Browse Membership & Current Classes   

The Summer Semester Membership gives members access to all classes and events offered by OLLI at ASU for one semester.

Note: If you purchased an annual membership, you do not need to purchase a semester membership.

Membership Benefits 

• Discounted tickets and special offers from our Community Partners
• Co-generational programs with ASU faculty and ASU students 
• The opportunity to contribute to academic research projects
• Educational travel opportunities

This course will help you understand the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our world. Recently, tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek v3 have shown just how powerful AI can be. Experts in tech companies are even more excited because they believe we're just a step away from creating an "applied general intelligence" (AGI) – an AI so advanced it could evolve and think far beyond what humans are capable of. AI is only a small part of a bigger change happening globally, and it's starting to affect everything from our daily lives to governments, social systems, and even our personal beliefs. What once seemed like science fiction is now becoming a reality. This class covers these changes and explores possibilities for adaptation and management. While AI may be shaking up the way the world works, we can still find creative ways to handle these changes. However, doing so will require a lot more understanding and smart thinking than we currently have.

Deterring war and other levels of aggression between states in our highly interconnected and interdependent world is more complex than ever before. China and Russia not only have modernized and expanded their nuclear forces but have made common practice to challenge the interests of the U.S. and its allies around the globe. This class will explore the risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities associated with aggressive geopolitical competition and examines the strategy implications for nuclear weapons, cyber, and information warfare as well as the rapid onset of new technologies.

This class is back by popular demand and expanded to two sessions. We will examine the related concepts of economic warfare, geoeconomics, economic statecraft, and economic coercion. It outlines the ways major powers conduct various forms of economic warfare and discusses specific cases, including Russia’s weaponization of food and energy, the U.S.'s weaponization of international financial systems, and China’s weaponization of import and export markets. Lastly, it explores how we think about protecting key industries while balancing cost and efficiency imperatives with contemporary security needs. Note: No knowledge of economics is expected or required to understand the subject matter in this class.

In June 2022, about eight months after Stephen Sondheim’s death, Ben Brantley of The New York Times “wearily” attended yet another revival of Into the Woods and noted that it was as though the audience “had been transformed into trembling pilgrims gathered at a sacred meeting spot—sighing, gasping, sobbing.” Brantley then reflected on the fact that by that time, audiences everywhere were deifying Sondheim, even though, over the course of his seven-decade career, the composer was often misunderstood, and many of his shows had failed financially. In an era when Broadway was dominated by musicals such as Hair and Godspell, Sondheim made his entrance with the groundbreaking “concept” musical Company, and each new project marked a radical departure from the last, often puzzling audiences accustomed to more traditional fare like Annie and Oliver. This course examines some of Sondheim’s most iconic works, including shows like A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, and many others, and explores the innovative craftsmanship he brought to his art.

Skip the lecture and dive straight into this hands-on crime-busting class taught by “Dr. Danny” – two-time winner of ASU’s Teacher of the Year award, Professor Emeritus, PhD in Advanced White-Collar Crime, and a lifetime of experience working on all sides of criminal justice. Guided by his experience and expertise, we will examine the critical thinking and investigative skills necessary to solve crimes. Using real crimes as our case studies (including some that involved Dr. D), we will work together to solve the “how” of these crimes, get inside the minds of criminals to explore the “why,” and even role play the courtroom showdowns between prosecution and defense that determine the execution of criminal justice.

Here are two titles – a quirky coupling of topics that seemingly have no relation to each other. The first refers to the Atomic Bomb that ushered in an age of nuclear anxiety and existential angst. The second relates to Disneyland, that “Utopian” experiment that could serve as a tonic and retreat from life's troubles. You might be wondering how a bomb and an amusement park could have any connection to religion? We shall see, if you wish to go where few have gone before.

Join stand-up comedian and educator, Stuart Preston for a lecture that dives into humor over the years. We will explore the evolution of comedy from ancient Greek satire and medieval jesters to Shakespearean wit and today’s viral memes. This talk reveals how humor reflects culture, challenges norms, and connects us across generations. Perfect for comedy lovers and history buffs alike!

Dreamscape Learn is a collaboration between Arizona State University and Dreamscape Immersive, a former VR entertainment company. During your visit to Dreamscape Learn, you can look forward to being fully immersed in a narrative story-telling experience. Throughout the hour visit, guests will see both educational VR content used in courses for real students at ASU along with a fun, free-roam entertainment VR experience. Our mission is to merge the most advanced experiential pedagogy with the entertainment industry’s best cinematic storytelling to deliver unique virtual reality and 2D labs as well as full course experiences which are effective, readily scalable and emotionally engaging.

Have you ever felt like scientists are constantly changing their minds? Do you feel unsure about whether and when research can be trusted to help you make good decisions about health, behavior, or the environment? This class offers a deep, behind-the-scenes investigation of a world often inaccessible to those outside the scientific community. You will learn how modern science came to be, what scientists really do, and what makes findings reliable. Your tour guide won’t pull any punches when it comes to exposing weaknesses in the scientific process, and you will leave armed with a list of “red flags” that allow you to spot pseudoscience and untrustworthy research in the wild. Simply put, this course confronts the messy realities of scientific methodology, and—in so doing—forces us to abandon any sense of faith in science, and instead find trust.

If you have attended OLLI at ASU Zoom classes, you may have noticed that your class was facilitated by a Member Moderator. These are fellow OLLI at ASU members who have stepped up to volunteer and help make classes run smoothly. The ASU Member Moderator program is the perfect opportunity to connect with our amazing instructors, engage with your peers, and learn some new tech skills all while supporting the community we love. Join OLLI at ASU staff and moderator trainer, Judy Bailey, for an orientation on moderating OLLI classes, and learn what moderators do and the advantages of becoming a Member Moderator.

Join Al Dart, a registered professional archeologist, to learn about Native American ceramic styles that characterized specific eras in the US Southwest prior to about 1450. Mr. Dart will discuss how archaeologists use pottery for dating archaeological sites and interpreting ancient lifeways. You will gain an understanding of the importance of context in archaeology, how the things people make change in style over time, and how different styles are useful for identifying different cultures and for dating archaeological sites. His many illustrations include examples of ancient pottery types that were made throughout the American Southwest from about 2000 to 500 years ago.

Dr. Erica Williams, Clinical Professor and Director of Speech and Hearing Science at ASU, leads this discussion on hearing health, balance, and fall prevention, particularly with aging. Dr. Williams will cover how hearing and balance both function independently while also having close interactions with each other. General strategies for treatment will also be discussed.

Rugged, beautiful, and delicious. The Southwest is the ultimate playground, luring adventurers with red-rock canyons, Wild West legends, and culinary delights. The region is home to a wonderful and vibrant mix of Anglo, Latino, Hispanic, and American Indian traditions making it one of the most diverse and fascinating corners of the United States. The defining characteristics of Southwestern cuisine are a mystery to most Americans. Southwestern cooking has a vibrant mestizo heritage and includes some of the most intensely spiced dishes in the Americas. Join Chef Larry Canepa on a visual and tasty journey through Southwest culinary history.

Join Dr. Billie Enz, ASU emerita professor, in these two interactive sessions. We will discuss our intertwined memory systems, including sensory, working and long-term memory. We will also review factors that enhance and inhibit memory and review practical ways to strengthen our memory throughout our lives. Finally, we will clarify the differences between age-related memory loss and dementia.

NASA's Galileo mission provided valuable insights into Jupiter's moons, Io and Europa. Now, a new chapter begins with the launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper mission in October 2024. What can we expect from this spacecraft? Dr. David Williams, ASU Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration and director of the NASA-supported Greeley Center for Planetary Studies, helps us offer some answers to this question. By revisiting Galileo’s discoveries, we look forward to Clipper’s exploration of "Ocean Worlds"—planetary bodies in our Solar System likely harboring salty, liquid water beneath their icy surfaces. This includes Jupiter's moons, as well as icy moons of Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, and the dwarf planet Ceres. Clipper will also collaborate with the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission.

The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 was the single largest event that opened up the Western U.S. Many historians describe it as "the moonshot of the 19th Century." This two-session class will discuss the politics behind Lincoln's decision to sign the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862, the role of the Big Four (Stanford, Hopkins, Huntington, and Crocker), and the fateful story of Theodore Judah. The fisrt session focuses on the Union Pacific (east to west construction) while our second session discusses the Central Pacific (west to east construction).

As doors were closing in Europe and South America, they were opening in America. In this class, we will cover how immigrants – some of them escaping the political turmoil in different moments – played enormous roles in the creation of the Hollywood music that we know and love. Many of the greatest classical music sounds were constructed by these immigrants changing the landscape of American culture, a process that started over a century ago and is still in development today. Anecdotes and stories will be combined with audiovisuals and musical examples.

This class will provide an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its interconnection with Federal Indian Policy and history. It will include a look at where Arizona Tribes stand in securing their water rights within Arizona and the Colorado River Basin as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso is a research fellow who analyzes and develops recommendations related to Tribal Nations' water interests, collaborating with both Tribal leadership and government agencies and stakeholders.

Constitutional lawyer Bob McWhirter leads this lecture that invites us to look closely at the foundational ideas behind American democracy. We will trace the origins of these rights and why the assertion "All men are created equal" was so revolutionary. Together, we will explore key questions: What are these rights, and where do they come from? Who is included when we say, “We the people…”? What does it mean to have rights in today’s society? How do democracy and the rule of law evolve as we move forward?

Millions of years of evolution have refined how plants and animals survive in nature. From flight to medicine, we can observe and study how challenges and problems were solved by natural selection and efficiently mimic them to solve human challenges. The conservation and economic implications of this business model are just beginning to be used and appreciated. Join Dr. David Pearson as he discusses the intersections of ecology, conservation, ecotourism, and education to develop methods that promote sustainable use of biodiversity.

Everybody loves them, everybody wears them: Jeans are undeniably one of the most iconic garments in fashion history, embodying resilience, practicality, and the spirit of innovation. But did you know that these beloved blue pants were made world-famous by an ambitious Bavarian Jewish immigrant who combined an exceptional business acumen with German ingenuity? Join German historian Anette Isaacs for an exploration of the Gold Rush era, when the grit and determination of pioneers like Levi Strauss helped shape the American Dream. Discover how Strauss' remarkable journey—from a modest upbringing in Germany to becoming a global symbol of entrepreneurship and innovation—led to the creation of a garment that transcended class and culture to become a timeless classic. This presentation will weave together history, fashion, and the legacy of one man’s vision that continues to influence the world today.

Dr. Steven Semken, an ethnogeologist and geoscience-education researcher, will provide a non-technical review of Arizona’s geologic history in this class. This session explores how this history, spanning almost two billion years, is interpreted through scientific study and evidence-based analysis of the rocks, formations, and other features exposed in the state’s diverse desert and mountain landscapes.

As space exploration transitions from fiction to reality, physical, psychological, and ethical challenges will redefine our narratives. The space age, once limited by accessibility, is now rapidly evolving with major players like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, alongside emerging space nations like China and India. While these ventures drive excitement and power struggles, quieter voices are raising ethical, legal, and environmental concerns, shaping fields like space ethics and global space governance. As digitalization and global collaboration grow, a critical question arises: Can existing institutions balance competing interests while protecting the common good? Addressing this requires an ethical, interdisciplinary approach that ensures space development benefits humanity. By fostering responsible governance, we can ensure space exploration enhances life on Earth rather than merely serving political and corporate ambitions.

Have you ever written an email that you regretted? Responded too harshly or defensively? This is all too common in the workplace, and in life generally. How can we be strategic in our writing to mitigate conflict and move our goals forward? ASU Lodestar Center's Kristyn Carmichael brings her expertise as director of Mediation Training to answer these questions and more. There are techniques you can learn from conflict resolution experts to master emails and other written communication. You will feel confident to hit send on any email and know you are putting your best foot forward.

Join us for “Fortunato Film School" where ASU film professor Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on the Steven Spielberg classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." It is often cited as the one of the most beloved films of all time! We will begin with a brief introduction on the background and making of the film. Then, we will screen the film together with live commentary provided, giving you insights into the filmmaking process, fun facts, and some guidance on how to "read" a film creatively. After the film, we will discuss what we've learned and debate if it lives up to its "great film" reputation (and even discuss what that designation means in the subjective world of creative art).

How can we be sure humans evolved from a branch of the great apes? If we evolved from apes, why are there still apes? How does one species give rise to another? Is evolution still happening? What is the “theory of evolution by natural selection,” where did it come from, and how sure are scientists about it? In this class, we will look at the evidence scientists use to understand evolution, speciation, and the variety of life. In addition to examining ancient evolution, we will explore some of the ways in which humans have continued to evolve since taking our modern form, all as part of the fascinating story of how life came to be on our planet as it is today.

Come experience Indigenous creativity at the Heard Museum! Dan Hagerty, Chief Advancement & Engagement Officer, will welcome you and share a 30-minute presentation about the Heard Museum. Following the welcome, enjoy a guided tour of Bob Haozous: A Retrospective View, the first major retrospective for the artist Bob Haozous (Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache, b. 1943). Through the presentation of more than 75 works, the exhibition brings together six decades of his work including sculpture, painting, prints, and jewelry, and examines the timely social commentary embedded in Haozous’s work. After your tour, stay for lunch at the Heard Museum Courtyard Café and visit the newly remodeled Heard Museum Shop. Please note that lunch is not inluded in the cost of the class.

Many people today might not suspect that Arizona was once too progressive for Congress, or that it took the territory three tries before it was admitted as a state. Join us as we explore the fascinating political evolution of Arizona in this class, where Dr. Eduardo Pagán will guide us through the state's transformation—from a progressive territory in the nineteenth century to a predominantly red state in the twentieth century, and its shift toward a more purple state in the twenty-first century. Dr. Pagán will discuss how national issues, economic development, and demographic changes have shaped Arizona's political landscape over time.

The relationship between science and faith is often perceived as conflicting, especially when it comes to evolution and creationism. In this participatory, interactive class led by Dr. David Pearson, we will discuss the logic of why some scientists claim that faith is anti-science, and the basis for why some religions prefer to ignore science when it runs counter to their beliefs. Together, we will explore: is it possible to be both scientific and religious? Is this conflict more a perception than reality?

The relationship between science and faith is often perceived as conflicting, especially when it comes to evolution and creationism. In this participatory, interactive class led by Dr. David Pearson, we will discuss the logic of why some scientists claim that faith is anti-science, and the basis for why some religions prefer to ignore science when it runs counter to their beliefs. Together, we will explore: is it possible to be both scientific and religious? Is this conflict more a perception than reality?

This session will explore the powerful connection between diet and health. We will discuss how the foods we consume can play a critical role in preventing, managing, and even reversing chronic diseases – specifically diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections. These foods include whole grains such as oatmeal, polyphenol-rich (e.g., brightly colored) vegetables and fruit, fermented foods, and healthy fats. Some of these foods contain constituents that promote the "good" gut bacteria which provide the healthful effects that directly impact brain function, heart health, and respiratory function. You will learn the science behind these healthful effects as well as practical tips for incorporating these foods into your daily diet.

In this art history session about the Late High Renaissance master, we will follow Michelangelo’s soap opera-like life. We will discover why he felt that he wasted his youth. We will discuss the Sistine Chapel and learn how he expressed his feelings about having to paint these frescoes. We will also learn what authorities did to express their displeasure of his work. In addition, we will discuss, compare, and contrast the three Davids: produced by three master sculptors, from three eras, in three art styles. This expanded lecture covers his life, his works of art, and the historical context in which he worked.

Signed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act aims to support older Americans living independently in their homes and communities. Join us for an engaging overview of the Older Americans Act, designed for individuals unfamiliar with the law and its services. This session, led by Dr. Aaron Guest (Assistant Professor of Aging at the Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging at ASU) will provide insights into the bill, discussing key provisions, benefits, and services offered under the Act. Participants will understand how the law is applied in Arizona, how the Act impacts their lives, and the resources available to them.

We live in an age of constant "sharing," where our lives are often on display through social media and other platforms. In this environment, we rarely take the time to pause, listen, and ask meaningful questions. This class will focus on how we can become better listeners, ask better questions, and master the art of questioning as led by ASU's Kristyn Carmichael, Director of ASU's Lodestar Foundation Mediation Training program. By developing these skills, we can build stronger personal and professional relationships. Ultimately, learning to ask the right questions helps us move from just "sharing" our lives to truly "experiencing" them.

Dreamscape Learn is a collaboration between Arizona State University and Dreamscape Immersive, a former VR entertainment company. During your visit to Dreamscape Learn, you can look forward to being fully immersed in a narrative story-telling experience. Throughout the hour visit, guests will see both educational VR content used in courses for real students at ASU along with a fun, free-roam entertainment VR experience. Our mission is to merge the most advanced experiential pedagogy with the entertainment industry’s best cinematic storytelling to deliver unique virtual reality and 2D labs as well as full course experiences which are effective, readily scalable and emotionally engaging.

This lecture will focus on the origins of modern-day bioethics, including a discussion of the atrocities that gave rise to these fundamental principles. The lecture starts with a pre-WWII view of humanity and medicine; we then proceed to discuss the Nazi atrocities and Tuskegee Syphilis experiment that drove society to prepare seminal documents such as the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report. Finally, the lecture will focus on each of the principles that comprise bioethics: beneficence, justice, non-maleficence, and autonomy.

Have you ever wondered why Arizona State University (ASU) consistently ranks #1 in the U.S. for innovation, according to U.S. News & World Report? It’s not just about having brilliant students; it’s about the creative, proven methodologies that drive our venture development success—taking ideas from inception to pitching in Silicon Valley and even on Shark Tank (yes, ASU students have been featured!). Join Dr. Danny as he highlights the methods, theories, and practices behind ASU’s established approach to venture development, including discussion of some of ASU's most innovative student ventures, spanning fields from sustainability to biomedical devices and beyond.

From chips and salsa to peanut butter and jelly to mac ‘n cheese to Champagne and caviar, some foods just belong together. In this class, led by Chef Larry Canepa, we’ll discover a fascinating world of flavor pairings, uncovering the stories behind these iconic combinations. You’ll sample a wide range of delicious food marriages from around the globe, while learning tips for creating your own perfect pairings at home.

From 1610 to 1670, Dutch art flourished in the Netherlands. Artists transformed previous genres of art by investigating how light reflects off different surfaces, revealing the enlivened and true character of their subjects. The "Dutch Art Expanded" collection pairs landscape, portraiture, interior, and still life paintings with prints and decorative art objects from the broader works at Phoenix Art Museum. Alongside these works, the installation features artworks by Arizona-based artists Rachel Bess and Alanna Airitam, whose practices are inspired by hidden histories and aesthetic concerns associated with the 17th-century movement. Join us for this class led by Phoenix Art Museum Docent, Susan McGee, to explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

The eruption of Thira (modern Santorini) around 1600 BCE was one of the most powerful volcanic events in human history with far-reaching consequences for the flourishing Minoan civilization on nearby Crete. This talk explores the eruption’s impact—tsunamis, climate disruption, and societal collapse—while examining archaeological and geological evidence that sheds light on this ancient catastrophe. Was Thira’s eruption the beginning of the end for Minoan Crete, or did other factors seal its fate? Join us for a fascinating journey into the past, where science and history intertwine to reveal how natural disasters shape civilizations.

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. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials. 

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. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

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. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

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. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

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. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

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. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.