Tuesday   

Please Note: Osher Online courses may run later than the OLLI at UConn semester end-date. Osher Online courses are not recorded.

Musicals have been a major part of American theater, from the Tin Pan Alley-driven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated musicals that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury America. In this course, we will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the arrival of European mega-productions late in the century. We will profile some of the theater world's leading composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. With the help of audiovisuals, we will study many of the most unforgettable shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more.

Here is an introductory video by the course instructor: https://vimeo.com/1145343112?fl=ml&fe=ec

The deadline to register for this course is June 22, 2026!

Please Note: Osher Online courses may run later than the OLLI at UConn semester end-date. Osher Online courses are not recorded.

In this course, we will trace the evolution of literature specifically written for children - from its earliest forms to the modern era. We will begin with the oral traditions that underpin all storytelling, then follow the shift toward published works created specifically with young readers in mind. We will survey key moments and turning points that shaped the growth of children’s literature as a distinct field. We will conclude by analyzing how a well-known children’s literature has evolved over time.

Here is an introductory video by the course instructor: https://vimeo.com/1143166902?fl=ml&fe=ec

The deadline to register for this course is June 22, 2026!

Please Note: Osher Online courses may run later than the OLLI at UConn semester end-date. Osher Online courses are not recorded.

In this course, we will explore how a tiny nation – Portugal – played an outsized role in world history. We will examine Portugal’s fifteenth and sixteenth century maritime expansion (once called the “Discoveries”), as well as its central role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. We will trace how Portugal, once a fringe region of the Roman Empire, emerged as the only independent kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula as Castile grew into Spain. We will follow Portugal’s rise as a global power, with outposts stretching from Brazil to Japan, and then its decline as rival empires overtook it – culminating in twentieth century poverty under Europe’s longest dictatorship. Finally, we will consider how this past continues to shape Portuguese identity and culture in the decades since a revolution ushered in democracy. As we survey Portugal’s landscapes, art and architecture, and food, we will see why record numbers of Americans are now visiting the country.

Here is an introductory video by the course instructor: https://vimeo.com/1143855904?fl=ml&fe=ec

The deadline to register for this course is June 22, 2026!

Please Note: Osher Online courses may run later than the OLLI at UConn semester end-date. Osher Online courses are not recorded.

In this course, we will explore a wide range of horticultural practices with something to offer no matter our experience level or where we live. We will cover container gardening, aquatic gardens, ornamental and fruiting plants, bonsai, landscape design, and pest management. Each week, we will focus on a theme and examine design ideas, plant choices, and long-term care practices for success. Whether we garden on 10 acres or in an apartment, we will find plenty to learn and enjoy in horticulture.

Here is an introductory video by the course instructor: https://vimeo.com/1142229216?fl=ml&fe=ec

The deadline to register for this course is June 22, 2026!

Please Note: Osher Online courses may run later than the OLLI at UConn semester end-date. Osher Online courses are not recorded.

This course will arm us with the knowledge we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe when engaging with the healthcare system. Health care today is more complex, technical, and volatile than ever. Medical harm (unintentional but often preventable) injures and kills hundreds of thousands of patients each year. In this course, we will learn how to prevent the most common types of medical harm including medication errors, patient care accidents, procedural and surgical complications, infections, and diagnostic mistakes. Patient safety experts and advocates will provide us with practical tips and insights to navigate the healthcare system confidently and safely. Through presentations, videos, and group discussions, we will come to understand the common sources of error and discover tactics, resources, and cautions to help protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Here is an introductory video by the course instructor: https://vimeo.com/1143453581?fl=ml&fe=ec

The deadline to register for this course is June 22, 2026!