Course Search
April 4 - May 9
This course consists of a series of lectures and discussions focusing on important areas of national, state, and local government in which reforms have been proposed in recent years. 1. Secondary Colors: Is the Electoral College the problem, or are presidential primaries worse? 2. Politicians Electing Their Voters: Should something be done about the Gerrymandering problem? 3. Forever Incumbents: Does the United States need to adopt Congressional Term Limits? 4. Woodrow Wilson’s Ghost: Should the United States Move to a Parliamentary System? 5. America’s Other “Peculiar Institution”: the U.S. Supreme Court as our Super-Legislature 6. Stealth Government: What’s so special about the Special Districts?
March 1 - March 15
The history of steam trains in England and America (and real-life death), appeal of setting in murder mysteries (fictional)
March 26 - March 26
In this course, you will dive into the rich history of libraries and learn how they have evolved to meet the needs of modern society. Libraries are collections of books for reading, studying, and preserving knowledge. With the invention of writing, collecting and preserving information became a function of civilization. Paper-making, the development of language, and the commercialization of bookmaking led to the earliest libraries. Early libraries opened to the public for a fee or by subscription. Public education and libraries were limited until philanthropists created free libraries open to the public.
March 12 - March 19
The discovery of America by Europeans in the late 15th century had profound and far-reaching consequences for both the Europeans and the indigenous populations of the Americas. Before, Europe was already experiencing economic growth and expansion, but its trade routes and commerce depended on the Silk Road and the east territories plagued by mediators interests, warlords, political adversaries, and bandits. They needed new ways and supply chains. Then came THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE, AND EVERYTHING CHANGED FOREVER.
February 15 - February 15
“Cultural Migration.” Intellectual migration occurs when artists, writers, scholars, and intellectuals leave their home countries due to conflicts, political persecution, or other adverse circumstances and settle in a different country. These migrants often bring their ideas, artistic expressions, and intellectual contributions, enriching their host countries' cultural and academic life. In this sequence, we will witness how America's cultural landscape was improved by those who, risking life and freedom, came to our shores to express their art and wisdom.
April 4 - April 4
After the European Renaissance, Europe started to experience an enlightenment period. While various factors contributed to the emergence of the Enlightenment, including intellectual and cultural developments, the correlation between economic prosperity and relative peace in some European regions helped create a conducive environment for the spread of Enlightenment ideas. Brilliant European minds merged to mold a new human rights and intellectual development reality. These revolutionary ideas traveled deep and far and found a home in the colonies, contributing to radical change postures conducive to extreme endeavors such as the US Independence movement.
May 2 - May 2
Who was Joan of Arc? Was she a hero, a saint, a witch, a martyr, a patriot, a mentally ill person, or a visionary? Although we do not know much about her, except for the information gathered during her trial, she is part of the Western imagination as a woman who challenged traditions and stereotypes and changed the course of history during her short life. We will learn about her life and deeds and will discuss the meaning of her actions and her significance as a symbol of women’s heroism as well as the reactions to and interpretations of her and her behaviors through the centuries.
February 13 - February 13
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
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