This year, our Festival features an Osher member/UR alum and several UR professors. This not-to-be-missed half-day festival features Dr Nelson D. Lankford, UR grad and Osher member speaking on his 2025 Civil War book. He'll be followed by UR faculty member Dr Kelly G. Lambert, addressing her book on neurobiology. Then, we'll hear from UR faculty/staff members Dr. Julian M. Hayter, Dr. Thad Williamson, and Dr. Amy L. Howard, discussing their 2024 book on Richmond politics.

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Monday, March 9, JAC, Robins Pavilion 151

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

This feature-length documentary explores the quiet yet profound crisis unfolding on Tangier Island, where climate change isn't an abstract concept but a daily reality threatening to erase an entire community. It is not a climate film filled with statistics or expert testimony, but simply a story told by the islanders about losing a way of life. After a screening of the film on Tangier, one resident said, 'It felt true.'

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Tuesday, April 21, TBD - UR Campus

Celebrate the work of craft brewing, distilling, and fermenting as well as the makers whose arts fill your glass. From homebrewers to local distillers and wineries, alcohol makers have captured the soul and identity of Virginia with their intoxicating offerings. Explore how craft makers have used their talent and enthusiasm to connect with and represent the people, places, and history of the Commonwealth.

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Tuesday, March 31, Synchronous Online

Documentary Screening: Fine artist Dora Fugh Lee was born to a noble family in China. In this Emmy-nominated film produced for PBS and narrated by Rose Nan-Ping Chen, Lee's compelling life and art are explored. She is considered one of the last Chinese literati painters. After the film there will be a panel discussion with the director E. Samantha Cheng, followed by a reception. Then join us for One Man Show and Book Launch: Jesse Appell is an independent creative, entrepreneur and intercultural comedian based in Beijing who uses comedy as a means to bridge cultural divides between China and the West.

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Friday, February 6, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162

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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No session is currently available for registration

Find out how Americans sought to hold on to the ideal of the 'good death' in the midst of a conflict that took the lives of over 600,000 soldiers. Discover how funeral and mourning practices changed as a result of the war.

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Monday, April 27, Synchronous Online

This class examines the long history of Black Americans as they have fought for freedom, equal justice, and access to opportunities. Through profiles of individuals and evocative objects, we'll explore the Black experience in Virginia from 1619 to the present day, the pivotal role Black Americans have played in shaping America's national identity and culture, and the key Virginians and Virginia events that have defined the meaning of American democracy, equality, and justice.

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Tuesday, Feb 3, Synchronous Online

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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No session is currently available for registration

This seminar will explore the creation, evolution, and future trajectory of Encyclopedia Virginia (EV), a comprehensive online resource dedicated to the history, culture, and people of Virginia. This seminar will explore how EV has developed from its inception to its current status as a valuable tool for researchers, educators, and the general public.

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Wednesday, Jan 14, TBD - UR Campus

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, May 12, TBD - UR Campus

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a region that is daily in the news: sadly much of it bad! This three-part course will attempt to illuminate the history, politics, economics, and social aspects of MENA. There will be three sessions, each covering one sub-region of MENA. The three sub-regions are the Maghreb (North Africa yet minus Egypt), the Mashreq (starting with Egypt and go East), and the Khaleej (i.e. the Gulf States).

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Tuesdays; Feb 24, Mar 3, 10, TBD - UR Campus

Existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre holds that people are radically free to create their own values, but that means we are also in fundamental conflict with each other. In this class, we will study Sartre's view of freedom, value, and relationships and will explore the question of how, or even whether, genuine reciprocity, ethical life, and human solidarity are possible in a world where people constantly struggle with and objectify one another.

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Tuesday, April 7, TBD - UR Campus

Rene Descartes is famous for saying, 'I think, therefore I am.' But why did he say that? What question was he trying to answer? In this class, we will explore one young man's attempt to find something he could be sure of in a world where the authorities, including priests, scientists, and scholars, disagreed vehemently and sometimes violently about everything, especially God, the Cosmos, and the nature of human existence.

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Monday, Feb 9, TBD - UR Campus

In 1651, in the aftermath of the English Civil Wars and executions of Charles I and Archbishop William Laud, Thomas Hobbes feared for the future of his country. With the Doctrine of Divine Right in tatters and no common religious institutions to bring people together, how could England be united and stabilized? This class will explore Hobbes' solution, including his concepts of the state of nature and the social contract.

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Monday, March 16, TBD - UR Campus

We will examine the provisions in Article I of the Constitution that govern the expenditure of federal funds as well as the statutes, mainly in Title 31 of the United States Code, that further restrict the use of federal funds.

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Tuesdays; March 3 and 10, 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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Monday, Dec 15 NOTE THE NEW TIME

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, GOTW, Auditorium Room A001 (6 seats (9%) remaining)

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, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156 (1 seats (3%) remaining)

Designed by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) and facilitated at the local level, this program highlights eight timely and thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing the US. Purchase of a Great Decision briefing book or e-book is suggested.

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Wednesdays; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, TBD - UR Campus

This exhibition explores the many people who, over centuries, have made Virginia the unique place it is in America and in the world, and discusses the dramatic impact of the immigrant experience throughout Virginia's history as people arrived from the four corners of the globe. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your vacated slot.

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Friday, April 10, Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Thursday, May 14, Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Discover the history of Valentine's Day, the start of Valentine's Day traditions in America, and how the Civil War affected those traditions in the South. The program includes images of original valentines in the Museum's collections and excerpts from letters between soldiers and their loved ones.

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Wednesday, Feb 11, Synchronous Online

We will study the conduct of the Great War in multiple theaters, with emphasis on political and military events in the Middle East. We will also examine the great power agreements, treaties, and territorial changes which ended the conflict, and the legacy of WWI that is still causing instability and violence in this region today.

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Mondays; Feb 16, 23, Mar 2, TBD - UR Campus

Anti-Asian violence is not a modern-day occurrence. Fear, hatred, and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese began in the mid 1800's, culminating with the incarceration of more than 125,000 Japanese at the beginning of WWII, two-thirds of whom were US citizens. We will discuss the how, when, and why racism landed Americans in effectively prison camps, and what we can do to countermand the effects of anti-Asian violence and racism in America today.

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Tuesdays and Thursdays; Jan 20, 22, 27, 29, Synchronous Online

In the years preceding the American Revolution, colonial American patriots courted the vast number of undecided colonists by appealing not only to their heads but also to their hearts. In addition to oratory and pamphlets they published songs, poems, satires, and allegories to fan the flames of outrage and create an emotional and visceral rationale for pursuing independence. This class reviews the literary side of patriotic propaganda.

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Thursday, Jan 15, TBD - UR Campus

Join Steve on a virtual tour of modern-day Spain as we travel from beautiful and artistic Barcelona and Madrid to ancient and exotic Toledo, Grenada, and Sevilla, to the hill towns and coastal cities of Andalusia in the south. We'll pause to visit world class museums, ancient ruins, exquisite mosques, temples and cathedrals, royal palaces, universities, and windmills along the way.

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Mondays, April 13 and 20, TBD - UR Campus

The story of Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier is still celebrated, but the man remains enigmatic: loved and hated; an outspoken and fiercely independent political actor; a strong and talented athlete whose fragile health ultimately failed him. This course will explore Robinson's life, including his experiences as a college athlete, soldier, Hall of Fame baseball player, husband, father, businessman, and civil rights advocate, and will consider his historical significance and ongoing legacy.

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Tuesdays, April 21 and 28, TBD - UR Campus

Abigail Adams is one of the most fascinating of our Founding Mothers. While her husband, John Adams, was focusing on Independence and grappling with problems associated with the Continental Congress, Abigail was advising him on policy matters, minding the family farm in Braintree, Massachusetts, and managing all financial affairs while raising a family in his absence. Professor Woody Holton will be sharing some rare insights about this brilliant and influential figure of our American Revolution.

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Wednesday, Jan 21, Synchronous Online

What is the effect on people when their right to live is taken away by their government? 'The Holocaust was a systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and collaborators' (USHMM). How did the unthinkable become reality through government and law?

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Mondays; Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 2, TBD - UR Campus

Let's review of the history of India from its independence to a proud democracy with vibrant economy. Emphasis will be mainly on political and economic relations with United States viewed from the other side of the fence.

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Wednesdays, April 22 and 29, TBD - UR Campus

Our engaging educators will lead your group through the Gilded Age home of James and Sallie May Dooley. Learn the story of the Dooleys and how this 33-room gift to the city of Richmond came to be, discover how the house was run by the domestic staff during the Jim Crow era, and enjoy the collection and the architecture of one of the most well-preserved homes of the Victorian Era in Virginia. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Tuesday, April 14, Maymont Mansion

The Mughal Empire was an early modern empire in South Asia. At its peak, the empire stretched from the outer fringes of the Indus River Basin in the west, northern Afghanistan in the northwest, and Kashmir in the north, to the highlands of present-day Assam and Bangladesh in the east, and the uplands of the Deccan Plateau in South India.

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Thursday, April 16, TBD - UR Campus

Emerging in the manuscripts produced by the court ateliers of the Mughal dynasty, a major tradition of miniature painting was established in the Indian subcontinent in the mid-16th century. We will talk about the style, the influences, the beauty, and how these painting were used.

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Thursday, April 23, TBD - UR Campus

Art in the streets (including graffiti, murals, stickers, and paste-ups) gives voice to marginalized communities, shapes urban environments, and challenges institutional norms. Let's explore graffiti and street art in the US and around the world, examining their histories, motivations, and social impact. Participants will consider the rise of global mural movements, efforts to preserve and present street art, and its evolving role in activism, community identity, and social change.

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Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, Synchronous Online

California is more than a state: it is an idea, a dream, and a contradiction. We will journey from its earliest Indigenous cultures through Spanish, Mexican, and American rule, exploring missions, the Gold Rush, the railroad, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley. We will challenge myths, highlight overlooked voices, and examine how migration, innovation, and cultural change shaped the Golden State. We will discover what it has meant, and still means, to be Californian.

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Fridays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, Synchronous Online

Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein's theories: no math or science background required. This course introduces key ideas like time travel, warped space, black holes, and gravitational waves, all in accessible terms. We will discover how modern science continues to confirm Einstein's predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.

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Tuesdays; Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar 3, Synchronous Online

Frank Lloyd Wright designed nearly 1,000 buildings and helped define modern architecture. This course explores highlights of his practice, from Prairie houses to Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, alongside lesser-known projects like affordable housing and city planning. We'll examine how Wright's work reflected cultural shifts in technology, science, and politics, offering a deeper understanding of his lasting influence on architecture and modern design.

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Tuesdays, April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, Synchronous Online

The death of Pope Francis and the election of the first US-born Pope have been in the news repeatedly over the last few months, capturing the imagination of many people, including non-Catholics. Who are these men? What are their life stories? How were they similar to and different from each other? In this course, we will discuss the lives and dominant perspectives of the last ten Popes, exploring their influence on world affairs.

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Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, Synchronous Online

Have you ever wondered who writes presidential speeches? This course traces the evolution of speechwriting from George Washington's administration to today. Yes, Hamilton helped draft Washington's Farewell Address, but no, Lincoln did not scribble the Gettysburg Address on an envelope. We will study the writing process presidents used and examine drafts from FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and George H.W. Bush. We will view clips from speeches and former White House speechwriters describing the process.

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Mondays, March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, Synchronous Online

When we think of the Holocaust, we recall the horrors perpetrated by evildoers. Even in humanity's darkest hours, courageous individuals risked everything to save lives. This course sheds light on these little-known rescuers: ordinary people who defied laws, resisted hate, and acted with moral clarity and compassion. Their uplifting stories are powerful reminders of resilience, morality, and hope.

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Wednesdays; Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 , Synchronous Online

Sicily has been a mythic crossroads of heroes, conquerors, and culture for over 3,000 years. From Odysseus and the Arab-Norman Golden Age to the Mafia and modern mythmakers like Garibaldi and Coppola, Sicily's story is rich, complex, and central to Western history. This course explores its pivotal role in shaping civilization and illustrates why Goethe famously said, 'To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all.'

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Mondays; Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 2 , Synchronous Online

Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in US history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved, and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.

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Fridays; Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online

Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Shogun, this course explores Japan's transition from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. We will examine the rise of key unifiers, the roles of diverse social groups (like merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts), and the era's political, cultural, and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.

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Tuesdays; Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 , Synchronous Online

Throughout his 1000-day presidency, John Kennedy pursued peace through a broad spectrum of initiatives. He saw a connection between learning and leadership and sought to use military deterrence, diplomacy, and soft power in novel ways. Let's explore how his character and life experiences were the origins of those efforts. We will evaluate his powers of persuasion by listening to key speeches, and we will assess his successes and failures and their relevance to today's world.

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Thursday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, Synchronous Online

In the 1820s, John James Audubon set out to document every bird species in the US, resulting in The Birds of America, a landmark collection of 435 hand-painted prints. This course explores Audubon's life, artistic methods, and legacy, highlighting how his work bridges art and science. We will examine selected prints and consider his lasting impact on American natural history.

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Thursdays; Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 , Synchronous Online

Explore the rituals, beliefs, and writings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through a comparative lens. This course examines where these Abrahamic religions overlap and diverge, offering insights into their shared monotheistic roots and unique traditions. We will read key texts from each faith and gain a deeper understanding of how these religions shape meaning, practice, and identity.

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Thursdays; Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, Synchronous Online

This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner's smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

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Wednesdays; Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 , Synchronous Online

Explore the evolution of American conservation from the 19th century to today. We'll go beyond national parks to examine how urban reformers, scientists, women activists, and Native communities shaped the movement. Through diverse stories and landscapes, we will gain a deeper understanding of how Americans have fought to preserve and define the natural world.

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Tuesdays; Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 , Synchronous Online

Siberia covers three quarters of Russia's territory but is home to only a quarter of its population. Yet its role in shaping Russia as a vast and wealthy empire is profound. We will explore Siberia's economic significance, indigenous cultures, and history as a penal colony, along with its importance for climate change, environmental issues, and Russian-Chinese relations. We will also consider Siberia's role in both the rise and possible fragmentation of Russia.

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Wednesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, Synchronous Online

This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group (Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others), revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course, and consequences.

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Saturdays; Jan 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, Synchronous Online

This engaging, video-rich course tells the story of American television from its 1920s origins to today's streaming era. We will explore decades of iconic shows, genres, and cultural moments that shaped the medium and its audiences. From sitcoms and dramas to news and sports, we will rediscover how TV evolved, adapted, and transformed American culture one broadcast, cable channel, and streaming service at a time.

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Mondays; Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 2 , Synchronous Online

Let's examine the cultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression. Known as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, and the Lost Generation, this period redefined values and norms. We will explore the vibrant world of 1920s Paris through F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'Babylon Revisited' and 'Bernice Bobs Her Hair,' Ernest Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises,' and Gertrude Stein's 'The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas.'

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Wednesdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online

In July 1925, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, and others converged on Dayton, Tennessee, for the Scopes Monkey Trial: an eight-day clash over religion, science, public education, free speech, and textbooks broadcast nationwide. Now, 100 years later, these debates continue. This course explores why the trial happened in Dayton, how Bryan and Darrow became involved, what occurred in the courtroom, whether 'Inherit the Wind' reflects reality, who won/lost, and why it all still matters today.

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Tuesdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, Synchronous Online

Virtue theory considers not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect, and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.

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Wednesdays; Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, Synchronous Online

Why do so many great violinists also become composers? Let's explore the fascinating legacy of violinist-composers, including Baroque virtuosos like Heinrich Biber, Romantic legends like Niccol< Paganini, and 20th century innovators like George Enescu and Grazyna Bacewicz. We will examine how these artists wrote music tailored to their instruments and themselves. Taught by a professional violinist, this course takes a behind-the-strings look at how performance and composition intertwine.

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Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, Synchronous Online

Constitutional scholar and law school dean Erwin Chemerinsky warns that 'American democracy is in grave danger,' as political polarization, decisions by a partisan Supreme Court, and anti-democratic features inherent in the Constitution have combined to create the possibility of perpetual minority rule. Dean Chemerinsky will discuss how the Constitution, as initially drafted and as recently interpreted by the Supreme Court, has contributed to the demise of democracy, and explore options for addressing this crisis.

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Thursday, Jan 22, Synchronous Online

In January 1776 Norfolk burnt down. Who burned it, and why burn it? How did its fate affect Virginia and the Revolutionary War? We will also investigate Daniel Morgan, the legendary Revolutionary War hero. As a Winchester, Virginia teen he was poor and illiterate. In the French and Indian War, he endured a British lashing and was injured by the Pawnee. But he survived and went on to become a great patriot general.

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Wednesday, April 15, TBD - UR Campus

As one newspaper reporter stated, 'She couldn't stand a reputation as a back-seat driver, so she flew the Atlantic herself: solo.' Join us as we navigate the journey of Amelia Earhart, record-breaking aviator and first female to fly solo across the United States!

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Monday, Jan 12, Synchronous Online

Hailed as the social event of the season, the January 19 wedding of a beautiful Southern belle to a dashing brigadier general was one bright moment amid the gloom of 1865. One of Washington D.C.'s most charming and influential socialites, Rose O'Neale Greenhow used her connections to gain information on US Army troop movements before the battle of Manassas. We'll explore the story of this determined woman whose own family was divided by war.

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Friday, Jan 16, Synchronous Online

Before she died in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland. These powerful stories have been published by her son, Irving Lubliner. He will share excerpts from 'Only Hope: A Survivor's Stories of the Holocaust,' shedding light on his mother's experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his own experience as a child of Holocaust survivors. He will pause during and after his presentation to invite questions.

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Monday, Jan 12, Synchronous Online

From 1861 to 1865 Richmond was at the center of the Civil War. A community of just 30,000 civilians became the Capitol of the Confederate Government, and the focal point of several military campaigns that would change the country forever. Join a Ranger for a discussion of the importance of these engagements around the Confederacy's Capitol. This will be followed by an update on the fall class on Threats Facing the National Parks.

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Wednesday, April 15, TBD - UR Campus

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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Tuesdays, May 5 and 12, TBD - UR Campus

What do you know about the complexities of the Appalachian coalfields? This presentation will focus on a diverse region that is plagued by stereotypes and economic challenges. The presenter and guests will share personal narratives of the coalfields of southwestern Virginia, southeastern Kentucky, and southern West Virginia through the lens of photographs, facts, and personal examples that focus on the region's history and future.

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Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, TBD - UR Campus

Let's talk about Rajput painting, painting of the regional Hindu courts during the Mughal era, roughly from the end of the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century. Traditionally, Rajput painting is further divided into Rajasthan and Pahari painting which flourished in two different areas far apart from each other in terms of distance but all under the rule of Rajput chiefs, and bound together by a common culture.

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Thursday, April 30, TBD - UR Campus

Taylor was the only African-American woman to publish a memoir about her wartime experiences with the army. A former slave, educated in secret, Taylor served as a teacher, laundress, and nurse with the 33rd United States Colored Troops.

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Thursday, March 19, Synchronous Online

English medieval cathedrals are among the most magnificent buildings in England, embodying earthly and spiritual power. Offering a glimpse of heaven on earth, the medieval master builders created stunning places of worship that remain standing after nearly a thousand years.

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Tuessdays, March 24, 31, April 7, TBD - UR Campus

Experience a personal story of the Holocaust from a child survivor and from the daughter of a WWII survivor of Omaha Beach D-Day landing, via a power point presentation with original photos.

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Tuesday, Jan 13, TBD - UR Campus

Virginians played an essential role in the creation of the new American nation. From actions during and following the American Revolution to ideas and documents that established the new country, Virginians were involved at every point. Learn more about the lives of Virginia's founding fathers, while also examining some of the most important documents in American history.

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Monday, Jan 12, Synchronous Online

Most of Africa was generally unknown to the rest of the world until the 1870s, when an ambitious and ruthless king from a minor European country initiated a rush for glory and riches known later as the 'Scramble for Africa.' The result was a carving up of the continent that generally ignored the cultures and histories of the indigenous peoples. We will examine how the map of Africa transformed into the configuration we recognize today.

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Thursdays; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, Synchronous Online

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, GOTW, Auditorium Room A001 (3 seats (5%) remaining)

Students will explore the Vietnam Wars between 1940 and 1975, with an emphasis on America's involvement. This course will trace the origins of the conflict from the Japanese occupation during World War II through the US withdrawal. We'll include background, causes, key players, major battles, and the war's legacy. Students will also examine the role of the press, shifting public opinion, nationwide demonstrations, the draft, and the political climate of this turbulent era.

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Tuesdays; Feb 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17 , TBD - UR Campus

It's our nation's 250th anniversary! There's no better time to take a drive to Yorktown and join this docent-led tour of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The Museum tells the story of the nation's founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Exciting indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments and films, including 'The Siege of Yorktown,' with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects. Fees are no-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Friday, April 17, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Translated from Scottish Gaelic as the 'water of life', uisge beatha is the spirit we know as Scotch whisky. In this class, we will explore the history and culture of Scotch whisky and take a virtual tour of some distilleries from the five whisky-producing regions in Scotland. By examining the production process of single malt whisky, we will uncover the origins of the flavor profiles that are characteristic of a brand's core range of whiskies. There will be a field trip to The Kitchen Classroom to nose and taste four distinct single malt Scotch whisky expressions from Glenkinchie (Lowlands), Glendronach (Speyside), Laphroaig (Islay), and Highland Park (Highlands). Come enjoy a "wee dram" with your fellow Scotch whisky enthusiasts. Fees are non-refundable unless we can fill your slot. The first session will be on campus; the second at the Kitchen Classroom.

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Thursday, April 2 and 9, The Kitchen Classroom

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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No session is currently available for registration

Who were the commander-in-chief's subordinate generals? Find out who they were, as well as their backgrounds, relations with Washington, Congress, and each other.

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Friday, April 3, TBD - UR Campus

This PowerPoint presentation is an overview of Iran's 3000-year history, religion, culture, politics, climate, and geography with special attention and insight into Zoroastrianism, Sharia Law, the Sunni-Shi'ite rift, our CIA coup, and the revolutions of the 20th century. The second half of the presentation is a photographic tour of Iran with historical commentary, a personal story of traveling through Iran with emphasis on the 'incidents and accidents' that happened along the way.

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Thursday, March 26, TBD - UR Campus

The emancipation of women and realization of full equality between the sexes is essential to human progress and the transformation of society. Inequality and the systematic oppression of women is a conspicuous and tragic fact of human history deeply ingrained in human society. Are its roots exclusively cultural, or has religious prejudice translated into social and cultural norms the traditional determination of a woman's status and her role in society?

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Thursday, Jan 15, TBD - UR Campus