Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Courses

Science

Courses & Events

For centuries, civilizations have turned to art to reflect their deepest beliefs, power dynamics and cultural foundations. As we move through the modern era, emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are reshaping this ancient terrain. These tools challenge conventional ideas of creativity, prompting new questions about authorship, agency and artistic intention. Come ready to explore the creative application of AI technologies and their integration into contemporary life. By tracing key developments and breakthroughs in AI, we'll study the societal and ethical implications of these tools for human expression and consider how they may redefine cultural paradigms in the 21st century.


Instructor Bio: Hugh Leeman
is an artist and lecturer. He lectures regularly at Johns Hopkins University and Duke University in English and at Colorado State University in Spanish. Hugh uses his art to engage social challenges while energizing community relationships. 



November 5-19, 2025, Online

"And God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the Earth and subdue it." This course examines our efforts to subdue the Earth in North America. From removing the forests east of the Mississippi River for giant monoculture farms to having perfect suburban lawns, which attract deer and geese, subduing the Earth has been a constant battle. In the West we will learn "water flows uphill to money." One in nine Americans depend on water from the Colorado River. But with the current 20+ year drought, significant changes in water usage will be necessary. 


Instructor Bio: Thomas Luellen recently retired after 31 years in hospital administration and 14 years as an adjunct instructor at Washburn University. He has a master's degree in geography from the University of Kansas. His personal interests have always been his native state and its history.



November 4-18, 2025, St Andrews Classroom