Course Search
(Back by popular demand, this Edventure sold out in record Osher time last semester!) Have you ever wondered about the "real" stories surrounding the Hotel Del Coronado? Together, we will explore the 1889 Ice House Museum and discover the behind-the-scenes history of The Del, along with its world-famous dining, recreation, and legendary guests. In addition, this history walk tour begins in the Museum, which features artifacts, memorabilia, and more. You will learn about the Del's rich heritage through an in-depth, docent-led walking tour of the Victorian building and gardens. This will be a 90-minute tour with little opportunity for seating.
Outcomes:Learn about the iconic Hotel Del– the facts, the myths, and everything else in between.
Format: 100% activity driven
May 2 - May 2
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 Book One San Diego program, sponsored by KPBS and San Diego area public libraries. Southern Californian Brit Bennett authored the novel, which relates the story of identical twin sisters, who as teens run away from home and wind up living in two very different worlds, one “passing” into white society and the other continuing to live as a black woman. Be part of the buzz by reading (or listening to) the novel, and then attending This highly participatory discussion to critique it. The book can be borrowed from the public library or purchased from a variety of booksellers, and the discussion will be facilitated by your Osher peers, Jonnie Wilson and Melanie Dunn.
Outcomes: To gain an understanding of the complexities of identity and colorism; engage in thoughtful dialogue about a shared piece of literature
Format:40% introductory comments and video; 60% guided discussion/critiquing session
April 20 - April 20
What does it mean to live in two languages? What is the connection between language and culture? What is the protective value of multilingualism for the brain? Are emotions and feelings experienced differently in different languages? What happens when parents and children are fluent in different languages? We will discuss these and other issues relevant to speaking more than one language. In a world where most people speak several languages, and many individuals use English as a second language, this course will be interesting to everyone, including speakers of only one language. Those who speak more than one language will find information that can shed new light on their personal experience.
Outcomes: Learn about the psychological impact of speaking more than one language.
Format: Lecture 70%; Q and A 25%; Sharing personal experiences 5%
Did you know there are more than 400 parks in the National Park System? Have you ever wondered how a place becomes a park, what it takes to manage a park, or why there are so many different types of parks? We’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at the national parks and reveal the laws, regulations, policies, and practices of managing these special places of American nature and history. Explore both famous and lesser-known parks and prepare yourself for your next park visit with a better understanding of fees, costs, lodging and camping opportunities, reservation systems, and the best times to visit. Become a national park “insider” by learning more about these memorable places.
Outcomes:Participants will be able to plan a safe and enjoyable visit to a national park. • Participants will be able to describe how national parks are created and managed. • Participants will discuss the competing directives of preserving park resources while also providing for visitor use. • Participants will be able to describe the history of the National Park Service.
Format:60% Lecture 25% Question and Answer 15% Quiz Activities
This is not another “Cozy Mystery” book discussion! Instead, Osher member Judy Sundquist will facilitate a lively and engaging conversation around the plot, theme, setting, characters, and meaning of a hard-core thriller, “The Whistler”, by John Grisham. The book can be borrowed from the public library or purchased from various booksellers.
Outcomes:
Format:Lecture - 10% Question % Answer - 20% Student Discussion - 70%
This is not another “Cozy Mystery” book discussion! Instead, Osher member Judy Sundquist will facilitate a lively and engaging conversation around the plot, theme, setting, characters, and meaning of a hard-core thriller, “The Whistler”, by John Grisham. The book can be borrowed from the public library or purchased from various booksellers.
Outcomes:
Format:Lecture - 10% Question % Answer - 20% Student Discussion - 70%
Are you interested in traveling overseas again, or for the very first time? Have you been searching for a reputable, safe travel company offering fun, educational trips at a great price? Join us to meet with like-minded people, explore travel options, share ideas, ask questions, learn how to travel solo yet not alone, or make new friends with whom you would enjoy traveling. As a facilitator of what may become the SDSU OSHER TRAVEL CLUB, I will help you find the overseas adventure of your dreams! Osher institutes across the U.S. have organized travel groups with Grand Circle Travel, Overseas Adventure Travel, and Grand Circle Cruise Line. Bring a friend to this free, informational meeting, and let's get started!
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? In an earlier class, we discussed misconceptions about the American colonies, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. With this class, we will look at myths that surround the American west, the Alamo, and the Twentieth Century. This class will look at some of the more common myths, how they started, and why they continue to be told. The class will use examples from popular culture as well as comments from class participants. Participants will have a fun time learning truth from fiction.
Outcomes: -Participants will be able to identify some of the more common myths of U.S. history and their origins. - Participants will be able to apply critical thinking to learning American history - Participants will leave with tools they can use to help identify truth from fiction in stories of U.S. history.
Format:70% lecture, 20% question and answer, 10% activity.
May 11 - May 11
The Beatles' 1966 tour was their last ever. What started out as an ambitious world tour almost ended in disaster. The luster of the "Fab Four" was beginning to fade coupled with a controversial comment made by John Lennon about Christianity. The group would give their final live performance at San Francisco's Candlestick Park and then retire to the studio for the rest of their careers. Learn about the debacles in Japan, the Philippines, and the Bible belt in the U.S. The Beatles' long and winding road of performing was in fact a blessing in disguise as the group studio days produced Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club, the White Album, and Abbey Road.
Outcomes: Learn about a very important aspect of pop culture in respect to the burgeoning multi-billion dollar concert industry Learn about the press/media and their relationship with icons. Learn about fandom and the constant shifting of who’s popular right now..
Format:Lecture 80%, Q&A 20%
May 4 - May 4
Did you know there are six African-Americans who are presently candidates for sainthood in the Catholic Church? Learn about the lives and spirituality of the four African-American women and two men who are presently being considered for canonization as saints by the Catholic Church. A summary of each of their life stories, their works, and highlights of their spirituality will be presented. This course will enhance our knowledge of African American Catholics throughout different historical periods and circumstances. Little-known facts about the history of Black Catholics in the U.S. will help us understand better the histories of these six individuals and of Black Catholics in general.
Outcomes:Enhance our knowledge of African American Catholics throughout different historical periods and circumstances, including little-known facts about the history of Black Catholics in the U.S. Learn about the lives and stories of the four African-American women and two men who are presently being considered for canonization as saints by the Catholic Church.
Format:70% Lecture; 25% Question and Answer; 5% Listening to music and singing by Thea Bowman (one of the candidates for sainthood)
April 27 - May 4