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)
Spring 2026 Section 29, Starting on: 03/30/2026
Ghosts in the White House: The People Behind Presidential Speeches: Have you ever wondered who writes presidential speeches? This course examines the changes in presidential speechwriting, from the earliest speechwriters in George Washington's administration to contemporary speechwriters. Yes, Hamilton did help Washington write his Farewell Address. But, no, Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope. We will examine the process used by a wide range of presidents and look at copies of speechwriting drafts from FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and George H.W. Bush. We will view video and audio clips from speeches and from former White House speechwriters describing the process. Instructor: Carlin Diana. Class Dates: Mar 30-May 4. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/30/26 | M | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 26, Starting on: 03/31/2026
Comic Book Literature: Comics, the combination of words and pictures to tell stories, has been a part of human communication for far longer than many realize, stretching from cave paintings on stone walls to the Bayeux Tapestry to the latest adventures of Batman and Spider-Man. Comics are an incredibly malleable medium, a literary artform that has too often been limited by the public perception of comics as merely a platform for four-color super-heroics. This course will trace the history of comics as a way of telling intimate and epic stories, exploring social and political issues, and capturing the cultural climate via the deceptive simplicity of panels, word balloons, and lines drawn on paper or displayed on device screens. And yes, we will also take a look at superheroes. Readings will include Understanding Comics, Watchmen, Maus: A Survivor's Tale, Fun Home, and Persepolis. Instructor: Blumberg Arnold. Class Dates: Mar 31-May 5. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31/26 | T | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 36, Starting on: 03/31/2026
The Scopes Monkey Trial: Then and Now: In July 1925, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, and a supporting cast of fascinating characters converged upon Dayton, Tennessee for what became known as The Scopes Monkey Trial. Religion. Science. Public education. Free speech. Textbooks. Participants fought about all of these for eight days in an epic battle that was broadcast to the nation. One hundred years later, we are still fighting about these same issues. This course will be a deep dive into the trial including why it was held in Dayton, Tennessee, how Bryan and Darrow got involved, what actually went on in the courtroom, whether Inherit The Wind accurately depicts what occurred, and who won and lost the case. Perhaps most importantly, we will discuss why we should care today. Instructor: Mishkin Douglas. Class Dates: Mar 31-May 5. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31/26 | T | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 23, Starting on: 04/01/2026
A History of Street Art: Art in the streets (including graffiti, murals, stickers, paste-ups, and other public installations) offers powerful means of expression for marginalized voices, shapes urban environments, and presents competing visions of community life. Unlike art made for museums or the commercial market, street art is often counter-institutional, engaging social issues from critical perspectives. This course examines graffiti and street art in the US and beyond, exploring their histories, motivations, and global connections. Participants will consider the rise of the mural movement, strategies for preserving and presenting street art, its increasing institutionalization, and its potential to foster social change. Instructor: Shirey Heather. Class Dates: Apr 1-May 6. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/01/26 | W | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 34, Starting on: 04/01/2026
Siberia: Russia's Frozen Wasteland or Economic Heartland?: Siberia constitutes three quarters of Russia's territory, but only a quarter of the country's population lives there. Yet, the role of Siberia in making Russia a large and wealthy empire should not be underestimated. In this course, we will discuss Siberia's role in the rise, and possibly imminent dismantling, of Russia as a unified state; Siberia's economic importance, both historically and today; the region's indigenous peoples and their cultures; its role as a penal colony throughout history and how that function transformed the region; its importance for climate change and environmental issues; and the relations between Russia and China, in which Siberia plays a crucial role. Instructor: Pereltsvaig Asya. Class Dates: Apr 1-May 6. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/01/26 | W | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 24, Starting on: 04/02/2026
AI for Regular People: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping nearly every aspect of our lives, from chatbots and autonomous vehicles to precision medicine and robotic art. Back by popular demand, this updated course will revisit key concepts from the previous offering (such as the history of AI and its surprising comeback) but updated examples and discussion topics will reflect the latest developments. In these jargon-free sessions, we will explore what makes modern AI different from earlier attempts, how it works, and where it's headed. We will consider the human side of AI including the jobs it might replace or create, the ethical dilemmas it raises, and how it could help, or harm, our daily lives. Whether we are curious, cautious, or excited about AI, this course will provide ways to understand and engage with this powerful technology. Instructor: Kurman and Lipson Melba and Hod. Class Dates: Apr 2-May 7. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/02/26 | Th | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 31, Starting on: 04/02/2026
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. In this course, we will 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. Instructor: Blum Charles. Class Dates: Apr 2-May 7. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/02/26 | Th | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 37, Starting on: 04/06/2026
Violinists: Performers and Composers: Why do so many great violinists also become composers? This course will explore the fascinating legacy of violinist-composers across history, including Baroque virtuosos like Heinrich Biber, Romantic legends like Niccolo Paganini, and 20th century innovators like George Enescu and Grazyna Bacewicz. Through listening, discussing, and studying visual materials, we will examine how these artists wrote music tailored to their instruments and themselves. Taught by a professional violinist, this course offers a behind-the-strings look at how performance and composition intertwine in the hands of the same creative mind. Instructor: Zaks Ilana. Class Dates: Apr 6-May 11. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/06/26 | M | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 28, Starting on: 04/07/2026
Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867--1959) was one of the most influential architects of the modern era, designing nearly one thousand buildings over his prolific career. This course surveys the breadth of Wright's practice, from his iconic Prairie style houses and celebrated works like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, to lesser-known projects in affordable housing and utopian city planning. Participants will explore how Wright's designs were shaped by, and responded to, the sweeping cultural shifts of modernism, including the industrial revolution, new technologies, scientific advancements, and progressive social movements. Through visual analysis and historical context, the course offers a deeper understanding of Wright's enduring impact on American architecture and design. Instructor: Gray Jennifer. Class Dates: Apr 21-May 26. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/07/26 | T | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 33, Starting on: 04/07/2026
Place, Memory, and Environmental Psychology: How much of what we are is related to the places we have lived and experienced? What is the importance of place in our most memorable experiences? Is it possible to find any memory that is not physically situated somewhere? This course is an invitation to reflect on these and other meaningful questions about the psychological and emotional relationships between people and their environments. Drawing on a variety of disciplines, including psychology, geography, architecture, and design, this course will introduce environmental psychology and its contribution to understanding how physical environments influence our behavior, cognition, identity, and memory. Using place-based methodologies, we will discuss concepts such as place attachment, place identity, and cognitive maps. We will reflect on issues of memory, meaning of home, trauma, displacement, and the power of nature in our psychological well-being. Instructor: Blanco Vidal Fernanda. Class Dates: Apr 7-May 12. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/07/26 | T | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 22, Starting on: 04/09/2026
A Beautiful Brain: Most discussions about aging focus on lifespan. Yet what matters to most of us is brainspan -- how long our mind remains sharp, resilient, and wise. This course explores how the brain ages naturally and unnaturally, and what the latest science reveals about protecting memory, balance, and clarity. We will look at the difference between normal cognitive changes and early signs of dementia, while emphasizing practical, evidence-based prevention strategies. Topics will include brain function and neuroplasticity, how brain shrinkage affects falls and sensory health, the role of nutrition and supplements in fueling cognition, and the impact of sleep, stress, social ties, and purpose on long-term resilience. Each session combines accessible science, simple self-tests, and engaging take-home practices. We will also build our own Cognitive Health Scorecard -- a personalized tool to identify strengths, track habits, and focus on the small changes that make the biggest difference. Instructor: Fulton Scott. Class Dates: Apr 9-May 14. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/26 | Th | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 30, Starting on: 04/09/2026
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. A geologist studying Earth's age ended up taking on the oil companies to ban leaded gasoline. These stories remind us that discoveries are never just dry facts. They are moments of creativity, struggle, and chance, with consequences that ripple far beyond the laboratory. In this course, we will explore the human side of science, situating breakthroughs in the context of their times and tracing how they reshaped both knowledge and society. Along the way, we will tour centuries of discovery across biology, chemistry, physics, and more, asking not just what was found, but how it was found, and why it still matters today. Instructor: Hendrickson Johnnie. Class Dates: Apr 9-May 14. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/26 | Th | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 25, Starting on: 04/10/2026
California Uncovered: A Journey Through Time, Place, and Identity: California is more than a state. It is an idea, a dream, and a contradiction. It is where snow-capped peaks rise above sun-drenched deserts, and where misty coastlines and ancient forests stand alongside cities built on myth, ambition, and reinvention. In this immersive course, we will journey through California's sweeping history - from its earliest Indigenous cultures and diverse ecosystems to its transformation under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule. We will uncover the people, events, and forces that shaped the Golden State into a global icon of migration, innovation, and cultural change. We will explore the missions, the Gold Rush, the railroad, Hollywood's allure, and Silicon Valley's disruptive genius, while also challenging myths and amplifying voices too often left out of mainstream narratives. We will gain a deeper understanding of what it has meant to be Californian across eras, enriching how we experience the state today. Instructor: Antonucci Anthony. Class Dates: Apr 10-May 15. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/10/26 | F | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 32, Starting on: 04/15/2026
Music: Controversies and Curiosities: Music has always stirred controversy - sometimes through bold originality, other times through scandal. In the Classical tradition, composers like Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Smetana pushed boundaries that shocked audiences and critics. On Broadway and in Hollywood, changing attitudes toward race, consent, gender, and sexuality have prompted debates and revisions of works such as Annie Get Your Gun and South Pacific. Is political correctness a step forward in creating more inclusive art, or does it risk silencing important cultural heritage? Should works reflecting outdated views on religion, domestic violence, or prejudice be altered--or preserved as historical context? We will also explore plagiarism and musical borrowing in pop and film music, including controversies surrounding The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Peter Frampton. Filled with audiovisual examples, anecdotes, and humor, this course offers a lively dive into music's most provocative debates and scandals. Instructor: Abramovits Emanuel. Class Dates: Apr 15-May 20. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/15/26 | W | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 35, Starting on: 04/15/2026
The Lost Generation: This course explores the dramatic cultural shifts in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between the end of World War I and the Great Depression. Known as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, and the era of the Lost Generation, this period redefined values, norms, morals, and manners. We will immerse ourselves in the culturally and socially vibrant ambiance of 1920s Paris, where expatriate writers gathered in cafes and salons to challenge convention and invent new ways of living and writing. 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, we will examine how their lives and works reflected both the exhilaration and disillusionment of the age. We will consider how the legacy of this remarkable decade continues to influence literature and culture today. Instructor: Asya Ferda. Class Dates: Apr 15-May 20. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/15/26 | W | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 38, Starting on: 04/18/2026
Writing the Personal Essay: Finding Your Story: The personal essay is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of creative nonfiction, originating with Michel de Montaigne and continuing today as a versatile form that blends storytelling, reflection, and analysis. In this course, we will explore the personal essay as both a literary art and a tool for self-expression. We will ask what defines a personal essay: a true narrative drawn from our own lives, shaped with theme, structure, tone, and voice. Through readings, discussion, writing exercises, and drafting our own personal essays, we will study essential elements such as narrative arc, scene-setting, reflection, honesty, and perspective. We will discover how personal essays capture unique voices and reveal singular insights. Whether writing for publication, personal growth, or the pleasure of crafting words, this course will help us find our voices, tell our stories with clarity, and better understand the enduring power of the personal essay. Instructor: Stolley Lisa. Class Dates: Apr 18-May 23. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/18/26 | S | 12:00 pm -1:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.Spring 2026 Section 27, Starting on: 04/21/2026
Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867--1959) was one of the most influential architects of the modern era, designing nearly one thousand buildings over his prolific career. This course surveys the breadth of Wright's practice, from his iconic Prairie style houses and celebrated works like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, to lesser-known projects in affordable housing and utopian city planning. Participants will explore how Wright's designs were shaped by, and responded to, the sweeping cultural shifts of modernism, including the industrial revolution, new technologies, scientific advancements, and progressive social movements. Through visual analysis and historical context, the course offers a deeper understanding of Wright's enduring impact on American architecture and design. Instructor: Gray Jennifer. Class Dates: Apr 21-May 26. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 15. An orientation will be held on March 24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/21/26 | T | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Registration for Spring 2026 starts at 9:00 a.m. on 03-05-2026.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.
