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)
Summer 2025 Section 2, Starting on: 07/08/2025
Behind Those Baby Blues - The Films of Paul Newman: Paul Newman, the embodiment of charisma, captivated movie audiences with his iconic baby blue eyes, striking features, and powerful screen presence. Known for his multiple Academy Award-nominated performances in films like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), The Hustler (1961), and Absence of Malice (1981), Newman ultimately won an Oscar for The Color of Money (1986), the sequel to The Hustler. Alongside his acting career, he pursued a parallel path as a race car driver and dedicated significant time to entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. This course will trace the timeline of Newman's remarkable career, from his legendary collaborations with Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973) to his final roles in Road to Perdition (2002), Empire Falls (2005), and Cars (2006), where he voiced the retired race car Doc Hudson. Instructor: Arnold Blumberg. Class dates: July 8-Aug 12. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/08/25 | T | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 4, Starting on: 07/08/2025
History of Beer: Historians, beer enthusiasts, and curious minds alike will enjoy this exploration of the history of brewing. We will begin in the distant past with the invention of beer around 4000 BCE. Then we will journey through time to the modern rise of craft brewing. Along the way, we will dive into fascinating topics including medieval brewing, beer in Shakespeare's era, colonial brewing, Prohibition, indigenous brewing traditions worldwide, and the evolution of beer commercials. This course meets during happy hour, so feel free--nay, encouraged--to raise a glass and toast to history while we learn. Instructor: Karl Brown. Class dates: July 8-Aug 12. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/08/25 | T | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 10, Starting on: 07/08/2025
The Economics of Public Policy Issues: Economics plays a central role in shaping every aspect of society. This course examines a series of prominent policy issues with economics at their core. We will explore the origins of these issues, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy tools available to address them. Each lecture will be standalone, delivered by a subject matter expert with a Ph.D. in economics. Potential topics include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, and more, with final selections based on the most relevant and timely issues at the start of the course. Instructor: Geof (Geoffrey) Woglom. Class dates: July 8-Aug 12. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/08/25 | T | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 3, Starting on: 07/09/2025
Public Health Across the Lifespan: This course provides a comprehensive overview of key public health topics across the human lifespan, from prenatal health to aging care. We will examine major health challenges, interventions, and policies that impact individuals at each life stage. By focusing on health disparities, preventive care, and the role of public health systems, the course equips us with the knowledge and skills to understand health issues in diverse populations. Through readings and case studies, we will gain insight into the life-course approach to public health, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, continuous care, and aging with dignity. Instructor: Michelle Boyd. Class dates: July 9-Aug 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/09/25 | W | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 5, Starting on: 07/09/2025
Demystifying Energy Security: Energy is essential for both national and economic security, underpinning all aspects of life. Yet discussions of energy security often exclude the public, reducing complex issues to simplistic narratives like "Green is Good" or "Oil is Evil," which provide little actionable insight. In this course, you will engage in a comprehensive examination of energy's role in human development. Topics include the unmatched importance of hydrocarbons (oil and more); advancements in electricity, the past, present, and future of nuclear energy; and the potential of renewables. We will explore how these energy sources impact national security, economic stability, industrial production, transportation, and daily life. Join this course for a balanced, realistic assessment of energy security, a critical issue of our time. Instructor: Beth Hill-Skinner. Class dates: July 9-Aug 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/09/25 | W | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 6, Starting on: 07/09/2025
Enjoying the Past and Present New York City - A History of Recreation in the Big Apple: This course will explore the history of Manhattan, emphasizing the unique traits that drew into its harbor millions of immigrants and millions more tourists seeking its many resources, rich culture, and complex history. Together, we will explore the history of New York City's parks, city shopping, entertainment venues, museums, and concerts. We will also discuss the social and arts movements that grew out of the city. Gain an appreciation of what the city has to offer its visitors and an insight into the history behind the tourist attractions. Instructor: Adam Kocurek. Class dates: July 9-Aug 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/09/25 | W | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 7, Starting on: 07/10/2025
100 Years of Magic - The Disney Legacy and Influence: How did Walt Disney's life and vision shape the creation of an entertainment empire? How did early challenges influence the company's identity and creative output? And how did Disney grow into a global powerhouse? This course explores these questions and more as we delve into the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global entertainment giant. Topics include the rise of Disney animation and theme parks, the company's 1990s revival, and the strategic acquisitions that transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. We will also examine Disney's future and gain insights into what it's like to work behind the scenes at the company. Throughout the course, we will consider diverse perspectives--from those who revere the Magic Kingdom to those who critique it and everywhere in between. This course offers a comprehensive look at how Walt Disney's vision became a cultural force shaping today's entertainment industry. Instructor: Maria Massad. Class dates: July 10-Aug 14. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/10/25 | Th | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 9, Starting on: 07/10/2025
Architectural Oddities - An Off-the-Beaten Path Look at Unconventional Architecture: Architectural history follows a canon of both traditional and eclectic styles from ancient to contemporary times. But what happens when a mix of whimsy, eccentricity, humor--and sometimes the creator's genius--insert themselves into the mix? Occurring throughout time and in various parts of the world, these unconventional structures exist to serve the cultures they were created for, from ancient religious sites to modern car-culture merriment. This course explores a myriad of structures set against the backdrop of the societies in which they existed, the construction methods used, the patrons for whom these structures were constructed, and the notions of the builders and architects who created them. Instructor: Eleanor Schrader. Class dates: July 10-Aug 14. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/10/25 | Th | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 1, Starting on: 07/14/2025
The Rehnquist Court, 1986-2005 - Moves Toward Small Federal Government: Chief Justice William Rehnquist led the U.S. Supreme Court for nearly 19 years (1986–2005), overseeing cases on privacy, civil rights, the environment, the First Amendment, and states' rights. Under his leadership, the Court actively struck down federal statutes and precedent, often with conservative outcomes. However, as its composition shifted, some conservative rulings diminished. This course examines the legacy of the Rehnquist Court, as well as his 15 years as an associate justice under Chief Justice Warren Burger. We will explore landmark cases, including Woodson v. North Carolina (1976), Craig v. Boren (1978), Miller v. Johnson (1995), Bush v. Gore (2000), Atkins v. Virginia (2001), and Lawrence v. Texas (2002). Instructor: Lauren Andersen, JD. Class dates: July 14-Aug 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/14/25 | M | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.Summer 2025 Section 8, Starting on: 07/16/2025
Stories of Adventure - The Norse Sagas: Are you interested in stories rich with murder, intrigue, and sharp wit? This course will explore the Norse sagas, which are medieval tales rooted in Old Norse mythology, written in Iceland centuries after the Viking era. These stories range from realistic travel chronicles to epic sword-and-sorcery adventures, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into "Dark Age" swashbuckling. In this course we will also discuss how these stories continue to profoundly influence modern culture. Instructor: Vic (Victor) Peterson. Class dates: July 16-Aug 20. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 18. An orientation will be held on July 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/16/25 | W | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Summer 2025 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 05-08-2025.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.
