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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
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"The Golden Girls" and the Politics of '80s Television
The proliferation of new fan sites, thousands of homemade products, a specially themed Caribbean cruise and even a Golden Girls-themed skateboard in the instructor's office (purchased at Comic-Con) are all testaments to the enduring power and legacy of that famous 1980s sitcom. While other shows in the 1980s retreated from the overt politicization of television commonly found in 1970s TV, "The Golden Girls" tackled issues like older and queer sexuality, feminism, immigration, menopause, HIV/AIDS, homelessness and healthcare every week. Today, "The Golden Girls" is one of the most successful series in rerun syndication. In this course, we'll investigate the cultural, political and historical significance of television in the 1980s through the case study of "The Golden Girls." By the end of the course, you'll be well-versed in histories and debates about '80s TV, policy and culture while understanding the resurgent popularity of the show and nostalgia for other older sitcoms in the present political moment.
Instructor Bio: Taylor Cole Miller is an assistant 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.
January 17-31, 2026, Online
Instructor Bio: Taylor Cole Miller is an assistant 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.
January 17-31, 2026, Online
Ethics and Sports
In this interactive online discussion class, we'll explore ethical issues in the world of sports. What is the difference between unethical gamesmanship and ethical sportsmanship? Is it ethical to be a football fan given what we now know about the effects of repeated head trauma? What ethical issues arise when people gamble on sports? And should athletes speak out on social issues, or not? 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.
February 19, 2026 to March 5, 2026, Online
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.
February 19, 2026 to March 5, 2026, Online
German Settlements and 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 KU, having taught the history and culture of German settlements in Kansas and Missouri.
May 20, 2026 to June 3, 2026, Beacon Mental Health (Clay County)
Immortalized: Sports Museums and Halls of Fame
Why do sports mean so much to so many in our society? Sports museums and halls of fame help build these emotional connections by remembering, celebrating and commemorating iconic athletes, coaches and events. We'll learn about the field of sports heritage, discover the different types of sports museums and reflect on how legends are remembered.
Instructor Bio: Andrew Stockmann is curator of exhibitions at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence. He grew up visiting baseball stadiums and museums with his family, which sparked his love for history. Andrew is from Liberty, Missouri, and is a 2024 graduate of the museum studies master's program at the University of Kansas and holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from Wichita State University.
June 10-24, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
Instructor Bio: Andrew Stockmann is curator of exhibitions at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence. He grew up visiting baseball stadiums and museums with his family, which sparked his love for history. Andrew is from Liberty, Missouri, and is a 2024 graduate of the museum studies master's program at the University of Kansas and holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from Wichita State University.
June 10-24, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
Personal Vitality and Fulfillment
Join us in this interactive discussion class as we actively explore and consider our own personal vitality and fulfillment. Vitality is a necessary component to finding happiness and fulfillment. It involves not just physical health but also mental and emotional wellness. During class you'll assess your mental and physical energy, consider the definitions of personal vitality and ascertain what contributes to your own liveliness. We'll conclude with developing an understanding of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that contribute to creating your own vibrant and fulfilling life.
Instructor Bio: Cathie Peterson earned a doctorate in education from the University of Kansas. She explored the notion of vitality while conducting research at the University of Kansas.
February 19-26, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall
Instructor Bio: Cathie Peterson earned a doctorate in education from the University of Kansas. She explored the notion of vitality while conducting research at the University of Kansas.
February 19-26, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall
The Coming Struggle Over Social Security
A solvency problem looms for Social Security within the next several years. (Is it going bankrupt?) Decisions must be made in light of a changing economy and recent cuts in customer service. Together, we'll cover the basics of Social Security, essential features of retirement, retirement before Social Security, the Social Security Act of 1935, expansion and modern retirement, reforms of 1983, current pension models, future solvency and reform proposals, political struggle since 1983's "The Playbook," points of debate, what the arguments are really about and notes on political rhetoric in this realm.
Instructor Bio: David Ekerdt, Ph.D., is Professor of Sociology and Gerontology at KU, specializing in work and retirement, focused on the changing role and practice of retirement. He is the editor-in-chief of the "Macmillan Encyclopedia of Aging".
March 5-19, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
Instructor Bio: David Ekerdt, Ph.D., is Professor of Sociology and Gerontology at KU, specializing in work and retirement, focused on the changing role and practice of retirement. He is the editor-in-chief of the "Macmillan Encyclopedia of Aging".
March 5-19, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
The U.S. Naturalization Process & the Path to Citizenship
The U.S. naturalization process has changed significantly since it started in 1790. We'll delve into the history of the process as well as walk through the steps of eligibility, application and interview processes and culminating ceremony.
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.
June 11-25, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
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.
June 11-25, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
The Women of the Supreme Court
Since the Supreme Court's inception in 1789, 116 jurists have sat on the bench. Only six have been women -- and all have taken their place in history since 1981. Marlene Katz will embody our four living female justices -- Amy Barrett Coney, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor -- to give us glimpses into their personal and professional lives.
Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz, a University of Missouri graduate, was an adjunct professor at UMKC, 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 and 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, March 23, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz, a University of Missouri graduate, was an adjunct professor at UMKC, 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 and 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, March 23, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
The World Comes to Lawrence: 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 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. Chuck and his wife were among the first Americans to teach English in China from 1985 - 1986. This experience launched his career in international student services in higher education - a 33-year career spanning four institutions in four states. 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. Since his retirement, he helped co-found AIR in 2023. AIR has resettled three families in the Lawrence area since November 2024 and continues to help connect Lawrence residents with their new neighbors from Afghanistan and Venezuela, as well as to advocate for immigrant rights.
March 26, 2026 to April 9, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
Instructor Bio: Chuck Olcese is 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. Chuck and his wife were among the first Americans to teach English in China from 1985 - 1986. This experience launched his career in international student services in higher education - a 33-year career spanning four institutions in four states. 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. Since his retirement, he helped co-found AIR in 2023. AIR has resettled three families in the Lawrence area since November 2024 and continues to help connect Lawrence residents with their new neighbors from Afghanistan and Venezuela, as well as to advocate for immigrant rights.
March 26, 2026 to April 9, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
The World Cup Comes to KC
The Kansas City region will be in the world spotlight this summer when 650,000 fans come to town for six World Cup soccer matches. From the Fan Fest, where the teams will sleep, eat and practice, to how exactly all those people are going to get around, we will take a deep dive into all things related to the most popular sport in the world. Wear your favorite club's jersey and get ready to have fun!
Instructor Bio: Jason Booker is the deputy director for external affairs and revenue generation at the University of Kansas and the sport administrator for the Kansas Women's Soccer program. He recently served as the chair of the Kansas City Sports Commission where he was part of the team to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup and several NCAA Championships to the Kansas City region. He received his undergraduate degree in sports management from KUand his master's in sports administration from Wichita State University.
Ruth DeWitt is the manager of external affairs and sales operations at ExploreLawrence where she works to bring visitors, groups and events to Lawrence. Prior to her current role, Ruth was the communicationsmanager in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas and the marketing director at the Lawrence Arts Center. Ruth has worked closely with the Kansas City Sports Commission and the FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City committee to ensure that fans, teams and visitors have a superior experience during the matches.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
Instructor Bio: Jason Booker is the deputy director for external affairs and revenue generation at the University of Kansas and the sport administrator for the Kansas Women's Soccer program. He recently served as the chair of the Kansas City Sports Commission where he was part of the team to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup and several NCAA Championships to the Kansas City region. He received his undergraduate degree in sports management from KUand his master's in sports administration from Wichita State University.
Ruth DeWitt is the manager of external affairs and sales operations at ExploreLawrence where she works to bring visitors, groups and events to Lawrence. Prior to her current role, Ruth was the communicationsmanager in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas and the marketing director at the Lawrence Arts Center. Ruth has worked closely with the Kansas City Sports Commission and the FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City committee to ensure that fans, teams and visitors have a superior experience during the matches.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
World Issues Discussion Group: Artificial Intelligence
This unique class will give us insight into worldwide issues affecting modern society - and a platform for lively discussions related to them. (Come ready to share your ideas and engage your peers!)For the second installment of our discussion series, we'll focus specifically on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence may spark the fourth industrial revolution. How will AI impact the job market? What ethical safeguards need to be in place so AI serves the public good instead of running amok? How will AI's need for vast quantities of natural resources affect climate change?
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.
May 20, 2026 to June 3, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
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.
May 20, 2026 to June 3, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
