The 2016 elections, history of jazz music and an astronomy “sampler” taught at Dyer Observatory are included in the fall 2016 curriculum for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Vanderbilt University. The relationship between racism and mass incarceration, the importance of remembering the Holocaust, and the U.S. women’s movement are among other upcoming classes.
The public is invited to learn more about Vanderbilt’s Osher offerings Sept. 13 during the fall kickoff luncheon at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. The $40 fee for this event includes zoo admission and a barbecue picnic.
“We are pleased to have stellar Vanderbilt professors as well as other experts from the community lead these classes, which are designed for lifelong learners in a relaxed and supportive environment,” said Norma Clippard, director of the institute. She noted that, for the first time, students will pay an individual fee for each class in which they enroll.
The following non-credit classes, intended for those who are 50 and older, are scheduled this fall:
Osher Steel Drum Band, taught by Mat Britain, director, Vanderbilt Commodore Steel Band Program, and Alli Puglisi, assistant director, Osher Steel Drum Band; No musical experience is needed to join this hands-on class, which is limited to 13 students. The class will meet seven Sundays, starting Oct. 9, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Blair School of Music.
Jazz History and Appreciation, taught by Ryan Middagh, director of Jazz Studies at the Blair School. The history and elements of jazz will be covered in a chronological examination of this American music. This class will meet six Mondays, starting Oct. 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Intellectual Sampler, showcasing six Vanderbilt faculty members from a variety of disciplines; This class, always one of the most popular of the Osher offerings, will meet six Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 11, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The first session will be at Woodmont Christian Church. The remaining five classes will be at The Temple.
Moving from Indifference to Action: Why Remembering Is Important, featuring a talk by a Holocaust survivor and other experts; The class will meet six Tuesdays, starting Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The first session will be at Woodmont Christian Church. The remaining five classes will be at The Temple.
The Writing Life, a writing seminar taught by Victor Judge, assistant dean for academic affairs and lecturer at Vanderbilt Divinity School; This class, limited to 12 participants who have not previously been enrolled in the course, will meet on various Wednesdays throughout the year from Oct. 12 through April 26 ( 2017) from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
The U.S. Women’s Movement, taught by Rory Dicker, director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center; This course, focusing on the resurgence of the American women’s movement beginning in the 1960s, will meet six Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 12, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at The Commons Center.
Election 2016, taught by nationally renowned Vanderbilt political science experts; The class, examining the upcoming elections from every angle, will meet six Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Commons Center.
Otherness and the Italian Immigrant Experience, taught by Jessica Greenfield, lecturer in Italian, Department of French and Italian; This seminar will examine several catastrophic events specific to Italian and European societies, as well as several disasters as observed from an Italian immigrant perspective. The class will meet six Thursdays, beginning Oct. 13, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at The Commons Center.
The Sound and Fury: Controversial Presidential Elections, taught by Carole Bucy, professor of history at Volunteer State Community College and Davidson County historian; The class will meet six Thursdays, starting Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Commons Center.
Racism and Incarceration in the United States, taught by Joe Ingle, a United Church of Christ minister to death row inmates and author who has been a longtime advocate for prison reform; The class will meet six Fridays, beginning Oct. 14, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Dyer Observatory.
From the Moon to the Edge of the Visible Universe—An Astronomy Sampler, taught by four astronomy experts. The class will meet six Fridays, beginning Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Dyer Observatory.
OLLI at the Opera, led by John Hoomes, CEO and artistic director, Nashville Opera. This class will meet three Wednesdays—Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9. The first two classes will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The class will also attend the final dress rehearsal for Glory Denied Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. The location is the Noah Liff Opera Center.
OLLI at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, with lunch included in the fee. This 90-minute performance event Nov. 16 at the Nashville Jazz Workshop will focus on legend George Gershwin.
Registration is available online for the fall term. For more information on fees, registration and the kickoff, email the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt or call 615-343-1130.