All Online Courses   

This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Virtue theory asks not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues—such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect—and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

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. Their uplifting stories are powerful reminders of resilience, morality, and hope.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles—jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Artificial intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence—and the possibilities ahead.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in US history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group—Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others—revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course, and consequences.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Explore the noir novel through Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, and Sara Paretsky’s Indemnity Only. From hardboiled detectives navigating gritty cityscapes to Paretsky’s feminist reimagining of the genre, this course traces the evolution of noir fiction. Film clips from classic adaptations will highlight the genre’s impact on both literature and cinema.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Explore the evolution of American conservation from the 19th century to today. This course goes beyond national parks to examine how urban reformers, scientists, women activists, and Native communities shaped the movement. Through diverse stories and landscapes, we will gain a deeper understanding of how Americans have fought to preserve—and define—the natural world.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

From pulp origins to mainstream dominance, science fiction has evolved into a powerful storytelling form that explores new worlds, ideas, and ways of thinking. This course traces the genre’s growth over two centuries, distinguishing it from fantasy and myth, and highlighting key authors who shaped its direction. We will discover how science fiction reflects cultural change and reimagines the future.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Shogun, this course explores Japan’s transition from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. We will examine the rise of key unifiers, the roles of diverse social groups (like merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts), and the era’s political, cultural, and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

This beginner-friendly course introduces Google Workspace tools like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will learn core features, basic navigation, and practical applications for personal and professional use. With guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds confidence and foundational skills to boost productivity and collaboration.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

In the 1820s, John James Audubon set out to document every bird species in the US, resulting in The Birds of America, a landmark collection of 435 hand-painted prints. This course explores Audubon’s life, artistic methods, and legacy, highlighting how his work bridges art and science. We will examine selected prints and consider his lasting impact on American natural history.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Some substances heal, others harm—and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin’s industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Sicily has been a mythic crossroads of heroes, conquerors, and culture for over 3,000 years. From Odysseus and the Arabo-Norman Golden Age to the Mafia and modern mythmakers like Garibaldi and Coppola, Sicily’s story is rich, complex, and central to Western history. This course explores its pivotal role in shaping civilization—and why Goethe famously said, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all.”

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

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.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

This engaging, video-rich course tells the story of American television—from its 1920s origins to today’s streaming era. We will explore decades of iconic shows, genres, and cultural moments that shaped the medium and its audiences. From sitcoms and dramas to news and sports, we will rediscover how TV evolved, adapted, and transformed American culture—one broadcast, cable channel, and streaming service at a time.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

This course explores Post-Impressionism’s bold departure from naturalistic light and color, focusing on the expressive use of form, symbolism, and vivid, often unnatural color. Through the work of Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat, and Matisse, we will trace the movement’s challenge to artistic norms and social values—laying the foundation for modern art and redefining the artist’s role in society.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

This course is offered in partnership with Penn State Emeritus Academy as part of the Academy’s lecture series, Explorations: The Penn State Emeritus Academy Lecture Series.

Kenji Uchino is a practitioner of Zen Buddhism and an educator interested in imparting the principles of Zen Buddhism and Buddhist practices to the general public.

This course is free to members, nonmembers, and the community.

Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein’s theories—no math or science background required. This course introduces key ideas like time travel, warped space, black holes, and gravitational waves, all in accessible terms. We will discover how modern science continues to confirm Einstein’s predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

Explore the rituals, beliefs, and writings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through a comparative lens. This course examines where these Abrahamic religions overlap and diverge, offering insights into their shared monotheistic roots and unique traditions. We will read key texts from each faith and gain a deeper understanding of how these religions shape meaning, practice, and identity.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

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: The Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health is a national network of academic health centers dedicated to advancing whole-person care. Through clinical innovation, research, and education, the Collaborative promotes evidence-based approaches that combine conventional and complementary therapies to support physical, emotional, and social well-being.

The Osher Online courses are offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University. The NRC has hand-selected instructors from across the country that provide unique and content-rich courses. The NRC runs the planning, setup, and information for these courses. They will provide participants with login information to access course materials and the Zoom classroom and are the point of contact for participant questions regarding links, course content, and scheduling.

This lecture is offered in partnership with Penn State Emeritus Academy as part of the Academy’s lecture series, Explorations: The Penn State Emeritus Academy Lecture Series.

Every research project and almost every scholarly paper begins with a literature review. The use of bibliometric expert systems and new generative AI tools is pervasive as researchers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to search databases and cluster articles, and new GenAI “readers” can point to large databases of articles and produce summaries in seconds. The process of conducting literature reviews and the quality of the results obtained will vary according to the AI tools a researcher employs, and academic integrity remains a paramount concern. This research evaluates the process, quality, rigor, and trustworthiness of the results obtained when using AI review tools and contemplates their impact on the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Dr. Potosky will offer an optional session called "Scientific Knowledge at Your Fingertips: Using Artificial Intelligence to Review Research." This session will demonstrate how you can use an AI tool to search, organize, analyze, and synthesize scientific research articles AND whether you can trust what you find.

This offering is free to members, nonmembers, and the community.

This course is hosted by OLLI at Colorado State University (CSU). Participants will be "in course" via Zoom with members at OLLI at CSU.

Technology is reshaping how we live—and nowhere is that more evident than in the innovations on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This course explores how the latest trends in “smart” technology are being designed with older adults in mind. We’ll use an Age-Friendly design lens to explore cutting-edge developments in Smart Cities, Smart Homes, and Smart Consumer Products. What are the promises—and the pitfalls—of technology designed to enhance the quality of life for aging populations? What about those that are not? Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these innovations could shape the future of aging in Colorado and beyond.

In 2025, we tend to think of social media and television as separate entities/industries constantly competing for screen space and our attention. But the two are much more intertwined. From the introduction of on-screen hashtags directing TV viewers to “join the conversation” about a program online to the reliance on viral social content for news broadcasts, social media has reshaped how television is produced, distributed, and consumed. Join Penn State media studies professor Dr. Cory Barker for an exploration of all things social media, television, and the phenomenon known as “social television."

Pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the male parts of flowers to the female parts. It is analogous to courtship/copulation in animals. Both abiotic (wind) and biotic (insects, birds, bats) agents mediate the transfer of pollen. Photographs will be used to illustrate how floral traits function to attract and reward specific biotic pollinators or exploit their abiotic agent of pollination, how plants exclude unwanted floral visitors, how plants influence which neighbors sire their seeds, and how plants practice “safe sex.”

This course is hosted by OLLI at Colorado State University (CSU). Participants will be "in course" via Zoom with members at OLLI at CSU.

Humans enjoy finding easier, more efficient ways to accomplish tasks. We'll examine 26 inventions, one for each letter of the alphabet, and describe why each was significant. And we'll learn the stories of people whose perseverance and creativity made each possible.

Let's dive into the history of immunizations and development of vaccines, learn about their value in the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases, and share our experiences. The first session will focus on the history of immunizations: overview of Jenner era, Pasteur era, Spanish flu pandemic, polio eradication, H5N1 and Covid-19 pandemic, and evolution of vaccine technology. In the second session, learn about vaccine-preventable diseases and the role of vaccines in reducing morbidity and mortality among adults. The instructor will play videos and animations and use PowerPoint to make learning more fun!

Edward H. Sutherland first used the phrase "white collar crime" in 1939. He believed that law enforcement efforts of the time addressed crimes committed by people of respectability and social status differently from so-called street crime and criminals. Sutherland gave voice to a criminal phenomena that goes back to earliest recorded history. This course will examine scams and scam artists across the ages and civilizations.

This illustrated course will delve into the rich history of Bellefonte’s African Methodist Episcopal (AME) congregations and their places of worship. Drawing on sources uncovered through research for the Black History in Centre County project, Mr. Ruth will trace the origins of Bellefonte’s two AME congregations in the second quarter of the nineteenth century and the evolution of their single successor—the St. Paul AME congregation—from the 1850s through the present. Learn how Bellefonte was once home to a large African American community, with the St. Paul AME Church at its spiritual center.

This course will take a broad sweep through the urban history of Rome, covering the city's founding, its growth into the capital of an empire, its transition to a city of popes, and finally ending as the capital of a unified Italy. It will place buildings such as the Pantheon, Colosseum, and St. Peter's in their historical contexts as we move swiftly from the 8th century BCE to 2026.

Romanticism, with its emphasis on emotion, subjectivity, and the individual, is embedded in the social transformation of 18th-century revolutionary movements. Promoting the direct experience of nature and intense personal experience, Romantic painters rejected the rules of the academy and often chose contemporary subjects rather than ones from literature or the classics. The new approach to nature will be explored through works by C.D. Friedrich and American F.E. Church, while heightened political consciousness will be presented through the paintings of F. Goya, T. Géricault, and E. Delacroix.

The Gettysburg Campaign is the period from June 3 to July 14, 1863, surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place July 1–3. In this blend of meteorology and history, walk with Civil War soldiers during this six-week period as they experienced record-breaking heat on their trek north to Gettysburg, soul-crushing humidity on the last day of the battle, and torrential rains during the retreat. A combination of firsthand accounts and groundbreaking meteorological research, this narrative reshapes how we view the Civil War’s Gettysburg Campaign.

Learn about this forgotten Black history figure, J. B. Raymond, and his rise and fall as an elected official. Participants will hear about the political environment of the late 1890s and early 1900s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and how that environment provided the support for him to run and be elected as a magistrate in 1894, until 1904.

The Black Death (bubonic plague) was one of the major events in Europe in the 14th century. It caused economic, religious, medical, social, and military changes in European history into the modern era. This course looks at the Black Death and its travels across Europe—its transmission and effects on the population with some of the effects still felt to this day.

Dr. Brian Black is Distinguished Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Penn State Altoona, where he also served for over a decade as head of arts and humanities. Recognized as a global expert on energy and petroleum history, he is the author of more than a dozen books. His writing on energy has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, USA TODAY, The Conversation, The National Interest, and The New York Times. Ike's Road Trip: How Eisenhower’s 1919 Convoy Paved the Way for the Roads We Travel, his most recent book, was released by Godine Books in 2024.

Heart failure is a major source of chronic illness and mortality worldwide. There are 6.7 million Americans living with heart failure. The understanding of this complex disease continues to evolve. This course will explain the types of heart failure and their pathophysiology. Examine contributing risk factors and discuss heart failure treatment.

The Conemaugh Dam is a concrete gravity dam crossing the Conemaugh River near Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1952 in response to a series of major floods, starting with the notorious 1889 Johnstown Flood that killed more than 2,000 people. Construction of the dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 to provide flood protection for areas downstream of Johnstown. The Conemaugh Dam impounds the 639-acre Conemaugh River Lake. It is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and is classified as a high hazard dam. In this course, learn about the history of the flood control system and the impact on the community.

Andrew Carnegie's name, likeness, and legacy are practically inescapable throughout Pennsylvania, including here at Penn State where one of his many buildings stands within sight of Pattee and Paterno Libraries. Despite his many philanthropic contributions around the world, which continue to the present day, Carnegie retains a reputation as a ruthless industrialist, particularly in Allegheny County's Steel Valley. Love him, hate him, or leave him, participants will explore Andrew Carnegie's biography, worldview, and the legacy of his libraries.

Dr. Rolls is excited to share the results of studies conducted in her lab at Penn State that explore the factors in food that drive people to eat in excess or move away from optimal nutrition. She will explain the underlying principles of the Volumetrics approach to weight management and healthy eating. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Volumetrics as the third-best diet for weight loss and among the ten best diets overall. The course will be interactive, and she welcomes participants’ questions.

This three-session course will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors at play in United States immigration history, from the Stone Age migrations to the present time. Also included will be a discussion of the origins of American nativism, xenophobia, and antipathy toward newcomers. The course will conclude with a review of the current crisis at America's southern border and the legal and social challenges of mass migration.

Rick will present an overview of the Korean War, the events leading up to it, and the impact on modern Korea, including the current nuclear crisis with North Korea.

Learn about the excursion tourist railroads of the Mid-Atlantic region, including the East Broad Top, Strasburg, Western Maryland, Cass, and Reading Northern. Participants will learn a brief history of the operations of the railroads, their current equipment, excursions, and touring opportunities. Understand what it’s like to see and hear a vintage steam engine in operation in the 21st century.

This course will go from Glasgow all the way to Orkney and the Shetland Islands. We will visit castles including Urquhart and Eilean Donan, the most photographed castle in Scotland. Stops include the islands of Skye, Mull, and Iona, where the 6th-century monastery of St. Columba still stands. We will see magnificent cathedrals including 12th-century St. Mungo in Glasgow. Historic sites include Culloden Battlefield, Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar standing stones in the Orkneys, and Holyrood Palace and The Castle in Edinburgh. The course concludes with the famous Edinburgh Tattoo with massed pipe bands.

Did you know that Penn State’s original reactor was replaced by a different design in 1965? Learn about the history, along with some interesting research projects and the addition of new research capability. The course will also include a virtual tour of the reactor.

Please note that the correct time for the course is 1:30 - 3:00 pm.

Panama is an emerging travel gem and a wildlife-lover's paradise. Enjoy a vicarious, photo-rich visit to its lush rainforests and tropical islands in search of sloths, monkeys, frogs, birds, and butterflies. While the main emphasis of the course will be the country's abundant wildlife, Tina will also give a nod to its rich history, especially the storied Panama Canal, and she will explore the lively colonial streets of Casco Viejo, the old town.

We all know that we need a will and powers of attorney, but successful wealth planning today requires a broader and more nuanced approach to legacy planning to ensure family success. This course begins with a philosophical context for successful inter-generational planning and then expands to a technical discussion of disposition, tax optimization, elder law, and communication strategy. Participants will leave with a foundational skill set that allows them to diagnose and design a plan for legacy planning targeted toward multi-generational success.

This course is hosted by OLLI at Florida International University (FIU). Participants will be “in course” via Zoom with members from OLLI at FIU and several other OLLIs.

Fanny Mendelssohn was a brilliant pianist and composer whose talents were often eclipsed by the constraints of 19th-century society. While her brother Felix achieved fame, Fanny’s extraordinary work remained in the shadows. German historian Anette Isaacs brings her remarkable story to life, uncovering her struggles for recognition, her groundbreaking achievements, and the rich cultural and Jewish heritage that shaped the Mendelssohn family's musical legacy.

Only very recently in human history have we developed technology that can begin to reveal the fundamental nature of the universe. Discuss the current knowledge of the birth of the universe in the Big Bang; the dominant constituents of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy; the size, shape, and structure of the universe; and the ultimate fate of the universe.

A champion of ‘art for art’s sake,’ James McNeil Whistler transformed the industrial shore of the Thames into subtle harmonies of muted color. His Symphony in White prompted derision at the Salon des Refusés, but the French government purchased the portrait of his mother years later. The beauty, balance, and exquisiteness of his compositions (associated with music and Japanese prints) belie his personal volatility. Headstrong and arrogant, Whistler enraged the patron of the Peacock Room and sued the leading English critic for defamation. The complexity of his life and work will be our focus.

This course will explore the origins of classical architecture in ancient Greece and Rome by first examining the classical orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian), the Parthenon in Athens, and the Pantheon in Rome. We will then explore the long and varied influence of classicism on American architecture, from Mount Vernon to Gilded Age mansions to Washington, D.C. (and even Penn State’s campus).

Do you have a favorite tree? For many, the American chestnut provided shelter, food, and enjoyment before it was devastated by an imported disease, the chestnut blight fungus. Share stories and learn about the history of this important tree and discover how you can get involved in helping to save this species.

Pennsylvania is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. Stories abound about this icon of American architecture, but there is so much more to know about Wright’s influence on architecture and the influences that helped shape Wright’s philosophy and approach to design. Of particular significance is the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the late nineteenth century, which not only influenced the development of a young architect but also subsequent directions in artistic expression that still reverberate today.

In this course, Dr. Nader will discuss the importance of maintaining muscle during the aging process and its role in communicating with other organs such as the brain and skeleton.

This course is offered in partnership with Penn State Emeritus Academy as part of the Academy’s lecture series, Explorations: The Penn State Emeritus Academy Lecture Series.

The lecture will provide the conceptual background for bridewealth payments, payments associated with marriage in many sub-Saharan African settings, and argue that it is precisely such payments that undercut women’s sexual and reproductive autonomy within marriage.

This course is free to members, nonmembers, and the community.

This course will explain what organizations make up the Federal Accountability Framework, such as the Government Accountability Office, Inspectors General, and others; what they do and how they do it; the strengths of the framework; and why it is broken. The course will also discuss what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) does and whether its work can be relied upon. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss the consequences of a broken accountability framework and possible solutions.

Explore invasive and introduced plants of Pennsylvania with naturalist Autumn Knepp! Together, we will learn about "The Dirty Dozen" and how these plants impact the habitat all around us. This course will focus on foundational knowledge of invasive and introduced plants and equip participants to recognize and manage these flora fiends!

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.

In July 1925, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, and others converged on Dayton, Tennessee, for the Scopes Monkey Trial—an eight-day clash over religion, science, public education, free speech, and textbooks broadcast nationwide. One hundred years later, these debates continue. This course explores why the trial happened in Dayton, how Bryan and Darrow became involved, what occurred in the courtroom, whether Inherit the Wind reflects reality, who won and lost, and why it still matters today.

Addiction has enormous social, legal, medical, and personal costs. Addiction might be a disease, and yet using is a choice. New data show that brain changes resulting from addiction perpetuate the cycle of relapse. Are children destined for addiction? Discussion will range from the history of the disease concept to the neurobiology of addiction and the effects of stress on relapse. Discuss how brain science informs the discussion of disease vs. choice.

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.

He gave us Medicare and sent half a million U.S. soldiers to fight in Vietnam. He was a vice president who came into the office of the presidency because of a presidential assassination. Another vice president gave us faith again in the presidency but issued one of the most infamous pardons in history. He was a vice president who came into office because of a president’s resignation. Join us as we examine these two vice presidents who became president under very different circumstances and who still influence us today.

Art in the streets (including graffiti, murals, stickers, and paste-ups) gives voice to marginalized communities, shapes urban environments, and challenges institutional norms. This course explores graffiti and street art in the United States and around the world, examining their histories, motivations, and social impact. Participants will consider the rise of global mural movements, efforts to preserve and present street art, and its evolving role in activism, community identity, and social change.

Siberia covers three quarters of Russia’s territory but is home to only a quarter of its population. Yet its role in shaping Russia as a vast and wealthy empire is profound. In this course, we will explore Siberia’s economic significance, indigenous cultures, and history as a penal colony, along with its importance for climate change, environmental issues, and Russian-Chinese relations. We will also consider Siberia’s role in both the rise and possible fragmentation of Russia.

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.

This course is hosted by OLLI at Colorado State University (CSU). Participants will be "in course" via Zoom with members at OLLI at CSU.

As the conflict enters its fifth year, the courage, resilience, and creativity exhibited by the Ukrainian people have prevented the invaders from achieving their main goals, despite the huge Russian advantage in manpower and other resources. Ukrainian ingenuity has changed the way in which the war has been fought and the lessons learned are impacting how other nations view their own military strategies and capabilities. Meanwhile, life on the ground for civilians on both sides of the front continues to be very difficult. This course will focus on the most recent developments in the war and on how the Ukrainians are continuing to respond to the many challenges they face.

Back by popular demand, this updated course offers a clear, engaging introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s rapidly transforming our world. From self-driving cars to chatbots and precision medicine, we will explore how AI works, where it’s headed, and what it means for society. No tech experience needed—just curiosity! With fresh examples and timely updates, participants will gain a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges AI presents today.

As the most extensively documented genocide in history—and the most intensively investigated, interrogated and debated—The Holocaust in Europe, 1933–1945, has much to teach us about hatred, demagoguery, impersonal violence, state-sponsored murder on an industrial scale, and ourselves. Each session will consist of a PowerPoint presentation and/or motion picture, followed by lively discussion. Class members may question the instructor at any time and will receive detailed notes via email after each session.

Why do so many great violinists also become composers? This course will explore the fascinating legacy of violinist-composers, including Baroque virtuosos like Heinrich Biber, Romantic legends like Niccolò Paganini, and 20th century innovators like George Enescu and Grazyna Bacewicz. Through listening and discussing, 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.

Due to a conflict, this course will be offered as a 3 session course;  April 7, 14, and  21. The April 28 class is canceled.

The United States military has been involved in over one hundred campaigns, many of which have been dramatized on film. The Second Indochina War, otherwise known as the Vietnam War, lasted from 1955 to 1975. During that period, nearly three million Americans served, 58,000 died, and thousands were scarred for life. Public support for the war peaked in the mid-1960s but collapsed after the Tet Offensive in early 1968. This course will examine how Hollywood's portrayal of the war and its participants evolved, reflecting Americans' growing disillusionment with a conflict nearly 9,000 miles from its shores.

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.

The death of Pope Francis and the election of the first US-born Pope have been in the news repeatedly in the last few months, capturing the imagination of many people, including non-Catholics. Who are these men? What are their life stories? How were they similar to and different from each other? In this course, we will discuss the lives and dominant perspectives of the last ten Popes, exploring their most significant positions and their influence on world affairs.

The Republic of Indonesia, a tropical archipelago in the Pacific Ring of Fire is composed of more than 17,000 islands of great beauty, diversity, ancient cultures, and political turmoil. It has experienced numerous disasters, many of epic proportions, and is highly vulnerable to climate change. Gender roles and relations in three major disasters shed light on the factors that influenced preparation, recovery, and resilience, yielding lessons for all of us.

Science is full of surprises. Dyes, accidentally discovered, launched the modern pharmaceutical industry. A failed experiment opened the door to new physics. Discoveries are never just facts. They are moments of creativity, struggle, and chance with far-reaching consequences. In this course, we will explore the human side of science, tracing breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. We will ask not only what was found, but how and why it matters.

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.

The bucolic splendor of Buck’s County and its proximity to Philadelphia drew painters to an impressionist art colony at New Hope at the turn of the century. What characterized Pennsylvania impressionism was not one unified style, however, but the emergence of many mature, distinctive voices: William L. Lathrop's evocative Bucks County vistas; Edward Redfield’s vibrant naturalism; Daniel Garber's luminous renditions of the Delaware River; Fern Coppedge's colorful village scenes; and Robert Spencer's lyrical views of mills and tenements. This will be the focus of a three-session course.

What is a sinkhole and where and when can they form? How can you protect your property? What are other benefits or risks of living on karst? Carbonate rocks dissolve slowly, resulting in underground voids that may be completely clogged with soil. Sinkholes form when soil collapses into these voids. The hollow nature of karst means transport from the surface to the water table is rapid. This can negatively impact water quality in wells and springs. Karst areas host caves which provide unique habitats for species of concern.

The German-American modern architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) was a pioneer in creating minimalist glass and steel architecture of great perfection and beauty, epitomized by his exquisite 1929 Barcelona Pavilion. Mies was a key figure in the development of the International Style in Europe and the last director of the Bauhaus, before it was closed by the Nazis. Mies immigrated to Chicago, where he became a major influence in the acceptance of modern architecture in America and the world, from skyscrapers to college campuses to houses.

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 cafés 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.

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.

Join Gerry, a former Sentinel, for a history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as he shares the duties and responsibilities of those who guard the Unknowns.

The personal essay, one of the oldest forms of creative nonfiction, blends storytelling, reflection, and analysis to give voice to lived experience. In this course, we will explore the personal essay as both art and self-expression. Through readings, discussion, and writing exercises, we will study elements such as narrative arc, scene-setting, and reflection. We will draft our own essays, discovering how this enduring form helps us find our voices and tell our stories with clarity.

Rapidly developing artificial intelligence might be a savior for news media organizations battered by audience and advertising losses to the internet and social media. Or AI might make everything worse. Can chat bots replace reporters? Can AI-generated images replace the work of photographers? How can readers and viewers know what's created by AI? Journalists are wrestling with these questions and more right now. This course will look at how AI is already being used in journalism, the ethics of using it, what's coming, and how news consumers will have to be ready and wary.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed nearly 1,000 buildings and helped define modern architecture. This course explores highlights of his practice, from Prairie houses to Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, alongside lesser-known projects like affordable housing and city planning. We’ll examine how Wright’s work reflected cultural shifts in technology, science, and politics, offering a deeper understanding of his lasting influence on architecture and modern design.

Owens Valley has been central to the California water wars since the early 1900s. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains ranges, Owens Valley is now home to several small towns. It is known for its incomparable outdoor activities, four national parks, and a vast wilderness and alpine lakes. People visit from around the world to experience this wild and remote area. This course will introduce the geography, water wars history, geology, and most of all, the incredible beauty of this part of the country.

After the successful landing on D-Day, completion of the Battle of Normandy, and liberation of Paris, the Allies turned their attention to liberating the Low Countries of Belgium and the Netherlands. Rick will discuss the push into the Low Countries, including the Battle of the Bulge.

The brain is a mysterious organ. Overwhelmingly, people embrace beliefs about the brain and how it works that are complete myths! In this course, Dr. Dennis will dispel common myths about the brain (e.g., that we only use 10% of our brain, that brain damage is always permanent, or that you cannot generate new neurons) by presenting research from psychology and neuroscience. As she addresses these misconceptions, she will also highlight useful lifestyle factors that support optimal brain functioning with age. Ample time will be reserved for questions and an interactive discussion.

This course will detail how Professor Hanley was one of forty International Olympic Academy (IOA) past participants to run with the Olympic torch in Greece prior to the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, with runners from different countries represented. Hanley will also detail her involvement with the IOA, beginning in 1977, and how she was afforded opportunities to attend seven Olympic Games, including both Winter and Summer Games. Her dance workshops at the IOA paved the way and were the catalyst for these "magic" times. Her torch, other Olympic-related items, and video clips will be shared.

This course is offered in partnership with Penn State Emeritus Academy as part of the Academy’s lecture series, Explorations: The Penn State Emeritus Academy Lecture Series.

Just as feminists took upon themselves the goal to recover lost writing by earlier women authors, so Jewish women academics in the 1990s undertook to discover their own lost “treasures,” writing by their Jewish women forebearers that was unknown, untranslated, and unpublished in book form. A trove of translated novels, stories, and poetry is the result of their efforts. Dr. Rubin's lecture will introduce the audience to the lives and literature of several of these recovered Yiddish writers. What can we gain from this literature? Insight into different worlds of commune, shtetl, and ghetto; the pleasure of reading a newly discovered body of literature; and most of all, the satisfaction of viewing female characters (represented by women authors) as people with complex identities and resilient natures.

This course is free to members, nonmembers, and the community.

This course shares the dramatic and emotional stories of a dozen of the most cherished sacred places in America. These iconic places of worship represent different faiths, different histories, and a range of architectural splendor. Sites include: Old Ship Meeting House in Massachusetts, San Xavier del Bac (“The White Dove of the Desert”) in Tucson, Trinity Church in New York, Beth Sholom Synagogue in Pennsylvania, New Horizon Sanctuary in Atlanta, the Mormon Temple in Utah, the First Baptist Church in Providence, the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, the Cadet Chapel at West Point, and others. Some structures were designed by well-known architects H.H. Richardson, Richard Upton, and Frank Lloyd Wright and feature stained glass windows by masters such as John LaFarge. Video clips from the PBS documentary America’s Houses of Worship will be used to show the history and grandeur of each sacred site.

The Girl Groups of the rock 'n' roll era represent one of the most fascinating components of the modern music era. The Girl Groups developed from pioneers in vaudeville and the swing and boogie woogie era of music from the 1920s and 1930s. This course is part presentation and part American Bandstand and will include videos of some of the groups who were instrumental in the Girl Groups sound and their influence on today's artists. Sing along, get up and dance, or clap to the music if you like!

Many of us may remember riding the wooden roller coaster at the local amusement park as kids and later taking our kids to Disney World. These playful places tell us a lot about how growing up in America has changed since Coney Island introduced the amusement park around 1900 and Disney created the modern theme park in 1955. Making use of images and original research, the course will explore the history of these parks, how and why they differed, why some failed and others survived, and especially what drew people to these parks. There will be time for questions and shared memories.

Learn about Arlington National Cemetery’s amazing history, the inspiring monuments, and the numerous famous—and some not-so-famous—individuals interred at our nation’s most prominent cemetery.

Human survival depends on our stress response, but big increases in blood pressure and cortisol are risky for long-term health. Why is too much stress bad for us and how can our behaviors protect us? Discussion will range from the emotional and physiological impacts of stress to the impact of small dietary changes on chronic disease risk. Through lecture and discussion, explore how scientific knowledge of this system can enhance survival and resilience. Sheila agrees with the famous stress physiologist Hans Selye, who said about his book, The Stress of Life, “This book is dedicated to those who are not afraid to enjoy the stress of a full life, nor too naïve to think that they can do so without intellectual effort.”

Artificial intelligence is transforming health care, from managing hospital capacity to reducing documentation burdens for doctors. This course offers a clear, accessible introduction to AI in medicine, covering how these technologies work, where they are used, and what risks and benefits they bring. Case studies will highlight both successes and challenges, with discussion on ethics, privacy, and the role of human judgment. No technical background is required—just curiosity about how AI is reshaping modern care.

Intellectual property has become an increasingly important part of American life over the past few decades. Rick Bigelow, a nuclear engineer and registered patent and trademark attorney, will discuss what intellectual property is and the various ways in which intellectual property can be protected. In addition, he will discuss what every business and every individual should know about intellectual property both in the United States and internationally.

In Glenn's upbringing, the world was changing and art was changing with it. Glenn will dissect some of the musicals in the '60s and '70s that took major leaps from classic musical theatre into tougher subject matter. We learn that, in breaking the normative barriers of Broadway, we were given some of the best show-stopping numbers of our time.

Glenn Rosenblum is a busy celebrity talent broker, lecturer, vocalist, actor, and musical mensch. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in theatre from the School of Theatre, Film, and Television at UCLA and has attended the School of Dramatic Arts at USC and the New College at Hofstra University. BroadwayWorld.com called him the “New Prince of Los Angeles Cabaret” in his new one-man cabaret show, The Musical Man. He has been seen regionally on stage in musicals including Cabaret (Emcee), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Man of La Mancha (Barber), and Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). He also played himself in Annabelle Gurwitch’s hit comedy Fired!, recorded for National Public Radio at Los Angeles Theatre Works. His off-Broadway credits include Lucky Lucy and the Fortune Man starring Blythe Danner, Little Mighty with Sam Harris, and Rise of David Levinksy featuring Larry Kert. Glenn’s television work includes an Old Navy commercial with Kristin Chenoweth, as well as episodic turns on the series Bones and Miami Vice. His passion and obsession of Broadway’s musical theatre has led him globe-trotting with Crystal Cruises as a guest lecturer. 

Join Dr. Jared Frederick for an engaging lecture on Fort Roberdeau, the Revolutionary War frontier outpost that created a foundation for industrial growth in central Pennsylvania. In this course, Frederick will explore the fort’s unique role in protecting lead mining operations, its connections to Native American history, and the challenges faced by settlers on the edge of the American wilderness. This course expertly brings together military history, local heritage, and dramatic stories of peril that defined the Revolutionary era.

Explore how money is going digital. This course explains Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and the blockchain technology behind them. Discuss how digital wallets work, why these innovations matter, and what they could mean for the future of finance.

Eighteenth-century London was the hub of a vast empire, where the wealthy shared the streets with the poor (and everyone in between). On the way to early morning services, a pious matron might confront a group of drunken gamblers stumbling out of a coffee house. An industrious apprentice could rise to be Lord Mayor, while an idle apprentice could descend into criminality. This realm of social mobility (both up and down) is the world depicted with surprising detail in the works of this artist as Hogarth moves from Covent Garden to Charing Cross and then from St. Giles’ slums to Newgate Prison.

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island and, like its large tropical companions New Guinea and Madagascar, it has an exceptionally rich flora and fauna with a large fraction of species found nowhere else. In this course, participants will photographically explore the marvelous variety of wildlife seen during a visit to a variety of lowland rainforest sites in Malaysia’s Sarawak and Sabah states. These sites range from a small offshore island to the most pristine remaining virgin rainforest in Borneo. These forests host a variety of primates, other mammals, numerous colorful bird species, and reptiles.