National Osher Online

National Osher Online is a pilot project of the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). It kicked off in the fall of 2022, and UR's Osher Institute was one of the original pilot sites. We continue to offer these classes each semester.

These national classes feature some of the best, most experienced instructors across the Osher network. The hope is that the pilot will be eventually scaled nationwide and offered to the entire Osher network.

Osher Online courses will not replace any existing, local programming but instead offer a unique, online learning modality with a variety of courses to supplement existing offerings by individual institutes. This pilot program will provide members across the country with a means to connect with each other and learn together by participating in this new initiative, while maintaining membership at their local institute.

We are grateful to the Bernard Osher Foundation, Northwestern University, and the Osher NRC for their support and hard work in making this happen.

Courses

National Osher Online - Bella Napoli: Italy's (Other) 'Eternal City'

The Southern Italian port city of Naples is home to a rich and complex history stretching back to its foundation in the 8th century BCE. Across the centuries, Naples evolved into a vibrant cultural, political, and economic center. In 1861, the newly unified Italian nation-state initiated an era of modernization that persists to the present day. We will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli: a city famously pieno di contradizione ('full of contradictions').

Fridays; 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/02, 5/09, 5/16 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Bonsai, An Ancient Art in Modern Times

Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. We will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. You will learn how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. Whether you are new to bonsai, have experience, or are simply curious, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of this fascinating art form.

Mondays; 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Car Crazy: 1950s Onward

Let's explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. Included will be the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Mustang and Corvette, and the appeal of concept cars which highlight the innovation of their eras. We'll touch on how global car cultures, from America's muscle cars to Japan's futuristic designs, reflect the identities and values of their societies.

Wednesdays; 4/09, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/07, 5/14 *NOTE: Time revised from printed catalog, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Cinema in Transition: Exploring Change through Classic Films

Spring is a time of new life, as we watch the world around us change from dormant to full of life. We will watch several classic films, all with a theme of change. Films will be watched on your own outside of the classroom, with at least one film assigned per week. We will unpack each film in terms of its style, story, filmmaking technique, and how it fits with the theme of change.

Tuesdays; 4/08, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/06, 5/13 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Crossword Puzzle Creation

Have you ever wondered how crossword puzzles are created? This course will appeal to those who want to construct their own crosswords, those who are simply curious about the process, and those who want to be better solvers. We will explore all steps of the crossword puzzle creation process, including tools, formats, themes, grid block arrangement, challenging clues, and more. Throughout the course, we will construct several crossword puzzles together.

Wednesdays; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Future Proofing Your Healthspan and Longevity

Longevity comes down to one simple truth: our ability to weather the inevitable challenges life unexpectedly drops in our lap. This course is a condensed version of Fulton's Whealthspan Masterclass which focuses on the five foundations for extending healthspan and looks at societal changes that impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values.

Wednesdays; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Jinas, Jivas, & the Three Jewels: The Jain Tradition and Its Legacy of Non-Violence

Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the path to enlightenment is through nonviolence and reducing harm to living things (including plants and animals). This course provides an introduction to Jain traditions and their historical roots in South Asia from the time of Mahavira (fifth century BCE) to the present.

Tuesdays; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Mainstreaming the Margins: A History of LGBTQ+ America

Over a half-century after the Stonewall Uprising, the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and movements in the US remains a focal point of rich discussion and political relevance. We will immerse ourselves in the intricate history of LGBTQ+ Americans, examining their political organizations, cultural contributions, and the profound ways they have helped shape the nation to gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US.

Tuesdays; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Neurology in a Nutshell: The Brain Explained

We begin by unraveling the mysteries of the brain. We will explore how to navigate the complex and fragmented healthcare system and discuss strategies for advocating for personalized care. In addition to simplifying common neurological conditions such as headaches, dizziness, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and memory loss, we will examine testing and imaging of the nervous system. We will also focus on illness prevention through healthy lifestyles and provide an intimate discussion of end-of-life issues.

Thursdays; 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/01, 5/8, 5/15 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Russia Beyond Russians

Let's discuss recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. The Russian Federation is home to 180 nationalities, many of which have long been in conflict. Let's examine how the Russian state under the Tsars, Soviets, and President Vladimir Putin has sought to impose uniformity, often diminishing ethnic groups. Through a historical lens, we will explore the struggles of these groups, from peaceful movements to violent resistance.

Thursdays; 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Science Charcuterie

Some topics don't fit neatly into Osher science classes, often ending up on the proverbial cutting-room floor. This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine, including a bit of color theory, a morsel of genetic testing science, a dash of airplane physics, some lightning theory, a mouse that turns scorpion venom into a painkiller, current scientific thoughts on origins of life, plus time to explore topics of interest to you.

Thursdays; 4/03, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/01, 5/08 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The Essential Jane Austen

In honor of Jane Austen's 250th birthday in 2025, we will explore her life, works, and legacy from a fresh perspective. Both seasoned readers and those new to Austen will appreciate experiencing the story of her authorship through images of original documents and artifacts. We will consider how and why her literary reputation grew after her death, and we will take a tour of the contemporary adaptations and retellings that continue to broaden her readership.

Mondays; 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - The Soundtrack of Rock & Pop in the 50s & 60s: The Magic of the Brill Building Era

The adventure begins in New York City, where the echoes of Tin Pan Alley's Great American Songbook still resound. Join this journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. We will discuss the music of legendary songwriters and unforgettable vocalists, such as Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Burt Bacharach, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, Dionne Warwick, and many others.

Tuesdays; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Virtuosos in Classical Music

Using anecdotes, stories, humor, and audiovisuals, we will explore the legacy and artistry of influential performers whose technical brilliance, richness of tone, and showmanship have shaped music history. We will examine talents like Arthur Rubinstein, Jascha Heifetz, Vladimir Horowitz, Yuja Wang, Itzhak Perlman, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Lang Lang all of whose impressive ability, charisma, and distinctive sound have captivated audiences over the last 150 years. We will also explore emerging talents such as Alma Deutscher.

Wednesdays; 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/07, 5/14, 5/21 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Women: The Forgotten 'Men' in History

Women and other marginalized groups traditionally received less ink in history books than the 'great men' of history who were mainly white males. This course looks at nine women whose achievements are not commonly known. Included are a scientist, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a pioneering pilot, a suffragist, a candidate for the US presidency, an activist for women's and African-American's rights, a British anthropologist, and a pioneering politician from the Western US.

Mondays; Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, Synchronous Online