Osher Online with Northwestern University
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Spring 2025 Section 20, Starting on: 03/31/2025

Bonsai, An Ancient Art in Modern Times: Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. In this course, we will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. By the end of the course, you will understand 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. Instructor: Chris Baker. Class dates: March 31-May 5. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 30, Starting on: 03/31/2025

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. Austen began writing fiction in her teenage years, warmly supported by her family, especially her clergyman father. Yet she had to wait until she was in her thirties to see her first book in print. In this course, we will discover what happened in between, as well as how a household of creative women made it possible for her to focus on her writing and achieve publication. 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. Instructor: Juliette Wells. Class dates: March 31-May 5. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 33, Starting on: 03/31/2025

Women - The Forgotten "Men" in History: Many individuals contribute to history but never get their due. 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--three each session--whose achievements are not commonly known. Among the nine women 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. Instructor: Diana Carlin. Class dates: March 31-May 5. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 25, Starting on: 04/01/2025

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. We will begin with a historical overview of key religious figures and ethics in Jainism, followed by an exploration of Jain philosophies to understand their views on existence and reality. This course will then examine ascetic practitioners, laypeople, sacred places, and objects, including temples and art. We will conclude with a focus on gender roles and the relationship between Jain ethics and environmental activism. Instructor: Eileen Goddard. Class dates: April 1-May 6. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 26, Starting on: 04/01/2025

Mainstreaming the Margins - A History of LGBTQ+ America: Over half a 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. In this course, 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. This course offers a comprehensive overview of key LGBTQ+ figures, events, and cultural shifts beginning in the early 20th century to the present, highlighting the emergence and evolution of LGBTQ+ identities and activism, and the challenges they have historically faced. We will uncover how a marginalized community has become a powerful force for social change, impacting every facet of American life--from grassroots politics and art to society at large. Together we will gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ history and gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US. Instructor: Adam Kocurek. Class dates: April 1-May 6. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 31, Starting on: 04/01/2025

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. We witness a new generation of talented songwriters, singers, and groups, who filled the airwaves and shaped the soundtrack of our lives. This course is a 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 such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Neil Diamond, and others. Together we will rediscover the tunes from Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, the Ronettes, the Shirelles, the Animals, the Monkees, Manfred Mann, Andy Williams, the unforgettable Righteous Brothers, and many others. Instructor: Mike Agron. Class dates: April 1-May 6. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 23, Starting on: 04/02/2025

Crossword Puzzle Creation: Have you 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. We will even discuss how to submit a puzzle for publication. After a brief intro to free-form style puzzles, we will focus on US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles like the NYT crossword, and an OLLI-themed puzzle. Throughout the course, we will construct several crossword puzzles together. Instructor: Steve Weyer. Class dates: April 2-May 7. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 24, Starting on: 04/02/2025

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. Resilience is our ticket to extended healthspan. Western society is entering a phase of significant transformation that will change how we age. 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 will impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science for a general audience and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values. Instructor: Scott Fulton. Class dates: April 2-May 7. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 28, Starting on: 04/03/2025

Russia Beyond Russians: This course focuses on 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. We will 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 like the Circassian movement to violent resistance like Chechnya. Contemporary Russian culture, including music, cinema, cuisine, and humor, will also be discussed to illuminate current events. Instructor: Asya Pereltsvaig. Class dates: April 3-May 8. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 29, Starting on: 04/03/2025

Science Charcuterie: Some topics don’t fit neatly into OLLI science classes--too big, too small, too little, too much, too off-topic--and often end up on the proverbial cutting room floor. In this course, these intriguing bits and ends are gathered up and presented like a charcuterie board of tasty science snacks. This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine including a little 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, and a lot of time to explore topics of interest to you. Bring your questions and we will explore some of the exciting nooks and crannies of science together. Instructor: Kjir Hendrickson. Class dates: April 3-May 8. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

To add your name to our waiting list, please use our online form or call 801-581-6461.

Spring 2025 Section 22, Starting on: 04/08/2025

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. This course is an introduction to film movements and styles. We will watch several classic films all of which have a theme of change. We will begin by discussing film genres, film history, and how films are made. We will also explore what to look for as you watch the films selected for the course. Films are watched on your own outside of the classroom (at least one film will be assigned per week beginning week 2) and are available on Plex with a free account, through Turner Classic Movies, or with a Max subscription. Some titles may also be available through your local public library. During each class session, we will unpack the film in terms of its style, story, filmmaking technique, and how it fits with the theme of change. During this course, we will discover great films that help us see and think about change in our world. Instructor: Jeremy Fackenthal. Class dates: April 8-May 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 21, Starting on: 04/09/2025

Car Crazy - 1950s Onward: In this course, we will explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. We will discuss the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette, and the appeal of visionary concept cars like the Ford Nucleon -- all of which highlight the creativity and innovation of each era. We will discuss how global car cultures, from America's muscle cars to Japan's futuristic designs, reflect the unique identities and values of their societies. These vehicles have become symbols of creativity, status, and technological progress. Whether it's Germany's precision-engineered sports cars or Italy's exquisitely crafted performance masterpieces, each region brings its own distinct flavor to the world of automotive design. Learn how the worldwide car scene showcases the diversity of human innovation and cultural expression, cementing automobiles as both a tool of progress and a reflection of societal evolution. Instructor: Pandora Paul. Class dates: April 9-May 14. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 27, Starting on: 04/10/2025

Neurology in a Nutshell - The Brain Explained: This course begins 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. The course will also focus on illness prevention through healthy lifestyles and provide an intimate discussion of end-of-life issues. Instructor: Paul Schanfield. Class dates: April 10-May 15. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 19, Starting on: 04/11/2025

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 by Greek colonists in the 8th century B.C.E. Across the centuries, Naples evolved into a vibrant cultural, political and economic center of the Mediterranean world, first as a part of Magna Gracia, and later, under successive periods of Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Angevin, and Spanish rule, on route to becoming the capital of the independent Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816. In 1861, Naples's incorporation into the newly unified Italian nation-state as a part of the Risorgimento initiated an era of modernization and adaptation that persists to the present day. In this six-week class, we will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli--a city famously pieno di contradizione ("full of contradictions"). Aimed at students and travelers alike, the course offers a virtual "grand tour" of Naples through a close examination of a dozen Neapolitan monuments/historic sites reflective of milestones in the city's historical development from its origins through today, including: Castel dell' Ovo, Spaccanapoli, Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Castel Nuovo, the Duomo, Santa Chiara, i musei Capodimonte e Archeologico Nazionale, Palazzo Reale, Teatro San Carlo, and the Galleria Umberto I among others (including "side visits" to the city's best pizzerias, food stalls, pastry shops and cafes!). Instructor: Anthony Antonucci; Hilary Haakenson. Class dates: April 11-May 16. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff

Spring 2025 Section 32, Starting on: 04/16/2025

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 contrast performers who strike a balance between showmanship, intensity, passion, and bold elegance. We will examine talents whose impressive ability, charisma, and distinctive sound have captivated audiences in the last 150 years like Arthur Rubinstein, Jascha Heifetz, Vladimir Horowitz, Yuja Wang, Itzhak Perlman, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Lang Lang. We will also explore emerging talents such as Alma Deutscher. Instructor: Emanuel Abramovits. Class dates: April 16-May 21. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 18. An orientation will be held on March 25 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.

Instructor: Staff