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 4, Starting on: 01/14/2026
Heroes of the Holocaust - Lights in the Darkness: When we think of the Holocaust, we recall the horrors perpetrated by evildoers. Even in humanity's darkest hours, courageous individuals risked everything to save lives. This course sheds light on these little-known rescuers--ordinary people who defied laws, resisted hate, and acted with moral clarity and compassion. Through their uplifting stories, we will explore why these heroes remain largely unknown and what their actions reveal about human goodness. This course offers powerful reminders of resilience, morality, and hope. Instructor: Howard Kerner. Class dates: Jan 14-Feb 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/14/26 - 02/18/26 | W | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 12, Starting on: 01/14/2026
Milestones in Medicine: Trace key milestones in medicine from the late 18th century to today, beginning with Edward Jenner's pioneering use of the smallpox vaccine. We will explore over two centuries of transformative developments and the remarkable figures behind them--advances that have shaped both clinical care and public health. Special focus will be given to scientific breakthroughs and systemic reforms that dramatically improved lifespans and health outcomes over the past 150 years, particularly in advanced economies. Through this lens, we will gain a deeper appreciation for the interplay between medical innovation and societal well-being, and how that partnership continues to evolve. Instructor: Gordon Josephson. Class dates: Jan 14-Feb 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/14/26 - 02/18/26 | W | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 18, Starting on: 01/14/2026
The Magic Behind Film Scores - Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies: Description: Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles--jazz, classical, pop--into powerful cinematic impressions. Beginning with The Jazz Singer (1927), we will trace the evolution of the film score and examine how composers shape emotion across genres, from drama and romance to science fiction and westerns--including the James Bond franchise. We will learn about influential composers such as Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Ennio Morricone, Quincy Jones, John Williams, and others who helped define the sound of modern film. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact. Instructor: Mike Agron. Class dates: Jan 14-Feb 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/14/26 - 02/18/26 | W | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 20, Starting on: 01/14/2026
The Virtues: Virtue theory is an ethical approach that emphasizes character over action--focusing not just on doing good, but on being good. What are the qualities of a virtuous person? This question has deep roots across cultures, explored by thinkers such as Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius, as well as by modern scholars. We will examine core virtues such as sincerity, honesty, courage, compassion, respect, and love. We will explore how these qualities have been understood across traditions and identify ways to nurture them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses. Instructor: David Smith. Class dates: Jan 14-Feb 18. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/14/26 - 02/18/26 | W | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 7, Starting on: 01/15/2026
Invisible Intelligence - The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life: Artificial Intelligence (AI) quietly influences much of our daily lives, from modern conveniences to life-shaping decisions--often without our awareness. This accessible, non-technical course explores the ideas behind today's AI systems and the possibilities of what may come next. Through six case studies, we will examine how computational decision-making works, discuss the ethics of delegating choices to machines, and consider the real-world impacts of these technologies. We will engage in thoughtful discussions about the benefits and concerns of AI, gaining a deeper understanding of how it operates and how it affects everything from personal experiences to social systems. Instructor: Eliot Bethke. Class dates: Jan 15-Feb 19. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/15/26 - 02/19/26 | Th | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 6, Starting on: 01/16/2026
How the US Immigration System (Usually) Works: Immigration has long been one of the most complex and contentious issues in US history. We will explore how immigration policy has evolved over time and how the current system is designed to function. We will examine key historical shifts that inform today's debates and consider enduring questions: Who is allowed to live in the US? How many people can the country support? What are our international obligations? Through a mix of historical context and contemporary analysis, we will engage in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the challenges and possibilities facing US immigration policy today. Instructor: Michele Waslin. Class dates: Jan 16-Feb 20. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/16/26 - 02/20/26 | F | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 2, Starting on: 01/20/2026
Dealing in Futures: The Shape of Science FictionDealing in Futures - The Shape of Science Fiction: Once considered the domain of pulp magazines and low-budget films, science fiction is now a staple of mainstream culture--appearing in television, film, comics, games, and even theme parks. However, science fiction began as storytelling driven by visionary writers eager to break convention and explore new worlds, inventions, ideas, and societal models. This course traces the evolution of science fiction, examining how the genre has developed, how it differs from fantasy and myth, and how key authors have shaped its direction. We will explore science fiction's literary foundations and cultural impact, gaining a deeper understanding of how it continues to challenge imagination and reflect contemporary concerns. Instructor: Gary Wolfe. Class dates: Jan 20-Feb 24. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/20/26 - 02/24/26 | T | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 8, Starting on: 01/20/2026
Japanese History through the Lens of Shogun: Using the 2024 FX mini-series Shogun as a springboard, this course explores Japan's transformation from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. While tales of samurai valor captivate modern audiences, the true history behind them is equally compelling. We will examine the Warring States Period, the rise of unifiers like Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu, and the cultural, political, and social changes that followed. We will also study the roles of merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts in shaping this dynamic era. Topics will include warfare, diplomacy, foreign relations, city planning, and the arts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction. Instructor: Megan Mcclory. Class dates: Jan 20-Feb 24. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/20/26 - 02/24/26 | T | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 13, Starting on: 01/20/2026
More than Parks - A History of American Conservation: Explore the origins and evolution of American conservation through the lens of environmental history. We will examine key figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and George Washington Carver, along with lesser-known voices like Genevieve Jones and Harriet Hemenway. We will consider how conservation took shape not only in iconic landscapes like Yellowstone and Yosemite, but also in cotton fields, urban centers, and Native lands. Together we will investigate how industrialization, urbanization, and scientific thought shaped the movement--and how conservation efforts impacted different communities. Through case studies and discussion, we will gain a broader understanding of how American attitudes toward nature, resources, and preservation have developed from the 19th century to the present. Instructor: Fraser Livingston. Class dates: Jan 20-Feb 24. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/20/26 - 02/24/26 | T | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 19, Starting on: 01/20/2026
The Noir Novel - Three American Classics: Explore the noir novel through three influential works. We begin with The Maltese Falcon (1929) by Dashiell Hammett and The Big Sleep (1939) by Raymond Chandler--both foundational texts of the genre. Their hardboiled detectives, Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, navigate the shadowy world of American crime, filled with gangsters, grifters, and femme fatales. Film clips from classic adaptations will illustrate how this literary form helped shape film noir. We will conclude with Sara Paretsky's Indemnity Only (1982), a bold feminist reimagining of the genre. Paretsky redefines noir by upending traditional gender roles and giving voice to a new kind of detective hero. Instructor: Peter Kaye. Class dates: Jan 20-Feb 24. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/20/26 - 02/24/26 | T | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 21, Starting on: 01/21/2026
Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence: This beginner-friendly course is a practical introduction to Google Workspace, covering core applications such as Google Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will explore basic navigation, essential features, and everyday use cases for each tool. Through guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds foundational skills to help us use Google Workspace with confidence--for both personal productivity and professional collaboration. No prior experience is required. Instructor: Chelsea King. Class dates: Jan 21-Feb 25. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/21/26 - 02/25/26 | W | 5:00 pm -6:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 9, Starting on: 01/22/2026
John James Audubon and the Birds of America: John James Audubon was a French American artist and naturalist who, beginning in the 1820s, set out to document every bird species in the US. The result was The Birds of America, a collection of 435 hand-painted bird prints widely regarded as one of the finest books ever published. This course explores Audubon's early life, artistic techniques, and the scientific and aesthetic value of his work. We will take a closer look at selected prints and examine the intersection of art and science in Audubon's process. We will have thoughtful discussion of his legacy and his role in shaping the American understanding of nature and wildlife. Instructor: Eric Simon. Class dates: Jan 22-Feb 26. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/22/26 - 02/26/26 | Th | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 15, Starting on: 01/22/2026
Pharmaceuticals and Poisons - Chemistry at the Edge: Some substances heal, others harm--and sometimes, the same molecule can do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the surprisingly thin line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will learn how animal venoms inspire lifesaving treatments, how aspirin traces its roots to the dye industry, and why the term "toxin" is so often misused. We will also examine the dramatic history of FDA regulation--marked by scandal, tragedy, and reform--and how it continues to shape what ends up in our medicine cabinets. From scorpion stings to Gila monster hormones, this course offers a fascinating and sometimes unsettling look at the chemistry behind what we choose to swallow. Instructor: Johnnie Hendrickson. Class dates: Jan 22-Feb 26. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/22/26 - 02/26/26 | Th | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 1, Starting on: 01/26/2026
Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology: Explore the impact of digital technologies on the brain, behavior, and emotional well-being through the lenses of neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science. We will examine how modern devices and artificial intelligence influence cognitive functions such as attention, memory, learning, and decision-making, as well as social interaction and mood. We will also address ethical concerns, including privacy and technology-based addictions, and discuss the effects of digital media on mental health. The course highlights how advances in neuroscience and clinical practice offer new tools for improving mental well-being in a tech-driven world. Through research-based insights and practical strategies, we will gain a deeper understanding of how the brain adapts to digital life--and how to navigate it effectively. Instructor: Elena Labkovsky. Class dates: Jan 26-Mar 2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/26/26 - 03/02/26 | M | 9:00 am -10:30 am | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 5, Starting on: 01/26/2026
History of Sicily: Sicily has long been one of the most mythic, magical, and misunderstood places in the Mediterranean. We will explore its central role in Western civilization--from Homeric epics and classical antiquity through the Arabo-Norman Golden Age that helped ignite the Renaissance. We will examine how Sicily's cultural richness gave way to exploitation and poverty under Spanish rule, and how it later reemerged in modern imagination through figures like Garibaldi, Patton, and Coppola. Beginning and ending in mythology, this journey uncovers the island's complex legacy of heroism, hardship, and renewal. As Goethe famously said, "To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all". Instructor: Douglas Kenning. Class dates: Jan 26-Mar 2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/26/26 - 03/02/26 | M | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 11, Starting on: 01/26/2026
Landscape & Adventure Photography - An Introduction: This workshop will introduce participants to the skills and techniques used to create professional quality images of their adventures in the natural world. Topics will include controlling exposure, using depth of field, motion effects, the principles of visual communication, and the qualities of natural light. The course will incorporate slide-illustrated lectures, group discussions, and ample time for student feedback. Instructor: Jonathan Duncan. Class dates: Jan 26-Mar 2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/26/26 - 03/02/26 | M | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 16, Starting on: 01/26/2026
Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction: Post-Impressionism (1880-1910) marked a decisive turn away from Impressionism's focus on natural light and color. In its place, Post-Impressionist artists emphasized bold color, geometric forms, expressive distortion, and symbolic meaning. This course explores the movement through the work of Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Georges Seurat, and Henri Matisse. Although these artists did not form a unified group, they collectively redefined the artist's role and the function of art in society. By challenging industrial-era values, conventional artistic practices, and religious ideologies, Post-Impressionism laid the groundwork for the radical innovations of modern art. Instructor: Lauren Weingarden. Class dates: Jan 26-Mar 2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/26/26 - 03/02/26 | M | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 17, Starting on: 01/26/2026
The History of American Television: This video-rich, conversational course offers a dynamic biography of American television--from its 1920s conception and 1930s debut to its digital-era reinvention. We will trace TV's evolution through its early development, postwar boom, rebellious adolescence in the 1970s, and identity crisis in the early 2000s. We will explore the sitcoms, dramas, news, sports, and specials that have defined generations. From Matlock to Abbott Elementary, from The Last of Us to The Bear, this course looks at how the medium has changed--and how it has changed us. Whether a lifelong fan or new to the history of television, this course invites us to rediscover the highs, lows, and cultural impact of America's favorite screen. Instructor: Jim (James) Mckairnes. Class dates: Jan 26-Mar 2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/26/26 - 03/02/26 | M | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 3, Starting on: 01/27/2026
Einstein without Tears - His Theories Explained without Math and in Everyday Language: This non-technical, non-mathematical course introduces some of the most mind-expanding ideas from Albert Einstein's work. It is designed especially for those with little or no science background. The course offers a concise overview of Einstein's major theories and how modern science--particularly astronomy--continues to confirm his remarkable predictions. We will explore concepts such as the relativity of time, warped space, realistic time travel, the formation of black holes, and the detection of gravitational waves. We will discuss why Einstein's ideas remain central to both scientific discovery and science fiction. Leave with a deeper appreciation of the universe and how it behaves under the most extreme conditions. Instructor: Andrew Fraknoi. Class dates: Jan 27-Mar 3. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/26 - 03/03/26 | T | 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 10, Starting on: 01/29/2026
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Comparative ExplorationJudaism, Christianity, and Islam - A Comparative Exploration: This course is a comparative exploration of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, focusing on rituals, beliefs, and foundational writings. We will learn what it means to study religion comparatively while examining both the shared elements and distinct differences. Each religion traces its roots to Abraham and embraces monotheism, offering a common foundation for discussion. We will explore key practices and beliefs, such as prayer, sacred texts, and understandings of the divine, and consider how they align or diverge across traditions. We will also engage with selected readings from each religion to better understand the theological and cultural dimensions of these Abrahamic faiths. Instructor: Jeremy Fackenthal. Class dates: Jan 29-Mar 5. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/26 - 03/05/26 | Th | 11:00 am -12:30 pm | Online |
Instructor: Staff
Spring 2026 Section 14, Starting on: 01/30/2026
Osher Integrative Health - Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System: This course, presented in partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health, features expert speakers from their upcoming national conference, Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will explore how integrative health approaches can address the challenges of living with chronic conditions and help individuals make informed choices within today's increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics will focus on whole-person care, patient empowerment, and practical strategies for managing long-term health concerns. Instructors: Osher Centers For Integrative Health. Class dates: Jan 30-Mar 6. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Dec 31. An orientation will be held on Jan 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/30/26 - 03/06/26 | F | 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | 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.
