Browse Membership & Current Classes   

If you already purchased a 2024-2025 Annual Membership do not purchase the Spring semester membership. To verify your membership status go to our website and sign in to your account. Click "Account" in the maroon bar and then click "My Membership." Annual members will show an expiration date of 6/30/2025. 

The Spring 2025 FREE Classes for the annual membership are 023, 048, 094 & 121. The free classes included in our membership plans are pre-selected for each semester. You will still need to register for the class when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will show the charge, but when you checkout it will discount the fee. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if for some reason your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

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

Membership Benefits 

• At least one free class session per semester
• 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

 

The free class included in our membership plan is pre-selected for each semester. You will still need to register for the class when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will show the charge, but when you checkout it will discount the fee. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if for some reason your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

If you already purchased a 2024-2025 Annual Zoom Membership do not purchase the Spring semester membership. To verify your membership status go to our website and sign in to your account. Click "Account" in the maroon bar and then click "My Membership." Annual members will show an expiration date of 6/30/2025. 

The Spring 2025 FREE class for the annual zoom membership is 094. The free class included in our membership plans are pre-selected for each semester. You will still need to register for the class when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will show the charge, but when you checkout it will discount the fee. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if for some reason your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

Living in a desert presents a unique set of challenges for plants, and many of these challenges are shared by the Indigenous cultures that lived in the desert and used those plants for food and other materials. In this course, OLLI members, along with ASU’s Dr. Ken Sweat, will explore the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail and the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail at the Desert Botanical Garden. Ken will discuss the adaptations our desert flora has used for survival, along with strategies Indigenous cultures developed to use those plants to thrive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. You may come early or stay after class to enjoy the gardens with your OLLI ticket. Please note that this is a walking lecture class! Sturdy walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended. There is a slight elevation change on the first trail, but the path is smooth and paved.

Join Dr. Jonathan Parrott, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, to learn about the fascinating world of forensic entomology — the use of insects in solving crimes! Discover how tiny clues left by insects can offer big insights to crime scene investigators and scientists. Dr. Parrott will also share innovative research from Arizona State University, showing how forensic experts, including DNA specialists, are unlocking new ways to understand and solve mysteries at crime scenes left by blow flies and maggots.

Craft a captivating mini-musical in this hands-on workshop! This workshop is designed to guide you through the process of creating a short musical from start to finish. In this immersive session, we will dive into the essentials of storytelling, character development, and musical structure. You'll explore how to blend narrative and song to advance the plot and enhance emotional impact. With a focus on effective and musical storytelling, you'll learn techniques for developing engaging characters, crafting memorable lyrics, and discovering melodies that complement the story. Throughout the workshop, you’ll collaborate with fellow participants to develop a mini-musical concept. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and inspiration to create your own original work, whether it's a solo project or a collaborative effort.

Discover the magic that happens when movement and sound come together in unexpected ways. Our workshops invite you to explore the art of expression through dance and music, where creativity flows freely and collaboration sparks new possibilities. In our first session, participants transform simple movements into powerful music and dance pieces, blending physical gestures with spontaneous sound to create something entirely new. The experience is all about exploration, where everyone’s unique perspective contributes to a collective creation. In session two, you'll step into an imaginative world where your body and voice bring scenes to life. Whether it’s the rustling leaves of a tree or the rhythm of crashing waves, you’ll create dynamic, living soundscapes by blending movement and sound. Working together, you’ll craft spontaneous performances that awaken new ways of thinking and expressing yourself. These workshops are about more than just learning new skills—they’re about breaking boundaries, tapping into creativity, and making connections through art. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to explore, collaborate, and be inspired. Join us for a unique artistic journey you won’t forget!

*Please Note: This class is now a two-session class* 
Unlike many other ethnic cuisines, Mediterranean cuisine is not the product of a specific ethnic group or culture. Rather, it is a label referring to the culinary trends shared by a diverse array of peoples that live in the region around the Mediterranean Sea. While Mediterranean cuisine is understood to be a unified culinary tradition in Greece, there is instead a vast amount of cultural variance in the cooking found in this geographic region.

This course is for those who have used watercolors or gouache before. If you are a beginner, the instructor will assist you. Watercolors are transparent and gouache is opaque. Both are handled the same way. As an intermediate level class, we will add specific composition and color schemes to each painting. You will learn how to express different emotions using different compositions and color schemes. Each painting will have step by step instructions. The class will begin with a review of terms, tools, tips, and techniques. The instructor can assist you with drawing the still life objects.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wright’s beloved winter home, studio, and desert laboratory was established in 1937 and constructed over many years by Wright and his apprentices in the Taliesin Fellowship. In this OLLI-member exclusive experience, Dr. Jennifer Gray (Vice-President and Director of the Taliesin Institute) invites members to learn about Taliesin West, a remarkable example of Wright’s principles of organic architecture that responds to the unique conditions of the Sonoran Desert in its design, materials, and structure. The course also situates Taliesin West in the context of Wright’s broader architectural practice, which included famed masterpieces such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum. In addition to the seminar, this course includes a private tour of Taliesin West led by Dr. Gray. The cost of this experience includes the price of a special OLLI discount for entry and tour tickets.

This set of three lectures examines America’s relationship with guns and gun violence from colonial times to the present. Special focus is given to the emergence of a uniquely American gun culture, a powerful gun lobby, and the social and political challenges that states, communities and lawmakers have faced over time. We will also look at how gun technology and gun accessibility have emerged as deeply polarizing issues in 21st century America. The course will also look at the issues of crime statistics and gun control using international comparisons as points of reference.

Modern medical science has made incredible strides, from organ transplants to gene therapy. Yet some researchers are turning to the very compounds that evolved to harm us to develop new medical interventions. This class explores the uses of venom from different creatures to treat and cure various conditions and sicknesses found in humans.

Dr. Douglas Lake, tumor immunologist and professor ASU, for this lecture that covers the latest immunotherapies for cancer. Class will discuss innovations and techniques ranging from anti-cancer antibodies that suppress the growth of tumors to checkpoint inhibitor antibodies and even CAR T-cell therapies.

Did you ever wonder why you love some pieces on a concert and dislike others? Have you ever wondered why the conductor chose to perform certain pieces or how you can learn to listen to music differently? In this session, Dr. Stephen Meyer, director of bands at Northern Arizona University and director of the Tempe Winds, will guide you through different aspects of music from all genres. How is written music today similar to the masterworks of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart and what new innovations have made classical music more exciting? Participants will also receive a free ticket to the Tempe Winds concert on Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30PM at Tempe High School.

While the term ‘liberation’ conjures up celebrations and champagne glasses, it was nothing like that for those who were barely alive in 1945. The prisoners woke up one morning and suddenly discovered that their Nazi guards were gone, and they watched with worry as their liberators appeared. After 5 years of terror and abuse, what did the next five years have in store for Ettie Zilber’s family and hundreds of thousands of other Jewish displaced persons? Without social media or telecommunications, how did they reunite with the ‘surviving remnants?’ How did they deal with their liberators, rehabilitate, and navigate the new dangers of war-torn and divided Europe and then find a new home?

This class will provide a concise overview of U.S. immigration history from the earliest migrants to America to 1965, including a detailed discussion of the impact of Slavery, the effect of Western European immigration on urban America, the American Civil War, the post-Civil War industrial expansion of the American economy, the Labor movement, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Southern and Eastern European migrations of the 1880s, calls for an end to unrestricted immigration and the imposition of literacy, intelligence testing, and quotas. Also included will be a discussion of the origins of American Nativism, anti-immigrant Xenophobia and anti-immigrant Nationalism. The course will wrap-up with a look at contemporary immigration issues and the challenges at America’s Southern border.

When people share resources, which we call commons, how can overuse be avoided? We observe the depletion of fish in oceans, the rapid increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere leading to climate change, the overuse of the water from the Colorado River, and the increasing antibiotic resistance that impacts our public health. Are people helpless and unable to work together to solve those problems as the phrase “the tragedy of the commons” suggests? Empirical research comparing many cases has demonstrated that communities can create effective rules and practices to sustain the commons. What are the conditions for success? In this lecture, we discuss the principles that lead to successful solutions as identified by 2009 Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom. Dr. Marco Janssen, a Professor at the School of Sustainability, will provide an overview of the past, present, and future of the study of the commons.

Learn how to use the laser cutter to design your own leather embossing stamp and create a keychain. These machines take on a variety of computer graphics to cut and engrave woods, plastics, papers, fabrics, and foams. During the session, you will think of a name, word, or phrase to be engraved on embossing plastic. After the engraving, everyone will take their stamp and press it in a pre-cut leather keychain template. All participants will leave with their own keychain and embossing stamp.

OLLI welcomes ASU economics professor Dr. Kacey Douglas with a timely class on the government and its role in the economy. In the first of 3 sessions, Dr. Douglas will provide an overview of Fiscal Policy and the effects of government spending and taxes on the economy, including a brief lesson on business cycles. Next will be a discussion of the national debt, including lessons on budget surpluses/deficits and debt ceilings. Finally, Dr. Douglas will provide an overview of the Federal Reserve and its tools of Monetary Policy, including a breakdown of interest rate determination.

This class is FREE for OLLI 2024-2025 Annual members.

Coffeehouses, or cafés, have been players in the histories of politics, religions, society at large, and the arts ever since coffee was first exported from Ethiopia to Yemen in the 1400s CE—and later from Yemen to North Africa and Southwest Asia. Long before Parisian street cafés, there were thriving coffeehouses in Arabia and Persia. Wary religious and political authorities sent spies or closed them outright out of concern over mind-altering substances, but more often from a desire to control political speech. Coffeehouses became “social media” centers for communication, education, and, occasionally, rebellion. As one London patron wrote in the 1600s: “Here Men do talk of every Thing,/ With large and liberal Lungs,/ Like Women at a Gossiping,/ With double tyre of Tongues;/ …With Stories that, you'll wonder at,/ Which they will swear are true.”

Since ancient times, philosophers and theologians have wrestled with the complicated concept of forgiveness. When is forgiveness justified? Why should we forgive (or not)? How is forgiveness related to justice, reconciliation, and hope? We will consider these conundrums of forgiveness as well as contemporary social science research on its practice in our personal relationships and communities. Forgiveness can be a constructive alternative to bitterness, alienation, and revenge.

Explore the multifaceted identities of Cannabis sativa, the most widely cultivated and abused illicit drug, with an estimated 147 million global users. As the push for legalization grows, particularly in the U.S., thin regulation of medical cannabis can pose potential health risks from environmental contaminants like pesticides and metals. Conversely, industrial hemp, a low-THC variant, can help remove pollutants from the environment. In this class with Dr. Max Leung and Dr. Ken Sweat, discuss how a One Health approach can enhance cannabis safety through collaboration among stakeholders, and learn from companion dogs about the effects of cannabidiol. Additionally, compare industrial hemp's ability to remediate heavy metals with that of other plants. This approach will deepen our understanding of the implications of cannabis and hemp production on health and the environment.

Please join us with retired physician and professor Dr. Richard Carlson in an exploration of the remarkable figures of the past who inspired countless individuals through their extraordinary accomplishments. These heroes – Including Richard Byrd, Martin and Osa Johnson, Jack London, and Hiram Bingham – traversed diverse terrain, from jungles to polar regions, unearthing treasures of the ancient world. Their daring exploits not only captivated the public imagination but also served as prototypes for fictional characters such as Indiana Jones. Together, let us rediscover their legacies and the profound impact they have had on our cultural narrative.

The speed of technological change has disrupted virtually every facet of our lives: how we communicate, listen to music, take pictures, purchase products, and even how we seek healthcare. This rapidity of these changes — in our personal lives and in the business world — are unprecedented. In this class, you will join Daniel Steininger — business leader, author on innovative leadership, and professional speaker — who will aid us in tapping into the “secret sauce of creativity” and whose expertise can help you navigate this flood of changes in our lives. We will cover the basic tools of innovation required of business leaders today that help businesses survive, prosper, and avoid disruption from competitive innovation. We will also focus on key takeaways from contemporary scientific insights highlighting neuroplasticity and how creativity can play a vital role in the “aging brain” as a buffer against loss of cognitive ability.

The speed of technological change has disrupted virtually every facet of our lives: how we communicate, listen to music, take pictures, purchase products, and even how we seek healthcare. This rapidity of these changes — in our personal lives and in the business world — are unprecedented. In this class, you will join Daniel Steininger — business leader, author on innovative leadership, and professional speaker — who will aid us in tapping into the “secret sauce of creativity” and whose expertise can help you navigate this flood of changes in our lives. We will cover the basic tools of innovation required of business leaders today that help businesses survive, prosper, and avoid disruption from competitive innovation. We will also focus on key takeaways from contemporary scientific insights highlighting neuroplasticity and how creativity can play a vital role in the “aging brain” as a buffer against loss of cognitive ability.

Note: The first session will be held at the ASU Biomimicry Center.  The second session will be at the ASU Hayden Library located at 300 E Orange St, Tempe 85287.

Biomimicry is the study of learning from Nature's genius and emulating those strategies into sustainable designs for a regenerative planet with applications in a vast array of fields. How can you hone your observation and naturalist skills to understand how the natural world works and how organisms have evolved strategies to adapt to their environments? We will tackle these questions and more in this two-part series hosted by the Biomimicry Center and NatureSpace. In week one, we will join Dr. Sara Aly El Sayed (ASU’s Director of the Biomimicry Center and Assistant Research Professor at the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems) to learn more about the emerging field of biomimicry. In week two, we will visit the NatureSpace with ASU’s Christina Sullivan located in the Hayden Library. Together, we will learn how scientists and inventors look to nature for answers and pressing solutions in fields as varied as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and social innovation. This is a unique opportunity to visit some of ASU’s cutting-edge research centers up close!

Living in a desert presents a unique set of challenges for plants, and many of these challenges are shared by the Indigenous cultures that lived in the desert and used those plants for food and other materials. In this course, OLLI members, along with ASU’s Dr. Ken Sweat, will explore the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail and the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail at the Desert Botanical Garden. Ken will discuss the adaptations our desert flora has used for survival, along with strategies Indigenous cultures developed to use those plants to thrive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. You may come early or stay after class to enjoy the gardens with your OLLI ticket. Please note that this is a walking lecture class! Sturdy walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended. There is a slight elevation change on the first trail, but the path is smooth and paved.

Take a further dive into the world of 3D printing with Arizona Science Center in this limited capacity workshop. Ignite your creativity and learn how to add basic articulation to animal models. In pairs, engage in hands-on design to create a personalized item to take home. This course is perfect for advanced beginners and hobbyists eager to further explore the exciting realm of 3D printing. You do NOT need to have taken 3D printing 101 to attend, but you should have some basic understanding of a 3D printer.

There is unprecedented consensus in the scientific community that our planet is warming as a direct result of human activity, but how have scientists come to that understanding, and what does it mean for us? Exactly what does the science show regarding global climate trends, how is global climate change already impacting the planet, and what does the coming century hold? What of questions regarding inaccurate past climate predictions, climate “skeptics,” or the potential for life to adapt to change? This course will address many aspects of the reality of global climate change from a non-technical perspective.

There is unprecedented consensus in the scientific community that our planet is warming as a direct result of human activity, but how have scientists come to that understanding, and what does it mean for us? Exactly what does the science show regarding global climate trends, how is global climate change already impacting the planet, and what does the coming century hold? What of questions regarding inaccurate past climate predictions, climate “skeptics,” or the potential for life to adapt to change? This course will address many aspects of the reality of global climate change from a non-technical perspective.

Join Dr. Andrew Nelson, Chief Curator at the Western Spirit Museum, for an engaging introduction to the art of the American West. From its roots in early 1800s landscape and ethnographic painting, Western Art evolved by the turn of the last century into a distinct genre epitomized by the work of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. In the ensuing decades, artists like Maynard Dixon pioneered innovative modern interpretations of the American West, even as others endeavored to uphold the romantic tradition exemplified by Russell and Remington. Through visual examples and historical commentary, you will gain a deeper appreciation of this celebrated artistic tradition and learn how Western artists have shaped popular perceptions of the American West. The lecture will be followed by a docent-led tour of the museum where participants will see original artwork by each of the artists discussed in the lecture.

In their 2015 award-winning book, “We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War,” Doug Bradley and Craig Werner placed popular music at the heart of the American experience in Vietnam. Over the next three years, they made more than 150 presentations coast-to-coast, witnessing honest, respectful exchanges among audience members. That journey prompted Bradley, a Vietnam veteran himself, to write “Who’ll Stop the Rain: Respect, Remembrance, and Reconciliation in Post-Vietnam America" and to further explore how the music of the era, shared by those who served and those who stayed, helped create safe, nonjudgmental environments for listening, sharing, and understanding. This presentation covers insights from his journey.

America is “freedom” and “rights” – or so most of us say. If pressed, we say we have “civil rights,” a ubiquitous category of entitlements going back to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, or even the Magna Carta. The Fourteenth Amendment (1868) gives this discussion its constitutional foundation. It expresses Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal” and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address that “this nation was conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” The broadest and longest Civil War Amendment, the Fourteenth is the platform of many of today’s culture wars, as its framers intended. Internationally recognized speaker and author, Bob McWhirter, will guide us through this defining amendment.

This class delves into the intersection of Shakespeare’s tragedies and spirituality. It will focus on how Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear embark on spiritual journeys that mirror the classic archetype of the hero’s journey. We will explore how their struggles with fate, free will, and moral dilemmas lead to spiritual awakenings – or downfalls.

Summer is beyond hot, but you still need to feed your family. Fortunately, there’s good news: summer cooking can be cool and easy with a little creativity and planning. Join Chef Larry to learn how to enjoy cooking during the long, hot summer with alternative cooking techniques that don’t require an oven or hot kitchen. We’ll explore quick BBQ ideas, poaching, stir fry, braising, steaming and cold meal delights. Come learn about quick delicious meals without having to sacrifice flavor or your sanity!

This exercise class, led by Tai Chi instructor Ray Sol, focuses on martial arts for health and wellness. Class emphasis will be on balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Each session includes stretching and balancing exercises. Students should be able to stand and walk. Students will learn a variety of tai chi moves that exercise the body and mind. In the last session, students will expand their tai chi balancing skills and learn breathing techniques for relaxation. Ample time to practice will be provided. Comfortable clothes and laced shoes recommended.

As President Putin wields military power against Russia's neighbors and China extends its economic influence westward, their ambitions converge in the Central Asian heartland. This region—larger than Western Europe, and with rich oil, gas and critical mineral reserves—for centuries stood as the main land connection between Europe and Asia. The geopolitical pressures from outside the region have raised awareness within Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan of their own traditions, including nomadism and Islam, and their history of foreign colonization. This course seeks to give an introduction to this culturally complex and geopolitically pivotal region. It will include special attention to the legacies of Russian imperialism and Soviet industrialization, and the re-emergence of ties with Turkey, Iran and the wider Muslim world.

Phoenix Raceway is thrilled to host OLLI members for an exclusive experience that dives into the rich history and excitement of NASCAR racing. This event will include a behind-the-scenes look at Phoenix Raceway, where we will learn about the evolution of NASCAR, its impact on motorsports, and Phoenix raceway’s pivotal role in the NASCAR Cup Series. We will have an opportunity to engage directly with a key team member of the Raceway to ask questions and hear insider stories from the world of professional racing. Phoenix Raceway will also offer attending members a special discount for the Spring Cup Series Race, taking place on Sunday March 9, 2025. Please note that this is a walking tour – escalators and elevators will be utilized for the most part, but there are some (minimal) stairs, and a fair amount of walking is involved. Please wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and bring a jacket.

In his legendary career as a director, Alfred Hitchcock created dense, suspenseful films filled with flawed heroes, charming villains, and moral ambiguity. In this four-week online course, we will consider some of Hitchcock’s very best films, focusing on two films each week that share a common theme. Students should watch the films on their own; in class, we’ll look at brief film clips and discuss key elements. Whether you’ve enjoyed Hitchcock films for many years or just discovered them, this is a chance to go deeper into the mind of a brilliant, complicated man and the surprising, confounding, entertaining world he created on film.

Come join this two-part cogenerational workshop to learn the basics of creating art with fused glass alongside current ASU students! Led by OLLI Intergenerational Scholar Marcella Alexander, we will engage in contemplative brainstorming about how the pieces we set before us create different stepping-stones that help us persist in times of challenge. Learn how to hone your craft through collaborative artmaking with the chance to share and receive insightful imagination. Participants from the fall semester glass making workshop are welcome to join; previous experience with glass is not required! Your glass pieces will be fused separately for pickup and take home after the workshops are completed.

With the influx of ducks, shorebirds and oddities, birding in the Phoenix area can be exceptionally rewarding. Everyone knows the Gilbert Water Ranch, but there are a host of other great sites in and around Phoenix worth exploring. The habitats range from riparian to urban ponds to desert jewels. To help guide members through these various sites, experienced birding teacher Kathe Anderson will share her favorite, must-visit spots in the winter, with tips about accessibility and probable species.

Discover the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this interactive workshop designed to showcase its transformative power for lifelong learners. Participants will receive the latest updates on cutting-edge AI initiatives at ASU from Executive Director of Creative and Communications within the Enterprise Technology (IT) division Tina Miller. Class will also cover the future of AI in higher education and generative AI. Additionally, attendees will delve into the technical aspects of generative AI with easy-to-understand explanations. By the end of class, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge on AI advancements and resources for further exploration.

Coffee became known for “stimulating the mind” as opposed to beer’s dulling effects – particularly when the latter was drunk for breakfast, lunch, and work-breaks. Thus, coffee may be one of the factors directly responsible for the Scientific Revolution. Seventeenth-century coffeehouses were often called "penny universities" because for the price (two-pence) of a bowl of coffee, one could hear the latest news, attend the readings of treatises, and even witness debates among noted scientists and philosophers (though not all the “penny” knowledge of cafés was reputable nor worth the price of admission). Isaac Newton, Edmund Halley, Joseph Addison and many other globally renowned scholars frequented these loud “gentlemen’s clubs,” while other notable thinkers would drink dozens of cups a day. In this class, we trace the history of the intellectual world as it rapidly changed and became heavily caffeinated.

This class is FREE for OLLI 2024-2025 Annual members.

Ancient people arrived in the New World with domesticated dogs, but their relationships with dogs and other animals were more complex than a simple “wild or domesticated” classification can convey. Turkeys were domesticated, but people also fed and managed wild turkeys —sometimes for meat, and other times as a source of feathers rather than food. People also kept other captive animals, including exotic macaws, parrots, and other species. Local animals were also managed, sometimes attracted to people’s fields and other times driven to more distant places. Archaeological examples from Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado give us insights into some of the many ways people kept, managed, and used animal species in the ancient Southwest.

Take a journey through the rich musical traditions of Afghan and North Indian classical music, guided by award-winning rabab virtuoso Qais Essar. Students will explore the foundational elements of these traditions, focusing on their distinctive melodic and rhythmic frameworks. Learn about the significance of the rabab and other classical instruments, offering insights into their unique roles. Discover the historical evolution and contemporary relevance of these musical systems. You’ll get an introduction to the improvisational techniques that bring Afghan and Indian classical music to life. No previous musical experience is necessary. This course offers a welcoming introduction to these wonderful global musical forms! This class includes a ticket to the Qais Essar performance at Kerr Cultural Center, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Fred Prozzillo, The Nord McClintock Family Vice President of Preservation and Collections and a Taliesin Fellowship member from 1997 to 2000, offers OLLI members a special lecture delving into the life of the apprentices at Taliesin West. The program provided a total learning environment integrating all aspects of the apprentices’ lives with the intent of educating responsible, creative, and cultured human beings. OLLI participants can follow up this lecture and participate in a 90-minute hike through the beautiful desert landscape of Taliesin West. Along the way, you’ll see some of the experimental shelters constructed by the apprentices, learn about Wright’s ‘learning by doing’ philosophy, and feel the deep connection between architecture and nature.

Put some music fans in the same room and, sooner or later, they will ask about favorite songs. For rock fans, there will be mentions of “Smoke on the Water,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” some “Stairway to Heaven,” and many other incredible choices. Through audiovisuals, narrative, and anecdotes, this class discusses what makes these songs great, the context within which they became classics, the songwriters, the performers, and their cultural significance. We will discuss whether these songs have the ability to continue resonating across time.

Back by popular demand! Myth and misinformation about the aging process, intelligence, and what it means to be “smart,” will all be explored in this interactive class with Dr. René Diaz-Lefebvre. He brings over 40 years of teaching and research experience to this session focusing on applicable takeaways about age and intelligence. Together we will debunk aging misconceptions and explore how learning in unique ways (Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences) challenges one to get out of their “comfort zones,” take risks, experience creativity & imagination, and have fun!

How are Arizona’s diverse, complex, and (in some instances) finite water resources managed, used, and protected? In this class, Jennifer Davidson – senior research analyst at ASU’s Kyl Center for Water Policy – covers the past, present, and future of Arizona’s water resources. Class will discuss policies governing water, how water is managed and used today, and what you can do to help protect the future of Arizona’s most essential resource.

Water, like music, is vital. In this two-part class on music and nature, Dr. Mike Silvers, MIM’s curator of education, will discuss music’s entanglement with water in a variety of contexts around the world. In the first session, Water Music, we will explore various musical roles of water, from inspiring Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, to being played in traditional water drums in Vanuatu. In the second session, Rain Dancing, we will focus on music’s relationship to drought in various musical traditions including those in Pakistan, Brazil, and here in Arizona. Both sessions will include interactive musical activities and hands-on experiences with musical instruments. A guided tour of MIM’s galleries, with a focus on water and drought respectively, will follow each hour-long presentation. After the tour, participants will also be able to explore MIM’s galleries on their own.

Join Dale Larsen, Professor at ASU’s School of Community Resources & Development, in an interactive discussion on the creative elements of leisure, play, and a sound “quality of life” culture. This class will address practices of well-being and whether leisure and play are undervalued. We will discuss relationships that exist between work and leisure, how leisure contributes to the concepts of work and time, and how leisure contributes to social, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being. Come prepared to examine and celebrate your own quality of life profile.

Join us at the Harkins Shea 14 for a screening of the new documentary “Janis Ian: Breaking the Silence.” From a chicken farm in New Jersey to becoming one of the most recognizable music icons of the 1960’s, singer/songwriter Janis Ian made her mark over the decades as both a Civil Rights and a gay activist. She recorded her first song at 13. At 16, Ian’s legendary song “Society’s Child” about an interracial relationship broke the charts. This documentary includes interviews with singers, music professionals, and with Ian herself – as well as footage of many of her famous songs. ASU Film and Media Studies professor Dr. Kevin Sandler introduces the film and leads a 30-minute, post-screening discussion. The cost of class includes a specially discounted ticket to the screening!

From “Jaws” to the “The Graduate,” James Bond to “The Birds,” “Midnight Express” to “Breaking Bad,” take a journey with a leading travel journalist to see the places around the world where some of the most iconic movies and TV series were filmed. We’ll also visit the childhood haunts of Elvis Presley, “The Beatles” and Buddy Holly, and learn about a British pop star’s surprising connection to The Alamo.

Like the old folk song “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” the study of leadership is ageless. Yet our cities continue to struggle with crises, communities are in turmoil, politics are rigged, and ethical violations are commonplace. This class presentation is based on the heartfelt belief that honest, capable, and ethical leadership is possible and achievable. Interactive class discussion, case study examples, and a pledge that leadership is within all of us will take place.

During the autumn of 1945, the world finally was starting to catch its breath in the aftermath of WWII. Countries around the world were decimated, economies in ruin. How can we go forward? As part of the answer, Secretary of State (and former general) George Marshall produced a plan. It became known as the Marshall Plan. The plan was financed by America, and the plan rebuilt entire nations and their economies. Join former history teacher, Ken Sorensen, as he shares the story and impact General Douglas MacArthur and General Marshall had in helping bring about a sense of normality to the world.

In post-revolutionary Mexico in the 1920’s, the Mexican government developed a conscious, specific strategy of using art to depict history and social change. Susan Roemer, a retired English and Spanish teacher, leads this class exploring this movement and the prominent works of that time period from “Los Tres Grandes” – Diego Rivera, Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco – who were known as “guardians of the national soul.” Through their art’s reflection of the sociopolitical realities of the time, these great muralists raised a sense of nationalism in post-Revolution Mexico and helped promote specific political and social ideologies to the masses of the country.

Connecting with others is essential for health and wellness, especially for older adults. Led by ASU gerontologist and Assistant Professor of Aging Dr. Aaron Guest, this class will explore the science behind our social connections as we age: how things change and why they matter. We will discuss underlying trends and experiences of these changes, including early and recent research across the health sciences. We will also discuss building and strengthening relationships, staying socially active, and connecting with community resources. Lastly, we cover common challenges, feeling isolated or struggling to make new friends, and share insights from aging research on how to strengthen social bonds.

Ever wondered what it's really like to work in a museum? Join ASU Art Museum on a three-session crash course on the museum field and what it takes to put up shows in a gallery space. With exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes workings for OLLI members, we’ll track an art piece from the beginning of its journey to its final display in a museum gallery all while learning about and from the people who make these shows happen. While the museum may seem like a place where objects go to sit in display cases, this course aims to show you the full life cycle of an object in a museum and get an inside look at the people behind the process of the innovative work happening at ASU Art Museum.

Join us along with Water Resource Management Director, Mike Boule, for this walking tour of the City of Surprise Wastewater Facility. The tour will provide an in-depth look at the processes and technologies involved in wastewater treatment. Participants will explore the various stages of treatment, including preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary processes, while gaining insights into the environmental impacts and regulatory requirements of wastewater management. The tour will also cover the role of innovative technologies in enhancing treatment efficiency and sustainability. Please bring a jacket, wear close-toed shoes, and join us for breakfast before the tour.

Join ASU School of Art’s Dr. Morgan Anderson for a hands-on French bouquet, floral design workshop. To participate in the workshop, please bring your own 4-5” (width & height) clear glass vessel, botanical clippers/snips, and 20-30 stems of cut botanicals (foliage and flowers) to design with. While designing, we will review trending Arizona grown botanical species in floral design and the importance of the Slow Flower Movement for consumers, growers, and botanical artists.

Please Note: There is a second session of this class NOT listed in the printed catalog. see description below for details.

When most people think of an ecosystem, they think of the relationship between plants and animals in an area. But the most fundamental ecological relationship is between the environment and everything that lives there. Every environment presents challenges and opportunities so that anything that lives there successfully must have adapted to overcome and take advantage of, respectively. Virtually all the characteristics of an environment – the composition of its soil, its topography, even its climatic conditions – have been shaped by geologic processes over millions of years. This talk will explore and explain the deep relationship between geology and ecology. The second session of this class will be a field study on Monday, Mar. 10 from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. held at McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 E Rio Verde Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 - this is approximately 16 miles from the ASU Health Futures Center. Walk is approximately 3 miles of a gentle rolling trail.

Despite its tumultuous history, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is emerging as a popular destination in Southeast Asia for intrepid travelers. Vietnam offers visitors beautiful landscapes, friendly people, delectable cuisine, and a fascinating culture with a rich history. We’ll tour the country through the eyes of a travel journalist/photographer and visit such places as Ho Chi Minh City (formerly called Saigon), Hanoi, Da Nang and the ancient port town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about how Vietnam has evolved from a war-torn country into a place worth considering for your next overseas trip.

The influence of Greek art and architecture is all around us. Join us for this class, where art teacher Allen Reamer will challenge common perceptions about Greek sculpture and architecture. Class will cover the major pottery styles such as Geometric, Corinthian, Athenian and more. Allen will also discuss the three sculpture styles; Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic, and the three architectural styles; Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

In this popular and entertaining session, Doug Bradley places popular music at the heart of the American experience in Vietnam. He explores how and why U.S. troops turned to music as a way of connecting to each other and the World back home and of coping with the complexities of the war they had been sent to fight. The vets’ testimonies tap into memories—individual and cultural—that capture a central if often overlooked component of the American war in Vietnam. Rolling Stone named “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” the book upon which the session is based, the Best Music Book of 2015.

Learn how to use the laser cutter to design your own leather embossing stamp and create a keychain. These machines take on a variety of computer graphics to cut and engrave woods, plastics, papers, fabrics, and foams. During the session, you will think of a name, word, or phrase to be engraved on embossing plastic. After the engraving, everyone will take their stamp and press it in a pre-cut leather keychain template. All participants will leave with their own keychain and embossing stamp.

Born in a Displaced Person’s camp in Landsberg, Germany, Ettie Zilber has spent her life hearing, learning about, and researching the details of her family’s Holocaust experiences-from their life in Lithuania to their immigration to America. As a “second generation” child of Holocaust Survivors, Ettie “absorbed” stories from childhood as she was raised by parents who survived unspeakable trauma. How did that trauma manifest itself in her parents’ behaviors, world view, idiosyncrasies, and parenting? When and how did she learn the details of their past and how did it impact her life, her thoughts, her career, and her own behavior? This presentation describes characteristics of survivors, impressions by other second-generation interviewees and her own reflections.

Ancient Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympics, but it was so much more--a religious sanctuary honoring Zeus and his wife Hera, and a place where all Greeks could gather. This class takes a close look at ancient Olympia. You will get a virtual tour of the site, discuss its importance to the Greeks, and dive into the ancient Olympics.

With Arizona’s rapid growth in STEM industries—tech, aerospace, biomedical, and more—Arizona Science Center is evolving to stay at the forefront of innovation. Join us for an exclusive 90-minute tour offering a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking technology fueling the transformation of the Center’s galleries and signature experiences, including the reimagination of the Dorrance Planetarium. This is your chance to witness the future of stargazing before it’s unveiled to the world. For this program, participants *must* wear closed-toed, sturdy shoes. Steel-toed shoes are preferred as you will be at an active construction site.

Please help ASU OLLI support The Longest Day by joining OLLI director Jared Swerzenski for pickle ball! We are determined to help end Alzheimer’s by raising funds and awareness for the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Even if you can't attend the event please consider donating. First time players are most welcome!

Dr. Jared Day explores the rise of a modern industrial giant: the German empire of Kaiser Wilhelm II. In the wake of the Franco-Prussian War, Germany emerged as a great global power, one committed to imperial expansion and unprecedented economic growth, in a seemingly mad dash to become the most advanced, modern country in the world. Guided by the unsteady leadership of Kaiser Wilhelm II and propelled by the Krupp arms manufacturers, Germany’s dramatic growth upended the already tense relations between Europe’s great powers and planted volatile tripwires around the globe, laying the foundations for slaughter and conflict for the next 100 years and more.

Do you like Westerns? Then this is the course for you! Join Western Spirit Chief Curator and film historian Andrew Patrick Nelson for a two-part exploration of the history of the Western movie that compares the genre's past and present. We’ll ask how, and why, the Western changed over time, and what these changes might tell us about movies, audiences, and maybe even the state of American culture. To help us answer these questions we’ll screen two Westerns about attempts to rescue a kidnapped girl: “The Searchers” (1956), regarded as both the greatest Western and John Wayne’s best film, and “The Thicket” (2024) Rated R, an acclaimed indie film that stars Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis. You’ll see each film the way it was meant to be seen – on the big screen! Participants are welcome to explore the museum before or after class.

Please note the price reduction since the catalog was printed! 

This class explores the complex history of Indigenous peoples in America, beginning in 1492 and spanning the diverse nations and tribes that existed then and today. Indigenous groups, numbering over 1,000 in 1492 and 574 today, have faced various challenges from European settlers, colonial powers, religious groups, and private settlers all claiming their lands. These groups did not act as a unified front but rather as distinct nations with their own struggles for survival and autonomy. The course will examine the history of this relationship and its ongoing impact, with two sessions in the spring and two in the fall.

An immune system that functions properly during aging is important for staying healthy as we continue to age. The primary purpose of the immune system is to prevent diseases caused by infections. Examples of infectious diseases that the immune system can prevent are influenza, covid, polio, tetanus, and pneumonia. However, in addition to preventing disease, the immune system can also cause disease by looking at the body and reacting against one’s own body. When this occurs, diseases termed autoimmune disease result. Thus, the immune system can be our friend, but also our enemy. This class will teach you, in understandable terms, how the different parts of the immune system function to prevent disease and the health consequences of when they don’t work properly.

Many people living in the West are very comfortable buying and ordering California wines, especially those from Napa Valley and Sonoma. However, there are more than 150 different officially recognized growing regions in California. In fact, the oldest grapevine in the state is in Los Angeles. In this class, we will explore some of the state’s less well-known wine growing regions (especially those of Southern California) with the same curiosity and excitement as we do some of the more famous northern appellations. An *optional* recommended wine list will be sent out before each class for any participants who wish to purchase any of the wines/grapes/styles we will be discussing that week.

Take a virtual journey through the lens of leading travel journalist, Dan Fellner, to some of the most interesting and off-the-beaten path Jewish communities around the world. We will learn about Jewish life on five different continents in such fascinating places as Ukraine, Curacao, Greenland, Hong Long, Alaska, South Africa and Myanmar. We’ll also visit the oldest synagogue in the United States, located in Newport, Rhode Island. This highly visual presentation will explore the survival and resilience of Jewish life in places you might least expect to find it.

Our solar system is a complex place with planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. This class focuses on the small objects – the comets, asteroids, the distant Kuiper belt, and Pluto. We will discuss their origin and what they tell us about our solar system’s history. For decades space exploration focused on the planets and moons, but recently the small bodies have gained attention since these remnants provide important clues to what the early solar system was like. We will also discuss ASU’s long history of participation in planetary exploration – with many more discoveries to come.

What is Nirvana? Did you know there are at least three types of Nirvana? How about scientific truths now outweighing Buddhist teaching? In this brief investigation of Buddhism, we touch on interesting dimensions of this fascinating world religion. Buddhism has intrigued many Americans, from Transcendentalists to Richard Gere and Jeff Bridges. It has engaged many, from the 1970s Kung Fu series to recent fascinating (and sometimes controversial) statements of the Dalai Lama; from past popularity of the spare Zen tradition to the more present elaborate and esoteric Tibetan style of Buddhism. Three sessions cannot do justice to this very diverse religion, but taking brief snapshots may get lifelong learners started.

In recent years, the term “progressive” has been employed to describe and label policies that are antithetical to American values and institutions. This course will explore the origins of the progressive movement in the United States and how the movement morphed from a political philosophy in the late 19th century into policies that have shaped all aspects of our lives in the 20th and 21st century. We will also look at the major political figures who advocated “progressive” policies such as Theodore Roosevelt, Louis Brandeis, Woodrow Wilson, Robert LaFollette, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. The class will discuss progressive policies and the civil rights movement and how “progressive “rhetoric was often used in parts of the country to disenfranchise certain voters. Finally, we will examine why “progressive” has become a “dirty word” in the U.S. in recent years.

The human history of the Sonoran Desert is a story marked by adaptation and resilience. This session covers a brief overview of the archaeological evidence relating to the diverse cultures who have called this region home from the earliest occupants all the way back in the Pleistocene to the Indigenous communities in the region today. Join Dr. Matt Peeples, Associate Professor and Director in the ASU Center for Archaeology and Society, to discuss how populations adapted to this arid landscape and the amazing achievements in water management, exchange, and social resilience. Come learn how Indigenous peoples survived and thrived across this arid landscape.

The human history of the Sonoran Desert is a story marked by adaptation and resilience. This session covers a brief overview of the archaeological evidence relating to the diverse cultures who have called this region home from the earliest occupants all the way back in the Pleistocene to the Indigenous communities in the region today. Join Dr. Matt Peeples, Associate Professor and Director in the ASU Center for Archaeology and Society, to discuss how populations adapted to this arid landscape and the amazing achievements in water management, exchange, and social resilience. Come learn how Indigenous peoples survived and thrived across this arid landscape.

Whether you have drawn flowers or not, this class will instruct you on how to produce beautiful colorful flowers using techniques and procedures that you will learn in this class. We will review terms, concepts, and types of brushes. Much of the rest of the course will be spent learning to draw and paint specific types of flowers using different techniques. You will be given step-by-step instruction and one-on-one help if you wish. Watercolor is transparent. Gouache is opaque. Both paints handle the same way. You may use watercolors, acrylics, gouache, colored pencils, soft pastels or ink and watercolor.

Join Dr. Steven Semken – professor at ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration – and delve into the world of volcanoes across Arizona. Through a comprehensive exploration, Dr. Semken will cover what volcanoes are, where and how they occur, what they produce, and how they have figured in the geological evolution of Arizona and adjoining areas of the Southwest.

Led by nurse practitioner Belinda Ordonez, this course provides an overview of the differences between normal memory changes and those that occur in dementia as well as the most common types of dementia. Participants will complete a dementia experience simulation to gain insight to what it may feel like for persons living with the condition, including sensory changes, memory impairment, as well as the emotional impact of these changes. With the completed experience, participants will develop a greater empathy for persons living with dementia and the perspective of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Participants will learn and explore best practices to optimize the environment of persons living with dementia, improve communication/engagement, make considerations for soft approach, and enhance day-to-day needs and care.

Unravel the mysteries of contemporary art with this empowering course. In the first week, Dr. Robin will explain some of the techniques, concepts, and stories behind the acclaimed and sometimes baffling artworks. Then, in week two, we’ll meet at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for an eye-opening tour of the latest exhibitions, guided by an expert curator. Witness the art up close, hear captivating narratives, and gain a newfound appreciation for this vibrant art form. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, join us to demystify contemporary art and make it accessible to all. Note: this course is based on the latest exhibitions at SMoCA, therefore it will be different each time it’s offered.

Please note the last class date in the printed catalog is incorrect. Class dates are Mar. 20, 27 & Apr. 3.

Join Dr. Steven Sassaman, ASU’s Outdoor Recreation Program Director, for a transformative three-part nature-based wellness workshop series designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit through deep connection with the natural world. This series will feature a variety of experiential activities designed to deepen your mindfulness and enhance your overall well-being, all through direct engagement with the earth. We’ll introduce Nature Printing, an artful exploration where you’ll capture the textures and patterns of leaves, flowers, and other natural elements, allowing your creativity to flow while connecting with nature’s beauty. We will also meet outside of the classroom on our final session to experience the healing practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku). Under Professor Sassaman’s guidance, you'll immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest, using mindful walking and sensory awareness to reduce stress and rejuvenate your spirit.

This class is a journey that will teach you how to change the way your brain responds to stress. It will provide education so that you understand why stress can alter both mental and physical health and will teach you how to reduce the effect of stress on your mental and physical health and longevity. This class is intended for healthy individuals who will benefit from increased stress-coping skills, and for individuals with diseases where stress coping can promote an enhanced sense of wellbeing and possibly influence the course of disease.

The age of technology has changed the way we access and process information. The challenge isn’t finding enough information about topics of curiosity; it’s sorting the good information from the bad. While there are many excellent sources on the web, there is also a great deal of misinformation, both intentional and not. In such an environment, pseudoscience thrives. What are some of the most common scientific misconceptions propagated by modern media? What aspects of human psychology make us so prone to believe pseudoscience? How can we sort scientific reality from conspiracy theory and snake oil?

This class is FREE for OLLI 2024-2025 Annual members and Zoom Only members.

 

Why are so many of us afraid of growing old? Why has old age received such a bad rap? As educator Herbert Kohl says, “Old age is a time to contemplate and understand the contradictions and find a way to live in harmony with one’s spirit and conscience.” In this online lecture and conversation, we will enjoy some inspiring true stories about interesting old people, quiet our fears of losing our minds, our mobility, or our independence, and we will learn to resist ageism in our everyday lives. Join Dr. Andrea GIlats, a writer, educator, and author, to ask questions, share your stories, and get some nourishing food for thought

Phantom is a musical, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Arthur Kopit. Based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera, the musical was first performed in Houston, Texas in 1991. Phantom has appeared in over 1,000 productions worldwide, across America, Japan, Korea, the UK, Germany, Poland, Australia, Finland, Estonia, and the Philippines. Phantom tells of the heart-rending 19th century tale of Eric – disfigured from birth yet as beautiful on the inside as he is misshapen on the outside. Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Times declared “its closing song Home is among the most beautiful of the last 30 years - its ineffable melancholy is sublime.” Join ABT’s Education Director, Stephen Hohendorf, with special guest, for an in-depth history of Phantom and a look inside Arizona Broadway Theatre’s hauntingly beautiful production. *Class price includes lecture class, lunch (choice between soup or salad, entree, coffee, tea and gratuity), and a matinee performance. Upgraded entrees, appetizers, desserts, and coctails are available for purchase as well. Class will be on Tuesday and the show on the following Sunday, 12:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Led by Dr. Abbie Henson, Assistant Professor at ASU’s Watts College, this course addresses the unique communication challenges that arise in today’s diverse and fast-paced environments where misunderstandings can happen quickly. Participants will learn how to approach important conversations with empathy, understand different viewpoints, and improve their listening skills. Class will cover practical strategies for navigating difficult discussions, whether in personal relationships, community involvement, or other areas of life. We discuss these strategies specially in the context of intergenerational conversations and other challenging communication moments that are specifically relevant to older adults.

As the saying goes, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” and the desire to adorn oneself with beautiful things is as old as humankind. A magnificent jewel provides the perfect complement to the fashion of the day, but more importantly, reflects its owner’s taste, lifestyle, wealth, and status. This lecture will examine some of the great jewelry collections belonging to royals, aristocrats, divas, socialites, and Hollywood starlets—from the famous to the infamous. Learn how some jewels have been passed down through the centuries from one collection to the next, while others wound up on the auction block. Make sure to wear a favorite piece from your own collection!

Discover the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this interactive workshop designed to showcase its transformative power for lifelong learners. Participants will receive the latest updates on cutting-edge AI initiatives at ASU from Executive Director of Creative and Communications within the Enterprise Technology (IT) division Tina Miller. Class will also cover the future of AI in higher education and generative AI. Additionally, attendees will delve into the technical aspects of generative AI with easy-to-understand explanations. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge on AI advancements and resources for further exploration. Please note: This class is being held at more than one OLLI location, check to make sure you are registering for the correct location.  This same class was presented at other locations in Fall 2024.

Discover the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this interactive workshop designed to showcase its transformative power for lifelong learners. Participants will receive the latest updates on cutting-edge AI initiatives at ASU from Executive Director of Creative and Communications within the Enterprise Technology (IT) division Tina Miller. Class will also cover the future of AI in higher education and generative AI. Additionally, attendees will delve into the technical aspects of generative AI with easy-to-understand explanations. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge on AI advancements and resources for further exploration. Please note: This class is being held at more than one OLLI location, check to make sure you are registering for the correct location.  This same class was presented at other locations in Fall 2024.

Explore creative ways to develop new ideas for a business or nonprofit in this fun and supportive workshop hosted by Eric Heimbecker from ASU’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute. We will examine the power of Design Thinking (an innovative approach that has produced some of the most iconic products and companies of the last 50 years) as well as get hands-on experience using its essential tools and processes. You will also learn about practical next steps to bring these ideas to life including resources available through ASU and local community partners. No previous experience with entrepreneurship is required—just bring your curiosity and collaboration!

The majority of us do 90% of our research online. Fortunately for us, thousands of digitized documents are being uploaded daily. The problem can be finding them. This presentation is geared to provide you with suggestions on how to make the most of your online research. Class will also discuss tips on how the internet can make you a better genealogist.

*Please Note: This class has changed from a two-session to a one-session.*

This class will cover a number of policing strategies designed to prevent and control crime including: patrol (i.e., random preventative vehicle, foot, and hot spot/directed), community policing (i.e., community organizing, problem-oriented, aggressive order maintenance/broken windows), focused deterrence, Compstat, intelligence-led policing, and predictive policing. We will review these strategies in terms of goals, operational dynamics, implementation challenges, potential concerns, and what we know about effectiveness from an evidence base.

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.

This course will be a sneak preview of a book manuscript in progress with Dr. Eduardo Pagán, an ASU professor of history and active public historian. The manuscript explores the dark underside of the American West from the 1840’s to the 1920’s. During this period, opium and opioids (specifically heroin and morphine), as well as cocaine, were commonly available and widely used. Dr. Pagán will bring to life the history of opium and opioids addiction and consequences related to their use, as well as treatments. Finally, we will discuss the ways in which an era of unrestricted narcotics helped shape the West.

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.

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.

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.

Learn the science behind habit formation and discover practical strategies for building healthy habits with Dr. Kenneth Urakawa, associate professor at Ottawa college. We will explore how small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful changes in your well-being. Through self-assessment, goal setting activities, and group discussion, you will gain the tools to create sustainable wellness habits tailored to your lifestyle.

Narrow escapes and new starts, tearful departures and hopeful arrivals, unwanted scrutiny in the backrooms of officialdom – some of our most memorable experiences involve a passport. You’ve blessed, lamented, perhaps even cursed its existence, but have you ever stopped to ponder it? Join Professor Patrick Bixby as he traces the history of passports – from pharaonic Egypt and Han dynasty China all the way to modern-day refugee camps – by looking closely at the documents of artists and intellectuals, ancient messengers and modern migrants. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding (and perhaps reverence) for these seemingly humble documents — and how they implicate us in larger narratives about identity, mobility, citizenship, and state authority.

Imagine flying 8,000 miles nonstop for 11 days straight! Or finding your way to a remote forest wintering-site thousands of miles away that you have never been to, and with no one to guide you. Ornithologists have various ways to track these and other migrations that are occurring every spring and fall across our Sonoran Desert and beyond. We are fortunate to live along this Pacific Flyway – an avian freeway that stretches from Alaska all the way south to Patagonia. Soon our backyards will be filled with these colorful neotropical migrant bird species – some are just passing through while others will stay for the summer. Join Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Resources, in this talk and discover the many ways that birds and other animals accomplish these incredible migrations.

In this class, we’ll explore both the verifiable and theorized medical conditions of the most famous American woman poet of the 19th Century, Emily Dickinson, as well as how those afflictions shaped her iconic verse. Per Dickinson’s own adage, “tell all the truth but tell it slant,” we’ll re-create some of our own afflictions/medical incidents – in verse and/or image – taking inspiration from Dickinson’s slanted, metaphorical style. This special workshop class will culminate with a publication of our creative productions and an open-to-the-community event/reading. No prior writing or poetry experience necessary!

Urban areas cover considerable land area. Urban gardeners have important roles to play in supporting wildlife, restoring Indigenous biota, mitigating the rising heat, producing food, providing ecotherapy, and building community. In this field class, we visit a re-wilded riparian garden in south Phoenix and discuss the benefits and challenges of tending such an irrigated green space. Students will deepen their understanding of ecological processes and ecosystem functions, meet plants, birds, and insects, learn how to harvest an Indigenous food (mesquite), and perhaps have their world view challenged. If you are interested in learning more about the riparian garden, you can read “Bringing Home the Wild: A Riparian Garden in a Southwest City,” written by the course instructor. For this class, please park across the street from 1200 W. South Mountain Avenue, along the edge of the road. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and field clothes such as long pants and an old shirt. Bring a water bottle, binoculars if you like, and packets to collect seeds if you wish. We will walk the trails of a 4-acre garden that is densely wooded in places.

When we feel exhausted, isolated, or lacking hope, caring for ourselves can seem like just another burden on an already full plate. How can we nurture our own well-being to regain strength and balance? This session delves into the connection between hope, mindfulness, and compassion, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to build personal resilience. Participants will leave with tools to enhance their capacity for self-care, foster inner strength, and cultivate a sense of renewal in their daily lives.

Embark on a captivating exploration of the architectural wonders of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. This course offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of architectural styles, from the sturdy simplicity of Romanesque structures to the soaring heights and intricate details of Gothic cathedrals. Uncover the historical context, technological innovations, and cultural influences that shaped these magnificent edifices. Engage in enriching discussions, immersive experiences, and insightful lectures that unveil the craftsmanship and symbolism inherent in these masterpieces of stone and glass. Whether you are an avid history buff, an art aficionado, or simply curious about the past, join us on this exhilarating journey through the architectural marvels of the medieval era.

An understanding and appreciation of the religions of our neighbors is essential in a civil society. In his three-session class, Chris O’Brien, Fulbright winner, Musical Instrument Museum docent, and extensively traveled world history teacher, will explore a basic and practical journey through the “Western” religions of Judaism and Christianity. Chris will focus on the beliefs, practices, and social aspects of each religion covering how each has evolved historically and spiritually. We will also explore some of the interactions that have taken place among the religions. Copies of student notes will be available to participants prior to class. This provides the option of previewing the materials, printing, and bringing to class the notes. A field trip to a Jewish synagogue and a Christian church is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 26. Time TBD

In this course, students will be introduced to the primary manifestations of antisemitism and a number of important developments in recent years. The rise of conspiracy theories such as QAnon, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global rise in populist nationalism, emerging technologies, and conflict in the Middle East have all contributed to a reframing of antisemitic rhetoric and myths that have made the problem increasingly difficult to combat. Consequently, antisemitic crime and violence have reached new highpoints in several countries. Students will learn about some of the actions that have been taken by governments and NGOs to respond to this problem and will have the opportunity to discuss some recommendations to better address these forms of hatred in the future.

Musculoskeletal disease is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, and degenerative disc disease are the major diseases that result in musculoskeletal disability. The ideal treatment for these diseases would regrow or rejuvenate the injured joint, however current treatments commonly replace the injured joint with a metal implant with a limited lifespan. The overarching goal of this course will be to explore treatments of osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease currently in the clinic, in FDA clinical trials, and in cutting edge research labs. Course participants will gain a better understanding of the theories underlying the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and learn about future regenerative approaches to joint damage.

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.

Solar energy is the cheapest, most abundant, and fastest growing source of energy on Earth. So, what does it mean for Arizona’s future? In this fast-paced series of deep dives into different facets of solar energy, Dr. Clark Miller – Associate Director of ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society – explores how solar is changing how we think about energy and what it means for people, cities, cars, the desert, the economy, even culture. We’ll talk technology and climate change but also social movements, like solarpunk, that are using art and science fiction to dream about different solar tomorrows. Bring your imagination – and your questions!

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!) .

This class is FREE to all Annual OLLI members & Spring Semester members.

Have you ever wondered how some people are able to overcome a particularly high amount of stress and adversity? Resilience is a process of coping and adaptation that occurs overtime. Protective factors are the internal and external strengths that can be activated to help ignite this coping process. In this presentation, you will learn about the 10 most important strengths identified through research that activate resilience. Considering loss and other challenges are a part of the human experience, this presentation has application for all of us.

Dr. David Schildkret, ASU Professor Emeritus of Choral Music, explores three monuments of western music: Mozart’s “Requiem,” “A German Requiem” by Brahms, and the Verdi “Requiem.” Each composer approaches the subject of death in a unique, powerful and moving way. The three classes will explore the background, content, and attitudes of the works from Schildkret’s unique perspective as a scholar and conductor. He will conduct the Brahms at Dayspring UMC in Tempe on May 18 and at New York’s Carnegie Hall on May 24.

Have you been yearning to know all about Japanese sake? Please join John Hornick, who holds several sake certifications and interned in the Daimon brewery near Osaka, Japan, to learn the types of premium sakes and what makes them "premium.” In addition, you will learn how premium sake ingredients affect taste, aroma, and regionality. We will go over the three main brewing methods and how they affect taste, the importance of rice polishing ratio, and sake terms you need to know. A list of recommended sakes will be provided after you sign up. John will lead a tasting of any sakes purchased by the course participants (but no purchase is necessary).

Is Anti-Asian violence a modern-day occurrence? Not at all. Fear, hatred, and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese began in the mid 1800’s culminating with the incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese at the beginning of WWII, two-thirds of whom were US citizens. Join Denny Kato, a third-generation Japanese American (Sansei) and former U.S. Army military intelligence to discuss the how, when, and why racism landed Americans in what is more accurately described as prison camps. We will cover what we can do to countermand the effect of anti-Asian violence and racism in America today. With the continuing immigration and border crisis, we will see how the incarceration of the Japanese in WWII can repeat itself today and why we should be ever vigilant that this never happens again.

Everyone has heard about Captain Hook and Long John Silver, but what happened when a real pirate lost a limb at sea? Join Dr. Manushag Powell, Professor and Chair of the ASU English Department, and learn about maritime prosthetics for real Golden Age sailors, the relationship of able seamen towards the disabled, and whether Lord Nelson wore an eyepatch. Pirates may have been remorseless criminals, but they were also forward thinking in that they offered accidental death and dismemberment insurance to their brethren. Come for stories about life at sea and the perils of battle, scurvy, and alcoholism--and what they can teach us about today's attitudes toward disability.

This offering builds upon Dr. Dudley’s previous courses on some of the forgotten founders. We will explore the fascinating life of John Hancock, a figure famously known for his prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. While many recognize his name, few are familiar with the complexities of his life beyond this iconic act. We will explore how the son of a modest preacher became the wealthiest man in America and why, despite his financial success within the British Empire, he emerged as one of the earliest advocates of independence. James Wilson’s true legacy is only well known to dedicated students of the Revolutionary era. He is primarily known today for how his character was portrayed in the musical 1776. He was depicted as a reluctant delegate, unwilling to take a stand on controversial issues. This course aims to correct this insulting misrepresentation

Join Ken Sorensen, retired History and English teacher, and explore John Wayne's life from his humble beginnings as Marion Morrison to being known worldwide to his fans as a classic Western movie star. One of the facts about John that we will discuss is that John's nickname came from his childhood dog. Later in his life as he grew, he became very large and won a football scholarship to USC. However, he injured his knee while surfing and the school ended up dropping his scholarship. His life then turned when he returned to his summer job of working on the film lots and was slowly given parts because of his size and because of his affability on the set. Much of the decade of the 1930s, he made westerns, and his big break came with the movie, “Stagecoach” in 1939. During his lifetime, he made over 200 movies and became a world-renowned actor. Come and hear the story of "The Duke".

Join Robin Engel, gifted specialist, as she explores the intricacies of the brilliant mind. Have you ever wondered whether you might possess exceptional intellectual gifts—or perhaps even genius? What of your grandchildren? For nearly two decades, Robin has dedicated her life to working with gifted students as both a teacher and specialist. In this two-session course, we will explore the profound depths of genius, examining not only the cognitive and emotional attributes that characterize the gifted brain, but also what the very notion of genius may come to signify in the context of the imminent Singularity—an era when human intellect and artificial intelligence merge.

While traditions of caring for our domestic companion animals have been created and refined over many years, things can get complicated with wild animals. One way we reflexively view other animals is through anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is when we think about or describe nonhuman things or beings with human traits. We do this all the time, such as when we talk about ‘Mother Nature’, or claim our dog is jealous, or that killer whales are taking down yachts for revenge. Though at times this may seem silly, the ways we interpret and understand other animals has impacts on their lives. Join Dr. Lyon, PhD in the Biology and Society program at ASU, to glean a better understanding of the ways we understand other animals and can therefore improve the ways we interact with or care for the animals in our lives.

Discover the scenic wonders and cultural treasures of Arizona with Roger Naylor, an award-winning author. We will cover an extraordinary array of national park units (34 in all) that blanket Arizona from border to border. These parks range from the volcanic sprawl of stone hoodoos crowning Chiricahua National Monument to the badlands of Petrified Forest National Park, colored like blood and peaches. We will also discuss the miles of shoreline at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the never- ending diversity of the Arizona National Scenic Trail traversing the length of the state. National monuments like Tonto, Wupatki, and Montezuma Castle hold on tight to our past. Others like Sonoran Desert and Vermilion Cliffs preserve our precious wide-open spaces. And all the parks reconnect us to nature. We hike, bike, kayak, ride mules, bounce down dirt roads, slither through slot canyons, and camp under skies dripping with stars. There is something here to pique everyone’s interest.

This class will delve into the jazz styles that followed and extended the legacy of bebop into the 1950s and 60s, infusing bebop with elements of rhythm & blues and gospel music. Come learn about the music of Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Clifford Brown, and Jimmy Smith. This class is intended for jazz aficionados and those who would like to learn more about jazz! Instruments not required! The class will consist primarily of active listening to exemplary recordings with interspersed guided discussion.

The search for gold opened the American West in the mid-19th century, but it was copper that sustained it for many decades thereafter. Copper is not as glamorous or alluring as the other coinage metals (silver and gold) but it is the most plentiful and perhaps, in the end, the most valuable. The procurement of copper has driven the history of many Western states, Arizona among them. Copper tells a rich story that weaves together threads of science, industry, and the settling of the West.

Never before in history have we been so inundated by images, many of them doctored in a way as to sow mistrust, grab attention, and slant stories. This rise of AI in image generation affects us all: from grandchildren on Instagram to older adults paying attention to how our media circulates. As photographers (professional and amateur alike), AI introduces complex questions about authenticity, blurred boundaries between human and technology ownership, and ethical questions about strengths and limitations of AI use. Led by ASU graduate student li rothrock who studies photography, this course guides us through these conversations alongside a practical demonstration of AI image generation technologies (i.e. Midjourney) where participants will collectively use AI to generate/manipulate images.

How does one honor the legacy of parents who survived the Holocaust while at the same time recognizing the ripples of the inherited trauma they experienced? Growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust, the adult children of survivors are striving to find ways to keep their parents’ stories alive. Using their unique intergenerational lens, authors of the recent award-winning anthology, The Ones Who Remember: Second Generation Voices of the Holocaust, will reveal the variety of ways in which their parents' history of survival seeped into their souls and affected their lives as children and adults.

The goal of this course is to explore the challenges that resulted from this trauma and the gifts that came forth – gifts of resilience, tolerance, fortitude, and compassion. Each week our instructors will explore and share reflections around themes of their lived experience. Please note that we have been given limited spots from the NRC and there may be a waitlist. 

For more than two years, the James Webb Space Telescope, orbiting a million miles from Earth in the deep freeze of space, has sent back remarkable information and dramatic images of the faint heat rays that come from objects in the universe. The Hubble Telescope continues to observe some of the same stars and galaxies with visible light. Never before have we had images of the cosmos so rich in color and detail. In this profusely illustrated course, we will be taken on a guided tour of the wider universe as astronomers understand it today. Fraknoi will cover this information in everyday language and without any math. We will look at star birth and star death, the organization and structure of the Milky Way, cosmic mergers and collisions, and the great web of galaxies that gives us clues about the beginning and development of our cosmos. Please note that we have been given limited spots from the NRC and there may be a waitlist. 

Evolution. Vaccines. Global Warming. Regardless of one’s choice of news media, it is nearly impossible to navigate today’s information-heavy world without coming across stories on evolution, vaccines, and global warming. Each of these topics is the subject of various conspiracy theories and misinformation campaigns. How do we make sense of what we hear on the news when so much information comes from unvetted and non-neutral sources, such as the Internet and the media? This course is a non-technical introduction to these three critical matters in modern science. We will examine what scientists know, how they know what they know, how certain they are, and why there is such a disconnect between scientific understanding and the public’s perception of the science. Please note that we have been given limited spots from the NRC and there may be a waitlist.