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.

Tuesday, Sept 30, Synchronous Online

Grit and Grace: Women in Our Armed Forces

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.

No session is currently available for registration

Happy Halloween: Art that is Scary, Strange, or Just Plain Weird

Celebrate Halloween by viewing and discussing art that makes us uneasy. The artist may have intended to frighten the viewer, or viewers may react to this unusual art because it touches a dissonant cord in themselves. Come join us in examining scary art to discover why certain artists want to shock and disturb us with their works. Costumes and masks optional!

Friday, 10/31, Synchronous Online

Holiday Tips for Caregivers

Holidays are a time for making memories with family and friends, but including someone living with dementia may feel challenging and overwhelming for families. Join us as we share tips to engage and include someone living with dementia in holiday traditions and making the most of time together.

Monday, 12/8, Synchronous Online

How to View, Understand and Appreciate Art

Learn the language of art to analyze, interpret, and critique artworks using art works from the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the VMFA. Build your visual vocabulary by examining the choices artists make in their works and why they make these choices. Learn how to be comfortable viewing art and to enjoy talking about art with others. This program has been offered before, but always with new artworks to expand your skills at viewing art!

Tuesday 9/16, Synchronous Online

Music & Dementia - The Power of Communication

Music can enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease, allowing for self-expression and engagement, even after dementia has progressed. Studies have shown music may reduce agitation and improve behavioral issues common in the middle-stages of the disease. Even in the late stages of Alzheimer's, a person may be able to tap a beat or sing lyrics to a song from childhood. Music provides a way to connect, even after verbal communication has become difficult.

Tuesday, Oct 7, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Alexander Graham Bell and the Telephone, 150 Years Later

More than any other invention of the past 150 years, the telephone has transformed how we communicate and conduct business. But how was it invented, and why did it have such a profound impact? We'll explore Alexander Graham Bell's groundbreaking 1875 concept for transmitting sound over an electric wire, his struggles to commercialize the telephone with his father-in-law, Gardiner Hubbard, and his rivalry with inventors Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison.

Wednesdays, Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - American History in Six Songs (Approximately)

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.

Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Creative Conservation

Become educated, entertained, and empowered to become more effective stewards of the natural world. Through real-life conservation stories drawn from the instructor's personal experiences and her time as host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, we will highlight the impact of passionate individuals working together to address complex environmental challenges.

Wednesdays, Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - From Bauhaus to Brutalism: Modern and Contemporary Architecture

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.

Mondays, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Graceful Exits: Exploring the Economics, Ethics & Ethos of Death With Dignity

We will explore the complex issue of Death with Dignity, also known as assisted suicide, through its historical development, ethical debates, legal frameworks, and cultural perspectives. We will examine evolving policies on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. This course provides a comprehensive look at the ethical and legal dimensions of end-of-life decision-making.

Mondays, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Impressionism: Color Light and Leisure

We will examine the works of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, and Morisot from the 1860s to the 1910s, exploring their stylistic and technical innovations, personal lives, and the cultural forces shaping their artistry.

Thursday, Oct 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - In Darwin's Footsteps: A Journey to the Galapagos

From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle, collecting data that, after decades of study and reflection, formed part of the basis for his publication 'On the Origin of Species.' The ideas presented in that volume remain the foundation of all modern biological thought. We will address the historical and cultural context of Darwin's era, follow the five-year journey, discuss how Darwin came to his ideas, and explain his theories in detail.

Thursdays, Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Inequality and Economic Policy

Let's explore the history of different types of inequality, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy levers available to address these issues. Topics may include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, economic mobility, discrimination in public policy, and the wealth gap.

Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Languages of the World

Let's examine how languages develop, change, and interact over time. Through a journey across six mystery locations, we will uncover the historical relationships among languages and the migrations, splits, and connections that have shaped them.

Thursdays, Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Legendary Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Tales from the Inland Seas

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.

Thursdays, Oct 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Peeking Inside the Black Box

Let's take a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific process, exploring how modern science developed, what scientists actually do, and what makes research reliable. We will examine the strengths and weaknesses of scientific methodology, uncover common pitfalls, and identify red flags for pseudoscience and untrustworthy findings.

Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Public Health in Action: Addressing Stress, Equity, and Solutions

Let's explore the social determinants of health, the physiological mechanisms of stress, and the effects of stress on health and well-being. We will also examine stress- and health-related theoretical frameworks.

Wednesdays, Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The African American Military Experience: From Revolution to Civil Rights

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.

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

National Osher Online - The Films of John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands: Innovation in Filmmaking and Performance

Let's look at the groundbreaking collaboration between John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, two pioneers of independent cinema. Cassavetes revolutionized filmmaking with raw, character-driven storytelling, while Rowlands' deeply expressive performances set a new standard in acting. We will explore Cassavetes' unconventional techniques, his rejection of Hollywood norms, and their lasting impact on independent film, offering participants a deeper understanding of their artistry and influence.

Fridays, Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla

Let's explore the life and innovations of Nikola Tesla, from his early experiments in electricity to his groundbreaking work in wireless technology. We'll examine his collaborations and rivalries, the 'War of the Currents,' and his ambitious Wardenclyffe tower. Tesla's later work, including his wireless experiments, military research, and the mystery surrounding his secret papers, reveals the genius and intrigue behind one of history's most visionary inventors.

Mondays, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The Magic of Motown

Explore Motown's golden era (1950s-1970s) and its lasting impact on music and culture. We'll examine Motown's signature sound, groundbreaking artists, and role in breaking racial barriers. Featuring curated tracks and videos, we'll trace the label's evolution and cultural influence. The course concludes with a celebration of Motown's first 25 years and its enduring legacy.

Tuesdays, Oct 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The Power of One in Steven Spielberg Films

Let's explore the recurring theme of moral choices and redemption in Steven Spielberg's films. Through scene-by-scene analysis, we will examine how characters' beliefs and actions shape their worlds. Films include 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Lincoln,' 'Bridge of Spies,' 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Munich,' and 'Schindler's List.'

Mondays, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Synchronous Online

Richmond Symphony: Symphony Companion Course 2025-26

Join this deep dive into the 2025-2026 Richmond Symphony Series concerts. Each class in this course will focus on the repertoire of the upcoming Symphony Series concert and feature a special guest with a critical role in the performance. Guests will include Music Director Valentina Peleggi, guest artists, and composers. Through recordings, images, scholarship, biographies, backstage stories, and discussion we will engage more deeply with the music and the artists who bring it to life.

Mondays; 9/15, 10/20 & 11/3, Synchronous Online

The Christmas Story Through the Eyes of Western Art

This course offers an exploration of the Christmas story through works of art. The story has inspired artists to produce some of the most tender images created. Images have evolved over time along with changes in society and shifts in religious attitudes. Depictions of the Nativity moved from the mother and child to a scene with a cast of hundreds. Images depicting events preceding and following the Nativity are also examined.

Wednesday, 12/10, Synchronous Online

The Erie Canal: A Story of Water and Gravity

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.

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

The Life and Works of Raphael Sanzio

Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, known as Raphael, was a young contemporary of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. When critics speak of Raphael, they tend to come up with the same word to describe the genius in his work: grace. It is said that his works reflect his character. He was charming, handsome, and insanely talented. It's thought he might have been the happiest, most successful, and best-loved artist in history.

Wednesdays, Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

Urban Landscapes

The proliferation of skyscrapers in the early 20th Century gave artists new inspiration for rendering landscapes. Rather than the lush vista of greenery, steel and concrete became their passion. In this session, we will explore the many ways our urban landscapes have been used to communicate both the beauty and the challenge of urban life.

Monday, 12/1, Synchronous Online