Osher Online with Northwestern University
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Run by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University, this special program allows members from various Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes to participate in shared online courses, thanks to the generosity of the Bernard Osher Foundation. These courses are not meant to replace our locally offered in-person or online courses but rather to supplement our own local offerings. The very high-quality courses feature popular instructors from some of the 125 Osher Institutes across the country. Osher Online allows Osher members from different states and institutions to learn with and connect to each other while maintaining membership at their own local Institutes. We hope you will enjoy being a part of the fun!
Questions? Call Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 801-581-6461 or use our online form.
Class Sections For Osher Online with Northwestern University (OSHER 760)
Fall 2025 Section 4, Starting on: 10/06/2025
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. Each architectural movement responded to social and political changes, influencing both residential and commercial structures. This course explores the inspirations and innovations behind major architectural styles, including the Bauhaus, the International Style, Art Deco, Midcentury Modernism, and Postmodernism. Through these movements, we will examine how architecture has continually adapted to shape and reflect the built environment. Instructor: Eleanor Schrader. Class dates: Oct 6-Nov 10. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/06/25 - 11/10/25 | M | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 15, Starting on: 10/06/2025
The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla: This course traces the life and innovations of Nikola Tesla, from his early years and university studies in Graz and Prague to his groundbreaking work in electricity and wireless technology. We will explore his collaborations and rivalries, including his work with Thomas Edison, the "War of the Currents" between AC and DC power, and his partnership with George Westinghouse, which led to the lighting of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Key topics include Tesla's telautomaton invention, his wireless experiments, and his race against Marconi in the development of radio. We will examine the Wardenclyffe--Tesla's ambitious wireless transmission tower, his work during World War I with Telefunken, and his interactions with Franklin Roosevelt. We will conclude with Tesla's later-life invention of the particle beam weapon, his negotiations to sell it to the Allies during World War II, and the mystery surrounding his secret papers after his death. Instructor: Marc Seifer. Class dates: Oct 6-Nov 10. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/06/25 - 11/10/25 | M | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 13, Starting on: 10/07/2025
The African American Military Experience - From Revolution to Civil Rights: African Americans have served in every US military conflict, fighting for both their country and their own rights. From Black patriots in the Revolutionary War to the 180,000 African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War, their contributions have shaped American history. After the war, Black soldiers gained congressional approval to enlist in the peacetime Army, leading to the formation of the "Buffalo Soldiers." This course traces their service from the War of 1812 to World War II, highlighting their valor in conflicts abroad and their struggle against segregation and discrimination at home. It is the story of their resilience, sacrifice, and fight for equality in a nation that often failed to recognize their service. Instructor: John Langellier. Class dates: Oct 7-Nov 11. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/07/25 - 11/11/25 | T | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 3, Starting on: 10/08/2025
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. This course explores how diverse perspectives and unique skills contribute to conservation efforts, offering participants practical ways to take meaningful action in protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Instructor: Stephanie Arne. Class dates: Oct 8-Nov 12. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/08/25 - 11/12/25 | W | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 6, Starting on: 10/09/2025
Impressionism - Color Light and Leisure: Impressionist painters revolutionized art with a new style that emphasized changing atmospheric effects and luminous color harmonies. Their unblended brushstrokes of pure color and simple compositions broke dramatically with traditional pictorial techniques. Rejecting historical, mythological, and religious themes, they instead focused on the rapidly shifting aspects of modern life--capturing scenes from the countryside, the home, and the city. This course examines the work 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. Participants will gain an enhanced ability to experience nature and artistic depictions of it with a newly developed sensory, coloristic, and immersive awareness. Instructor: Lauren Weingarden. Class dates: Oct 9-Nov 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/09/25 - 11/13/25 | Th | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 10, Starting on: 10/09/2025
Legendary Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes - Tales from the Inland Seas: Beneath the surface of the Great Lakes lie thousands of shipwrecks, each with a story to tell. This course brings these lost vessels back to life through vivid storytelling and historical exploration. We'll 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. Instructor: Anna Lardinois. Class dates: Oct 9-Nov 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/09/25 - 11/13/25 | Th | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 14, Starting on: 10/10/2025
The Films of John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands - Innovation in Filmmaking and Performance: This course explores the groundbreaking collaborations between John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, two of the most influential figures in independent cinema. Cassavetes revolutionized American filmmaking with his raw, character-driven storytelling, while Rowlands' deeply expressive performances are among the most mesmerizing in film history. We will examine Cassavetes' unconventional filmmaking methods, including handheld cinematography, long takes, overlapping dialogue, and spontaneous performances. Rowlands' emotionally intense acting style will be analyzed through her landmark roles in A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Opening Night (1977), and Gloria (1980). We'll also explore the collaborative nature of Cassavetes' productions, his rejection of Hollywood conventions, and his lasting impact on contemporary filmmaking. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how Cassavetes and Rowlands redefined cinematic storytelling with emotional depth and authenticity. Instructor: Heather Brown. Class dates: Oct 10-Nov 14. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10/25 - 11/14/25 | F | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 2, Starting on: 10/14/2025
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. This course will explore Indigenous expressions, colonial invasion, forced African migration, and the cultural shifts of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Through the interplay of genres and traditions, we'll examine how music captures the evolving American experience. Instructor: Matt Jennings. Class dates: Oct 14-Nov 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/14/25 - 11/18/25 | T | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 8, Starting on: 10/14/2025
Inequality and Economic Policy: Economics plays a central role in every aspect of society. This course examines the causes and potential solutions to inequality in the US from an economic perspective. We will explore the history of different types of inequality, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy levers available to address these issues. Each lecture, led by a subject matter expert with a PhD in economics, will stand alone. Topics may include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, economic mobility, discrimination in public policy, and the wealth gap. Instructor: Geoffrey Woglom. Class dates: Oct 14-Nov 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/14/25 - 11/18/25 | T | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 11, Starting on: 10/14/2025
Peeking Inside the Black Box: Have you ever felt like scientists are constantly changing their minds? Do you wonder when research can be trusted to guide decisions about health, behavior, or the environment? This course offers 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. Rather than relying on blind faith in science, we will learn how to evaluate research critically--and find trust in the process. Instructor: Johnnie Hendrickson. Class dates: Oct 14-Nov 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/14/25 - 11/18/25 | T | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 1, Starting on: 10/15/2025
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? This course explores 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. We will also examine the rise and fall of AT&T as a corporate giant and the evolution from wired networks to today's cellular and smartphone technologies. Instructor: Walter Bernard (Bernie) Carlson. Class dates: Oct 15-Nov 19. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/15/25 - 11/19/25 | W | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 12, Starting on: 10/15/2025
Public Health in Action - Addressing Stress, Equity, and Solutions: In this course, participants will explore the social determinants of health, the physiological mechanisms of stress, and the effects of stress on health and well-being. They will also examine stress- and health-related theoretical frameworks. Through this course, participants will gain an understanding of the factors that influence health and engage in discussions on the importance of equitably promoting health and well-being across populations. Instructor: Faith Ogungbe. Class dates: Oct 15-Nov 19. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/15/25 - 11/19/25 | W | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 7, Starting on: 10/16/2025
In Darwin's Footsteps - A Journey to the Galapagos: From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle. In the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere, Darwin collected 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. Drawing upon original source materials and the instructor's photos, this course will present 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. Instructor: Eric Simon. Class dates: Oct 16-Nov 20. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/16/25 - 11/20/25 | Th | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 9, Starting on: 10/16/2025
Languages of the World: Explore the world's linguistic diversity. With more than 7,000 languages spoken today, their variety offers insight into the evolution of human language, thought, and civilization. This course examines how languages develop, change, and interact over time. Through a journey across six mystery locations--one per week--we will uncover the historical relationships among languages and the migrations, splits, and connections that have shaped them. By studying the languages spoken in these regions, we will gain a deeper understanding of human history and what it means to be human. Instructor: Asya Pereltsvaig. Class dates: Oct 16-Nov 20. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/16/25 - 11/20/25 | Th | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 5, Starting on: 10/20/2025
Graceful Exits - Exploring the Economics, Ethics & Ethos of Death With Dignity: This course explores the complex issue of Death with Dignity, also known as assisted suicide, through its historical development, ethical debates, legal frameworks, and cultural perspectives. The movement gained national attention through the advocacy of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, sparking widespread discussion on end-of-life choices. Participants will critically examine evolving policies on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia while engaging in thoughtful discussions on this sensitive and often controversial topic. Designed to educate and foster awareness, this course provides a comprehensive look at the ethical and legal dimensions of end-of-life decision-making. Instructor: Aleen Bayard. Class dates: Oct 20-Nov 24. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/20/25 - 11/24/25 | M | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 17, Starting on: 10/20/2025
The Power of One in Steven Spielberg Films: In Steven Spielberg's Academy Award-winning Schindler's List (1993), a character quotes from scripture: "He who saves a life saves the world entire." Through scene-by-scene analysis, this course explores variations on this theme across a selection of Spielberg films. With a focus on dialogue and action that reveal characters' inner beliefs and moral choices, we will examine how the world is saved--or not. We will analyze the following films: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies, Saving Private Ryan, Munich, and Schindler's List. Instructor: Bernard (Butch) Epps. Class dates: Oct 20-Nov 24. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/20/25 - 11/24/25 | M | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Fall 2025 Section 16, Starting on: 10/28/2025
The Magic of Motown: Explore Motown's golden era from the late 1950s to the 1970s, a period marked by groundbreaking songwriting, iconic artists, and profound social influence. Discover how Motown's innovative production methods shaped its timeless sound, broke racial barriers, and adapted to shifting cultural landscapes to achieve worldwide acclaim. Featuring legendary artists and curated tracks and videos, this course concludes with a celebration of Motown's transformative first 25 years. Join us to experience the enduring magic of Motown and its lasting impact on music and culture. Instructor: Mike Agron. Class dates: Oct 28-Dec 2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees. Please note: Due to the special arrangement of this partnership, Osher Online courses are paid by a special fee (rather than regular tuition) which is non-refundable/transferable.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/28/25 - 12/02/25 | T | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Is money a barrier to you taking classes? Call our office and ask about scholarships or learn the details here. Want to donate to the scholarship fund? You can make this gift online.
Questions? Call Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 801-581-6461 or use our online form.
