The course considers the influences, aims, context, and legacy of one of the most iconic modern art movements. While the course focuses on Germanic painting, other examples of expressionist "expression" (e.g., literature and film) and centers of production (e.g., France, Scandinavia, and Russia) will also be examined.

Appetizers were originally introduced by the Athenians in the early third century B.C. These finger foods, sometimes called hors d'oeuvres, antipasti, tapas, or starters, range from very simple to very complex. Put down the fork and knife and discover the history of the small, but delicious, world of finger foods.

We'll focus on the career and achievements of 18th-century statesmen Benjamin Franklin and John Jay Next, we'll examine the careers of two 19th-century giants, Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Finally, we move to the early 20th century and explore two American statesmen who occupied opposite sides of the political spectrum, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.

From the works of Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran to Charlie Russell and Frederic Remington, to the 19th-century illustrators like Theodore Davis, to the more modern artists like Phil Epp, Charlie Norton, Thom Ross, Wilson Hurley, and Harvey Pratt, we'll explore how the West has been portrayed and interpreted through art. Some of the artists will join our discussion.

What caused massive numbers of Irish, Germans and Italians to come to our shores in the 19th and early 20th centuries? What was the reaction of the native-born to these strangers? To what extent did the newcomers try to stick together, blend in, advance or return to their old country? What contributions did these immigrants, and their offspring make to this country?

The American dream and hope of "leading a better, happier, richer life than your parents regardless of the circumstances of your birth" has energized Americans throughout our history. Today many Americans are challenged to pay their bills, find decent housing, and obtain health insurance. Today's high level of income inequality has led people to believe the American Dream is dead for many. The class will review what happened and how we might fix it.

We'll explore the early 20th century world of adoption in Kansas City and share adoptees' and birth mothers' heartwarming and sometimes heart wrenching stories. Ranging from 1908 until 1969, these voices express the common need to know "Who am I" longing for medical history, fear of hurting adoptive parents, and guilt for being forced to give up a baby. One voice is of a Willows baby who grew up to be the governor of Kansas.

Osher members are invited to attend a special event at Brandon Woods. From peanut farmer to Naval Officer, Governor of GA, and the Presidency, Jimmy had beside him his loving wife Rosalynn, who truly was Jimmy's chief advisor and partner. His four years in office were filled with many controversial decisions and high points (peace between Israel and Egypt) and low points (Iran Hostages). Their post presidency saw them continue to do good work around the world well into their nineties. President Clinton said of the Carters, "No one has done more good things for more people than any other couple on the face of the earth.'' This event is free to Osher members as a gift from our partner, Brandon Woods at Alvamar. Refreshments will be provided by Brandon Woods at Alvamar. Seating is limited.

Thursday, July 18

You can register for either a 10am or 2pm event.

Brandon Woods at Alvamar- 1501 Inverness Dr., Lawrence KS 66047

No admission fee, but reservations are required by completing the Osher registration form.

We'll look at books that explored: politics, drugs, expanding consciousness, feminism, the sexual revolution, and the Vietnam War and discuss how accurately they reflect that time 60 years later. Books discussed include: "The Making of the President 1960," "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test," "The Greening of America, Dispatches, Slouching Toward Bethlehem," "Helter Skelter, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."