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Osher Courses

Courses & Events

Osher Membership Fee

A required individual Osher membership fee of just $25 will be collected during the fall semester each year to grant participation in the Osher offerings for the next 12 months. Your paid membership allows you to attend Osher courses and special events. Membership in Osher helps to keep the cost of classes affordable for all. We're excited to nurture your ongoing quest to learn as you engage with and contribute greatly to the world around you.

July 6, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Donation to the Osher Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at KU was established in 2004 by a grant for the Bernard Osher Foundation as an outreach program of the University of Kansas. Its mission is to offer noncredit enrichment courses and events to folks over 50 years of age, although we welcome learners of all ages. We rely on financial support from our members and the community to create a sustainable program. If you would like to support the Osher Institute, please click the link below. If you have questions, please contact Osher at osher@ku.edu. Thank you.

December 8, 2025 to July 31, 2026

German Settlements & Culture in Kansas

German is the most prevalent language after English and Spanish spoken at home in 77 counties in Kansas. Since 1854, thousands of German-speaking immigrants have sought better lives here, including Pennsylvania Dutch, Volga Germans, Mennonites, Austrians and Swiss. German churches dot the prairie, and some rural Kansans still speak a dialect of German. Instructor Bio: William Keel, Ph.D., is a professor emeritus of German at the University of Kansas, having taught the history and culture of German settlements in Kansas and Missouri.

August 19, 2026 to September 2, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

Madeleine Albright: Her Personal and Professional Lives

Madeleine Albright blazed a path as a career diplomat. Over three weeks, we'll delve into Albright's personal life, from her 1937 birth in Prague, Czechoslovakia, to living in Great Britain during World War II and relocating to the United States afterward. We'll track her diplomatic rise, culminating in serving as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and U.S. Secretary of State. Lastly, we'll scrutinize Albright's unique diplomatic tactic of using jewelry to convey messages - either subtly or explicitly. We'll look at one of the 200 brooches she wore to important meetings. Instructor Bio: Anita Tebbe is a retired professor in the legal studies department at Johnson County Community College. She earned an undergraduate degree in history, a graduate degree in education and a law degree. Anita is a Kansas-licensed attorney and has more than 40 years of teaching experience at the high school and college levels.

November 6-20, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

The Samurai: From Legendary Warrior to Cultural Icon

Get ready to trace the history of the samurai class in Japan, its distinctive weapons, armor, code of behavior and its part in Japanese history. We'll also look at the samurai in Japanese pop culture, from books to movies (including "The Seven Samurai" and other films), to manga and anime. We'll expand our discussion to non-Japanese books and films about samurai ("Shogun," "The Last Samurai"), re-makes of Japanese samurai films ("The Magnificent Seven," "A Fistful of Dollars") or modern-day people who live by the samurai code ("Ghost Dog," "Le Samourai"), video games with samurai and how to tell the difference between a samurai and a ninja. Instructor Bio: Karl Menninger is a retired government lawyer who has found an avocation teaching courses on disability law, citizenship, comedy and James Bond, among other topics.

October 13-27, 2026, Brewster Place Cultural Arts Center

The JFK Assassination: 63 Years Later

Let's jump into the political and social climate of the early 1960s and the circumstances involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963. Over three weeks we'll consider the major theories as to who was likely behind the assassination. You'll see numerous photographs which were not available to the public in 1963 during the course, too. We'll conclude with an in-depth examination of an eyewitness - who was ignored by the federal government - who observed a man shoot at the president from behind a picket fence. Instructor Bio: Brian Edwards has researched the Kennedy assassination for five decades. He has interviewed hundreds of individuals connected with the case and has given numerous presentations on the assassination throughout the United States. Brian co-authored three books on the assassination: "Beyond the Fence Line: The Eyewitness Account of Ed Hoffman and the Murder of President John Kennedy" (2008), "Blueprint for Murder" (2020) and "Admitted Assassin" (2024). In 2019, he collaborated with and appeared in Oliver Stone's four-hour documentary on the assassination, "JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass."

October 13-27, 2026, Santa Marta Retirement Community

The Life and Wars of Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was the son of fabled Revolutionary War general "Light Horse" Harry Lee. In this course, we'll examine how this general's son became one of the most respected officers in the U.S. Army, only to forge a record in the Confederacy that made him one of the most respected commanders in history. We'll look at the great maneuvers that carried him to triumph at Chancellorsville in 1863, and then to complete defeat in 1865. We will consider the factors that shaped Lee's generalship both in victory and defeat, then look at how Lee dealt with the aftermath of defeat in his postwar endeavors. Please note this class will be presented in hybrid format but will not be recorded at the request of the instructor.

Instructor Bio: Ethan S. Rafuse has many published works include Robert E. Lee and the Fall of the Confederacy, 1863-1865. He received his doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and teaches military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

July 13-27, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

The World Comes to Kansas: U.S. Immigration and Refugee Stories

The course presents a history of immigration in the U.S. with emphasis on efforts in the Lawrence community to support immigrants and refugees in the resettlement process. We'll share case studies of immigrant stories, discuss how changes to current immigration laws impact the resettlement efforts in Lawrence today and get a chance to meet new refugee immigrants to the U.S. to hear their personal journey stories. Instructor Bio: Chuck Olcese is co-founder and president of Assistance for Immigrants and Refugees, a nonprofit organization in Lawrence, Kansas, dedicated to the resettlement of refugees and other immigrants in the area. He has trained in intercultural communication and presented workshops on these skills at numerous institutions. Before his retirement from the University of Kansas, Chuck founded Lawrence Interfaith Refugee and Immigrant Ministry (LIRIM), a communication network to facilitate assistance, advocacy and awareness of immigrants and immigrant issues in the area.

October 19, 2026 to November 2, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall

Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Prime Minister Winston Churchill is well-regarded across the world for his long-reigning influence in British Parliament, but did you know he had ties to Missouri and the Kansas City area? Delve into the professional and personal life of Churchill and discover this famous Brit's unique impact in the Midwest. Instructor Bio: Anita Tebbe is a retired professor in the legal studies department at Johnson County Community College. She earned an undergraduate degree in history, a graduate degree in education and a law degree. Anita is a Kansas-licensed attorney and has more than 40 years of teaching experience at the high school and college levels.

August 18, 2026 to September 1, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

"Hamilton" and the Last Two Decades on Broadway

"Hamilton" (2015) by Lin-Manuel Miranda is remarkable for its score, statement about race, appeal to people from both sides of the political spectrum, and its ability to tell us about history and how we perceive it. We'll explore "Hamilton" and discuss other recent Broadway shows, including "Wicked," "Come from Away" and "Dear Evan Hansen." Instructor Bio: Paul Laird is professor emeritus of musicology who taught at the University of Kansas for 30 years. He is has published widely on the American musical theater and taught dozens of Osher courses over the last three decades.

December 1-15, 2026, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person

"The Twilight Zone," "Bewitched" & "All in the Family"

Twitch your nose to join this course, which explores how classic television used entertainment to engage social issues. Focusing on "The Twilight Zone," "Bewitched" and "All in the Family," we'll examine how allegory, fantasy and realism each offered ways to address gender roles, politics, race and cultural change in the mid-century. Through guided discussion and close viewing, we'll consider how these shows helped audiences make sense of their world and why their social commentary still resonates today. Instructor Bio: Taylor Cole Miller is an associate professor of media studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and co-editor of the academic collection, "The Golden Girls: Tales from the Lanai." He also makes TikToks about TV history under the handle @tvdoc.

November 2-16, 2026, Online

50 Vice Presidents of the USA

This class brings our vice presidents out of their presidents' shadows. We'll get to know each VP with a short biography, other facts and trivia, and how they were elected or selected. Instructor Russ Hutchins will also cover vice presidential achievements and how the office developed over the years. Instructor Bio: Russ Hutchins teaches U.S. history, Western civilization, economics, business, philosophy and business management at Friends University. He is a retired public-school administrator and educator.

September 10-24, 2026, Online

A Golden Age: China in the Tang

No dynasty in Chinese history has been as highly regarded as the Tang (618-906). After four centuries of dynasticupheaval and cultural transformation - not least the Buddhist "conquest" - the age of the Tang emperors (and oneempress!) marked a high point in society, culture and the arts, including poetry, sculpture, painting and architecture.Rich tombs, Buddhist relic deposits and cave-chapels, ceramics, calligraphy and painting all enriched the culture ofthis "golden age." Modern archaeology, in turn, has made these treasures accessible. Instructor Bio: Robert Thorp taught at Princeton and Washington University in St. Louis for 25 years followed by a second careeras a tour lecturer in China and Japan. His publications include "Chinese Art and Culture" (2001), "China in the EarlyBronze Age" (2006) and "Visiting Historic Beijing" (2008). He has visited China more than 50 times.

August 18, 2026 to September 1, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein & American Music

Aaron Copland (1900-1990) helped establish a recognizably American style of concert music, heard in symphonies, ballets, chamber music, film scores and other genres. One of his closest friends was internationally important conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Bernstein wrote in a recognizably American style based on an eclectic mixture of influences including Stravinsky, Copland, and blues and jazz. Bernstein wrote concert music, ballets and also Broadway musicals. We'll explore these two important figures in American music, their friendship and their careers. Instructor Bio: Paul Laird is a professor emeritus of musicology who taught at the University of Kansas for 30 years. He has published widely on American musical theater and taught dozens of Osher courses over the last three decades.

August 17-31, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

An Insider's NEW Guide to the Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve is in the news daily, as the media speculate on the Fed's next policy moves. But there is more to the Fed than its current policy actions. We'll study the Fed's many functions in the financial system, as well as its role in macroeconomic policy. As the nation's Central Bank, the Federal Reserve plays an important role in the U.S. economy and financial markets. Instructor Bio: Gordon Sellon is an economist who spent 30 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, retiring as senior vice president and director of research. At the Fed, his research focused on monetary policy, banking regulation and payments systems. He also taught economics at KU and other universities. Gordon has degrees in economics from Harvard College and the University of Michigan.

November 5-19, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Astro- & Geophysics in Antarctica I

This is the first of a series of presentations that discuss the scientific opportunities offered at the coldest, driestlocation on the planet, starting with some history of the continent and a description of its physical characteristics.This will be followed by consideration of what has been learned about the universe and its evolution based oncurrent and future experiments. Instructor Bio: Dave Besson, Ph.D., University of Kansas professor of physics and astronomy, is a failed rock-and-roller who migrated from Ithaca, New York, to Lawrence over 20 years ago and is currently ensconced on Mount Oread.

October 20, 2026 to November 3, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Beyond the Trenches: World War I Fronts in Italy, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Africa

You may be familiar with the World War I battles on the Western Front, where France and Great Britain (and later the U.S.) fought Germany in the trenches. But there was a reason it was called a World War. We will explore battles that were fought on other fronts, involving Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary and African colonies. We'll also discuss the Polar Bear Expedition: What were U.S. troops doing in Siberia? Instructor Bio: Karl Menninger is a retired government lawyer who has found an avocation teaching courses on disability law, citizenship, comedy and James Bond, among other topics.

November 10, 2026 to December 1, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Broadway Musicals of the 1950s

The 1950s were a very special decade in the history of the musical with such figures as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Frank Loesser, Leonard Bernstein, and Jule Styne writing such shows as "The King and I," "The Sound of Music," "My Fair Lady," "Guys and Dolls," "West Side Story" and "Gypsy" for the Broadway stage. This will be survey of the decade's most popular shows, the people who wrote them and the stars who played in them. Instructor bio: Paul Laird is a professor emeritus of musicology who taught at KU for 30 years. He has published widely on the American musical theater and taught dozens of Osher courses over the last three decades.

September 15-29, 2026, Brewster Place Cultural Arts Center
October 1-15, 2026, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person

Cryptocurrency: Beyond the Hype

In just a few years, cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, have emerged from near obscurity to a prominent place in the financial landscape. Major financial firms are now actively engaged in the development and promotion of crypto products. Governments around the world are struggling with development of a regulatory framework to ensure that crypto does not undermine the safety and stability of the financial system. This course will provide a nontechnical introduction to crypto, focusing on what crypto is, how it works and its broader implications for the financial system. Instructor Bio: Gordon Sellon is an economist who spent 30 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, retiring as senior vice president and director of research. At the Fed, his research focused on monetary policy, banking regulation and payments systems. He also taught economics at KU and other universities. Gordon has degrees in economics from Harvard College and the University of Michigan.

October 14-28, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Difficult Stories of Women in the Bible

It's sometimes difficult for modern people to read texts from ancient patriarchal societies and see how women were treated. In this interactive online discussion class, we'll delve into some challenging stories found in the Bible. Women studied will include Hagar, Sarah, Dinah, Esther, and Lot's wife and daughters. Each week we'll also look at one or two paintings of these fascinating women. Instructor Bio: Sarah Rosenson holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in Jewish studies from the Spertus Institute. She practiced law, then taught classes on ethics, philosophy and world religions at a private high school. She currently teaches adults both in person and on various online platforms, including several Osher classes.

December 3-17, 2026, Online

Disability Issues: The ADA, Criminal Justice and End-of-Life Ethics

This class, taught by a disability law professor, will explore three different aspects of disability law and ethics. Topics include a review of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how the legislation has both evolved to meet the needs of people with disabilities as well as additional legislative changes that are needed to ensure equitable access. Students will also learn about how disabilities, including the insanity defense, play into legal defense, conviction and sentencing. The final class will explore how disability rights impact end-of-life decision making. Instructor Bio: Karl Menninger is a retired government lawyer who has found an avocation teaching courses on disability law, citizenship, comedy and James Bond, among other topics.

September 3-17, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Ethics in Modern Life: Dilemmas in Law & Journalism

In this interactive online discussion class, we'll explore ethical issues that journalists and lawyers face. For instance, what are the ethical issues that come up when journalists report on mass shootings? Should journalists ever publish stories based only on anonymous sources? And what should a lawyer do if their client wants to testify falsely at their trial? Come join the conversation! Instructor Bio: Sarah Rosenson holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in Jewish studies from the Spertus Institute. She practiced law, and then taught classes on ethics, philosophy and world religions at a private high school. She currently teaches adults both in person and on various online platforms, including several Osher classes.

November 5-19, 2026, Online

Faces of the Third Reich: Soldiers, Women and the Dictator Himself

Explore the human dimension of Nazi Germany through the stories of those who lived, shaped and were shaped by this totalitarian system. Historian Anette Isaacs illuminates the complexities of ideology, power and personal choices through exploration of the following topics: Hitler's soldiers in America, the hidden history of German POWs; the anatomy of a dictator, the private life, illnesses and early years of Adolf Hitler; and the women of the Third Reich.Instructor Bio: German born and raised, Anette Isaacs is a historian and public educator who has presented hundreds of programs on more than 40 topics (all pertaining to her native country's history, politics and culture) all over the United States. She holds master's degrees in American studies, political science and history, and recently served as the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida International University in Miami.

November 10-24, 2026, Online

Famous Hollywood Couples

This single-session class will feature famous Hollywood couples including George Burns and Gracie Allen; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz; and Jack Benny and Mary Livingston. All of these couples created personas that were adored by millions through radio and television but also had personal lives together. The instructor will share stories about each of the couples, including how their legacies continue to influence popular culture today. Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz, a University of Missouri graduate, was an adjunct professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she taught English and literature. Marlene has a 28-year teaching career and has been involved in storytelling for 20 years. Women in history is her specialty. Marlene has performed in a five-state area and has lectured for various groups, often in costume and speech of the character she is portraying.

Monday, August 24, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Geography of the British Northern Isles: Orkney, Shetland & Outer Hebrides

Have you ever wanted to play the game of Ba', walk the Ring of Broghdar, sit in a Black House, smell a peat fire, speak Orcadian or sail Scapa Flow? If the answer is yes, come aboard the ferry departing from the Scottish mainland on Nov. 3 for Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. We will explore the physical, economic and cultural geography of these fantastic islands. After an introduction to the geography of Highland Scotland, we will discuss topics such as archaeology (why Orkney is the "Egypt of the North"), land tenure (clans, crofts and clearances), ecology (the machair) and economies (sheep and oil) of each of the three island groups. Instructor Bio: Tom Schmiedeler, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of geography at Washburn University.

November 3-17, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Hidden Influences: Lost Literary Gems of the 20th Century

This class will survey three works of fiction from the 20th century that are pivotal and enduring in the literary lexicon and the culture at large, but that are largely unread by modern audiences. We'll discuss these books in the context of their time, and consider their relevance to our current era. Books for discussion: "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, "Babbitt" by Sinclair Lewis and "Peyton Place" by Grace Metalious. Instructor Bio: Richard Klin is the author of the novel "Petroleum Transfer Engineer" (Underground Voices). His writing has appeared in The Millions, the Atlantic, Cultural Daily, the Brooklyn Rail and many others.

October 14-28, 2026, Online

History of Modern Latin America

Discover the dramatic forces that shaped contemporary Latin America. This three-session course explores the region's journey from colonial aftermaths to global powerhouse status. We will analyze the political struggles, cultural triumphs and social movements that define the modern landscape. This class is perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our global neighbors. Instructor Bio: Aaron Margolis received his doctorate in history from the University of Texas at El Paso where he concentrated on Latin American and borderlands history. He is currently an associate professor of history at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

September 16-30, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Intro to Landscape Painting & Creating Illusionistic Space

This online art course will introduce students to basic concepts of depicting landscape space and creating depth on a two-dimensional surface. We will focus on the important aspects of creating illusionistic space necessary for painting and drawing landscape imagery. We will cover and practice techniques such as value, perspective, layering of forms and scale. Approaches and styles of well-known landscape artists will be viewed and discussed to exemplify the basic principles being introduced. The instructor will teach via Zoom and students will have the choice to participate in-classroom or online. A list of basic supplies will be sent upon registration. Instructor Bio: Lily Prince holds a B.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design, M.F.A. from Bard College and attended Skowhegan's residency. Prince has exhibited widely nationally and internationally and was awarded commissions including the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and numerous hotels. Prince was awarded the prestigious Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in painting in 2020.

October 15-29, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Jon Batiste: A "Genuine National Treasure"

We're celebrating the talents of Jon Batiste, a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, bandleader, dancer, actor and television personality. Influenced by his New Orleans roots, Batiste creates genre-defying music by combining styles of classical, jazz, funk, R & B, gospel and soul. Experience the positive inclusivity and boundless joy of this electric-energy performer, whom Andrew Bruss (Boston Symphony Orchestra) recently described as "a genuine national treasure. Instructor Bio: Baroque recorder player Jean Hein is a retired clarinetist and arts administrator who teaches Osher classes and recorder classes for lifelong learners. Hein served on the board of directors for Early Music America and as director of Columbia Baroque. She holds music degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University.

November 7-14, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Malala Yousafzai: Courage and Compassion

This one-session class will explore the life and legacy of Malala Yousafzai, the little girl who became an activist for girls' education in Pakistan and was shot by the Taliban for her views. She is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and remains one of the most influential women of her generation. Her voice continues to educate and inspire people all over the world. Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz, a University of Missouri graduate, was an adjunct professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she taught English and literature. Marlene has a 28-year teaching career and has been involved in storytelling for 20 years. Women in history is her specialty. Marlene has performed in a five-state area and has lectured for various groups, often in costume and speech of the character she is portraying.

Monday, October 12, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Nelly Don: Entrepreneur, Trailblazer & Icon

Nelly Don, the Kansas City dress company founded by Nell Quinlan Donnelly Reed, was the largest women's dress manufacturer's label in America for over 60 years. Learn more about the woman behind the label, including her capture and ransom by gangsters, her connection to Tom Pendergast and how Nell steered her company successfully through both the Great Depression and World War II. Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz, a University of Missouri graduate, was an adjunct professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she taught English and literature. Marlene has a 28-year teaching career and has been involved in storytelling for 20 years. Women in history is her specialty. Marlene has performed in a five-state area and has lectured for various groups, often in costume and speech of the character she is portraying.

Thursday, September 17, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

New Carols for Christmas

Carols for Christmas was a well-enjoyed Osher class. Join us for our exploration of a new selection of carols. We'll begin with songs from the collection of "Carols for Christmas" by Sir David Willcocks, including gorgeous, digitized photos from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Additionally, the class will include carols from around the world and popular Christmas songs. Join us for the musical wonders and delights of the Christmas season! Instructor Bio: Baroque recorder player Jean Hein is a retired clarinetist and arts administrator who teaches Osher classes and recorder classes for lifelong learners. Hein served on the board of directors for Early Music America and as director of Columbia Baroque. She holds music degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University.

Wednesday, December 2, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

Nordic Noir Book Discussion: Crime, Culture and the Scandinavian Imagination

Nordic noir - crime fiction from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland - has become a globally influentialliterary phenomenon in the past 50 years. Most readers encounter it without any sense of the rich cultural andhistorical tradition behind it: the Marxist origins of the genre, the Viking literary heritage, the peculiar social codes ofScandinavian egalitarianism, and the welfare state and its discontents. In four sessions we cover six interlocking themes through four landmark novels and 45 minutes of open, book-club-style conversation each week. Instructor Bio: Vic Peterson is the author of "The Berserkers" (Hawkwood 2022/Recital 2023), set in a fictional Nordic country. He worked as a business executive and now divides his time between Lawrence, Kansas, and Northport, Michigan.

October 19, 2026 to November 9, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

Significant United States First Ladies of the Modern Era

We will look at eight U.S. first ladies who lived in the 20th and 21st centuries. They are not as well-known as some of the other first ladies, but they made impressive contributions to the United States. We will study Lou Hoover, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush and Laura Bush. Instructor Bio: Anita Tebbe is a retired professor in the legal studies department at Johnson County Community College. She earned an undergraduate degree in history, a graduate degree in education and a degree in law. Anita is a Kansas-licensed attorney and has more than 40 years of teaching experience at the high school and college levels.

November 17, 2026 to December 1, 2026, Santa Marta Retirement Community

The Adventures of Lewis & Clark

We'll relive one of the most spectacular journeys in American history, the Lewis and Clark "Corps of Discovery" expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. This exciting human drama, which lasted from 1804 to 1806, began in St. Louis, reached the Pacific Northwest and then returned, adding to our knowledge of the regions while generating stories and adventures. We'll see clips from the Ken Burns PBS video, hear music played during or inspired by the trip, read brief commentaries of trip participants and observers, and learn about the instructor's trip along part of the trail. Instructor Bio: Carl Graves, Ph.D., holds a master's degree in U.S. history from the University of Kansas and a doctorate from Harvard. He taught at the university and community college levels, and at Kansas City's Pembroke Hill School.

August 18, 2026 to September 1, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

The American Civil War West of the Mississippi: 1861-1865

Most histories of the American Civil War concentrate primarily on the campaigns and battles that took place east of the Mississippi. However, the Civil War raged on in the states located west of the Mississippi such as Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and in the New Mexico and Oklahoma territories. This class will focus on those lesser-known campaigns and battles that were nonetheless critical to the preservation of the Union and the eventual defeat of the Confederacy. Instructor Bio: Robert Smith, Ph.D., is the recently retired director of the Fort Riley Museum. He has a doctorate in history from Kansas State University and has published numerous articles on military history.

September 24, 2026 to October 14, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online
November 12, 2026 to December 3, 2026, Brewster Place Cultural Arts Center

The Reformations of Europe From 1350-1661

The reformations of Europe are among the most turbulent, fascinating and impactful events in Western history. Rather than a single event, they represent a series of movements occurring at different times and places. This course will explore key moments and ideas in these reformations, starting with the proto-reformers John Wycliffeand Jan Hus. We will then discuss the reformations led by Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, followed by the Catholic Church's response, known as the Catholic Reformation. Finally, we will examine the tumultuous English Reformation in a more case-study approach. Along the way, we will attempt to uncover how these watershed moments in history affected the lives of everyday people. Instructor Bio: Cameron C. Engelbrecht holds a master's degree in early modern history from Trinity College Dublin and a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Central Missouri. He currently serves as director of faith formation at two Catholic churches in the Kansas City area and lives in Independence, Missouri, with his wife and daughter.

November 30, 2026 to December 14, 2026, Online

The Russian Revolution

This class will explore the historical circumstances leading to the tumultuous decline and fall of the Tsarist Regime, and the eventual seizure of the Russian government by the Bolsheviks under Vladmir Lenin. Situating the revolution in historical context, classes will explore the politics and circumstances of the Russian state, the revolutionary ideas of Lenin, and finally, how the first communist state emerged amidst a world in conflict. Instructor Bio: Aaron Margolis received his doctorate in history from the University of Texas at El Paso where he concentrated on Latin American and borderlands history. He is currently an associate professor of history at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

November 5-19, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

The Times They Are A-Changin': America in the 1960s and Its Profound Social and Political Impact on Our Country Today

In this highly interactive, interdisciplinary class, we'll listen to some of the most inspiring and provocative songs from the decade, listen to Alan Ginsberg recite his revolutionary poem "Howl," critically review select episodes from the documentary "Making Sense of the 1960s," and analyze a few of the essential documents and literature that define the 1960s. In our candid discussions, we'll study how a decade which began with almost evangelical youthful idealism, just 10 years later culminated in a crushing disillusionment and deep-seated cynicism in a sharply divided America at war with itself. Instructor Bio: Milton S. Katz, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of humanities in the liberal arts department at the Kansas City Art Institute where he has taught courses on America in the 1960s; art, literature and film of the Holocaust; and peace and conflict resolution for 52 years. He authored three books, over two dozen book chapters, articles and essays, and earned several prestigious awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Kansas and Missouri Humanities, and the Fulbright Foundation.

September 2-16, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Thomas Edison: An American Genius

How did a boy from a small town in Ohio, having very little formal education and attending school for only a few months, become the most prolific inventor of the 19th and early 20th centuries? We'll seek the answer to this question and study the impact that this genius continues to exert on our lives today. Instructor Bio: Paul Post, a native Kansan, received a bachelor's degree in history from Kansas State University and a law degree in 1974 from the University of Kansas. Now retired from practicing law, he is a member of the Shawnee County Historical Society and an amateur beekeeper. He has authored essays on the history of SBA Hill/former Menninger Campus in Topeka, Topeka's Bates Family, The Fred Harvey Company and Duke Ellington.

October 13-27, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person
December 1-15, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

TV News: Then & Now

Why doesn't TV news feel like it did in the Cronkite era? This course explores how TV news evolved from a public service into a competitive, profit-driven industry. By tracing TV news from its local origins to its current fast-paced, 24-hour form, we'll explore how shifting priorities, politics, technologies and expectations transformed a shared source of trust into today's complex media landscape. Instructor Bio: Taylor Cole Miller is an associate professor of media studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and co-editor of the academic collection, "The Golden Girls: Tales from the Lanai." He also makes TikToks about TV history under the handle @tvdoc.

October 15-29, 2026, Online

Understanding the Religions of the World

The diversity of human peoples, languages and religious beliefs often leads to misunderstandings that cause interpersonal and international conflicts. Some understanding of the major religions can help reduce and defuse conflicts related to differing religious beliefs. The study of different religions can also enrich one's personal spirituality, stimulate new insights and reduce prejudice. This course will explore major themes, histories and practices of the major religions based on numbers of adherents and historical influence. The religions chosen are Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and Yoruba. Equal time will not necessarily be given to each, but each will be viewed with an eye to unprejudiced objectivity and emphasis on positive contribution to human experience. Instructor Bio: James Gaither, Th.D., holds a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Kansas and a doctorate from Holos University Graduate Seminary. For over 25 years he has taught courses on the history of Western thought, world religions, metaphysics and ethics. He is currently "semi-retired."

December 1-15, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Vampires, Frankenstein & Zombies, Oh My! What Movie Monsters Tell Us About Ourselves

Humanity's fascination with monsters predates the world of film. Onscreen, filmmakers since the dawn of cinema have used classic movie monsters to explore everything from the darker sides of human behavior to societal prejudice to specific historical injustices. This course will take a look at three enduring cinema monsters: vampires, Frankenstein's monster and zombies; exploring how each of them has evolved over the decades to comment on humanity and society. Students are encouraged to dress in their Halloween finery for the last class; prizes will be given for the best costumes!Instructor Bio: Abigail Olcese is the film editor at The Pitch, a contributor to Sojourners, Rogerebert.com and Paste, and the author of "Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies." She is an experienced film critic with a special interest in the connections between movies, social justice and Christian spirituality.

October 15-29, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

Walking the Weary Miles: A Social and Geographic History of the Santa Fe Trail

Join historian Michelle M. Martin for a look at America's first superhighway, the famed Santa Fe Trail. The Santa Fe Trail is a part of Kansas and Western history that brought together people from various socio-economic, cultural, racial and religious backgrounds. Despite the differences between those who traveled on this 19th century superhighway, the trail had a way of making everyone equal. Over two weeks, we'll explore the trail, how and why it developed, and the people who traversed its path. We'll also connect you to historic locations you can visit to learn more about the Santa Fe Trail travel experience. Instructor Bio: Michelle M. Martin is a Michigander by birth and a Kansan and Oklahoman by choice. Martin earned her doctorate in history at the University of New Mexico. Her research probes interracial marriage, gender, race and power in the Mvskoke Nation in Indian Territory from 1870-1897.

September 10-17, 2026, Online

World Issues Discussion Group: U.S. Domestic & Foreign Policy

This discussion-format class will focus on U.S. domestic policy, including such topics as implementation of artificial intelligence, how policy is addressing climate change, income inequality and lack of affordable housing as well as how the federal budget is evolving in the areas of Medicare/Social Security, defense spending and the budget deficit. Foreign policy topics include U.S. relations with China, Russia and the Middle East. Topics will include differing policy directions from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Each class will be structured with the instructor presenting material for 60 to 90 minutes and 30 to 60 minutes for class discussion. Instructor Bio: Charles "Chick" Keller is a retired senior executive and retired professor. He worked 15 years each at Sprint and Black & Veatch in strategic planning and strategic marketing, rising to VP level both times. In 2000, he began a career as a professor in the University of Kansas engineering management program where he taught finance and strategic planning.

September 14-28, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online