Fridays, April 11 - May 16
12:00PM - 1:30PM Central 

The Southern Italian port city of Naples is home to a rich and complex history stretching back to its foundation by Greek colonists in the 8th century B.C.E. Across the centuries, Naples evolved into a vibrant cultural, political and economic center of the Mediterranean world, first as a part of Magna Gracia, and later, under successive periods of Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Angevin, and Spanish rule, on route to becoming the capital of the independent Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816. In 1861, Naples’s incorporation into the newly unified Italian nation-state as a part of the Risorgimento initiated an era of modernization and adaptation that persists to the present day.

In this six-week class, we will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli—a city famously pieno di contradizione (“full of contradictions”). Aimed at students and travelers alike, the course offers a virtual “grand tour” of Naples through a close examination of a dozen Neapolitan monuments/historic sites reflective of milestones in the city’s historical development from its origins through today, including: Castel dell’ Ovo, Spaccanapoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Castel Nuovo, the Duomo, Santa Chiara, i musei Capodimonte e Archeologico Nazionale, Palazzo Reale, Teatro San Carlo, and the Galleria Umberto I among others (including “side visits” to the city’s best pizzerias, food stalls, pastry shops and cafes!)

Speakers: Anthony Antonucci, PhD and Hilary Haakenson, PhD

Dr. Hilary Haakenson earned her PhD in Renaissance Art History from Rutgers University. Her teaching interests include: social/political commitment in art, cultural myths and geographies, and the intersections between art and philosophy. Her current research examines early Italian cartography and the grand civic monuments commissioned by several maritime cities in Italy. She explores how these maps and monuments visualized the cultural encounters occurring in and around the Mediterranean Sea, and how, in turn, art shaped the contemporary European visions of the world. She has been the recipient of several awards including a Fulbright Fellowship. 

Dr. Anthony Antonucci is a global U.S. historian whose teaching and scholarship investigates the intersections of foreign relations, literary nationalism, ethno-racial formation and immigration policy in American politics and culture since 1750. Antonucci holds a PhD in U.S. History from the University of Connecticut, an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Southern Maine, and a B.A. in Political Science from Bard College. Antonucci’s scholarship has earned numerous awards, including a Fulbright IIE Research Fellowship based at the Archivio di Stato di Napoli in Italy.

Mondays, March 31 - May 5
6:00PM - 7:30PM Central 

Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. In this course, we will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. By the end of the course, you will understand how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. Whether you are new to bonsai, have experience, or are simply curious, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of this fascinating art form.

Speaker: Chris Baker

Chris Baker has worked with bonsai for over 18 years, beginning as an enthusiast with a passion for horticulture and nature. His career shifted after a meeting with bonsai curator Jack Sustic at the U.S. National Arboretum in 2010, leading him to volunteer and eventually study with bonsai master Tohru Suzuki in Japan. In 2014, Baker became the first full-time curator of the Chicago Botanic Garden's bonsai collection. He serves as President of the North American Bonsai Federation and is on the board of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation.

Wednesdays, April 9 - May 14
6:00PM - 7:30PM Central 

In this course, we will explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. We will discuss the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette, and the appeal of visionary concept cars like the Ford Nucleon – all of which highlight the creativity and innovation of each era. We will discuss how global car cultures, from America’s muscle cars to Japan’s futuristic designs, reflect the unique identities and values of their societies. These vehicles have become symbols of creativity, status, and technological progress. Whether it's Germany’s precision-engineered sports cars or Italy’s exquisitely crafted performance masterpieces, each region brings its own distinct flavor to the world of automotive design. Learn how the worldwide car scene showcases the diversity of human innovation and cultural expression, cementing automobiles as both a tool of progress and a reflection of societal evolution.

Speaker: Pandora Paúl 

Pandora Paúl, former curator at America’s Automotive Trust and LeMay America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, enjoyed driving her father’s red ’59 Convertible Corvette, her mom’s ’70 Opel GT, and cruising in her own ’77 Malibu Classic station wagon. Her career has included both work and play in museum education, training, and curation. Paúl was part of the team at the San Diego Automotive Museum who created award-winning exhibits. She has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Automobile Museums. She loves to showcase vehicles that have not been seen before. She believes that automobiles are snapshots of our culture, and she enjoys interpreting cars in unique ways that inspire conversation and create wonder and awe.

Tuesdays, April 8 - May 13
12:00PM - 1:30PM Central 

Spring is a time of new life, as we watch the world around us change from dormant to full of life. This course is an introduction to film movements and styles. We will watch several classic films all of which have a theme of change. We will begin by discussing film genres, film history, and how films are made. We will also explore what to look for as you watch the films selected for the course. Films are watched on your own outside of the classroom (at least one film will be assigned per week beginning week 2) and are available on Plex with a free account, through Turner Classic Movies, or with a Max subscription. Some titles may also be available through your local public library. During each class session, we will unpack the film in terms of its style, story, filmmaking technique, and how it fits with the theme of change. During this course, we will discover great films that help us see and think about change in our world.

Speaker: Jeremy Fackenthal, PhD 

Jeremy Fackenthal PhD is an independent filmmaker and nonprofit director. Jeremy served as Director of the Common Good International Film Festival from 2019 through 2023. After completing a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and Theology from Claremont Graduate University, he began using his philosophical background beyond academy to raise questions and craft narratives. Jeremy shot and edited a short documentary on spoken word poetry, and he is currently working on a feature-length documentary. From making films to curating a film festival, Jeremy enjoys films as an art form, a means of expression, and of course as entertainment.
 

Wednesdays, April 2 - May 7
2:00PM - 3:30PM Central 

Have you wondered how crossword puzzles are created? This course will appeal to those who want to construct their own crosswords, those who are simply curious about the process, and those who want to be better solvers. We will explore all steps of the crossword puzzle creation process including tools, formats, themes, grid block arrangement, challenging clues, and more. We will even discuss how to submit a puzzle for publication. After a brief intro to free-form style puzzles, we will focus on US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles like the NYT crossword, and an OLLI-themed puzzle. Throughout the course, we will construct several crossword puzzles together.

Speaker: Steve Weyer 

Steve Weyer has been a cruciverbalist (crossword aficionado) since the 1990s. He is the creator of CrozzWord, a mobile app for crossword solving. Weyer has been teaching crossword topics since 2010. He constructs crosswords for libraries and other organizations and publications. His first New York Times crossword debuted in November 2023. Weyer's crosswords appear weekly in Ashland.news and on his website.

Wednesdays, April 2 - May 7
12:00PM - 1:30PM Central 

Longevity comes down to one simple truth: our ability to weather the inevitable challenges life unexpectedly drops in our lap. Resilience is our ticket to extended healthspan. Western society is entering a phase of significant transformation that will change how we age. This course is a condensed version of Fulton’s Whealthspan Masterclass which focuses on the five foundations for extending healthspan and looks at societal changes that will impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science for a general audience and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values.

Speaker: Scott Fulton

Scott Fulton is recognized internationally as a “Redefiner” in the positive aging space. Accustomed to big systems engineering challenges, Fulton focuses his research on improving adult aging outcomes. He teaches Lifestyle Medicine and Aging, is an American College of Lifestyle Medicine member, sits on the prestigious True Health Initiative Council, and is past president of the National Aging in Place Council. His critically acclaimed book, WHEALTHSPAN, More Years, More Moments, More Money, hit #1 on Amazon, and he is known for creating the MEDAC system for optimal aging. Fulton is a multiple Ironman triathlete and lives in a demonstration home he recently designed and built for the future of optimal aging across a lifespan.

Tuesdays, April 1 - May 6
2:00PM - 3:30PM Central 

Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the path to enlightenment is through nonviolence and reducing harm to living things (including plants and animals). This course provides an introduction to Jain traditions and their historical roots in South Asia from the time of Mahāvīra (fifth century BCE) to the present. We will begin with a historical overview of key religious figures and ethics in Jainism, followed by an exploration of Jain philosophies to understand their views on existence and reality. This course will then examine ascetic practitioners, laypeople, sacred places, and objects, including temples and art. We will conclude with a focus on gender roles and the relationship between Jain ethics and environmental activism.

Speaker: Eileen Goddard

Eileen Goddard is a lecturer and PhD student at the University of California Santa Barbara. Goddard's dissertation research focuses on the 16th century Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition and comparatively analyzes Indian religious constructions of “perfected” minds and bodies. Goddard's broader research interests include comparative Indian philosophy, Sanskrit literature and poetics, devotion (bhakti), perception, and gender and sexuality. Goddard completed her MA in Religion at Rutgers University and BA in Philosophy at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Tuesdays, April 1 - May 6
10:00AM - 11:30AM Central 

Over half a century after the Stonewall Uprising, the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and movements in the US remains a focal point of rich discussion and political relevance. In this course, we will immerse ourselves in the intricate history of LGBTQ+ Americans, examining their political organizations, cultural contributions, and the profound ways they have helped shape the nation. This course offers a comprehensive overview of key LGBTQ+ figures, events, and cultural shifts beginning in the early 20th century to the present, highlighting the emergence and evolution of LGBTQ+ identities and activism, and the challenges they have historically faced. We will uncover how a marginalized community has become a powerful force for social change, impacting every facet of American life—from grassroots politics and art to society at large. Together we will gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ history and gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US.

Speaker: Adam Kocurek 

Adam Kocurek is a Ph.D. 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 also a tour guide for Big Onion Walking Tours, leading locals and visitors alike 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.
 

Thursdays, April 10 - May 15
2:00PM - 3:30PM Central 

This course begins by unraveling the mysteries of the brain. We will explore how to navigate the complex and fragmented healthcare system and discuss strategies for advocating for personalized care. In addition to simplifying common neurological conditions—such as headaches, dizziness, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss—we will examine testing and imaging of the nervous system. The course will also focus on illness prevention through healthy lifestyles and provide an intimate discussion of end-of-life issues.

Speaker: Paul Schanfield, MD 

Dr. Schanfield, a retired neurologist from Minnesota, practiced privately for 40 years before retiring in 2015. He continues to teach medical students and residents as a Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota. In 2017, he was recognized as the first-ever Community Educator of the Month by the University of Neurology. A perennial Minneapolis/St. Paul “Top Doctor” since 1992, Dr. Schanfield has received numerous teaching awards, including the 2018 Community Teacher of the Year from United Family Medicine Residents.
 

Thursdays, April 3 - May 8
12:00PM - 1:30PM Central 

This course focuses on recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. The Russian Federation is home to 180 nationalities, many of which have long been in conflict. We will examine how the Russian state—under the Tsars, Soviets, and President Vladimir Putin—has sought to impose uniformity, often diminishing ethnic groups. Through a historical lens, we will explore the struggles of these groups, from peaceful movements like the Circassian movement to violent resistance like Chechnya. Contemporary Russian culture, including music, cinema, cuisine, and humor, will also be discussed to illuminate current events.

Speaker: Asya Pereltsvaig, PhD 

Asya Pereltsvaig, PhD received a degree in English and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University. She taught at Yale and Stanford, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language and history, and the relationship between them. Her most recent book is Languages of the World: An Introduction, 4th edition.

Thursdays, April 3 - May 8
4:00PM - 5:30PM Central 

Some topics don’t fit neatly into OLLI science classes—too big, too small, too little, too much, too off-topic—and often end up on the proverbial cutting room floor. In this course, these intriguing bits and ends are gathered up and presented like a charcuterie board of tasty science snacks. This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine including a little bit of color theory, a morsel of genetic testing science, a dash of airplane physics, some lightning theory, a mouse that turns scorpion venom into a painkiller, current scientific thoughts on origins of life, and a lot of time to explore topics of interest to you. Bring your questions and we will explore some of the exciting nooks and crannies of science together.

Speaker: Kjir Hendrickson, PhD (they/them)

Kjir Hendrickson, PhD is a teaching professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU). They hold a PhD in chemistry and authored the textbook Chemistry in the World. As an erstwhile quantum chemist, their academic work focuses on science communication, the reciprocal relationship between science and society, matters of workplace climate, and matters of DEIJ in STEM. Hendrickson is an associate researcher with the ADVANCEGeo Partnership and is pursuing research on functional scientific literacy in partnership with OLLI at ASU.

Mondays, March 31 - May 5
4:00PM - 5:30PM Central 

In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, we will explore her life, works, and legacy from a fresh perspective. Both seasoned readers and those new to Austen will appreciate experiencing the story of her authorship through images of original documents and artifacts. Austen began writing fiction in her teenage years, warmly supported by her family, especially her clergyman father. Yet she had to wait until she was in her thirties to see her first book in print. In this course, we will discover what happened in between, as well as how a household of creative women made it possible for her to focus on her writing and achieve publication. We will consider how and why her literary reputation grew after her death, and we will take a tour of the contemporary adaptations and retellings that continue to broaden her readership.
 

Speaker: Juliette Wells

Juliette Wells is a Professor of Literary Studies at Goucher College, known for her groundbreaking research on Jane Austen. She has authored A New Jane Austen: How Americans Brought Us the World’s Greatest Novelist, Reading Austen in America, and Everybody's Jane: Austen in the Popular Imagination. In 2025, Dr. Wells will co-curate A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250 at The Morgan Library & Museum. She has also edited anniversary editions of Persuasion and Emma, with Mansfield Park forthcoming in 2025.

Tuesdays, April 1 - May 6
4:00PM - 5:30PM Central 

The adventure begins in New York City, where the echoes of Tin Pan Alley's Great American Songbook still resound. We witness a new generation of talented songwriters, singers, and groups, who filled the airwaves and shaped the soundtrack of our lives. This course is a journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. We will discuss the music of legendary songwriters such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Neil Diamond, and others. Together we will rediscover the tunes from Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, the Ronettes, the Shirelles, the Animals, the Monkees, Manfred Mann, Andy Williams, the unforgettable Righteous Brothers, and many others.

Speaker: Michael Agron

Michael Agron, a passionate music aficionado, grew up in Los Angeles, the heart of the recording and entertainment industry. While his early love for music inspired dreams of becoming a recording engineer, his career took a different path into entrepreneurship and high tech with companies like Apple and Oracle, including founding a webinar and digital marketing agency. Over the past fourteen semesters, Agron's deep passion for music and entertainment has led him to deliver distinct and engaging seminars for Sacramento State University’s Renaissance Society, as well as numerous lifelong learning organizations across the nation.

Wednesdays, April 16 - May 21
4:00PM - 5:30PM Central 

Using anecdotes, stories, humor, and audiovisuals, we will explore the legacy and artistry of influential performers whose technical brilliance, richness of tone, and showmanship have shaped music history. We will contrast performers who strike a balance between showmanship, intensity, passion, and bold elegance. We will examine talents whose impressive ability, charisma, and distinctive sound have captivated audiences in the last 150 years like Arthur Rubinstein, Jascha Heifetz, Vladimir Horowitz, Yuja Wang, Itzhak Perlman, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Lang Lang. We will also explore emerging talents such as Alma Deutscher.

Speaker: Emanuel Abramovits, MBA

Emanuel Abramovits, MBA, is a mechanical engineer and has also been a concert promoter for over two decades. He is directly involved in events by international artists like Itzhak Perlman, Gustavo Dudamel, Sarah Brightman, Roger Hodgson, ASIA, Journey, Kenny G., and many more. Abramovits has designed and staged many original orchestral events, including an Event of the Year winner and several world premieres. He served as the cultural director at Union Israelita De Caracas from 2008 to 2019, releasing books and organizing film cycles, concerts, and art exhibits.

Mondays, March 31 - May 5
2:00PM - 3:30PM Central 

Many individuals contribute to history but never get their due. Women and other marginalized groups traditionally received less ink in history books than the "great men" of history who were mainly white males. This course looks at nine women--three each session--whose achievements are not commonly known. Among the nine women are a scientist, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a pioneering pilot, a suffragist, a candidate for the US presidency, an activist for women's and African-American's rights, a British anthropologist, and a pioneering politician from the Western US.

Speaker: Diana Carlin, PhD

Diana Carlin, PhD is Professor Emerita of communication at Saint Louis University. For 30 years, she has taught courses on and written about First Ladies. She is the co-author of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies and Remember the First Ladies: America's History-Making Women. Carlin has published articles and book chapters on a variety of First Ladies and researches and writes on the topics of women in politics, presidential communication, and political debate.