Step back into the iconic world of 1980s television, unravel the complexities of American diplomacy through the career of Henry Kissinger, or join in the popular rhythm of the OLLI Steel Drum Bands. This winter, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is offering an exciting lineup of courses to invite the 50+ community to rediscover the joy of learning.
Whether you enjoy the camaraderie of choral singing, the challenge and reflection of memoir writing, or the wonders of astronomy, OLLI at Vanderbilt offers an inclusive community where curiosity thrives and friendships grow. For added convenience during the unpredictable weather of winter, many classes are available through Zoom, allowing students to join from the comfort of home.
“Our winter courses provide a wonderful way for adults over 50 to stay engaged, active and connected—whether they’re learning from home or gathering with others,” said Norma Clippard, director of OLLI at Vanderbilt. “We’re excited to offer another season of diverse topics that allow participants to explore their interests and meet new friends.”
Registration:
Registration for winter classes is open Nov. 18–Jan. 3. Classes begin on Jan. 12. Visit OLLI at Vanderbilt to register.
Courses Offered:
- OLLI Steel Drum Band – Beginner is taught by Mat Britain, adjunct instructor in music at Blair School of Music. This musical journey to the Caribbean is a hands-on experience in which participants learn how to play the steel drums. Previous musical experience is helpful but not required. Students meet for seven Sundays beginning Jan. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Blair School of Music.
- OLLI Steel Drum Band – Advanced is taught by Mat Britain. This group, which often performs in the Vanderbilt Steel Bands Concert, approaches music that is more difficult with advanced playing techniques. Completion of the beginner and intermediate classes is a prerequisite unless the instructor grants permission through invitation or a short audition. Students meet for seven Sundays beginning Jan. 12, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., at the Blair School.
- OLLI Steel Drum Band – Intermediate is taught by Mat Britain. For students who have grasped the basics, this course helps to refine techniques on the steel pans. Students will work on slightly more difficult music and dive deeper into the culture of Trinidad and the steel band art form. Completion of the beginner course is a prerequisite unless the instructor grants permission through invitation or a short audition. Students meet for seven Sundays beginning Jan. 12, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., at the Blair School.
- Bluegrass is taught by Robert Fry, a principal senior lecturer in musicology and ethnomusicology at the Blair School of Music. This course will cover a variety of topics pertinent to the understanding of the development, continuation and influence of bluegrass music. Students meet for six Mondays beginning Jan. 13, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., online using Zoom.
- Television in the 1980s: A Revolution Continues is taught by Jim McKairnes, a former longtime CBS Television executive turned university lecturer. This course offers a fun and video-heavy look at some of our favorite hit TV shows from the ’80s, examining changes in not only what we watched, but how we watched. Students meet for six Mondays beginning Jan. 13, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- Choral Singing is taught by Mary Combs, choral director and educator. This course will instruct singers in blending tones, vocal techniques, singing in harmony and musicianship, as well as prepare the participants to perform a few songs for an audience. The goal for the overall experience is to have fun while making beautiful music together. Students meet for six Tuesdays beginning Jan. 14, from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., at the Temple, 5015 Harding Pike.
- Hood’s Tennessee Campaign and the Battle of Nashville is taught by Brandon Hulette, officer in the U.S. Army and infectious disease epidemiologist. In honor of the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Nashville, this course will cover the last major campaign of the Army of Tennessee from the time John Bell Hood took command in Atlanta, through the Battle of Nashville in December of 1864. Students meet for six Tuesdays beginning Jan. 14, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Commons Center.
- Beginner Ukulele is taught by Theresa Romack, teaching artist. The course offers an introduction to ukulele and group singing. Learn the basics of tuning, strumming and chords while learning a few songs. Each week builds on the last, with ample time for practice and review. Ukuleles are provided. Students meet for six Tuesdays beginning Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Temple, 5015 Harding Pike.
- The Kissinger Century: Henry Kissinger and American Diplomacy is taught by Thomas Schwartz, Distinguished Professor of History and Professor of Political Science and European Studies at Vanderbilt University. This course will examine the career of Henry Kissinger, one of the most powerful and consequential American diplomats of the 20th century. Students meet for six Tuesdays beginning Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Commons Center.
- An Astronomy Grab Bag is taught by Billy Teets, resident astronomer and director of the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. This course covers a diverse array of astronomy topics, addressing common misconceptions and exploring how astronomers learn about the universe. Learn about star life cycles, distance measurement techniques, and the life and work of Nashville astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard. Students meet for six Wednesdays beginning Jan. 15, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., online using Zoom.
- In Search of Paul: Engaging Saint Paul Through Texts and Archaeology is taught by Tom McCollough, the Nelson and Mary McDowell Rodes professor of religion, emeritus, at Centre College. Dive into the life and legacy of Paul of Tarsus, a central figure in early Christian theology and author of a significant portion of the New Testament epistles. Classes will explore the enigmatic Paul’s influential writings and the historical world he lived in. Students meet for six Wednesdays beginning Jan. 15, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- Theater as Literature: The One-Act Play is taught by Edward Friedman, retired Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor in the Humanities. This course centers on analyzing dramatic works through the reading and discussion of one-act plays, allowing participants to envision staging and line delivery as if directing. Examine plays by notable authors like Strindberg, Chekhov and Glaspell. Students meet for six Wednesdays beginning Jan. 15, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- Sports Sampler is taught by Andrew Maraniss, Vanderbilt Athletics director of special projects and bestselling author. Sit in on discussions with authors, journalists, athletes, coaches and more from the world of sports. Each class features a talk show–style interview including questions from the audience. Students meet for six Thursdays beginning Jan. 16, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., online using Zoom.
- How to Write a Memoir is taught by Carole Webb Moore-Slater, an educator and community speaker. This creative nonfiction writing series provides practical information designed to motivate and inspire each participant to write a personal or family memoir one story at a time. Information includes organizational guidelines when planning a story and writing tips to bring characters to life as a story unfolds. Students meet for eight Thursdays beginning Jan. 16, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online using Zoom.
All class meetings are held on Central time. For more information, visit vanderbilt.edu/olli or call 615-343-0700. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations.
