Although countries may share a common religion, there are differences. This presentation will contrast three unique Islamic cities based on the presenter's travel and work experiences. These include Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Istanbul, Turkiye; and Baku, Azerbaijan. The presenter will describe the purpose of journeys to each of these countries and contrast differences encountered, including architecture, culture, economic policies, educational practices, geography, government, history, religious practices, and women's rights.

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Thursday, 11/20, TBD - UR Campus (22 seats (18%) remaining)

The term 'seven cities of Delhi' refers to the historical evolution of Delhi, from the 10th Century onwards, where successive rulers built new cities, each adding to the location's rich past. These cities, though distinct, are considered to have merged into modern-day Delhi. The seven cities are Lao Kot (Quila Rai Pithora), Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, Firozabad, Shergarh (Purana Quila) and Shahjahanabad. To this was added British New Delhi, followed by modern day post-Independence construction.

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Monday, 11/24, TBD - UR Campus

This is a participatory study in 19th-Century Russian painting in which viewers will follow the most significant moments in the development of Russian art through selected paintings. The study is not a conventional art history course, but rather is an opportunity for participants to optimally engage and express the experience of aesthetic ecstasy evoked by the paintings. For this reason the class size will be limited.

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Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 15 and 16, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The Battle of the Atlantic was the continuing struggle during World War II between Germany's attempts to cut off the Atlantic supply lines and the allied effort to keep them open and support the British in the war. It began on the first day of the war and ended only with Germany's final surrender. In this course, we'll look at how Germany attempted to cut those supply lines and how (and why) those efforts failed.

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Mondays; 12/1, 12/8 & 12/15, Synchronous Online

Let's discuss the storyline of Texas' most valuable state property from the 1836 battle between the Mexican troops under Santa Anna and the men inside the Alamo compound led by William Travis. The first of five Spanish missions in the San Antonio region, the Alamo remains the mythic womb of Texas' birth and the beginning of the American southwest. This course will discuss why the myth matters and why many want to forget the Alamo.

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Thursday, 12/4, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

This class will take you on a musical tour of the history of the cello, featuring both lecture and musical examples played live. We will begin with a brief history of bowed string instruments, we'll toss in a little non-classical music, and end with a few holiday favorites in the Christian and Jewish traditions.

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Friday, 12/12, NRCT, Room 124 (Choir Room) ( No seats currently available )

Virginia played a central role during the Cold War. With doomsday planning operations underway for World War III, the location of the Pentagon, CIA, and other federal agencies established Northern Virginia as an epicenter of decision-making. As Virginia military bases readied for a potential surprise attack by the Soviet Union, local research facilities played a paramount role in the Space Race. These developments and tales of espionage, heroism, and betrayal will be discussed.

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Monday, Oct 20, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Join your fellow Osher members as we remember all who have served in our armed forces over the years. Osher member/instructor and Vietnam veteran Steve Anders will be our keynote speaker.

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Monday, 11/10, JAC, Robins Pavilion 151

Join Bill Leighty, chief of staff to two former Virginia governors, as he leads a panel discussion on the November 2025 Virginia elections. A panel of seasoned political analysts will examine the key questions of 'What happened?' and 'Why?'. The discussion will also offer insights into Virginia's pivotal role in potentially shaping the broader political landscape for the national 2026 elections.

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Wednesday, 11/19, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

This discussion examines the Supreme Court's role and relative power within the structure of the three branches of the Federal system. The discussion also will put today's tension between the Executive and Judicial Branches within historical context dating from the creation of the Constitution to recent court decisions.

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Wednesday, Oct 8, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 (6 seats (3%) remaining)

Critical thinking is important for many reasons, including being a better citizen. As conspiracy theories abound, studying and analyzing the facts, evidence, and truth becomes increasingly important. We will cover the challenges, logic, the fallacies, and the solutions in arriving at the best conclusions. Insights into the brain as well as why science represents the ultimate in evidence-based decisions will be studied. Approaches to critical thinking and the best fact-checking sites will be covered.

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Wednesdays; Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 (9 seats (9%) remaining)

Islam's entry into the Indian subcontinent was a gradual process spanning several centuries, primarily through trade and later through military conquest. Arab traders established contact with India initially on the western coast along the Gujarat and Malabar areas. These Arab traders became the key figures in introducing faith to the region. Evidence suggest early Muslim settlements began along the coast with mosques being built as early as the 7th century.

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Monday, Oct 6, GOTW, Auditorium Room A001 ( No seats currently available )

Let's talk about planning for the future. How can you ensure that your preferences and directives for your financial assets are carried out correctly? We'll discuss the legal options available to assist in making the best decisions. Elder Law will also be discussed. Questions are welcome!

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Tuesday, Sept 23, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156

Have you found some of your ancestors, collected information, started a family tree... and want to do more? This class will help you make sense of what you have, expand your research skills, learn to use more advanced tools and techniques, and broaden your knowledge of genealogical resources. The goal is to build on what you have already done and add to the depth and breadth of your family history.

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Mondays and Thursdays, Oct 20, 23, 27, 30, TBD - UR Campus

Explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of General George C. Marshall, soldier, statesman, and architect of the post-WWII world. This course examines his military leadership, pivotal role in the Marshall Plan, and contributions to diplomacy and global stability. A special focus will be given to his personal life, possessions, and writings. Discover how Marshall's unwavering integrity and vision shaped the 20th Century.

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Mondays, 12/8 & 12/15, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

We will survey the development, operational use, and subsequent evolution of the world's first operational cruise missile, the V-1; and the world's first operational ballistic missile, the V-2. The course will be broken into four parts: the post-WWI environment that led to development of these missiles; the V-1 cruise missile in operational service; the V-2 ballistic missile in operational service; and early US Air Force missile development based on these two designs.

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Thursday, 12/18, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

America's government is of, for, and by the people: which means you have the right to know what officials are doing in your name. Holding government accountable can feel daunting, but this class aims to demystify the Virginia legislative process and equip you with tools to track legislation and use the Freedom of Information Act to access local and state records and meetings.

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Thursdays; 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

From nurses to fighter pilots, American women volunteered to serve in almost every capacity throughout our nation's history. Today, women make up about 16% of our Armed Forces. Join the Virginia War Memorial's Assistant Director of Education as she highlights a selection of Virginia veterans whose names are engraved on the walls in our Shrine of Memory. Learn about the selfless acts of those women who gave their lives so we may peacefully live ours.

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No session is currently available for registration

Are you curious how immigration policy is changing (and has changed over time) and how important immigrants are to present-day Virginia? This offering covers three topics: a picture of immigrant communities in Virginia circa 2020, the evolution of immigration and US policy towards immigrants through history, and the evolving picture of policy toward immigrants under the second Trump administration.

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Tuesdays, Oct 14 and 21, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Mughal Architecture in India refers to the distinctive Indo-Islamic style that flourished under the Mughal emperors from the 16th to 19th Centuries. This style is characterized by its use of arches, domes, and minarets, blending Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural traditions. Key features include bulbous domes, slender minarets, large gateways and intricate ornamentation. Notable examples include the TajMahal, Red Fort in Delhi and Agra, Humayuns Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, and Shalimar Gardens.

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Monday, 11/17, TBD - UR Campus

Whether you're in Macon, Memphis, Muscle Shoals, or Massapequa, music matters, and our varied musical heritage is one of the best ways to understand crucial moments in American history. Let's explore Indigenous expressions, colonial invasion, forced African migration, and the cultural shifts of the 19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries.

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Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Synchronous Online ( No seats currently available )

The post-World War I era saw a dramatic shift away from traditional 19th Century architecture, as architects, designers, and social thinkers embraced modern aesthetics, new materials, and evolving societal needs. We will explore the inspirations and innovations behind major architectural styles, including the Bauhaus, the International Style, Art Deco, Midcentury Modernism, and Postmodernism.

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Mondays, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, Synchronous Online (1 seats (8%) remaining)

Let's examine the tragic sinking of the Lady Elgin, the haunting legacy of the Eastland, the mystery of the Western Reserve, and the enduring legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald, along with other unforgettable wrecks that shaped Great Lakes history. More than just maritime history, this course uncovers the human stories behind these disasters, the forces that doomed them, and the myths that linger today.

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Thursdays, Oct 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, Synchronous Online ( No seats currently available )

African Americans have served in every US military conflict, fighting both for their country and for equality. Let's explore their contributions from the Revolutionary War to World War II, highlighting their bravery in battle and their struggles against segregation and discrimination at home. Through their service, Black soldiers helped shape American history despite a nation that often failed to recognize their sacrifices.

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Tuesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, Synchronous Online

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry rose from his seat in Henrico Parish Church, now known as St. John's Church in Richmond, and delivered words that would become the rallying cry of the American Revolution. In this presentation, Patrick Henry Jolly, 5th great-grandson of Henry, will focus on giving context to seven of the most well-known words in American history: 'Give me liberty, or give me death!'

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Monday, Oct 13, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162

The Munich Agreement has been described as one of the most ignominious failures in diplomatic history and a lesson that appeasement of dictators never works. This course will look at that fateful meeting, not as a singular event but in the larger context of Great Britain's search for security in Europe between the two world wars. We will attempt to see the world as they saw it, without the advantages of hindsight.

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Fridays, Sept 26 and Oct 3, BML, Adams Auditorium ( No seats currently available )

Ranked Choice Voting is a simple change to the way voters express their preferences that can enable a better voting experience, better campaigns, and ultimately better elections. RCV ensures majority winners, minimizes negative campaigning, and levels the playing field for different kinds of candidates. In this class, we'll talk about how RCV works, how it strengthens democracy and empowers voters, and its path forward in Virginia.

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Thursday, Oct 9, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The Library of Virginia (LVA) is a key resource for Virginia genealogy research and for many surrounding states. The LVA has the most comprehensive collection of Virginia genealogy materials ranging from the earliest colonial times to the present. This class is designed to give you a foundational understanding of the LVA's collections (online and on-site) and suggest how to focus your research, and it includes a tour and hands-on research at the LVA.

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Monday and Thursday, Sept 22 and 25, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 (5 seats (25%) remaining)

The story of this Dutch ship reveals a lot about what ships and their crews experienced in World War II. A survivor's son tells you this saga.

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Thursday, 11/13, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep, it is performed by well-qualified medical professionals, it is regulated and carefully conducted, and it is certainly the most 'humane' form of capital punishment. In reality, not one of these statements is true. Lethal injection is nothing like what people think. This is its untold story.

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Wednesday, Oct 1, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

This class will discuss the history, structure, and mission of the National Park Service and the Park System, and the many challenges that they face in preserving this Best of American Ideas. It will also include suggestions for things that you can do to support the parks.

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Thursday, 11/20, TBD - UR Campus (20 seats (20%) remaining)

Before machines cut through Suez and Panama, magnificent canals and aqueducts graced civilizations from ancient times to the Industrial Revolution. In this class, we follow the story of how humans learned to move water. Cultures that began with primitive irrigation channels would one day build canals that joined Europe to Asia and the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. These canals changed the world long before the age of steam, internal combustion engines, or electric power.

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Tuesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Synchronous Online

Government spending is on an unsustainable path. The Federal debt held by 'the public' has grown from 25% of GDP when Reagan was elected to 100% today, and interest expense is as large as the military budget. The economic consequences could be severe, particularly if the dollar loses its position as the global currency.

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Wednesdays, 12/3 & 12/10, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The conflict between New England farmers and British redcoats at the start of the American Revolution is well known. This talk will explore the events that took place simultaneously in Virginia that pitted an unlikely alliance of Scottish merchants and Black Americans against tobacco planters and riflemen. This struggle played a key role in the creation of the new nation.

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Monday, 11/17, TBD - UR Campus (6 seats (7%) remaining)

FIELD TRIP This exhibition features artwork and artifacts that portray the spirit of Virginia: its past, its present, its landscape, and its people. The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion highlights works from a mix of genres and mediums with particular focus on Virginia artists and themes. It is a living display which will evolve and change over time as additional works of art become available and as different parts of the Virginia story become the focus. NOTE: This is a tour that will likely require long periods of standing. We cannot guarantee there will be seats available.

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Tuesday, 9/23, Virginia Executive Mansion (5 seats (25%) remaining)
Tuesday, 9/30, Virginia Executive Mansion ( No seats currently available )

The presentation will focus on the background and history of the Camino de Santiago and the preparation involved to hike it.

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Tuesday, 12/16, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

This docent-led tour will view Un/Bound, an exhibit that explores the lives of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Through powerful objects and first-person accounts, visitors will discover how Virginia's people of color achieved their freedom, established communities, and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal.

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Thursday, 12/11, Virginia Museum of History and Culture ( No seats currently available )

More than 1,200 Virginia veterans are still missing in action (MIA). This Virginia War Memorial exhibit will feature photos, letters, and other materials related to those Virginians still MIA. Additionally, the exhibit will explore the scientific process behind searching for and recovering the remains of those individuals by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

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Every day, starting on 09/26/25 and ending on 09/26/25, Virginia War Memorial