Course Search
What keeps us bound to earth? The answer has changed from Aristotle to Galileo and from Newton to Einstein. Galileo took man out of the center of the universe and put himself under arrest. We were able to get up out of bed this morning, but not all people can. These people provide a natural experiment that shows how we manage to stand despite gravity. When astronauts return to Earth most have trouble standing. All have lost weight, muscle,and bone, and some have lost eyesight. Spaceflight allows astronauts to be free from gravity and allows the study of how all life has adapted to gravity. As Joni Mitchell sang, “You don’t know what you got until it’s gone.” You should leave this talk with a different view of the world around you and how your body has adapted to the strange force of gravity.
April 5 - April 5
One would have thought that a single official gospel, relating the story of Jesus, would be sufficient. However, there are actually four gospels in the New Testament. In addition, these gospels sometimes agree, sometimes disagree, and sometimes seem to have totally different agendas. We will explore the similarities and differences of these four gospels and examine the theological motivation behind the presentation of each gospel writer. This will lead to a better understanding of each gospel and of the reasons for the different perspectives.
February 29 - March 7
Have you ever wondered what is inside the MASSIVE, NEW glass and brick building at the corner of 55th Street and Aztec Way? Do you know about the unique way the Viejas Arena was constructed? Where does SDSU's NCAA March Madness Final Round basketball team practice? Dive in to improve your personal fitness and get your daily dose of natural Vitamin D at the SDSU Aquaplex. Osher students will learn what outstanding fitness, recreational, and sports activities are available to them, at a reduced rate, on the SDSU campus. Take advantage of the opportunity to use these facilities while on campus for your Osher courses.
March 28 - March 28
Ever wonder why each generation thinks they know it all? Explore and dispel myths and stereotypes about Nexters and Millenials. Learn how to connect with your Grandchildren, mentees, co-workers, volunteers, and any other young persons in your life. Students will be able to understand and effectively communicate with different generations. Students will learn new jargon and the culture of Gen Z and Millenials.
May 1 - May 1
Did you know that Old Town San Diego once contained a row of Jewish-German-owned commercial businesses along a dirt-paved alleyway known as Calle Judeo? This course will identify and explain how these “Jewish Men of Enterprise” were able to successfully ingratiate themselves into the local commercial, social, and political landscape, all the while maintaining their distinct religious and cultural traditions. Following the classroom lecture, local historian Alexander D. Bevil will lead students on a separate Saturday field trip to find Old Town’s lost Calle Judeo for a better understanding of this relatively unknown aspect of San Diego’s lost history. Transportation for the field trip will not be covered by Osher.
February 14 - February 17
From classic Hollywood musicals to contemporary dance films, together we will unravel the nuanced relationship between movement, storytelling, and the evolution of American identity. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how dance on film becomes a dynamic mirror, reflecting and refracting the cultural nuances and social dynamics of its time. From the energetic Charleston of the Roaring Twenties to the rebellious moves of the 1960s, you will gain a deeper understanding of how dance on the silver screen has mirrored and influenced the ever-evolving social fabric of America.
April 19 - May 3
Immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of classic Hollywood cinema where dance takes center stage in storytelling. From the timeless grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the infectious energy of the Nicholas Brothers we'll explore the rich artistry and history of dance in film. Each week, we'll delve into iconic dance sequences, uncovering the magic behind the choreography and the era's cultural influences. With an expert instructor with two decades of experience teaching older adults, we’ll even do a sampling of adaptable movement and boost physical fitness, coordination, and memory while reveling in the nostalgia of Hollywood's finest moments.
February 12 - February 26
This course is only available to Osher members.
Far from being “stuff that happens in a lab” or a science rooted in balancing equations and watching solutions bubble and change color, chemistry happens inside us and all around us all the time: the real world is absolutely filled with chemistry, and it’s relevant and fascinating. In this course, we’ll look at the real world chemistry of pharmaceuticals and poisons (and the fine line that divides them), the science of dietary supplements and how they’re regulated, and how alchemy gave way to modern chemistry, and then the dawn of the nuclear age changed everything.
February 20 - March 26
This course is only available to Osher members.
While the polarization of politics in recent years has put fuel on the “fake news” fire, the concept of conflicting truths is not new. Dating back to the Renaissance and philosopher Francis Bacon understanding the psychological phenomenon later to be coined as “confirmation bias” our consumption of news continues to evolve. Therefore, so must our lens of reporting transparency. Step into the world of a broadcast journalist to understand what it takes to convey facts and spot shortcomings on TV. Understand first-hand the joys and challenges of standing and reporting in front of major sporting events like an NFL playoff game or MLB spring training to capture the scene for viewers. Or, expand your writing vocabulary in politics discussing first-hand interviews with governors and Congressional senators. Feel more comfortable walking in the health news realm as we all make the post-pandemic world more informed when doctors and nurses share their insights. Understand social media in a new light as storytellers grow their own voices and those they have the responsibility to spotlight as powerful pieces attempt to not die in an echo chamber.
February 24 - March 30
This course is only available to Osher members.
"Native Ground" will introduce students to the depth of Native American history in what is now the United States, as well as its diversity. From this foundation, the course will move to consider the implications of the invasion from Europe, the founding of European colonies, and the eventual (not inevitable) establishment of the United States and its expansion across Native North America. The course will emphasize the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of relentless colonial pressure. Along the way, students can expect to learn about several related topics, including the historiography of Native America and the image of the "Indian" in the American mind.
February 19 - March 25