imagination of many people, including non-Catholics. We will explore the lives, dominant perspectives, most significant positions and influence on world affairs of the most recent 10 popes.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Scott Fulton

Most conversations about aging focus on lifespan, but brainspan (how long our mind stays sharp) matters more. We will explore how the brain ages and what science reveals about protecting memory, balance and clarity.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Johnnie Hendrickson

Science is full of surprises and moments of creativity, struggle and chance with far-reaching consequences. We will explore the human side of science—tracing breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, physics and more—and why it matters.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Anthony Antonucci

California is more than a state—it is an idea, a dream and a contradiction. We will challenge myths, highlight overlooked voices and examine how migration, innovation and cultural change shaped the Golden State.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Ferdâ Asya

We will examine the cultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression. We will explore the vibrant world of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein through their works and considering the legacy of the era.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Emanuel Abramovits

Music has long provoked debate, now revisited through modern concerns about race, consent and gender. We will also examine political correctness, cultural heritage and plagiarism through audiovisuals, anecdotes and humor.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Elena Labkovsky

We will examine the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Douglas Kenning

From Odysseus and the Arabo-Norman Golden Age to the Mafia and modern mythmakers like Garibaldi and Coppola, Sicily’s story is rich, complex and central to Western history. We will explore its pivotal role in shaping civilization—and why Goethe famously said, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all.”

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Jonathan Duncan

Through illustrated lectures, group discussion and participant feedback, we will learn skills and techniques used to create professional-quality images of our adventures in the natural world. Topics will include exposure, depth-of-field, motion effects, principles of visual communication and natural light.

• See course flyer to learn more

Instructor: Lauren Weingarden

We will explore Post-Impressionism’s bold departure from naturalistic light and color, focusing on the expressive use of form, symbolism and vivid, often unnatural color. We will also trace the movement’s challenge to artistic norms and social values, laying the foundation for modern art and redefining the artist’s role in society.

• See course flyer to learn more