2023 Fall
OF 0013.112 The French New Wave: A Revolution in Filmmaking

Did you know the French New Wave filmmakers used to watch American films for hours? Explore the history and influence of the French New Wave, a revolutionary movement in cinema that changed the way films were made and seen. In this 3-hour course, we will watch and discuss films by some of the movement's most important directors, including Agnès Varda. The course will also cover the social and political context of the movement, and open the discussion to how the French New Wave influenced later filmmakers. The course is 3 hours long and will include a film, discussion, and handout.

Course Date(s)
October 12 - November 16
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Instructors
Rebecca Romani
2023 Fall
OF 0013.111 The Border on Film: Starring Itself

In this course, we will explore the representation of the US-Mexico border in film. We will look at both American and Mexican films, and we will consider how these films reflect the myths, issues, and culture of the border region. We will start by examining some of the most well-known films about the border, such as Hecho en Mexico and Like Water for Chocolate, and explore some lesser-known films, such as A Day Without a Mexican and Conjunto Blues. Throughout the course, we will discuss the historical and cultural context of the border region. We will consider events such as Proposition 187 and the Lemon Grove incident, and how these events have shaped the way the border is represented in film. We will also discuss the messages that are being delivered in these films. Do we recognize the border region we see on the screen? How does the mediated image shape the reality we live in? This course is for anyone interested in film, the border region, or the intersection of these two topics. We will discuss a variety of films from different perspectives, and also have the opportunity to share our own experiences and insights.

Course Date(s)
September 25 - October 30
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Instructors
Rebecca Romani
2023 Fall
OF 0013.110 The Beatles: A History in Three Lectures
1. The Birth of the Beatles 1956-1960 2. The Beatles 1964 North American Tour 3. The Beatles 1966 North American Tour

In this course, we will explore the history of the Beatles in three lectures. In the first lecture, we will look at the early days of the band, from their formation in Liverpool in 1956 to their first major break in 1963. In the second lecture, we will focus on the 1964 North American tour, which introduced the Beatles to American audiences and made them international stars. In the third lecture, we will look at the 1966 North American tour, which was the band's last major tour before they retired from live performance. This course is for anyone who is interested in the Beatles, their music, or their cultural impact.

Course Date(s)
October 11 - December 6
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2023 Fall
OF 0013.109 Studio Art: A Distinctive Studio Art Experience, Drawing

This unique and enjoyable course offering is designed to build self-assurance with freehand drawing skills in a variety of mediums. This course will help you build your freehand drawing skills, regardless of your experience level. With individual attention and guidance from the instructor, you will learn the fundamental skills of line, value, perspective, and composition. You will also have the opportunity to practice your skills with other enthusiastic participants!

Course Date(s)
October 23 - November 27
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Instructors
Damon Hitchcock
2023 Fall
OF 0013.108 Art History: Celebrating the Significance of the Visual Art Experience

Explore the transformative power of art! We’ll uncover inspiring masterpieces and the social and cultural contexts that birthed great art movements. This course will also cover the evolving roles of women in art and discover the profound contributions of artists throughout history. By the end of this course, you will have enhanced your visual vocabulary and be able to articulate the principles of design. We will also explore the rich architectural environment and art scene of San Diego.

Course Date(s)
October 20 - December 8
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Instructors
Damon Hitchcock
2023 Fall
OF 0013.107 A History of the U.S. Flag

The United States has had a variety of flags that came from the founding colonies through the establishment of the flag we know today. In this course, we will explore the history of the American flag, from its humble beginnings as a patchwork of colonial flags to the iconic stars and stripes we know today. We will examine the different flags that were used during the American Revolution such as the Grand Union Flag, Gadsden Flag, and the Appeal to Heaven flag. We'll learn about the myths and misconceptions surrounding the flag's creation, as well as its symbolism and role in American culture.

Course Date(s)
October 4 - October 4
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2023 Fall
OF 0013.106 Cuban Women's Movements in the Early 20th Century

Discover the captivating and often overlooked history of the vibrant Women's Movement in Cuba during the early 20th century.

Did you know that Cuban women enjoyed rights comparable to those the ERA could have granted American women? However, Cuban feminism extended well beyond suffrage, encompassing a wide array of societal changes.

Join us in this enlightening course as we delve into the compelling journey of the Women's Congresses held between 1923 and 1939. We’ll explore the remarkable efforts of politically and racially diverse women who courageously fought for reforms in family law, equal rights, education, social welfare, and labor legislation. We’ll also discuss the inspiring stories of these pioneering women and the invaluable contributions of their male allies in effecting legal changes and elevating the status of women.
Course Date(s)
October 25 - November 1
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2023 Fall
OF 0013.105 Osher Book Club: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Join us for a discussion of John le Carré's classic spy novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. This gripping tale of betrayal and revenge takes place in the world of Cold War espionage, and it features a cast of complicated characters that will keep you wondering who are the good guys and who are the bad guys from one page to the next. This course is for anyone who is interested in spy novels, the Cold War, or John le Carré. It is also a valuable course for anyone who wants to understand the complex world of international espionage.

Sign up today and join us for a discussion of this classic novel.

Course Date(s)
October 26 - October 26
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2023 Fall
OF 0013.104 The US Civil War: A Study in American History

The US Civil War was one of the most significant events in American history. It lasted from 1861 to 1865 and resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 people. The war was fought over the issue of slavery, and it ultimately led to the end of slavery in the United States. In this course, we will explore the causes of the Civil War, how it started, the major events that took place during the war, and the consequences of the war both then and now. We will also discuss the legacy of the Civil War and how it continues to shape American society today. This course is for anyone who is interested in American history, the Civil War, or the issue of slavery. It is also a valuable course for anyone who wants to understand the roots of some of the major conflicts that have plagued the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Course Date(s)
September 28 - October 5
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Instructors
Dan Pittman
2023 Fall
OF 0013.103 Osher Book Club: The Grapes of Wrath (Melanie Dunn)

Join your peers in the Osher Book Club to reread John Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath. This 1939 American classic explores the themes of poverty, classism, and the American dream, which are still relevant today. In this course, we will discuss the novel's plot, characters, themes, and historical context. We will also explore how the novel's message is relevant to our own lives and to the world today. This course is for anyone interested in The Grapes of Wrath, poverty, classism, and the American dream. Sign up today to join us for a discussion of this classic novel, which was the unanimous selection by the Spring 2023 Book Club members.

Course Date(s)
November 15 - November 15

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