Osher Online Classes

The Rehnquist Court, 1986-2005: Moves Toward Small Federal Government (Lecture)

Chief Justice William Rehnquist led the U.S. Supreme Court for nearly 19 years (1986–2005), overseeing cases on privacy, civil rights, the environment, the First Amendment, and states' rights. Under his leadership, the Court actively struck down federal statutes and precedent, often with conservative outcomes. However, as its composition shifted, some conservative rulings diminished.

This course examines the legacy of the Rehnquist Court, as well as his 15 years as an associate justice under Chief Justice Warren Burger. We will explore landmark cases, including Woodson v. North Carolina (1976), Craig v. Boren (1978), Miller v. Johnson (1995), Bush v. Gore (2000), Atkins v. Virginia (2001), and Lawrence v. Texas (2002).

Your instructor: Lauren Andersen, JD

Lauren Andersen is the director of the Utah Judicial Institute. Andersen practiced appellate law in the state of California and presented arguments to the California Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court. During this time, Andersen closely studied the Roberts Court. She has lectured about the Supreme Court and the death penalty. Her opinions were quoted by The New York Times and the ABA Journal. She was previously the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah.

Class Dates and Time: Mondays, July 14 through August 18

11:00 AM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Mondays via ZOOM

• Monday, July 14
• Monday, July 21
• Monday, July 28
• Monday, August 4
• Monday, August 11
• Monday, August 18

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

100 Years of Magic: The Disney Legacy and Influence (Lecture)

How did Walt Disney's life and vision shape the creation of an entertainment empire? How did early challenges influence the company’s identity and creative output? And how did Disney grow into a global powerhouse? This course explores these questions and more as we delve into the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global entertainment giant. Topics include the rise of Disney animation and theme parks, the company’s 1990s revival, and the strategic acquisitions that transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. We will also examine Disney's future and gain insights into what it’s like to work behind the scenes at the company. Throughout the course, we will consider diverse perspectives—from those who revere the Magic Kingdom to those who critique it and everywhere in between. This course offers a comprehensive look at how Walt Disney’s vision became a cultural force shaping today's entertainment industry.

Your instructor: Maria Massad

Maria Massad is a seasoned marketing leader and storyteller with a lifelong connection to the magic of Disney. Early in her career, she contributed to PBS’s acclaimed American Experience, a Walt Disney documentary, helping bring Walt’s visionary story to life for audiences nationwide. Massad also served on the leadership team of The Walt Disney Birthplace, where she led digital marketing and strategic partnerships to preserve and celebrate the Disney brothers’ legacy. With an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Massad has worked across marketing, media, and storytelling, helping organizations craft impactful campaigns and connect with audiences. Her deep knowledge of Disney’s history, combined with her professional expertise, offers unique insights into the company’s evolution and enduring influence.

Class Dates and Time: Thursdays, July 10 through August 14

7:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Thursdays via ZOOM

• Thursday, July 10
• Thursday, July 17
• Thursday, July 24
• Thursday, July 31
• Thursday, August 7
• Thursday, August 14

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Architectural Oddities: An Off-the-Beaten Path Look at Unconventional Architecture (Lecture)

Architectural history follows a canon of both traditional and eclectic styles from ancient to contemporary times. But what happens when a mix of whimsy, eccentricity, humor—and sometimes the creator's genius—insert themselves into the mix? Occurring throughout time and in various parts of the world, these unconventional structures exist to serve the cultures they were created for, from ancient religious sites to modern car-culture merriment. This course explores a myriad of structures set against the backdrop of the societies in which they existed, the construction methods used, the patrons for whom these structures were constructed, and the notions of the builders and architects who created them.

Your instructor: Eleanor Schrader

Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures and leads tours worldwide on art and architectural history. She has been named a distinguished instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. Schrader is a Professor Emerita of art and architectural history at Santa Monica College. She has completed graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute in London and New York. She has served as a design review commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the board of directors of the John Lautner Foundation.

Class Dates and Time: Thursdays, July 10 through August 14

1:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Thursdays via ZOOM

• Thursday, July 10
• Thursday, July 17
• Thursday, July 24
• Thursday, July 31
• Thursday, August 7
• Thursday, August 14

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Behind Those Baby Blues: The Films of Paul Newman (Lecture)

Paul Newman, the embodiment of charisma, captivated movie audiences with his iconic baby blue eyes, striking features, and powerful screen presence. Known for his multiple Academy Award-nominated performances in films like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), The Hustler (1961), and Absence of Malice (1981), Newman ultimately won an Oscar for The Color of Money (1986), the sequel to The Hustler. Alongside his acting career, he pursued a parallel path as a race car driver and dedicated significant time to entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. This course will trace the timeline of Newman’s remarkable career, from his legendary collaborations with Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973) to his final roles in Road to Perdition (2002), Empire Falls (2005), and Cars (2006), where he voiced the retired race car Doc Hudson.

Your instructor: Arnold Blumberg, PhD

Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg is a publisher, author, artist, and pop culture historian. He has taught courses in media literacy and cultural studies at University of Maryland, Baltimore College (UMBC), the University of Baltimore, Community College Baltimore College (CCBC), and the Osher Institute at Towson University. With fifteen years of experience in the comic book industry and five years curating a pop culture museum, he now runs his own publishing company, ATB Publishing.

Class Dates and Time: Tuesdays, July 8 through August 12

3:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Tuesdays via ZOOM

• Tuesday, July 8
• Tuesday, July 15
• Tuesday, July 22
• Tuesday, July 29
• Tuesday, August 5
• Tuesday, August 12

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Demystifying Energy Security (Lecture)

Energy is essential for both national and economic security, underpinning all aspects of life. Yet discussions of energy security often exclude the public, reducing complex issues to simplistic narratives like "Green is Good" or "Oil is Evil," which provide little actionable insight. In this course, you will engage in a comprehensive examination of energy's role in human development. Topics include the unmatched importance of hydrocarbons (oil and more); advancements in electricity, the past, present, and future of nuclear energy; and the potential of renewables. We will explore how these energy sources impact national security, economic stability, industrial production, transportation, and daily life. Join this course for a balanced, realistic assessment of energy security, a critical issue of our time.

Your instructor: Beth Hill-Skinner

Beth Hill Skinner has graduate degrees in Theology and International Diplomacy with a specialization in transnational terrorism. She has educated individuals and organizations for the purpose of empowering citizens to improve their community, state, and country. She believes there is a clear difference between providing information and education. She enjoys transforming the opaque or complex into clarity for her students or audiences.

Class Dates and Time: Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13

1:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Wednesdays via ZOOM

• Wednesday, July 9
• Wednesday, July 16
• Wednesday, July 23
• Wednesday, July 30
• Wednesday, August 6
• Wednesday, August 13

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Enjoying the Past and Present New York City: A History of Recreation in the Big Apple (Lecture)

This course will explore the history of Manhattan, emphasizing the unique traits that drew into its harbor millions of immigrants and millions more tourists seeking its many resources, rich culture, and complex history. Together, we will explore the history of New York City’s parks, city shopping, entertainment venues, museums, and concerts. We will also discuss the social and arts movements that grew out of the city. Gain an appreciation of what the city has to offer its visitors and an insight into the history behind the tourist attractions.

Your instructor: Adam Kocurek

Adam Kocurek is a PhD candidate in History at The CUNY Graduate Center. His research lies at the intersections of LGBTQ+ history, labor history, and the history of higher education. He is an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College where he teaches modern American history. He has held fellowship positions at Queensborough Community College and Medgar Evers College, and has taught at Baruch College. He is a tour guide for Big Onion Walking Tours, leading locals and visitors on innovative and exciting tours through New York’s ethnic neighborhoods and historic districts. Through his research and teaching, he is committed to illuminating the complexities of American history and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse narratives that shape our society today.

Class Dates and Time: Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13

11:00 AM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Wednesdays via ZOOM

• Wednesday, July 9
• Wednesday, July 16
• Wednesday, July 23
• Wednesday, July 30
• Wednesday, August 6
• Wednesday, August 13

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

History of Beer (Lecture)

Historians, beer enthusiasts, and curious minds alike will enjoy this exploration of the history of brewing. We will begin in the distant past with the invention of beer around 4000 BCE. Then we will journey through time to the modern rise of craft brewing. Along the way, we will dive into fascinating topics including medieval brewing, beer in Shakespeare’s era, colonial brewing, Prohibition, indigenous brewing traditions worldwide, and the evolution of beer commercials. This course meets during happy hour, so feel free—nay, encouraged—to raise a glass and toast to history while we learn.

Your instructor: Karl Brown

Dr. Karl Brown teaches courses in modern European history, film and media studies, and the history of drugs and drinking at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Before his academic career, he installed and operated brewpubs in Japan and Greece. Brown co-founded Second Salem Brewing Company in Whitewater and is an avid homebrewer of beer, cider, wine, and mead.

Class Dates and Time: Tuesdays, July 8 through August 12

7:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Tuesdays via ZOOM

• Tuesday, July 8
• Tuesday, July 15
• Tuesday, July 22
• Tuesday, July 29
• Tuesday, August 5
• Tuesday, August 12

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Public Health Across the Lifespan (Lecture)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key public health topics across the human lifespan, from prenatal health to aging care. We will examine major health challenges, interventions, and policies that impact individuals at each life stage. By focusing on health disparities, preventive care, and the role of public health systems, the course equips us with the knowledge and skills to understand health issues in diverse populations. Through readings and case studies, we will gain insight into the life-course approach to public health, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, continuous care, and aging with dignity.

Your instructor: Michelle Boyd

Michelle Boyd is an epidemiologist and public health researcher dedicated to advancing health equity through data modernization and effective health communication. With a focus on infectious disease data collection, surveillance, and maternal and child health, she brings expertise in analyzing public health data to uncover meaningful patterns and trends. Boyd holds a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from Indiana University Indianapolis and BS in human communication sciences from Northwestern University. Boyd is a board member for Fearless Brown Girls, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering young girls and increasing financial literacy. Her passion for health equity and public health education drives her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through data and community engagement.

Class Dates and Time: Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13

5:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Wednesdays via ZOOM

• Wednesday, July 9
• Wednesday, July 16
• Wednesday, July 23
• Wednesday, July 30
• Wednesday, August 6
• Wednesday, August 13

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Stories of Adventure: The Norse Sagas (Lecture)

Are you interested in stories rich with murder, intrigue, and sharp wit? This course will explore the Norse sagas, which are medieval tales rooted in Old Norse mythology, written in Iceland centuries after the Viking era. These stories range from realistic travel chronicles to epic sword-and-sorcery adventures, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into "Dark Age" swashbuckling. In this course we will also discuss how these stories continue to profoundly influence modern culture.

Your instructor: Vic Peterson

Vic Peterson is the author of The Berserkers (Hawkwood, 2022; Recital, 2023), a novel set in a fictional Nordic country. He holds a BA in English from Kenyon College, and MA degrees in humanities from The University of Texas at Dallas and in religious studies from the University of Chicago, where he also completed coursework at the Booth School of Business. After a successful career as a business executive, Vic now focuses on writing and teaching.

Class Dates and Time: Wednesdays July 16 through August 20

3:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Wednesdays via ZOOM

• Wednesday, July 16
• Wednesday, July 23
• Wednesday, July 30
• Wednesday, August 6
• Wednesday, August 13
• Wednesday, August 20

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

The Economics of Public Policy Issues (Lecture)

Economics plays a central role in shaping every aspect of society. This course examines a series of prominent policy issues with economics at their core. We will explore the origins of these issues, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy tools available to address them. Each lecture will be standalone, delivered by a subject matter expert with a Ph.D. in economics. Potential topics include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, and more, with final selections based on the most relevant and timely issues at the start of the course.

Your instructor: Geof Woglom, PhD

Geof Woglom, PhD is professor emeritus of economics at Amherst College, where he taught for over 40 years. He has held visiting positions at Cambridge, Harvard, and the London School of Economics. Woglom was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town and at Nanjing University. Over his career, he has served as an economic consultant for the International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Class Dates and Time: Tuesdays, July 8 through August 12

1:00 PM

Each session is 90 minutes.

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Tuesdays via ZOOM

• Tuesday, July 8
• Tuesday, July 15
• Tuesday, July 22
• Tuesday, July 29
• Tuesday, August 5
• Tuesday, August 12

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.