Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces courses for fall 2025

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is offering an inspiring lineup of fall courses and activities that reflect the spirit of lifelong learning and connection. Whether you’re diving into science, literature, music or exploring global perspectives through the highly requested new course on India, you’ll find something to spark your curiosity. 

Two writing courses are offered this fall—one in person and one online—to meet learners where they are. A very popular Tai Chi instructor returns with another energizing class, and by popular demand OLLI is introducing a Mahjong course. 

From deep discussions in the humanities to hands-on learning, you’ll find a full and enriching schedule this fall. Students get continued access to Osher Online, which features high-quality virtual classes from instructors across the country.  

Vanderbilt faculty and staff are eligible for a discount on course registration, making it more accessible than ever to join the OLLI community. Email oshervu@vanderbilt.edu to learn more.   

Registration

Registration for spring classes is open Aug. 25–Sept. 28. Classes begin Oct. 2. Visit OLLI at Vanderbilt to register.   

OLLI students in the summer 2025 “Garden Ready” course at the Davidson County Agricultural Extension Center (Vanderbilt University)

OLLI students in class at St. George’s Episcopal Church during the summer 2025 term (Vanderbilt University)

OLLI students in class at Christ Church Cathedral during the summer 2025 term (Vanderbilt University)

Students singing in the OLLI Chorale class (Vanderbilt University)

Fall Courses Offered

Creative Arts and Music 

• Telling Your Story: A Deep Dive into Memoir Writing is taught by Miriam Mimms. Build practical techniques for crafting a compelling memoir while exploring works by notable authors. Participants will develop a chapter-length piece in a collaborative workshop setting. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 3511 Belmont Blvd.
• How to Write a Memoir is taught by Carole Webb Moore-Slater. Learn to create a short memoir focusing on a specific event or time period while gaining practical writing guidance in a supportive environment. Participants will produce and share a completed short memoir by the final session. Students meet online on Zoom on Thursdays beginning Oct. 2 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 
• OLLI Steel Drum Beginner is taught by Mat Britain. Learn the basics of steel drum performance while exploring the history and culture of the instrument. Students will prepare a song for a concert component during the course. Students meet in person on Sundays beginning Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Blair School of Music, 2400 Blakemore Ave. 
• OLLI Steel Drum Intermediate is taught by Mat Britain. Expand on foundational steel drum skills with intermediate-level music and cultural study. Students meet in-person on Sundays beginning Oct. 5 from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at the Blair School. 
• OLLI Steel Drum Advanced is taught by Mat Britain. Refine advanced techniques and musical skills on steel drums while preparing for a public performance. Students meet in-person on Sundays beginning Oct. 5 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. at the Blair School. 
•  OLLI Chorale is taught by Mary Combs. Learn vocal techniques, harmony and musicianship while preparing to perform a selection of songs in a group setting. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. George Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike. 
•  Intro to Pastels and Creating Pet Portraits is taught by Sandra L. Harris. Learn pastel painting techniques to create realistic pet portraits. Students meet in person on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at a residential home in Brentwood. 
•  Beginner Ukulele is taught by Theresa Romack. Learn basic ukulele playing skills including chords, strumming and group performance. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning Oct. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave. 
•  American History in Six Songs (Approximately) is taught by Matt Jennings. Examine key moments in American history through the lens of influential songs. Students meet online on Zoom on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. 
•  The British Invasion: British Bands Influenced by American Blues and Rock and Roll is taught by Robert Fry. Study the origins, influence and legacy of British Invasion bands in popular music history. Students meet online on Zoom on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. 
•  Impressionism: Color, Light and Leisure is taught by Lauren Weingarden. Study the techniques, themes and cultural contexts of leading Impressionist artists from the 1860s to the 1910s. Students meet online on Zoom on Thursdays beginning Oct. 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 

Wellness and Recreation 

•  Let’s Mahjong! A 6-Week Beginner Course is taught by Joy Marini. Learn the rules, strategy and play of American Mahjong in a beginner-friendly environment. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. 
• Tai Chi for Health, Balance and Relaxation is taught by Peter Hodes. Practice gentle movements and breathing techniques to improve health and balance. Students meet in person and online on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15 from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. 
•  Gentle Yoga is taught by Staci Smith. Practice slow, flowing movements and stretches to promote flexibility, balance and mindfulness. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning Oct. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. at West End United Methodist Church. 
•  Birding for a Better World: Finding Joy and Community in Nature is taught by Stacy Elliott. Explore birding techniques, health benefits and ecological awareness while participating in inclusive birdwatching activities. Students meet in person on Mondays beginning Oct. 13, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Warner Park BIRD Center and other locations. 
•  Six Birding Hot Spots in Nashville is taught by Stacy Elliott. Visit notable birding locations in Nashville while learning to use field tools and tracking apps. Students meet in person on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at various locations. 

History and Global Perspectives 

•  Spooky Season through a Literary Lens: Dissecting Archetypes Associated with Halloween is taught by Jennifer Miller. Read and discuss classic literature that shaped Halloween archetypes and themes. Students meet on Zoom on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• The African American Military Experience: From Revolution to Civil Rights is taught by John Langellier. Examine African American service in U.S. military history from the Revolutionary War to World War II, highlighting contributions and struggles both at home and abroad. Students meet on Zoom on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Legendary Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Tales from the Inland Seas is taught by Anna Lardinois. Discover the stories and mysteries behind famous Great Lakes shipwrecks and the people connected to them. Students meet on Zoom on Thursdays beginning Oct. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• India, Pakistan and Bangladesh Since Independence is taught by Art Echerd. Examine the political, cultural and historical developments of South Asia since 1947. Students meet in person on Mondays beginning Oct. 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.
• NBC at 100: Proud as a Peacock is taught by Jim McKairnes. Review a century of NBC programming history through video highlights and discussion. Students meet in person on Mondays beginning Oct. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.
• History of Museums and World’s Fairs is taught by Susan Dine. Trace the evolution of museums and world expos while exploring their cultural and historical significance. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at West End United Methodist Church.
• Understanding Politics Through a Psychological Lens is taught by Ashleigh Maxcey. Explore the psychological influences on political attitudes, decision-making and behavior. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at West End United Methodist Church.
• Inequality and Economic Policy is taught by Geof Woglom. Analyze the causes, consequences and policy solutions to economic inequality in the U.S. Students meet on Zoom on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Languages of the World is taught by Asya Pereltsvaig. Explore the diversity, history and evolution of world languages through case studies. Students meet on Zoom on Thursdays beginning Oct. 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. 

Science, Techology and Discovery 

•  The Power of One in Steven Spielberg Films is taught by Bernard Epps. Analyze films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies, Saving Private Ryan, Munich and Schindler’s List through the recurring theme of individual impact on the world. Students meet on Zoom on Mondays beginning Oct. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla is taught by Marc Seifer. Explore Tesla’s groundbreaking innovations, collaborations, rivalries and lasting influence on science and technology. Students meet on Zoom on Mondays beginning Oct. 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• The Brain in Health and Disease is taught by various Vanderbilt researchers. Gain insights into brain function, disorders and the effects of external factors on neurological health. Students meet on Zoom on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Alexander Graham Bell and the Telephone, 150 Years Later is taught by Bernie Carlson. Learn about Bell’s invention, its commercialization and the evolution of telecommunications. Students meet on Zoom on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• From Forecasts to Folklore: Weather Demystified is taught by Bree Sunshine Smith. Explore meteorology, forecasting and weather folklore through interactive lessons and a field trip. Students meet in person on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.
• Health Care in Crisis: The Coming Revolution and What It Means for You is taught by Steve Lindstrom. Examine the challenges and innovations shaping the future of U.S. health care. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning Oct. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at West End United Methodist Church.
• In Darwin’s Footsteps: A Journey to the Galapagos is taught by Eric Simon. Follow Charles Darwin’s journey on the HMS Beagle and study the origins of his evolutionary theory. Students meet on Zoom on Thursdays beginning Oct. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 

All class meeting times listed are 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.