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 - A Beautiful Brain

Most conversations about aging focus on lifespan, but brainspan (how long our mind stays sharp) matters more. In this course, we will explore how the brain ages and what science reveals about protecting memory, balance, and clarity. Topics include normal changes versus early dementia, neuroplasticity, nutrition, sleep, stress, social ties, and purpose. Each session blends science with self-tests and take-home practices. We will build a personalized Cognitive Health Scorecard to track habits and strengthen resilience.

Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - A History of Street Art

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.

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

National Osher Online - AI for Regular People

This updated course offers a clear, engaging introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it's rapidly transforming our world. From self-driving cars to chatbots and precision medicine, we will explore how AI works, where it's headed, and what it means for society. No tech experience needed, just curiosity! With fresh examples and timely updates, participants will gain a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges AI presents today.

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

National Osher Online - Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology

Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

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

National Osher Online - California Uncovered: A Journey Through Time, Place, and Identity

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.

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

National Osher Online - Comic Book Literature

Comics (blending words and pictures to tell stories) stretch from cave paintings and the Bayeux Tapestry to today's Batman and Spider-Man. Far more than superhero tales, comics are a versatile literary artform, capturing intimate and epic stories, social issues, and cultural moments through panels and word balloons. In this course, we will trace their history, explore their power, and read and discuss works including 'Understanding Comics,' 'Watchmen,' 'Maus,' 'Fun Home,' and 'Persepolis.'

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

National Osher Online - Dealing in Futures: The Shape of Science Fiction

From pulp origins to mainstream dominance, science fiction has evolved into a powerful storytelling form that explores new worlds, ideas, and ways of thinking. This course traces the genre's growth over two centuries, distinguishing it from fantasy and myth, and highlighting key authors who shaped its direction. We will discover how science fiction reflects cultural change and reimagines the future.

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

National Osher Online - Einstein without Tears: His Theories Explained without Math and in Everyday Language

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.

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

National Osher Online - Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern Architecture

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.

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

National Osher Online - From Leo XIII to Leo XIV: History of 20th and 21st Century Popes

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.

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

National Osher Online - Ghosts in the White House: The People Behind Presidential Speeches

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.

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

National Osher Online - Great Science Stories

Science is full of surprises. Dyes, accidentally discovered, launched the modern pharmaceutical industry. A failed experiment opened the door to new physics. Discoveries are never just facts. They are moments of creativity, struggle, and chance with far-reaching consequences. In this course, we will explore the human side of science, tracing breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. We will ask not only what was found, but how and why it matters.

Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Heroes of the Holocaust: Lights in the Darkness

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.

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

National Osher Online - History of Sicily

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.'

No session is currently available for registration

National Osher Online - How the US Immigration System (Usually) Works

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.

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

National Osher Online - Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI's current influence, and the possibilities ahead.

Thursdays; Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Japanese History through the Lens of Shogun

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.

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

National Osher Online - JFK's Quest for Peace: Lessons for Turbulent Times

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.

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

National Osher Online - John James Audubon and the Birds of America

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.

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

National Osher Online - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Comparative Exploration

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.

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

National Osher Online - Landscape & Adventure Photography: An Introduction

Learn the skills and techniques used to create professional quality images of your adventures in the natural world. Topics will include exposure, depth of field, motion effects, the principles of visual communication, and the qualities of natural light. The course will incorporate slide-illustrated lectures and group discussions, and provide ample time for student feedback.

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

National Osher Online - Milestones in Medicine

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.

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

National Osher Online - More than Parks: A History of American Conservation

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.

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

National Osher Online - Music: Controversies and Curiosities

Music has long provoked debate, from Beethoven and Stravinsky's bold innovations to Broadway works like 'Annie Get Your Gun' and 'South Pacific,' now revisited through modern concerns about race, consent, and gender. Is political correctness enriching art or erasing cultural heritage? We will examine plagiarism and borrowing in pop and film music, with cases involving The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Peter Frampton. This course blends audiovisuals, anecdotes, and humor to explore music's most controversial moments.

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

National Osher Online - Osher Integrative Health: Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System

This course, presented in partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health, features expert speakers from their upcoming national conference, Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will explore how integrative health approaches can address the challenges of living with chronic conditions and help individuals make informed choices within today's increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics will focus on whole-person care, patient empowerment, and practical strategies for managing long-term health concerns.

Fridays; Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge

Some substances heal, others harm, and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin's industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.

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

National Osher Online - Place, Memory, and Environmental Psychology

How much of who we are is shaped by the places we live and experience? This course invites reflection on the psychological and emotional relationships between people and their environments. Drawing on psychology, geography, architecture, and design, we'll explore environmental psychology and how physical environments shape behavior, cognition, identity, and memory. We will discuss concepts such as place attachment, identity, and cognitive maps, and reflect on memory, home, trauma, displacement, and nature's role in well-being.

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

National Osher Online - Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction

Let's explore Post-Impressionism's bold departure from naturalistic light and color, focusing on the expressive use of form, symbolism, and vivid, often unnatural color. Through the work of C?zanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat, and Matisse, we will trace the movement's challenge to artistic norms and social values: laying the foundation for modern art and redefining the artist's role in society.

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

National Osher Online - Siberia: Russia's Frozen Wasteland or Economic Heartland?

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.

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

National Osher Online - The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire

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.

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

National Osher Online - The History of American Television

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.

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

National Osher Online - The Lost Generation

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.'

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

National Osher Online - The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles such as jazz, classical, and pop into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotions across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From 'The Jazz Singer' to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams.

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

National Osher Online - The Noir Novel: Three American Classics

Explore the noir novel through Dashiell Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon,' Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep,' and Sara Paretsky's 'Indemnity Only.' From hardboiled detectives navigating gritty cityscapes to Paretsky's feminist reimagining of the genre, this course traces the evolution of noir fiction. Film clips from classic adaptations will highlight the genre's impact on both literature and cinema.

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

National Osher Online - The Scopes Monkey Trial: Then and Now

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.

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

National Osher Online - The Virtues

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.

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

National Osher Online - Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence

This beginner-friendly course introduces Google Workspace tools like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will learn core features, basic navigation, and practical applications for personal and professional use. With guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds confidence and foundational skills to boost productivity and collaboration.

Wednesdays; Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 , Synchronous Online

National Osher Online - Violinists: Performers and Composers

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.

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

National Osher Online - Writing the Personal Essay: Finding Your Story

The personal essay, one of the oldest forms of creative nonfiction, blends storytelling, reflection, and analysis to give voice to lived experience. We will explore the personal essay as both art and self-expression. Through readings, discussion, and writing exercises, we will study elements such as narrative arc, scene-setting, and reflection. We will draft our own essays, discovering how this enduring form helps us find our voices and tell our stories with clarity.

Saturdays, April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, Synchronous Online