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In "Understanding Antisemitism" we will look at some of the explanations for antisemitism that have been offered throughout the ages to discover where the problem ultimately lies. And where Israel fits into the picture. .
Outcomes:Learn productive strategies for reducing antisemitism and the role of faith in these areas..
Format: 65% Lecture 35% Discussion
Historically there have been six major inflationary periods, each with a specific cause. Inflation happens if an economy grows too fast, if there is mismanagement of national debt, changes in a monetary exchange rate, printing more money by a central bank and over or under government regulation. Other causes are global war, pandemics, civil wars and increased demand for natural resources. Are there positive benefits of inflation? Can inflation be curbed? Who wins/loses from inflation? Is inflation political? This class will address all these questions in a group discussion..
Outcomes: Learn what inflation is Identify the cause and effects Answer questions in a group discussion
Format:lecture 30% discussion and Q & A 70%
April 11 - April 11
This course will explore current events with a focus on constitutional law at the Supreme Court and in other corridors of power. Largely driven by what’s “hot” in the news when the course is taught (and responsive to issues that class members wish to focus on), this course will dig beneath the surface perspectives presented by the media and pundits. We’ll focus on legal doctrines and tradeoffs behind these controversies. For example, assuming that the Court continues to take cases about vaccine and mask mandates, the course would focus in-depth on the legal issues about personal liberty and religious freedom that underlie these controversies.
Why do hate-mongering protesters have a constitutional right to disrupt military funerals? Why is “big money” allowed to dominate political campaign advocacy? (Why) Is the Mt. Soledad cross constitutional? In this multi-session course, you will explore these and many other controversies, fully realizing why the U.S. Constitution’s “First” Amendment is also first in importance and controversy. Special emphasis will be placed on First Amendment controversies now pending before the Supreme Court.
Outcome: --Understanding at a deeper level the major legal doctrines and policy tradeoffs involved in constitutional law --Being a better “consumer” of media and political arguments about what the Constitution does and doesn’t say --Enhancing your appreciation of the difficult balancing act embodied in the Constitution and the challenge facing the courts and others in preserving that balance.
Format:60% Lecture; 30% Q&A; 10% Paired Discussion of Hypotheticals
(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%