University of Richmond

Classes led by University of Richmond faculty, staff and administrators, or about key University buildings, events, centers or activities.

Upcoming Courses

Courses

'Join or Die' is a film about why you should join a club: and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary 'Bowling Alone' research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? What can we do about it?


Thursday, February 27, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162
Join us for the annual Peple Lecture featuring Canadian author Suzanne Simard, Leader of the Mother Tree Project and author of 'Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest.' Simard is from Vancouver, British Columbia.


Sunday, March 2, Breed Pavillion (21 seats (17%) remaining)
Join your Osher colleagues for a fun evening of a reception followed by a wonderful concert by our UR students. This annual spring concert will showcase UR student jazz combos performing rock, blues, swing, and more.


Wednesday, 4/09, THCX - Modlin Booth Lobby (1 seats (1%) remaining)
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, March 6, TBD - UR Campus (1 seats (5%) remaining)
More than 20 years after climate change became a matter of global concern, there are still those who cast doubt on the veracity of climate science, climate scientists, and the need to take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This course will be strictly fact-based and fully referenced, but accessible to scientists and non-scientists alike who want to understand more about the scientific basis for critical political and economic decisions that lie ahead.


Monday, February 17, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162
Come to this class to learn about the long-term health benefits of just moving! BeMovedŽ embraces the joy of dance with people of all movement abilities. Movement expressed through dance and music has a transformative power that enriches a person's well-being above and beyond the well-known physical fitness benefits. BeMovedŽ is a dance fitness experience that begins with easy-to-follow therapeutic movements that flow into dance styles inspired by a wide variety of musical genres.


Mondays, Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 3, 10, 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 28 (NO Mar 17 or 24), TBD - UR Campus (2 seats (6%) remaining)
This year's Peple Lecture features Suzanne Simard, author of 'Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest.' We encourage Osher members to read the book, then join us as we host this community conversation. The book's interplay of personal narrative, scientific insights, and the amazing revelations about the life of the forest make this compelling story a great starting point for wonderful discussions.


Tuesday, March 4, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 ( No seats currently available )
If you enjoy curling up with a good book, blanket, and hot cup of tea, you may be a fan of cozy mysteries. In this session, we'll investigate the different types of this crime fiction sub-genre and clue in on what makes a mystery, well, cozy. Hopefully, you'll leave wanting to head to your local bookstore or library to get lost in a good book!


Monday, 3/31, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )
Are you curious about how immigrants integrate in the United States and Virginia and what barriers they face? Do you want to know more about how immigration policy in the US changed over time? We will cover three topics: the evolution of immigration and US policy towards immigrants, a picture of immigrant communities in Virginia circa 2020, and insights into the barriers to integration current immigrants face in Virginia.


Mondays, Mar 10 and 17, TBD - UR Campus (4 seats (5%) remaining)
Learn how to access and fully enjoy the many benefits of being a member of the Osher Institute and the larger UR community. Designed for new members, but offers tips for all.


Monday, 3/24, TBD - UR Campus
Join us for SPCS Game night at the Spider Mens Basketball Team takes on George Mason. Visit with members of the Osher Institute, SPCS Alumni Association, Student Government Association, and SPCS faculty/staff, enjoy great food, and get a fantastic view of the game from your seats in one of the Robins Center terraces. This time may change based on conference scheduling.


Saturday, Mar 8, Robins Center Arena ( No seats currently available )
Join us for an Osher Sunday afternoon as our Women Spiders Basketball Team takes on St. Louis. Enjoy great food, visit with your fellow members/women's basketball aficionados, and get a fantastic view of the game from your seats in a Robins Center terrace.


Sunday, February 16, Robins Center Arena ( No seats currently available )
Ever wondered how science research is funded in the US? The system was developed right after WWII, when we realized that the Nazis were way ahead of us in a number of key areas of basic research. Our system allows for the inclusion the indirect costs, a percentage of the grant award that goes to the university (or other entity) receiving the funds. Dr. Peter Smallwood, Chair, UR Department of Biology, will offer background and insights on how science research happens in America.


Friday, Mar 21
Through Boatwright Library, Osher students have access to an extensive collection of databases filled with historical primary sources. This course will introduce participants to these valuable resources and explore the rich world of digital historical sources available through the library. While taking the Bounty of Boatwright or Beyond the Bounty Osher courses beforehand may be helpful, no prior research experience is required: just a curiosity and enthusiasm for history!


Tuesday, 3/18, Synchronous Online
Join us for this dynamic, visual presentation by Dr. David Seward Salisbury and the students of UR undergraduate course GEOG/SSIR 333: Amazonia Connected.


Tuesday, February 18, JPSN, Room 118 (11 seats (11%) remaining)
Let's look at evidence-based research on mental health, well-being, and positive psychology. We'll explore the science behind setting healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care as essential tools for maintaining emotional and physical well-being across the lifespan. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance life satisfaction, manage stress, and thrive in balanced, and fulfilling ways.


Tuesday, 4/1, TBD - UR Campus (11 seats (11%) remaining)
We will explore how physics is used to understand blood clotting. Blood clots are complex and entities that are studied at the large-scale population level all the way down to the individual molecule level. We will look at the tiny forces and materials involved in blood clotting and discuss the challenging methods used to measure at sizes 1000 times smaller than a human hair. We will also cover some current research in the field.


Tuesday, 3/18, TBD - UR Campus (17 seats (17%) remaining)
It seems like college athletics continues to undergo sweeping changes. We read about college athletes creating a union and mounting various legal challenges to NCAA rules. We see athletes, even our own, transfer schools: but why? For money, or more playing time? Let's talk about this. What are the implications for UR teams and athletes?


Thursday, 4/10, TBD - UR Campus (5 seats (9%) remaining)
Take a walking tour of the UR campus, named the nation's most beautiful campus in the Princeton Review's most recent college guide. Learn about the history of the University, enjoy the beautiful landscaping and architecture, and hear some stories along the way. The walk will be about 2.5 miles in length and will require climbing steps and walking on various surfaces. Walking shoes and water are recommended.


Monday 4/14, THCX, Sculpture outside Modlin Center ( No seats currently available )