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.
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
( No seats currently available )
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
(3 seats (23%) remaining)
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
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
( No seats currently available )
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
( No seats currently available )
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
(5 seats (38%) remaining)