Communication & Film
Courses
A Spirited Discussion: Spiders, Goblins, and Witches in the Collection
Commonly featured in tales of terror and hauntingly good stories, spooky creatures and things that go bump in the night have a long history. Come along as we step into some of the unusual and mythical materials of Boatwright's Rare Book Room and explore the spirit of Halloween magic.
Thursday, 10/30, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22 ( No seats currently available )
Thursday, 10/30, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22 ( No seats currently available )
Beyond the Bounty
If you are familiar with the library resources but want to go beyond the basics, this session will explore some of the more interesting and unusual digital collections and databases. This is an advanced session that builds on the information introduced in Bounty of Boatwright.
Thursday, Oct 23, Synchronous Online
Thursday, Oct 23, Synchronous Online
Bob Dylan: The First Seven Albums
Last year's biopic about Dylan's early career ('A Complete Unknown') rekindled an interest in how his songwriting and performance style evolved so rapidly in the little more than four years in which his first seven albums were released: from his eponymous debut in March 1962 through 'Blonde on Blonde' in June 1966. This course will examine each album in depth looking at the songs as well as the production values and critical response.
Monday, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, TBD - UR Campus (5 seats (5%) remaining)
Monday, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, TBD - UR Campus (5 seats (5%) remaining)
Bounty of Boatwright
Learn how to find books, articles, and other resources that are of interest to you. This session provides an overview for beginners or those new to Osher and includes a virtual tour of the library.
Tuesday, Sept 30, Synchronous Online
Tuesday, Sept 30, Synchronous Online
Cool Flicks
Join Dan in his quest for the funniest movies. We'll view these films: 'Monkey Business' (1952) with Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and Marilyn Monroe; 'Road to Morocco' (1942) with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour; and A League of Their Own' (1992) with Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna.
Fridays; 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Fridays; 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Four Friday Films
This iteration of Four Friday Films presents movies that invite us to think about our experience and perception of the world. As usual with this course, the films are fun to watch, but the emphasis this semester is less on 'feel good' than on 'hmmm, I hadn't considered that before.' We'll watch 'Stranger Than Fiction,' 'Brother From Another Planet,' and 'The Man From Earth,' finishing with Anne Hathaway in 'Colossal.'
Fridays, Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Fridays, Oct 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Interpreting Classic Films of Orson Welles
This seminar will view and critique three films of Orson Welles: 'Citizen Kane,' 'The Third Man,' and 'The Trial.' Orson Welles was arguably the greatest presence in 20th Century American cinema, sometimes directing, sometimes taking the lead role, and sometimes both. The main source for 'The Third Man' was Graham Greene's novel of the same name. 'The Trial' was based on Franz Kafka's novel of the same name in its English-language translation.
Tuesdays; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Tuesdays; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Introspection into the 1942 Filming of Casablanca
It's 1941 and WWII is raging. Refugees flock to free French Casablanca in hope of escaping the war. This tale takes place in the 'Americana' night club. It spins with historical accuracy, a triangle love story, delightful dialog, and surprising script machinations. Suave Bogart and gorgeous Bergman are the leads. The films nuances will be explored prior to viewing.
Monday 9/15, JPSN, Room 118 (2 seats (2%) remaining)
Monday 9/15, JPSN, Room 118 (2 seats (2%) remaining)
National Osher Online - The Films of John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands: Innovation in Filmmaking and Performance
Let's look at the groundbreaking collaboration between John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, two pioneers of independent cinema. Cassavetes revolutionized filmmaking with raw, character-driven storytelling, while Rowlands' deeply expressive performances set a new standard in acting. We will explore Cassavetes' unconventional techniques, his rejection of Hollywood norms, and their lasting impact on independent film, offering participants a deeper understanding of their artistry and influence.
Fridays, Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, Synchronous Online
Fridays, Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, Synchronous Online
National Osher Online - The Power of One in Steven Spielberg Films
Let's explore the recurring theme of moral choices and redemption in Steven Spielberg's films. Through scene-by-scene analysis, we will examine how characters' beliefs and actions shape their worlds. Films include 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Lincoln,' 'Bridge of Spies,' 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Munich,' and 'Schindler's List.'
Mondays, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Synchronous Online (5 seats (38%) remaining)
Mondays, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Synchronous Online (5 seats (38%) remaining)
Photographing Celestial Events
Have you tried to photograph the many celestial events we've heard about lately? With just a few tips, night photography can be easy. Osher instructor and wonderful photographer Bill Draper will share his techniques as well as his photos of the night skies in Virginia and from as far away as Texas, Colorado, and Ireland. Join us in viewing the aurora borealis, comets, planets, shooting stars, blue/new moons, and other beautiful celestial events.
Tuesday, Oct 7, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Tuesday, Oct 7, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Revisiting 'Twelve Angry Men'
This class will focus on a screening of Reginald Rose's play 'Twelve Angry Men.' Premiered in the 1950s, this play is an interesting look at the individuals who make up the jury. But more importantly, the work is also a deeper dive at how we think and perceive each other in the pursuit of justice.
Wednesday, Oct 22, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Wednesday, Oct 22, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Screening of The Diamond Couple
UR's Dr. Sonja Bertucci's most recent feature-length documentary, 'The Diamond Couple' (2024), is an intimate meditation on love, aging, and the transmission of memory. The film premiered at the Arizona International Film Festival, where it received the Jury Prize for Inspirational Filmmaking, and continues to screen internationally. Join us for Dr. Bertucci's opening remarks, the film screening, and Q&A.
Tuesday 9/16, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 (10 seats (8%) remaining)
Tuesday 9/16, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 (10 seats (8%) remaining)