Online Courses

Courses offered online through the Osher Institute. Includes both partner-provided and Richmond-created classes.

Courses

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.

No session is currently available for registration

Case Studies in Democracy

This interactive class will use case study methodology to study history via the book 'Democracy: A Case Study' by David Moss (2017). You will role-play the decision makers of the day as you analyze problems that eventually led to momentous decisions in our nation's history. Experience history in a more immersive way.

Thursdays, July 23, 30, Aug 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History

Musicals have shaped American theater, from Tin Pan Alley-driven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated classics of midcentury. We will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the rise of European mega-productions, then spotlight influential composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. We'll touch on landmark shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more. Note: The new refund policy applies.

Tuesdays, July 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Hindu Traditions: Ritual, Knowledge, Devotion

Explore Hindu traditions from classical to contemporary times, emphasizing ritual, knowledge, and devotion. We'll begin with South Asian roots in the Vedic tradition and key religious foundations, move to early and classical Hindu thought through the concept of dharma, then explore major deities through their narratives, practices, and iconography. We will examine the six major schools of Hindu philosophy, consider bhakti (devotion), and conclude with sacred spaces and pilgrimage practices. Note: The new refund policy applies.

Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - History of Signs: How Signs Tell America's Story

Explore a century of American history through objects often taken for granted in everyday life: signs. This course introduces the American Sign Museum's origins and features a conversation with its founder about why signs matter. We will examine how signs have evolved due to trends in commerce and technology and explore case studies. In the final session, we will take a virtual visit to ASM's neon shop to see how a neon sign is made. Note: The new refund policy applies.

Fridays, July 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, 21, 28, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Protecting Yourself as a Patient

This course will help us keep ourselves and our loved ones safer in today's complex healthcare system. Medical harm (often unintentional yet preventable) injures and kills hundreds of thousands of patients each year. We will learn how to reduce risk from common problems such as medication errors, care accidents, infections, diagnostic mistakes, and procedural or surgical complications. Through presentations, videos, and discussions, patient safety experts and advocates will share practical strategies, tactics, and resources. Note: The new refund policy applies.

Tuesdays, July 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The Indispensable Founder: George Washington

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, let's look at our indispensable founder, George Washington: his life, political leadership, and roles as farmer, entrepreneur, and architect. We will also explore the groundbreaking Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, which has owned and managed Mount Vernon since 1858, launching the American historic preservation movement. Note: The new refund policy applies.

Mondays, July 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Women Architects and Designers

Often overlooked in traditional design and architecture courses, 20th century women designers profoundly shaped how we perceive and experience built environments, interiors, and decorative objects. We will touch on Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Lilly Reich, Charlotte Perriand, Dorothy Draper, Ray Eames, and Zaha Hadid and consider their lives and enduring designs within social and political contexts. Note: The new refund policy applies.

Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

Osher at Dartmouth 2026 Summer Lecture Series, How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming America? Lecture 1

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 1 is 'What Can the Declaration of Independence Teach Us About Artificial Intelligence.' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

Wednesday, July 8, Synchronous Online

Osher at Dartmouth 2026 Summer Lecture Series, How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming America? Lecture 2

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 2 is 'Can AI Think Like a Doctor?' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

Wednesday, July 15, Synchronous Online

Osher at Dartmouth 2026 Summer Lecture Series, How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming America? Lecture 3

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 3 is 'Environmental Impact.' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

Wednesday, July 22, Synchronous Online

Osher at Dartmouth 2026 Summer Lecture Series, How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming America? Lecture 4

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 4 is 'What Will be the Economic Impacts of AI?' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

Wednesday, July 29, Synchronous Online

Osher at Dartmouth 2026 Summer Lecture Series, How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming America? Lecture 5

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 5: 'Is AI Leading Us Toward a More Dangerous World Disorder?' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

Wed, Aug 5, Synchronous Online

Osher at Dartmouth 2026 Summer Lecture Series, How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming America? Lecture 6

The Osher Institute at Dartmouth is offering its summer lecture via livestream to Osher colleagues across the nation. Lecture 6 is 'Morality, Ethics, Equality, Justice, and the Need for Regulation.' The session begins with the lecture, is followed by a half-hour break, then resumes with Q&A.

Wednesday, Aug 12, Synchronous Online

The UR Help Desk: All You Need to Know

The UR Computer/Technology Help Desk is available to Osher members, but do you really know what services it provides? Join this session to find out how to take full advantage of this great benefit of Osher membership.

Wednesday, July 29, Synchronous Online

Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

Prior to his death, Thomas Jefferson left behind specific instructions for the monument that was to mark his grave. He requested the following epitaph: 'Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia.' These contributions were, in his words, the 'testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered.' Historian Michael Aubrecht tells the remarkable tale of the creation of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the impact it continues to have today.

Wednesday, July 8, Synchronous Online

Washington in Our Wallets

First offered in 2017, Washington in our Wallets returns, with new material examining the Trump tax changes. After examining Britain's attempts to tax the colonists and 19th century attempts at taxation, we'll trace the development of the income tax from essentially a supplementary tax on a relatively few high income taxpayers to a more broadly based tax that accounts for the bulk of federal tax revenue, concluding with the 2017 and 2025 legislation.

Wednesdays, July 29, Aug 5 and 12, Synchronous Online