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, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 ( No seats currently available )

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, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156

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, GOTW, Auditorium Room A001 ( 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 )

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 )

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 (8 seats (8%) 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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No session is currently available for registration

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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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

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, GOTW, Auditorium Room A001 (4 seats (6%) 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 ( 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, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156

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

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, BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 (16 seats (16%) remaining)

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, JPSN, Room 118 (12 seats (12%) remaining)

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 ( 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 )