|
|
A Spanish Sampler: Cervantes and Unamuno NEW!
Instructor: Edward Friedman
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: W
Times: 2:00 PM - 3:20 PM
Dates: 10/29/2025 - 12/10/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 6
Fee: $72.00
Course Location: OLLI at UVA Online - Zoom
Location Address: ZOOM , VA
Limit: 20
Course Description:
The course would focus on two major Spanish writers, Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quixote) and Miguel de Unamuno, the most well-known member of Spain’s “Generation of 1898,” who tried to bring their country into mainstream dialogues. The selections would include Cervantes’s “exemplary novellas” “The Force of Blood” and “Lady Cornelia,” his play Pedro the Schemer, and Unamuno’s novel San Manuel Bueno, martyr.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Basics of Ethics
Instructor: Marion Votaw
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Th
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Dates: 10/30/2025 - 12/11/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 6
Fee: $72.00
Course Location: OLLI at UVA - Terrace Level
Location Address: 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit: 12
Course Description:
This class is not intended to teach right from wrong, but explores *why* people think something is, or isn’t, what they would have done. We will practice arguing heartfelt opinions without insult or defamation. We will begin with an overview of the general field of ethics, concentrating on two basic axes: whether the ends
can justify the means, and whether exceptions can be made to ethical rules depending on circumstances. The next four sessions will compare debatable situations from two of those viewpoints, in turn. For the final class, each student will try to use their personal ethical style in a real argument.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction to Islam NEW!
Instructor: Mohammed Zafarullah
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: W
Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Dates: 10/29/2025 - 11/19/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 4
Fee: $48.00
Course Location: OLLI at UVA Online - Zoom
Location Address: ZOOM , VA
Limit: 35
Course Description:
This course will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam. Your instructor will answer your critiques and most essential questions about the secondlargest and fastest-growing religion in the world. The course will begin with the basic tenets of Islam, followed by its sources (Quran, Sunnah, and Hadith), the life of Muhammad, and a brief history of Islam. Next, we will analyze the main Islamic sects and their origin, the concept of Jihad in Islam, and Islam in the later days. You will learn about the Islamic understanding of Jesus, Mary, and the People of the Book. Finally, we will discuss Islam in the current world. Ideal for beginners, this course answers questions of particular concern to Christians who care about the West’s relation with Islam. Listening to and discussing the topics will broaden your capacity for interreligious dialogue and understanding of Abrahamic religions.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Kind Kin: Gandhi’s Gift NEW!
Instructor: Shelley Bryant
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Tu
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Dates: 11/4/2025 - 12/9/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 5
Fee: $50.00
Course Location: R.R. Smith Center for History and Art - Upstairs Lecture Room
Location Address: 22 South New St Staunton, VA 24401
Limit: 25
Course Description:
Before the term “influencer” applied to social media stars, Howard Gardner coined the term “Influencer” to describe a person who has accomplished positive and significant change by affecting the “thoughts, feelings, or behaviors of others.” To do this, Gardner says, the Influencers possess extraordinary skill as communicators who employ the concept of “Story” as their principal vehicle of influence. The most successful twentieth century Influencer, of course, is Gandhi who in turn inspired many others who have also peacefully fought against and prevailed over tyranny and injustice. This class will examine three of these Influencers–Cesar Chavez, Vaclav Havel, and Alexi Navalny–to show how they also used Story to achieve profound societal change.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Labyrinth: A Practice of History, Mystery, Beauty, and Wellness NEW!
Instructor: Mary Ann Wamhoff
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Tu
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Dates: 9/9/2025 - 9/30/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 4
Fee: $48.00
Course Location: Unity of Charlottesville -
Location Address: 2825 Hydraulic Road Charlottesville, VA 22901
Limit: 24
Course Description:
Have you ever wondered why some folks walk in circles and seem to love it? Do you know the difference between a labyrinth and a maze? Have you ever wanted to build a labyrinth in your yard or on a beach? Are you interested in exploring moving meditation? Would you like some inspiration? Are you in a process of discernment? Would you like to think more metaphorically? Come, explore with us! We’ll learn about the varieties and history of what is constructed using sacred geometry and why it works! We’ll practice on various labyrinths in each session.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Making Medical Decisions: Can Ethics Help? NEW!
Instructor: Kenneth Beals
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Th
Times: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Dates: 11/6/2025 - 12/18/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 6
Fee: $60.00
Course Location: R.R. Smith Center for History and Art - Upstairs Lecture Room
Location Address: 22 South New St Staunton, VA 24401
Limit: 25
Course Description:
Advances in health care have added decades to our average lifespan in recent years. But those advances have raised troubling questions: Just when does human life begin and end? How do we decide when “pulling the plug” is the right thing to do? Who should be allowed to make that decision for someone unable to speak for themselves? You probably have questions of your own to add. Moral philosophers and religious leaders have struggled with these issues for centuries. This course will examine several approaches to making ethical medical decisions, including Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics, and various religious approaches. No one approach will be preferred, and students will have ample opportunity to support and clarify their own views.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
The Emerging European Balance of Power NEW!
Instructor: James Sofka
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Th
Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Dates: 10/30/2025 - 11/20/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 4
Fee: $40.00
Course Location: R.R. Smith Center for History and Art - Upstairs Lecture Room
Location Address: 22 South New St Staunton, VA 24401
Limit: 35
Course Description:
Recent domestic and international political developments in both the US and Europe have challenged 30 years
of assumptions regarding European security and the transatlantic relationship. While the end of the Cold War was once hailed as the “end of history,” history has returned with a vengeance across the continent. Collectively, the Russo- Ukraine war, the rise of nationalist parties, and economic uncertainties have shaken the foundations of post-Cold War Europe as well as its institutional guardians, the European Union and NATO. The thawing of the Cold War has surfaced older patterns of European international relations and clouded the rosy promises of European integration. This course will assess key actors in the new European balance of power, the theory and political reality of European security since the end of the Cold War, and potential trajectories of continental and transatlantic power dynamics in a rapidly changing
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
OSHER ONLINE COURSE
- Day of the week: Tu
- Dates: 10/28/2025 to 12/9/2025
- Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Number of classes in this course: 6
- Fee: $72.00
- Limit: 13
Course Description and Instructor Information:
Journey through Motown’s golden era (1950s–1970s), exploring its iconic artists, innovative production, and cultural impact. Discover how Motown broke racial barriers and shaped the sound of a generation. Featuring curated tracks and videos, the course ends with a celebration of Motown’s first 25 transformative years. Mike Agron, a lifelong music enthusiast from Los Angeles, turned his passion into popular seminars after a successful career in high-tech and webinar marketing. His engaging presentations bring Motown’s magic to life for audiences nationwide.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
The Magic of Switzerland
Instructor: Donald Clymer
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: W
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Dates: 9/10/2025 - 10/8/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 5
Fee: $50.00
Course Location: R.R. Smith Center for History and Art - Upstairs Lecture Room
Location Address: 22 South New St Staunton, VA 24401
Limit: 25
Course Description:
Switzerland dazzles the eyes with its beautiful alpine landscapes and pristine lakes. It is one of the most desired places to visit for people from around the world. Who are the people who live in this paradise and what makes them tick? This class will go beyond the stereotypes of tidiness, neutrality, cheese and chocolate, wristwatches and trains running on time, to examine the unique language, the special dishes, the mindset and peculiar customs of this tiny yet influential country in the middle of Europe. Switzerland is indeed magical!
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
The Poetry of Emily Dickinson
Instructor: Stephen Kennamer
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: W
Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: 10/29/2025 - 12/10/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 6
Fee: $60.00
Course Location: R.R. Smith Center for History and Art - Upstairs Lecture Room
Location Address: 22 South New St Staunton, VA 24401
Limit: 40
Course Description:
Emily Dickinson, known as “The Myth” even while still living in Amherst, Massachusetts, left at her death a cache of nearly 1800 poems, half of them never seen by anyone other than herself. They included hundreds of love poems, both ecstatic and anguished, addressed to or referencing a still-unidentified “Master.” The history of their publication – only ten were published during her life – is a rich subject in itself. Among many enigmas, one stands out: that her poetry is unequaled in its technical virtuosity and profound emotion. The course will cover both her remarkable oeuvre and her quietly extraordinary life.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
There’s No Fool Like an Old Fool: Three Old Men in Shakespeare NEW!
Instructor: Shelley Bryant
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Tu
Times: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Dates: 9/16/2025 - 10/21/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 6
Fee: $72.00
Course Location: OLLI at UVA -
Location Address: 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit: 35
Course Description:
As a citizen of the Renaissance Shakespeare copies Aristotle in the belief that humans fulfill their potential only within a civilized society. With this, human error often results from an excess in either eros—the sensual appetites—or thumos, the noble anger that manifests as arrogance. Within this worldview, Shakespeare likes to remind us that age and wisdom are often not the best of friends. We will examine this idea with three older characters: Sir John Falstaff (from Henry IV Parts One and Two), King Lear, and Prospero (from The Tempest). Though reading the plays will enhance understanding and discussion, it is not required, as the instructor will provide thorough background and many excerpts during class time.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
|
Whealthspan: More Years, More Moments, More Money NEW!
Instructor: Scott Fulton
Hover over an Instructor's name above and their biography will appear.
Day of the Week: Th
Times: 1:00 AM - 2:30 AM
Dates: 9/18/2025 - 10/23/2025
Number of class sessions in this course: 6
Fee: $60.00
Course Location: OLLI at UVA -
Location Address: 1 Morton Drive, Terrace Level Charlottesville, VA 22903
Limit: 35
Course Description:
Live healthy longer and spend less on housing and healthcare. Sounds simple, but good intentions derail easily. Longevity opportunities abound; the secret is identifying and acting on them early. You’ll become grounded in the biology of aging, the lifestyle keys proven to slow aging and preserve brain health and get help building a successful housing strategy. The course is designed around the five foundations of healthspan: Mind, Environment, Diet, Activity, and Community. We cover a lot of ground, providing abundant topics for proactive discussion and substantive content to design the future you’ll look forward to living.
NOTE: If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are four possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a membership to your cart or renewed your membership (Click HERE to purchase your membership) 3) You are not logged in (Click “Sign In” on the blue bar above) 4) You may need to refresh your screen.
|
|
|
|
