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This introductory course provides a history of Albania, its culture, and contemporary life, focusing on the communist regime of Albania from 1944 to 1991.

We'll interpret Ellis Island arrival records, show how they can be used to get info about ancestors, and suggest methods for using them to help discover living relatives in the ancestor's country of origin. Students are encouraged to submit their own ancestors’ info for use as examples.

The recovery of France, the country of my birth, in the 30 years post-WWII was stunning (hence "Les 30 Glorieuses" - the Glorious Thirties). We'll explore the major changes, including those in the population's culture and lifestyle during that time, and some major setbacks (such as colonial wars).

This set of classes will feature talks on the following film stars of the "Silent Film" era: Harold Lloyd, Mack Sennett and the Sennett Film Studios, Buster Keaton, and the history of Silent Film Era Westerns. Silent-era film clips will be a part of this series of classes.

This course will serve as an examination of the salient issues facing the United States and the world. The class will have input in the selection of the issues we examine.

Students will be made aware of composition, balance of light and shadow, and develop their own style and expertise using acrylic. They will use a personal photo to guide them. *Please Note: This course has required supplies.

This course will teach you about basic perspective, the relationships of objects to each other, how to energize a drawing by use of light and dark dynamics, how to explore different drawing instruments to achieve various effects, how to best express volume, and how to work with outlines alone. *Please Note: This course has required supplies.

Through a multidisciplinary look at American history, current events, prospective futures, and selective denials, we’ll explore prospects for healing our diverse narratives and growing together as more fully human beings—for our own sakes, and for our kids and grandkids, and theirs.

We will explore different mediums to create art in the form of mandalas or anything you would like. No artistic ability is needed. Just come and explore the options and discover your own creativity!

We will be starting with the Edo Period (1615 - 1868), which was a time of peace and a flourishing of culture and art for Japan. Following this period, we will explore Japan in the 20th century and the events that triggered an outpouring of art. I aim to end with a look at contemporary Japan.

Please register for the OLLI Café Lunchtime series if you plan on attending some or all of the presentations. Registration for OLLI Café entitles you to a seat for each event, even if you cannot attend every café lecture! OLLI Café is a venue for the exchange of ideas and experiences focusing on improving the quality of life. The goal of OLLI Café is to present a potpourri of presentations and activities that provide information and new knowledge to OLLI members. The events feature a guest speaker followed by a short question and answer session. For information on each OLLI Café presentation, please visit: https://olli.uconn.edu/olli-cafe-lecture-descriptions/.

Come learn the principles of sacred geometry, including the symbolism of geometric shapes and patterns found in history and nature - no math needed! We'll learn to draw and construct sacred geometric designs, their spiritual significance in cultural traditions, and study their practical uses.

Singing is good for our bodies, mind, and mood. Join us as we sing songs of love, inspiration, high energy, and peace. Our community of singers will also explore rounds, chants, and spontaneous song. No previous singing experience necessary.

Come watch favorite operas like: (Bel Canto) La Sonnambula by Bellini; (Romanticism) Manon by Massenet, The Tales of Hoffmann by Offenbach, and La Traviata by Verdi; (Operas in Transition) La Boheme by Puccini; (Verismo) Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni and Pagliacci by Leoncavallo.

We'll review the basics of organizing pictorial space to help us master painting in acrylics or oils by mixing primary colors and diluting them with white to contrast loud and muted values. We'll use still-life models/photos and study Old Master paintings for reference to create a dynamic work of art. *Please Note: This course has required supplies.

This course is a continuation of Venerdi in Italia Numero 1 and will offer a complete Italian experience for new Italian students with little-to-no Italian knowledge. We'll discuss elementary Italian grammar, vocabulary and conversation along with Italian culture, including history, movies, operas, etc. *Please Note: This course has required supplies.

Have fun using the Zentangle method of drawing to create many different pieces of art (no experience is required)! Create a lacy moon or star with white pen on black paper, Zen buttons, landscapes, and more! This method can be relaxing and fun. *Please Note: This course has recommended supplies.