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Osher Offerings

  • Click the red course titles below to sign up for your courses.
  • Click the red instructor names below to learn more about who’s leading courses at Osher.
  • If you need assistance, please visit our How to Register tab above.

Course Categories


Aging Finance & Retirement

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

2-Week (Online): The Longevity Dividend and How Older Adults Can Be a Change Agent The Longevity Dividend and How Older Adults Can Be a Change Agent
Instructor: Jonathan Schwartz

2/22-3/1 Wednesday 1-3 pm 99811

The developed world's population is rapidly aging. According to SANDAG, those 65+ in San Diego County will nearly triple between...

3-Week (In-Person): Basics of Estate Planning
Basics of Estate Planning Instructor: Sandeep Varma

3/15-3/29 Wednesday 10 am-12 pm 99827

Did you know nearly everyone has an estate? Learn the importance of estate planning and its goals -- including asset transfer, incapacity...

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Arts & Humanities

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

4-Week (In-Person): What's eating America? American films about food (and a few other things)
Instructor: Rebecca Romani

2/3-2/24 Friday 12-3 pm 99821

What American food dominates American film? And what is "American" food anyway? This course will take a broad look from winning pie...

Lecture (Online): Death on the Rails: How Trains and Murder (Fictional and Historical) Have Gone Hand In Hand Death on the Rails: How Trains and Murder (Fictional and Historical) Have Gone Hand In Hand
Instructor: Kim Keeline

2/14 Tuesday 10 am-12 pm 99803

Discover the truth behind railroads. Students will learn how dangerous the rails were, not just for workers and passengers due to technology...

4-Week (In-Person): I (heart) New York- sort of
I (heart) New York- sort of Instructor: Rebecca Romani

3/3-3/24 Friday 12-3 pm 99822

Is New York "a hell of a town?" Depends on who you ask…New York looms large in the American imagination and has been featured in...

Lecture (Online): William Mulholland - The Controversial LA Aqueduct and the St. Francis Dam Disaster
William Mulholland - The Controversial LA Aqueduct and the St. Francis Dam Disaster Instructor: Richard Davies

3/8 Wednesday 10 am-12 pm 99801

What was the key event that enabled Los Angeles to grow from a population of 100,000 people in 1900 to one of America's largest cities...

6-Week (In-Person): Developing A Visual Dialogue: Understanding Art and The Art Experience Cont'd
Developing A Visual Dialogue: Understanding Art and The Art Experience Cont'd Instructor: Damon Hitchcock

3/17-4/28 Friday 9-11 am 99808

This course continues to heighten perceptions of art and explore its many forms and expressions. Encounters with art can provide...

Lecture (Online): From Garden Cemeteries to Public Parks
From Garden Cemeteries to Public Parks Instructor: Nadine Bopp

3/21 Tuesday 1-3 pm 99810

Cemeteries have existed concomitantly with cities, and some say prior to any urban development. Evidence of human burial grounds...

Lecture (Online): Nancy Drew: The Story Behind America's Favorite Teen Sleuth
Nancy Drew: The Story Behind America's Favorite Teen SleuthInstructor: Kim Keeline

4/4 Tuesday 10 am-12 pm 99802

"Password to Larkspur Lane", "The Secret of the Old Clock", "The Quest of the Missing Map". Sound familiar? Chances are, you've probably...

Lecture (Online): When Cultures Collide. History of immigrations and confrontations in America
When Cultures Collide. History of immigrations and confrontations in America Instructor: Alex Castaneda

4/19 Wednesday 9-11 am 99804

America is a nation of many cultures. Entire peoples have visited and occupied this land since very remote times. According to some experts...

2-Week (In-Person): African-Americans in Process of Becoming Catholic Saints
African-Americans in Process of Becoming Catholic Saints Instructor: Oliva Espin

4/27-5/4 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99806

Did you know there are six African-Americans who are presently candidates for sainthood in the Catholic Church? Learn about the...

Lecture (In-Person): The Beatles 1966 tour-The beginning of the end
The Beatles 1966 tour-The beginning of the end Instructor: Chuck Gunderson

5/4 Thursday 1-3 pm 99818

The Beatles' 1966 tour was their last ever. What started out as an ambitious world tour almost ended in disaster. The luster of the...

Lecture (In-Person): Myths and Misconceptions of U.S. History – the Wild West and 20th Century
Myths and Misconceptions of U.S. History – the Wild West and 20th Century Instructor: Constantine Dillon

5/11 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99819

How many “shootouts at high noon” were there in Tombstone? What was the deadliest fire in U.S. history? Was there a real Tokyo Rose...

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Personal Development & Special Interest

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

Lecture (In-Person): Let's Talk Travel!
Let's Talk Travel! Instructor: Linda Hawley

2/8 Wednesday 1-3 pm 99812

Are you interested in traveling overseas again, or for the very first time? Have you been searching for a reputable, safe travel company offering...

Lecture (In-Person): Book Discussion: Spies, Thrillers and Mysteries: The Whistler by John Grisham
Book Discussion: Spies, Thrillers and Mysteries: The Whistler by John Grisham Member-Facilitator: Judi Sundquist

2/23 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99823

This is not another "Cozy Mystery" book discussion! Instead, Osher member Judy Sundquist will facilitate a lively and engaging...

4-Week (In-Person): Become a National Park Insider
Become a National Park Insider Instructor: Constantine Dillon

3/2-3/23 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99820

Did you know there are more than 400 parks in the National Park System? Have you ever wondered how a place becomes a park...

2-Week (Online): “Making love in English:” The psychological impact of living in two languages
“Making love in English:” The psychological impact of living in two languages Instructor: Oliva Espin

3/7-3/14 Tuesday 10 am-12 pm 99805

What does it mean to live in two languages? What is the connection between language and culture? What is the protective value of...

Lecture (In-Person): Book Discussion: One Book One San Diego: The Vanishing Half
Book Discussion: One Book One San Diego: The Vanishing Half Member-Facilitators: Jonnie Wilson & Melanie Dunn

4/20 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99824

What is the "one book" San Diegans are talking about this year? Of course, it's "The Vanishing Half," the current selection for the One...

Edventure (In-Person): History Walk at the Hotel Del Coronado
History Walk at the Hotel Del Coronado Instructor: Sandee Bonura

5/2 Tuesday 10 am-12 pm 99817

(Back by popular demand, this Edventure sold out in record Osher time last semester!) Have you ever wondered about the "real" stories...

Edventure (In-Person): The First San Diegans
The First San Diegans Instructor: Linda Hawley

5/10 Wednesday 1-2:30 pm 99813

How much do you know about the native people of San Diego? The Kumeyaay people have a rich history dating back at least 10,000....

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Politics & Current Events

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

6-Week (In-Person): Why It's the FIRST Amendment!
Why It's the FIRST Amendment! Instructor: Glenn Smith

2/9-3/16 Thursday 1-3 pm 99815

Why do hate-mongering protesters have a constitutional right to disrupt military funerals? Why is “big money” allowed to dominate political...

2-Week(Online): Behind the Law in the News
Behind the Law in the News Instructor: Glenn Smith

3/23-3/30 Thursday 1-3 pm 99816

This course will explore current events with a focus on constitutional law at the Supreme Court and in other corridors of power. Largely driven...

Lecture (Online): Inflation: The Cause and Effects, a discussion
Inflation: The Cause and Effects, a discussion Instructor: Nadine Bopp

4/11 Tuesday 1-3 pm 99809

Historically there have been six major inflationary periods, each with a specific cause. Inflation happens if an economy grows too fast, if...

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Religious Studies

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

Lecture (In-Person): Understanding Antisemitism
Understanding Antisemitism Instructor: Rafi Andrusier

2/16 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99807

In "Understanding Antisemitism" we will look at some of the explanations for antisemitism that have been offered throughout the ages to...

2-Week (In-Person): Non-canonical Literature: Books that did not make it into the Bible
Non-canonical Literature: Books that did not make it into the Bible Instructor: John Spencer

4/6-4/13 Thursday 10 am-12 pm 99814

There is the Canon — literature that is considered authoritative by the Jewish or Christian communities. However, there is also literature that...

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Sciences

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

Lecture (Online): Browse! (It's not just sticks and stems.)
Browse! (It's not just sticks and stems.) Instructor: Danny Simpson

4/5 Wednesday 2-4 pm 99825

Visitors to many zoos may notice an animal interacting with a plant stem or flowers within their residential space. Generally referred to as...

Lecture (Online): Unlocking the Hidden Secrets of Palm Trees: Palm Reading the Arborist Way!
Unlocking the Hidden Secrets of Palm Trees: Palm Reading the Arborist Way! Instructor: Danny Simpson

4/12 Wednesday 2-4 pm 99826

San Diego is host to many different species of palm trees...They are seen everywhere but most of us know very little about them. Osher...

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Special Events

Courses Date(s) Day(s) Time Schedule

Event (In-Person): Spring 2023 Semester Kick Off: Osher Overview, Updates, Course Preview, and Registration Event

2/3 Friday 9:30 am-12 pm N/A

Event (In-Person): New Member Orientation and Campus Tour

2/8 Wednesday 10 am-12 pm 99829

Considering Osher @ SDSU membership? Recently joined and want more information about the program? Then join us on Wednesday, February 8th on...

Event (In-Person): SDSU School of Theatre, Television and Film: The Weight of Dreams (a Play)

3/19 Sunday 2 pm-4:30 pm 99828

In this play, young Chencha Luna leaves behind her beloved Mexico to pursue a new life in the U.S., a journey of discovery and healing that...

Event (In-Person): Osher Happy Hour
Osher Happy Hour

5/4 Thursday 4-5 pm 99831

While there’s a lot of learning taking place in our courses, it’s important to have fun and connect with one another outside the classroom in...

Event (Online): Osher Office Hours
Osher Office Hours

1/23-5/16 Monday 11 am-12 pm N/A

Osher Office Hours Mondays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual via Zoom), Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.- in person, in the Osher office on the 2nd floor of the Extended Studies Center.

Osher Office Hours are held weekly throughout the semester on Mondays and Thursdays by Osher Staff and provide an opportunity for you to ask us questions about a variety of Osher at SDSU-related topics including membership, courses, registration, and what's new.

All office hours are available by appointment only. Virtual office hours can be reserved by clicking the RSVP button below.

In-person office hours can be arranged by emailing: osher@sdsu.edu. Please include your name, phone number, membership level, and the reason for the meeting so staff can be better prepared to address your needs efficiently.

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How to Register for Courses

Remember - Osher members receive discounts on all courses! Click here to discover the benefits of becoming an Osher member.

  1. Log in to your account. If you haven’t created an account yet, click here.
  2. Pick your courses from our online catalog and add them to your cart.
  3. Once you’ve added all your courses, click on the Checkout button.
  4. Complete the checkout process and pay.
  5. Once registered, you'll receive a confirmation by email. Additional information like Zoom links and locations for in-person classes/Special Events will be sent in a separate email closer to the date of the event when the course is confirmed to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the dropdown items below for the answers and additional details.

How to Create an Account

If this is your first time signing up for Osher offerings, you’ll need to create an account with SDSU Global Campus. Please complete the following steps:

  1. Click on SDSU Global Campus Student under Login at the top of the page.
  2. Click Create Account under Create a New Customer Account.
  3. Fill out your personal account information and click Create.
  4. Log in to your New Account using your Login and Password.
  5. Complete your Account profile information with any remaining required information.
  6. Activate your account by signing up for your first course. Click here to learn more.

If you need help creating or logging into your account, please contact the SDSU Global Campus IT Support Team at itsupport.global@sdsu.edu or 619-594-5893.

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How to Become a Member

​​You can sign up for a membership at any time to receive the full benefits of the Osher @ SDSU community. Please note that you’ll need to sign up for membership before registering for an Osher course to get the membership discounts.

Once you’ve chosen which type of membership you’d like to purchase, please complete the following steps.

  1. Log in to your account. If you haven’t created an account yet, click here.
  2. Click here to choose your Osher Membership.
  3. Add your membership to the cart.
  4. If you’d like to sign up for courses in the same purchase, visit our online catalog and add your courses to the cart as well.
  5. Complete the checkout process and pay.

You can also sign up for membership by phone by calling 619-594-5152.

Explore the benefits of becoming an Osher member.

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How to View Your Current Classes
  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Go to My Academics.
  3. Click on Current Courses.
  4. View the list of courses displayed. If you’d like to view course details and the schedule, click on the schedule number link for the section you wish to view.

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Late Registration

Registration deadlines are posted with each course on our website. Please register by the deadline for all courses and activities. You may request to register after the deadline with Osher staff approval, provided there is still room to enroll. Please note there is an additional $5 fee for late registration.

  1. Write to Osher@SDSU.edu to obtain approval
  2. Submit the registration form to enrollment.global@sdsu.edu.
  3. Contact cashier.global@sdsu.edu to submit payment

For questions or assistance with late registrations, please contact the SDSU Global Campus Registration Office at 619-594-5152

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How to Sign Up for the Waitlist

If a course/activity is full, there may be an option to put your name on a wait list. If a registered participant drops, those on the waitlist will be contacted in order and given a 24-hour period to register before the next person on the list is contacted. If you’re on the waitlist before the registration deadline and a spot opens up, you will not be charged a late fee to enroll.

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When Do Classes Start? When Do Classes End?

Our university-quality classes start throughout the semester and can be up to six weeks long. You will find the specific start and end dates for each course/activity listed with their descriptions on our website. These dates will also appear on the confirmation letter sent to you after you register.

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Who Teaches the Classes?

Osher classes are led by current and retired SDSU professors, faculty from other universities, professionals with recognized expertise in their fields, and award-winning artists and authors.

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Do You Offer Courses Online and in Person?

Yes, our offerings feature a mix of in-person and online classes. Please click on the Courses tab for details on specific courses.

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What is the Price Per Class?

Fees vary, depending on the type and length of the course. You will find each course fee listed with the description in the Courses tab above.

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Do You Ever Cancel Classes?

If we do not have sufficient enrollments to cover expenses related to the course, we will have to cancel the course. You can help by recruiting others to join you in the class. If your course is canceled, you have the option to transfer your registration to another eligible offering within the same semester or receive a full refund for your course.

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Where Do I Park?

Parking is conveniently located steps away from the buildings where classes are held. The cost of parking per class is $1. Please refer to the Parking and Transportation section of our Additional Osher Resources page for more information.

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What is the Osher Refund Policy?

Please refer to the Refund Policy section of our Additional Osher Resources page for more information.

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Hear From Our Members

The Osher Institute at SDSU provides a wide variety of courses, intellectual stimulation, knowledgeable teachers who are passionate about their topics, and the opportunity to meet new people. What's not to love?"

Need Support?

Email: osher@sdsu.edu
Phone: (619) 594-5152