Online Courses   

This course will acquaint members with the remarkably long, diverse, and widespread use of strategies of terror to advance political, economic, religious, and social agendas. Beginning with issues of defining terrorism, exploration will range from ancient societies to the present, and the class will examine terror as it occurred around the globe. Revolutionary terrorism and reactionary terrorism as well as terror by state and sub-state actors will be considered. The course will be thematic rather than strictly chronological.

In a well-known Bible story, Abraham almost sacrifices his son Isaac. This course will look at this text from five different angles: midrash, which are stories about the stories in the Bible that help to explain them; paintings of the scene by different artists; the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling; the ways modern poets have used the imagery of this story in their work; and the viewpoint of Sarah, Abraham’s wife and Isaac’s mother. Advance reading is not required; all source materials will be provided during class.

This course will explore the history of political thought that has formed the basis of the American political system. It places particular emphasis upon two traditions: Modern Republicanism, which is inspired by the ideals of Ancient Roman Republicanism, and Classic Liberalism, which is particularly associated with the writings and ideas of John Locke. These traditions continue to explain and influence important aspects of American political beliefs.

The history of decorative glassmaking goes back 3,600 years, resulting in beautiful objects of art created throughout the ages, including vases, goblets, stained glass windows, and other decorative and useful items. From palaces and houses of worship to affordable household objects, this craft has evolved from a luxury item into a ubiquitous material for art, architecture, and personal use. This course will trace the development of glass blowing technology and will discuss various historical artistic styles in glass.

In late 17th century and 18th century France, art was used as a powerful tool by the ruling class and others seeking power and change. Through beauty and propaganda, art was used to present power, sway beliefs, extol virtue, and make social commentary. This course examines how French art developed from the Baroque under Louis XIV through Neoclassicism of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, to Romanticism emerging at the onset of the 19th century.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already shaping the way we receive medical care, from scheduling appointments and billing insurance, to making diagnoses and recommending treatments. But most patients never realize it is happening. This course uncovers the hidden role of AI in healthcare, helping members better understand its benefits and limitations, and to ask better questions. The class will break down the jargon, share real-world examples, and provide strategies to help regain control.

This course discusses the origins and buildup to the American Civil War covering the period 1848 to 1861. It examines the interaction of slavery, states’ rights, and the “free soil” movement as critical foundation stones for this conflict and explores many of the key political figures of this era. Among them are Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and emerging notables such as Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

Learn how to shed your monkey mind in this virtual program. Develop a new creative practice that has the potential to help you feel more settled and relaxed as well as less anxious and muddled. Your tools are your breath, a sumi brush, and sumi ink. You will learn wet and dry brush techniques, processes for making lines, dots, and swirls, and methods of producing tonal changes.

The advent of radio broadcasting in 1920 changed the relationship between traditional media and the audience. Immediate communication with the local community, a reach that soon became national, was made possible. Radio became the dominant source of news, weather, and entertainment in popular culture for 30 years. But when television replaced radio, rock 'n' roll emerged. This is the story of how radio recaptured a listening audience, shaped a generation, and gave birth to the classic era of rock music.

Can a person be too rich? Philosopher and economist Ingrid Robeyns answers that question in Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth, 2024. She focuses on the practical, political, and moral problems of this wealth and concludes that we should strive to create a world in which no one is super-rich. We will examine this topic through the book, other materials, and guest speakers.

NOTE: This course will be taught at the Community Engagement Center in Homewood (622 N. Homewood Avenue, 15208) and via Zoom.

Simple, accessible chair yoga can help restore balance to mind and body. Led by a veteran teacher and nervous system expert, each session blends gentle movement, mindful breathing, and guided relaxation to release tension and cultivate calm. No special equipment or prior yoga experience is needed, just a chair and an open mind. Members will learn practical, repeatable techniques to shift from stress to ease, supporting resilience in daily life.

This course moves through traditional yoga poses (or asanas) that align each individual chakra, moving up the spine from the root chakra to the crown chakra. Chakras are energy centers located across different points on our spinal column. When energy becomes blocked in a chakra, it triggers imbalances that manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, lethargy, or poor digestion. This course is for members who like fluid, mindful practice that links alignment, movement, and breath. Participants should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and have a yoga mat. While still accessible to a beginning student, this class is more challenging than the Gentle Yoga classes.

Artists have long painted and sculpted figures from classical myth and legend. We will be looking at a wide range of such art. We will talk about some ancient Greek and Roman art but will spend most of our time on Medieval and Renaissance art, such as Titian’s The Death of Actaeon, Veronese’s Venus and Mars, Dürer’s Hercules at the Crossroad, Botticelli’s Primavera and The Birth of Venus, and many others. Classes will concentrate on how artists interpreted the meaning of myths.

In this course, world religions including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, among others, will be examined through comparison. In examining the similarities and differences, this course focuses on theological beliefs and religious practices. The overarching goal of the course is to develop competence in the basic ideologies and rituals of global religious traditions and recognize the merits of interfaith study and dialogue.

This course examines one of America's least recognized but most consequential administrations in U.S. history. James K. Polk's single term in office (1845-1849) saw the Mexican-American War and America's acquisition of California and Oregon territories, setting the stage for the next phases of U.S. expansions, Indian removal, and sectional crisis, all of which laid the groundwork for the Civil War. We will examine Polk's background and this under-explored but still critical period in American history.

This introductory course is designed to help beginners feel comfortable using a personal computer, either a desktop or laptop. The course will cover the basics of how to interact with a computer, including the differences between hardware and software, and how to exchange information with the machine. Members will learn how data is stored and used within a computer and how they can utilize basic computer productivity tools to complete specific goals.

Fire is more than heat and flames; it is a chemical reaction that behaves in predictable yet complex ways. This course is an introduction to the science behind combustion, exploring how fuel, oxygen, and heat interact to create fire. Learn why understanding these principles is critical for anyone, from predicting fire behavior to staying safe in your own home and hazardous environments. This course is for members interested in fire safety, community preparedness, or simply curious about the science behind flames.

From heroes and heroines to princesses, crones, and monsters, this course will analyze iconic figures in European fairy tales and Greek myths to uncover their symbolism and cultural significance. The course will also examine how class, race, politics, and wealth shaped the creation and circulation of these stories, while highlighting lesser-known tales from underrepresented cultures. Through comparative readings and discussion, members will consider how these tales both reflect and influence culture.

The artist Georges Braque said, "my sketchbook serves as as a cookbook when I am hungry." In this generative workshop, the notebook will be the garden where members will plant word-seeds inspired by responding to reading model poems on a specific theme each week and sketching and sharing notebook writings. Just as an artist's process of sketching can magically transform into a work of art, our daily writings, carefully nurtured through class conversation and suggestion, can magically transform into poems.

This course is geared for those new to yoga, those interested in a slower and more gentle practice, or those recovering from illness or injury. It includes a combination of meditation, breath work, and flowing movement intended for all abilities. Participants will move from seated on the floor (or a chair) to standing and then will return to mats. Participants will experiment with balance, strength, flexibility, and stillness while practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques. 

NOTE: The Gentle Yoga A and B classes are companion courses. Members can just register for both or just one. 

This course is geared for those new to yoga, those interested in a slower and more gentle practice, or those recovering from illness or injury. It includes a combination of meditation, breath work, and flowing movement intended for all abilities. Participants will move from seated on the floor (or a chair) to standing and then will return to mats. Participants will experiment with balance, strength, flexibility, and stillness while practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques.

NOTE: The Gentle Yoga A and B classes are companion courses. Members can just register for both or just one.  

 

This course explores the impact of international corruption on governance, human rights, and the global economy. Using high-profile case studies like the Panama Papers and Brazil’s "Operation Car Wash," we will analyze how corruption is defined and measured. Members will examine national and international legal frameworks—including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UN Convention Against Corruption—and the critical role of investigative journalism. No prior legal knowledge is required.

If life’s a dance, music is the rhythm, and the choreographer is God, or the director, or both! In this course, we will explore the trademarks and styles of Gower Champion, Bob Fosse, Casey Nicholaw, Rob Ashford, Jerry Mitchell, Chris Gattelli, Josh Bergasse and many more. Join us, watch clips, and discuss from a director’s view of dance.

This course explores how where we live, policies around us, and systems shape our health and well-being. Everyday examples of health inequities and differences in outcomes across communities and groups will be explored. Each class will include a brief lecture, simple visuals, and guided discussion. Short optional readings and videos will be shared between classes. No background in health or policy is required, and the focus will be on practical understanding that connects to daily life.

This course examines the development and role of military chaplains in the United States from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War. We will examine how chaplains have provided spiritual care, moral guidance, and pastoral support to service members across various wars. The course will explore how chaplains have served both faith and country, ministering to soldiers in times of war, shaping military morale, and navigating complex religious and political environments.

This course will examine the history of food and the ways it contributes to our understanding of other areas of study, such as environmental, social, political, and economic history. We will look at the history of food in the United States within a larger global context to examine the ways in which our global trading networks are anchored by food and how food helps to define our societies, cultures, and identities.

Can homelessness be solved simply with more social workers, mental health services, and housing? Or does it require addressing structural shifts in the capitalist economy, inequality, systemic racism, and neoliberal government policies? Patrick Markee answers these questions in Placeless: Homelessness in the New Gilded Age. We will examine homelessness today and possible solutions through his book, other materials, and guest speakers.

NOTE: This course will be taught at the Community Engagement Center in Homewood (622 N. Homewood Avenue, 15208) and via Zoom.

This course offers an exciting journey through the vibrant and diverse world of Latin American music. Members will gain an introduction to the rich musical traditions of Latin America, exploring genres like cumbia, salsa, and contemporary Latin American music from 1950 to 2020. Members will learn about the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have shaped these musical styles and their influence on global music trends, particularly in the United States.

Are you curious about seeing the world in a new way or learning about what drives social change? This course explores the study of social life, ranging from social inequality to theories on the self. We will be looking at sociological ideas from past to present and discussing how the past shapes today's society. We will also be examining various fundamental institutions, including family, media, religion, education, medicine, and law.

Using many clips from classic and modern musicals, we will explore and discuss various aspects of musical theater. Lecture topics will include different types of villains: the con man, the lazy, the beautiful, the lovable, and the evil sinister ones. Another lecture will feature costumes that relate to the mood of a musical and the careers of several costume designers. If time allows, other subjects may include the exploration of obscure musical numbers.

This course will first examine the defining characteristics of three common literary genres: proverbs (short, wise statements); song lyrics (lyrical expressions by contemporary artists); and fables (stories that convey moral lessons). Then, writers, individually or collectively, will create their own proverbs, song lyrics, and fables. Through a collaborative writing process, writers will have opportunities to share their work and receive supportive feedback from peers and the instructor. No prior writing experience is required.

This course introduces members to world geography, with special emphasis on issues in the news. Have you ever read about a refugee crisis in a foreign country and been unsure where that country is? This course will help you fill in the blanks on your own mental map of the world and learn something interesting about every country on the planet. Follow along as we move from region to continent to identify countries and to discuss their history, language, culture, and contemporary political issues.

This course surveys the most distinguished classical pianists in history. Members will experience masterful performances and learn about the lives, styles, and legacies of legendary pianists, such as Lizst, Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, and many more. Through the examination of musician backgrounds, audio and video recordings, and performance techniques, this course will trace how pianists have interpreted and performed major works by composers like Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and more.

We will analyze how the "me decade" transformed into the final phase of the Cold War. Starting in the final months of 1978 and extending through 1979, the period of torpor, malaise, and polyester was replaced by revolution in Iran, near-meltdown at Three Mile Island, tectonic shifts in China, the reworking of the intelligence authority, and the onset of a proxy war between the United States and U.S.S.R. in Afghanistan. Through the use of video, documents, music, and news of the day, this will tell the story of how the 1970s ended before the decade was over.

This course introduces ancient Mesopotamia art, exploring early cities (4,00-3,000 BCE), early dynasties, the Akkadian Empire, the Assyrian Empire, and the Persian Empire. The class will use richly illustrated lectures and guided case studies.

In this hands-on studio class, we will explore the emotive possibilities of mixed media, including printmaking, collage, water-based paint, and varied drawing tools. As inspiration, we will look at the work of artists who combine media to express a range of subjects and ideas. This will be a fun, exploratory class to enliven your summer. Get ready to raid your art stash and materials, dust off those pastels or inks, and dive in!

From Giotto to Andrea del Sarto, artists evoked the stories of the Bible, the saints, and local life and heroes on the walls of buildings in central Italy between 1315 and 1515, transforming their craft into an art form that could vie with poetry and music, and launching the Italian Renaissance.

Beginning in 1430, the muralists of central Italy used the new tools of perspective, anatomical study, and the science of optics to bring Bible stories, heroes, and political ideals to life in the walls of churches and palaces.

With slide images and film clips, members will explore the archaeological and historical cultures of the Inuit peoples of Greenland and Arctic Canada, the Yupik of the Bering Sea, the Tlingit of Southeast Alaska, and the peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Topics will include indigenous strategies for survival, traditional life-ways, and distinctive art forms of the cultures of the north. We will also consider the impacts of contact with traders, missionaries, and governmental officials, and the environmental impacts of global warming.

The present site of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was land once coveted by three nations: Britain, France, and American Indian tribes. The mid-18th century conflict, the French and Indian War, would drastically alter the world. This course will explore the key figures and pivotal events in the fighting over the forks of the Ohio River. Members will gain an understanding of the important role this region played in directing Europe’s colonization of North America as well as sowing the seeds for the American Revolution.

This course introduces the basics of cybersecurity with a focus on practical skills for everyday life. Members will learn how common online scams work, why they are effective, and how to protect their personal accounts, devices, and information. Topics include recognizing phishing and phone scams, creating safer passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and understanding privacy tradeoffs. Course goals are to build confidence, awareness, and simple habits that help people stay safer online.

This course considers the vexing question of whether the American Civil War was inevitable. Did it have to happen? If so, at what point did it become inevitable? What issues brought the war? Were particular men responsible? Is there a date which says from here forward war is certainly coming? There are no ready answers, yet the process of careful study may help individuals to form a conclusion for themselves.

From World War II to current times, governments have exercised their power over media to influence public opinion, at home and abroad. We will explore why propaganda is effective, who uses it, and why. We will look at how “news” media become collaborators in influence campaigns and how media sometimes resists. Topics include the origins of contemporary propaganda, and why social media, artificial intelligence, and the decline of journalism make propaganda efforts more effective than ever.

Characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism, Romanticism as an artistic style emerged throughout Europe and America towards the end of the 18th century. In France, this style is dramatically and emphatically exemplified through the art of Théodore Géricault and Eugène Delacroix. Partially a reaction against the formality and strict rules of the official style of Neoclassicism and in response to the tumult of the French Revolution, Romanticism strove to express drama, action, and exoticism through extravagant effects of color and movement.

Rom-coms make up only about 7% of all movie releases yet occupy a much larger share of our collective cinematic headspace. Why is that? It is because people want to see the stories of other people, struggling with the things people care most about. And what do we care about more than love and its attendant agonies and ecstasies? This course will look at realistic (though still sometimes fanciful) romantic comedies.

Have you ever wondered how vaccines work? There are quite a few opinions on vaccination in society and media reports and politicians often present misinformation on the function and purpose of vaccination. In this course, we will first present the basics of immunology, then we will address different types of vaccines and how they work. Later sessions of the course will explore the consequences of vaccine misinformation.

HOW OLLI SPANISH COURSES WORK TOGETHER

Because OLLI Spanish courses only meet once a week, moving from one level to the next may not always be automatic. Each course has a different focus, but all courses practice similar core skills such as speaking, listening, and vocabulary development. Repeating a course at a certain level is a normal and helpful part of learning a language as an adult. Instructor guidance may also help participants choose the course that best fits their current level and learning goals. Members may only take ONE level of Spanish at a time.

This course is appropriate for participants who are comfortable and successful at communicating in Spanish and want to further develop their reading and conversational skills. Participants are expected to be able to use present, past, and future tenses, and have significant vocabulary and understanding of syntax (or have successfully completed Spanish: Intermediate Level). The course is taught in Spanish and focuses on analyzing and discussing reading material. Weekly class material is provided.

NOTE: This summer course will be taught in two five-week sessions at different times by different instructors. You may register for just one session, or for both sessions.

HOW OLLI SPANISH COURSES WORK TOGETHER

Because OLLI Spanish courses only meet once a week, moving from one level to the next may not always be automatic. Each course has a different focus, but all courses practice similar core skills such as speaking, listening, and vocabulary development. Repeating a course at a certain level is a normal and helpful part of learning a language as an adult. Instructor guidance may also help participants choose the course that best fits their current level and learning goals. Members may only take ONE level of Spanish at a time.

This course is appropriate for participants who are comfortable and successful at communicating in Spanish and want to further develop their reading and conversational skills. Participants are expected to be able to use present, past, and future tenses, and have significant vocabulary and understanding of syntax (or have successfully completed Spanish: Intermediate Level). The course is taught in Spanish and focuses on analyzing and discussing reading material. Weekly class material is provided.

NOTE: This summer course will be taught in two five-week sessions at different times by different instructors. You may register for just one session, or for both sessions.

Rooted in trauma‑informed respectful practice, this course offers an engaging, hands‑on space where narrative becomes a catalyst for justice, community empowerment, and collective healing. Through mini‑immersive workshops, real‑world case studies, and guided creative exercises, members learn to craft true, personal stories that shift mindsets, challenge dominant narratives, and inspire action. Designed for advocates, organizers, and creatives, the course emphasizes purpose‑driven communication.

While some issues about the Holocaust have been well-documented, others deserve closer examination. We will study in depth the complicated and conflicted political, social, and human issues that led to America's response to the Holocaust. We will also study a little-known event of the war years: the sinking of the "Nazi Titanic." The course will also explore the uplifting stories of altruistic diplomats and other public officials during the Holocaust who bravely risked their careers and lives to save thousands of people.

We will read and discuss three short novels with a colonial or postcolonial setting – The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, by Milan Kundera (Soviet Czechoslovakia,) Tefuga, by Peter Dickinson (British Nigeria), and either The Lover, by Margerite Duras (French Vietnam), or Chronicle of a Death Foretold, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (postcolonial Columbia).

Technology's pace continues to accelerate, sometimes leaving us in the dust. The purpose of this course is to put members in a position of general understanding of five important aspects of advanced technology: the Internet and the cloud; cell phones and social media; self-driving cars and trucks; blockchain and cryptocurrency; and AI. This is an introductory course on five broad and complex subjects. No prior technical knowledge is required; however, participants should come with a curious, open mind. 

Part 1 of this course takes members on a virtual and chronological tour of historic places in Western Pennsylvania, from pre-history to the dawn of the Industrial Age. Participants will virtually visit several locations, from Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Washington County to Old Economy Village in Beaver County. The course is designed to encourage members to explore these places on their own.

Part 2 of this course takes members on a virtual and chronological tour of historic places in Western Pennsylvania, from the Industrial Age to the modern day. Participants will virtually visit several locations, from the Drake Oil Well in Venango County to Quecreek Mine Rescue in Somerset County. Part 1 is not a prerequisite for Part 2.

Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have geographical areas with exceptional conditions for grapevine growing. Winemakers in those countries have been able to adapt many Old World, mostly French, varietals providing new interpretations, free from tradition, and exploring possibilities. Each week we will undertake a journey of discovery by tasting and rating a wine from one of these regions while we explore its terroir. Members will need to purchase the wines and we will taste them during class. The selection will depend on what is good, available, and affordable at the store. Cheers!