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Celebrate the intersection of music, history, and the written word during this special OLLI event at the Musical Instrument Museum. Begin with the launch of Tiny Rememberings: An Anthology of Poetry & Micro-Prose, featuring readings by OLLI members, including original works from the OLLI classes Poetry & Music and Micro- Memoir & Prose Poetry. Whether or not you participated in either writing class, all OLLI members are warmly invited to enjoy this inspiring afternoon of poetry and shared creativity. Following the readings, we will tour the MIM’s remarkable 2026 special exhibition, featuring an extraordinary collection of archaeologically significant musical instruments and artifacts from China. Admission to the special exhibition is included with your registration, and copies of the anthology will be available for purchase. Guests wishing to explore the rest of the museum may purchase general MIM admission independently.

The Annual Membership gives members access to all in-person and Zoom classes and events offered by OLLI at ASU for three full semesters. Annual memberships are sold each year from Jul. 15th - Oct. 30, 2026.

Additional Annual Membership Benefits

• Save time & purchase 1 membership each year!
• Save money on membership fees
• Early registration on each semester (Fall - Aug. 14)

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

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

The Annual Zoom Membership gives members access to all Zoom classes only and events offered by OLLI at ASU for three full semesters. Annual memberships are sold each year from Jul. 15th - Oct. 30th, 2026.

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

Additional Annual Zoom Membership Benefits

• Save time & purchase 1 membership each year!
• Save money on membership fees
• Early registration on each semester (Fall - Aug. 14)

So many of us come away from chemistry in school thinking it’s a dull lab-based science primarily comprising balancing reactions and mixing up obscure solutions in a laboratory. In reality, chemistry is what happens inside us and all around us every day. For example, if you’ve ever wondered why barns are always painted red, you’ve thought about chemistry. If you’ve tried to suss out the line between pharmaceuticals and poisons, you’ve pondered chemistry. If you’re curious about the molecules you eat and why you need them, chemistry has the answer. Dr. John Hendrickson will address these and other applications of chemistry in the real world.

Ever wondered what really happens to your ballot after you cast it? Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center, one of the largest election operations in the United States, and see firsthand how ballots are received, processed, tabulated, and secured. An eye-opening tour for any engaged citizen.

Join us for "Fortunato Film School", where ASU film professor Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on Steven Spielberg's career-defining summer blockbuster "Jaws." The session will include a brief discussion about the making of "Jaws," and highlight why it's cited by many film historians as the film that changed Hollywood forever. It's Professor Fortunato's favorite film of all time, so this class is sure to thrill you.

From "Jaws" to "The Graduate," "James Bond" to "The Birds," "Midnight Express" to "Breaking Bad," take a journey with a leading travel journalist to explore 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.

Arizona Highways magazine recently celebrated its 100th birthday and its story is as remarkable as the landscapes it photographs. How did a simple brochure produced by the Arizona Highway Department grow into one of the world's most revered travel publications? How has it remained relevant for a century while so many national magazines have folded? In this presentation, former Publisher Win Holden shares the inside story of an extraordinary magazine that has not only survived but thrived through an unconventional business model built on licensing, retail, and ancillary products, all without a single dollar of state funding. The talk features dozens of historical and contemporary photographs, and explores how this uniquely Arizona institution now delivers over $65 million in annual economic impact while captivating subscribers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries..

If you think today is filled with divisiveness between red and blue then you should have lived in America the latter part of the 19th Century. The end of the Civil War with 700,000 American dead began this era of angst. The post-war era coupled with the acrimony between a growing divide between the haves and have-nots led to labor unrest and a complete revisioning of democracy in this country. The parallels are amazing!

At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband's death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became something far more profound. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir "Packets of Hope", inviting you to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into resilience, strength, and global impact. Jill's story is a testament to how one person's courage can create ripples that span continents. Her memoir is available free at packetsofhope.com. Reading it before the presentation is encouraged but not required.

As we age, maintaining cognitive vitality becomes increasingly important — not just for memory, but for overall quality of life. In this engaging workshop, we'll explore six key habits backed by recent scientific research that support brain health in later life, led by Helen Hayes, Program Director of ASU's Distinguished Innovation Fellows program for individuals 55 and older. You'll come away with practical strategies to protect your mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and daily functioning, plus a personalized plan for integrating brain-boosting habits into your everyday routine.

Transform a digital design into a real, handcrafted object in this hands-on introduction to laser cutting. You'll use Adobe Illustrator to create a custom design, then operate the laser cutter yourself to engrave and cut a personalized coaster to take home. No prior experience required, just curiosity and creativity.

Discover the joy of Scandinavian folk dancing in this fun and interactive class led by dancer, artist, and educator Jana Peterson. Jana earned a BFA in Dance from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and a Master of Arts in Education from ASU. Members will learn several simple folk dances while exploring the rich traditions, music, colorful costumes, and cultural history of Scandinavia. Long enjoyed at celebrations and community gatherings, these dances bring people together through movement and shared experience. No dance experience is necessary—just a willingness to participate and have fun. Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for light movement are recommended.

In AD 476, the Roman Empire fell, not with a bang, but with a whimper. At its height it had spanned 1.9 million square miles and endured for more than 500 years, yet its end came as the culmination of a long, slow decline. What ultimately caused it? Could anything have saved it? This course examines the complex web of causes behind the fall of the Western Roman Empire, from political dysfunction and the rise of Christianity to a collapsed economy, lead poisoning, and even climate change.

Robert Redford, who passed away in 2025, left an enduring mark on Hollywood across a seven-decade career as actor, director, activist, and founder of the Sundance Film Institute. This course celebrates his early star-making work and the fascinating complexity beneath his "golden boy" persona — the smug, self-assured skier in Downhill Racer (1969), the idealistic gubernatorial scion running for a California Senate seat in The Candidate (1972), and the carefree apolitical foil to Barbra Streisand's passionate political idealist in The Way We Were (1973).

Russia shocked the world when Putin invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. What followed has become one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of our time. In this class, we will examine the history of Ukraine and Russia’s complex relationship, how the war has unfolded, what sanctions have achieved, how the global balance of power is shifting in response, Europe’s profound transformation since the fall of the Soviet Union, Sweden and Finland joining NATO, Germany rearming, Europe severing decades of energy dependence on Russia, and the evolving U.S. role, and what possible outcomes may lie ahead.

Buckle up for a coast-to-coast road trip through all 50 states, exploring the cities, monuments, people, culture, and iconic food of every corner of America. From rocky Maine to sunny California, sandy Florida to the lush Pacific Northwest, we'll taste our way through the signature flavors of New England, the Heartland, the Southwest, and beyond. There are 50 dishes and 50 stories waiting to be discovered. Bring your appetite! This class includes a 60-minute lecture. Then both the morning and afternoon classes will share lunch together from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Buckle up for a coast-to-coast road trip through all 50 states, exploring the cities, monuments, people, culture, and iconic food of every corner of America. From rocky Maine to sunny California, sandy Florida to the lush Pacific Northwest, we'll taste our way through the signature flavors of New England, the Heartland, the Southwest, and beyond. There are 50 dishes and 50 stories waiting to be discovered. Bring your appetite! This class includes a 60-minute lecture. Then both the morning and afternoon classes will share lunch together from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Curious about artificial intelligence and what it actually means for your life? This interactive workshop, led by Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative and Communications in ASU’s Enterprise Technology division, offers an accessible, engaging introduction to AI’s transformative possibilities. You’ll get the latest on cuttingedge AI initiatives at ASU, explore how AI is reshaping higher education, and dig into generative AI in plain, easy-to-understand terms. You’ll leave with a clear sense of where AI is headed and practical resources to keep exploring on your own.

Using only strings and a harpsichord, Vivaldi painted vivid scenes, from birdsong and thunderstorms to frozen winter landscapes. The result is one of the most enduring works in all of classical music. We explore the origins, content, and longevity of this sparkling collection of four Baroque masterpieces. No musical background needed: just bring your curiosity and your ears. Mozart trip participants will have a chance to hear this work performed live in Prague. 
 

What does it mean to live without reliable access to safe, affordable water? In this engaging session, ASU professors Dr. Amber Wutich and Dr. Patrick Thomson introduce the concept of water insecurity and explore how it affects households and communities around the world, including here in Arizona. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, they'll discuss the social, economic, and health impacts of water scarcity and examine how people adapt to uncertain supplies. You'll come away with new insight into the human dimensions of water challenges and a clearer picture of what the future of water security may look like in a changing climate.

Can certain foods improve memory? Can what you eat actually lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease? In this class, ASU Clinical Nutrition Professor and Registered Dietitian Tina Shepard shares what the latest research says about how food and lifestyle choices affect the brain and how specific nutrients impact cognitive function and overall brain health. You'll leave with practical, evidence-based dietary recommendations you can start using right away.

Join Bill Gates, Director of the ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory and former Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, for an inside look at how one of the largest election systems in the United States really works. Designed for engaged citizens, this course will walk you through the essentials of voting in Maricopa County — from how ballots are cast and counted to who is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the process. You'll gain a clear understanding of the different voting options available, the safeguards in place to protect election security, and the real-world challenges election officials face. We will also explore what's new and different about the 2026 election cycle, helping you stay informed and confident as a voter. Expect a practical, nonpartisan discussion with plenty of time for questions and conversation.

Join Western Spirit Museum’s Chief Curator, Andrew Patrick Nelson, for an insider’s look at the museum’s newest blockbuster exhibition, Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western. This special class combines a curator’s talk with a guided tour of the exhibition. Dr. Nelson will discuss the origins and development of the exhibition, introduce its key themes and arguments, and explore how Western films of the 1960s to 1990s reflected changing ideas about heroism, violence, nostalgia, American identity, and the mythology of the West. He'll then lead participants through the galleries, offering behind-the-scenes insights into selected objects, images, and interpretive choices. Part film history, part museum tour, this class offers a deeper look at one of Hollywood’s most iconic genres during one of its most fascinating and misunderstood periods.

From its emergence amid rapid cultural change in the early 20th century, country music has resonated with people who feel left behind by a shifting world. A key genre of American roots music, it captures hardships of modern life while intentionally evoking emotional response. Whether facing troubled relationships, unemployment, homelessness, loneliness, or spiritual bereft, there is a country song for you. This course traces the history of country and American roots music through the stories and artistic developments of influential performers. Each session highlights key figures including the Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton. This clas is listed in Pacific Time. Please note the time change on Nov.1 and plan accordingly. 

When the Swing Era swept America, it also sparked a passionate revival of interest in the early jazz and ragtime that came before it, a musical reclamation movement that lasted until rock 'n' roll took over American culture. This course profiles the musicians and bands who led that revival: Bob Crosby's Bobcats, Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band, Bunk Johnson, Kid Ory, George Lewis, Louis Armstrong's All-Stars, Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey, and more.

From Reefer Madness to licensed dispensaries on every corner, what a long, strange trip it's been. This course traces the full history of marijuana, from its numerous ancient medicinal applications through its demonization, its rehabilitation, and its current status as both medicine and big business. ASU professor Dr. Ken Sweat covers the history of our relationship with the plant, modern approaches to growing, processing, and consuming cannabis, and the ever-evolving politics and policies that govern it.

Truman called the presidency “the most peculiar office in the world.” This class explores how the Founders’ open-ended design sparked a dramatic expansion of executive power, allowing the presidency to eventually dominate Congress and the Supreme Court. We will examine how this shift occurred, how the office is won, how executive authority is exercised, and how the modern administrative state reshaped the framers’ original balance. Note: Class is in Pacific Time; accommodate the Nov. 1 time change.

What does a vaccine actually do and what's really in it? This two-session course takes an evidence-based look at vaccine immunology, ingredients, and safety data, then examines the modern anti-vaccine movement: its origins in a fraudulent study, the financial incentives driving its key figures, and the cognitive biases that make misinformation so persuasive. Along the way, we'll explore VAERS (the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), vaccine court, herd immunity, and what the epidemiological data reveal about the real-world costs of vaccine hesitancy.

In this class, ASU Jazz Studies Professor Dr. Jeffrey Libman discusses the life and music of trumpeter and composer Miles Davis. Davis emerged professionally during the heyday of bebop, but then became a legendary bandleader who restlessly pushed jazz into the future, helping to develop cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, post bop, and jazz/rock fusion. 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.

 

This course traces Apple’s fifty-year history and its massive impact on personal computing,design, product culture, platforms and ecosystems, and daily life. Each session focuses on a different decade in Apple’s history, from the birth of the PC in the late 1970s to the latest Apple silicon, VR headsets, and future iPhones. We will learn how Apple reshaped not just technology, but how people live, work, and communicate. This class is listed in Pacific Time. Please note the time change on Nov.1 and plan accordingly. 
 

In this course, we will examine the dramatic circumstances that gave rise to the Beat Generation in the 1940s. Together, we will examine three famous Beat works: Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs. We will focus on historical events involving Beat writers, important passages of Beat literature, and the literary movement that spawned the 1960s counterculture. This clas is listed in Pacific Time. Please note the time change on Nov.1 and plan accordingly. 
 

Dr. Clark Gibson will be giving a course on the history of the saxophone dating from the invention of the saxophone in the mid 1800s through the mid 1900s. The course will focus primarily on the development of the saxophone through the lens of jazz history as we discuss many of the pioneers of jazz saxophone such as Rudy Wiedoft, Sidney Bechet, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and more

In this two-session course, we'll explore the tools and techniques of two closely related, deeply expressive genres: micro-memoir and prose poetry. In the first session, we'll read and discuss representative works in each genre. In the second session, you'll share your own original writing, in one or both genres, in a supportive, collegial setting. No prior writing experience required.

What really changes when we read beyond the abstract? In this interactive course, we will open real research papers (many in health and
nutrition) and explore what scientists actually look for. We will explore how small design choices can dramatically shape a study’s meaning, and why headlines rarely tell the full story. No technical background is required – just curiosity. By the end of the course, we will
never read “studies show…” the same way again. This class is listed in Pacific Time. Please note the time change on Nov.1 and plan accordingly. 

How did women move from the economic and political margins to become one of the most influential voting blocs in the United States? A panel of experts will examine the long arc of women's participation in public life, from suffrage and civic organizing to economic agency, voting power, and public office. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, this session provides timely context for understanding women's role in today's electorate, including why women are politically powerful yet do not vote as a single bloc. Join us to better understand how women's history continues to shape elections, leadership, and public life today.

In today's media landscape, knowing who to trust has never been more important. While traditional outlets strive for balance and accuracy, social media algorithms serve us content that reinforces what we already believe — creating an incomplete information diet for making important life decisions. Meanwhile, legacy media faces growing financial pressures as search engines dominate the flow of online news. Join veteran journalist and journalism instructor Mark Scarp to learn how to distinguish reliable from unreliable sources, spot hidden agendas, and navigate a complex media world with confidence.

The bow is far more than an accessory, it is the voice of a stringed instrument. Juilliard-trained cellist Michael D'Avanzo, a member of the Phoenix Symphony since 1990, demonstrates why the bow matters far more than most listeners realize. Through an exploration of the bow's origins, evolution, and modern materials, while comparing different models and makers, you'll gain a richer understanding of what you hear when strings take the stage. Then put your newfound appreciation to the test: join us at Symphony Hall for Beethoven's 7th Symphony and Chopin's 2nd Piano Concerto, Nov. 6, 7, or 8, 2026. Note that parking is the responsibility of the member. 

What keeps the planets in orbit? What makes an apple fall and a galaxy spin? Join us for a live, 25-minute interactive journey through the greatest gravitational discoveries in history, from Newton to Einstein and beyond. We’ll travel the cosmos to see how gravity shapes everything around us, followed by a lively Q&A and technology showcase.

It's a mostly forgotten but pivotal chapter in Jewish-American history: the Galveston Movement. From 1907 to 1914, some 10,000 Jews fleeing religious persecution in Eastern Europe immigrated to America through the unlikely port of Galveston, Texas. Travel journalist Dan Fellner visited Galveston and met descendants of those immigrants who arrived more than a century ago and built new lives across the western United States. We'll explore the sites connected to the Galveston Movement and discover the island city's surprisingly robust Jewish community — one that produced five mayors, prominent business leaders, and two highly renowned rabbis.

We're bombarded with advice on how to manage stress, fitness routines, sleep hygiene, meditation apps, diet plans, and more. But somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we forgot one of the most natural antidotes of all: play. Led by Dale Larsen, Director of Community Relations and Professor in ASU's School of Community Resources & Development, this session draws on his four decades of leadership in parks and recreation to revisit the science and joy of play. Rediscover how this "childlike" concept can become one of the most essential tools in your everyday life.

Curious about cannabis science? This OLLI class at Grow Sciences offers an academically grounded, hands-on exploration of how cannabis goes from seed to shelf. The session begins with a seminar covering the wide range of products currently available, including their manufacturing processes, therapeutic applications, consumption methods, and bioavailability. You'll then join a guided tour of the complete cultivation and production lifecycle, from propagation and vegetative growth through harvesting, post-processing, and quality assurance. Designed to be interactive and inquiry-driven, this one-of-a-kind class offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the innovation, precision, and care that define the modern cannabis industry. *Note - the exact address for Grow Sciences is not published for safety reasons. We will meet at a nearby location and the coordinator will lead you to the warehouse. Cross streets are 43rd Ave. & Camelback Rd. Phoenix. Meet up instructions will be in the reminder email.

If not for that eponymous frothy beverage, Samuel Adams might be largely forgotten today. Yet among the Founding Fathers, Adams was the leader of the pack. Boston was the epicenter of the earliest struggle for independence and Adams was the spark that lit the fire. Long before Washington led an army or Jefferson penned the Declaration, Adams was rallying resistance to British rule and working to unify the colonies. We'll explore how his "riches to rags" family story may help explain his deep resentment of British interference in colonial life. A master of public sentiment, he stoked the flames of rebellion by channeling the crowd's growing sense of oppression and injustice. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, much of the focus falls on Jefferson. Yet without Samuel Adams energizing the revolutionary movement, independence might have come eventually, but not in 1776.

Your fingerprints can reveal far more than who you are. They may also reveal what you've eaten, what medications you take, and even clues about your health. The tiny traces left in a fingerprint can contain chemical evidence from everyday life, such as caffeine, nicotine, or medication residues. Researchers are also exploring whether fingerprints could help detect conditions like diabetes and tuberculosis. Join Dr. Jang, Assistant Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics, for a fascinating look at the many surprising ways fingerprints are being used in health research, forensic investigation, and environmental monitoring.

The impact of artificial intelligence is accelerating faster than most people realize. Tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek have already changed how we work, communicate, and make decisions, and experts believe we may be just steps away from "artificial general intelligence" (AGI), an AI so advanced it could evolve and think far beyond human capability. But AI is just one piece of a much larger transformation reshaping our governments, social systems, and personal beliefs. What once seemed like science fiction is rapidly becoming reality. Join us to examine these startling changes and explore practical ways to adapt and thrive.

Robots and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming how we work — reshaping the workplace, redefining job roles, and determining which careers remain secure. Author Harvey Hess, with 40 years of experience in the consumer product distribution industry, will explore the technologies driving these changes and what they mean for today's workforce. You'll get an overview of current and emerging AI tools and automation trends, learn where the greatest impacts are already being felt, and gain practical guidance for recognizing both the vulnerabilities and the opportunities ahead.

Since the 1890s, American composers have wrestled with a fascinating question: what does American music actually sound like? We'll explore how classical musicians, alongside Broadway and Hollywood composers, many of them Jewish, followed parallel paths in creating sounds that evoke the landscapes and people of this nation. Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Alex North, Elmer Bernstein, and others take center stage in this multimedia lecture, enriched with audiovisuals and stories.

Space elevators are amongst the most promising space infrastructure concepts on the drawing boards today. Think of a space elevator as a vertical railroad into the cosmos. A tether stretching from Earth to an anchor point (counterweight) 60,000 miles in space, with elevator cars traveling up and down carrying cargo and passengers. Dr. Peter Swan, President of the International Space Elevator Consortium, will introduce you to this remarkable concept, covering its history, design, mechanics, potential benefits, future plans, and the obstacles still to overcome. Just as interstate highways and transcontinental railroads once transformed life on Earth, the space elevator may define the green superhighway to our future in space.

Few topics generate more heat in American politics today than immigration, yet few are more deeply rooted in the nation's history. This four-part lecture series examines how US immigration policy has evolved in response to dramatic shifts in American society. We'll give particular attention to the landmark immigration laws of the 1920s, Lyndon Johnson's transformative Immigration Act of 1965, and the most recent developments in policy and challenges along the US border. Whether you follow the news closely or are looking for deeper historical context, this series offers an essential framework for understanding one of today's most urgent debates.

Dr. Carlson, Chairman Emeritus at District Medical Group, leads this single-session class through one of the most dramatic turning points in American history. Together we'll examine America's journey from the Great Depression and deep isolationism to its decisive role in World War II — as Germany and Japan built formidable war machines abroad. Explore how Franklin D. Roosevelt's call for the "Arsenal of Democracy" ignited national mobilization, and discover the remarkable contributions of women, the surprising influence of show business, and the profound sacrifices made on both the home front and the battlefield.

Phoenix's first Poet Laureate, Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski, and MIM's Dr. Mike Silvers, Curator of Education, lead this immersive two-part course. We'll read and discuss poems that engage with music and musical instruments, a style known as ekphrastic writing, meaning creative work that responds to another art form. You'll take a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum, interact with instruments from across the globe, and explore the beautiful relationship between poetry and music. In our second session, we'll compose original poems inspired by an instrument or musical sound and share them in a celebratory reading at MIM. No prior writing experience necessary.

Explore the beauty, drama, and timeless passion of Romeo and Juliet through the lens of ballet. This lecture dives into Sergei Prokofiev's powerful, emotionally rich score — examining how his music brings Shakespeare's tragic love story to life. We'll also explore Ib Andersen's choreographic vision for Ballet Arizona, highlighting how movement, storytelling, and artistic imagination shape this beloved production. Join us for an engaging look at the music, choreography, and creative choices that make Romeo and Juliet one of ballet's most captivating works. Please note: tickets for the performance will be distributed during the lecture and will not be available at another time.

In February 1947, Ellsworth Brown sparked a massive political firestorm by attempting to exchange 27,000 acres in northwestern Arizona for public land adjoining his north Scottsdale ranch. The resulting two-year conflict embroiled U.S. Senators, Congressmen, federal directors, and prominent businessmen. This battle provides a fascinating window into behind the scenes land politics, ultimately embarrassing the Bureau of Land Management but saving the land that became the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. An accompanying field study at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 9:00 a.m., featuring a gentle, threehour, 3.3-mile walk.

Arizona has changed more rapidly and more dramatically than almost any other state in the nation. Political shifts over the past 114 years, driven by social and economic forces, brought the Progressive movement of the early 20th century, the explosive growth of urban centers and the state's role as a pivotal political battleground today. We'll trace the most significant turning points in Arizona's history and explore what residents can expect as the 21st century continues to unfold.

For most of human history, people lived under star-filled skies. Today, artificial lighting has dramatically changed the nighttime environment, washing out the stars for millions and affecting wildlife, energy use, sleep, and human health. Hosted by the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, this class introduces the growing dark sky movement and explores why communities are working to preserve natural darkness at night. Participants will learn how light pollution impacts people and wildlife, along with simple strategies for improving nighttime lighting at home and in their communities. After the presentation, attendees will take a guided nighttime walk through Fountain Hills to observe effective lighting practices, followed by stargazing and telescope viewing with the Center’s 27.5-inch telescope.

Born in Sinuiju, Korea, in 1937, Kim Chong Hak began as an abstract painter before boldly charting his own course. Rejecting the Western-style abstraction he saw as a response to national melancholy, he settled in Gangwon Province in the late 1970s, home of Mount Seorak, the highest peak in the Taebaek mountain range, and developed a vivid, unabashedly expressive style all his own. Kim Chong Hak: Painter of Seoraksan presents works spanning his long career, offering a rare look at an aspect of Korean art from the late 20th century that is little known outside South Korea. Led by Phoenix Art Museum Docents, join us for a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration of this remarkable artist's world.

Cole Porter wrote the music and lyrics for over 30 musicals, and his wit, melodic genius, and rich harmonies have made his songs a perennial favorite among jazz performers. Join Dr. Jeffrey Libman for an exploration of how jazz masters have interpreted classics like "So in Love," "Night and Day," and "I Get a Kick Out of You." Whether you're a lifelong jazz aficionado or simply curious about the music, this class offers an engaging mix of active listening to exemplary recordings and guided discussion. No instruments required, just open ears and an open mind!

With more than 123,000 libraries across the United States, including over 17,000 municipal, county, and state facilities, public libraries represent one of democracy's most enduring and successful institutions. Their mission is simple and radical: free, open access to information for all. And while that mission hasn't changed, libraries themselves have transformed into modern civic centers, delivering critical public services and embracing the digital age. Join returning OLLI instructor and ASU School of Public Affairs Professor Mary Feeney to explore the essential role libraries play in civic life, the remarkable commitment librarians bring to public service, and what this model of democratic governance can teach us about excellence in local government.

We often only notice the global supply chain when it breaks. Yet, for millennia, the movement of goods has been the silent engine of civilization. In this course, we will track the evolution of trade from an executive’s
perspective. From the sunken treasures of Bronze Age merchant ships to the high-tech intermodal systems of today, we will explore the vessels that carried the world’s wealth and the complex networks that keep our modern shelves stocked. This class is listed in Pacific Time. Please note the time change on Nov.1.

The U.S. Supreme Court is one of the nation's most powerful institutions yet many experts argue it has become dangerously political. The Court's evolution from independent arbiter to ideologically driven body is, according to these scholars, no longer a matter of opinion but of fact. At a time when so much is at stake, the stakes for judicial integrity have never been higher. In this course, Dr. Joseph Russomanno offers an overview of the Supreme Court's structure and procedures, then shares the provocative analysis he first presented in his book The "Stench" of Politics: Polarization and Worldview on the Supreme Court.

Not all leisure is wholesome. In this thought-provoking class, we explore the darker side of human play, activities that are fun yet transgressive, ranging from social rule-breaking to outright illegal behavior. What drives people toward gambling, vandalism, or other taboo pursuits? Is it the thrill of defiance, a rejection of mainstream culture, or simply boredom? We'll examine the psychology and sociology behind taboo recreation, and audience contributions are warmly encouraged. A candid, fascinating look at what happens when fun crosses the line.

Undoubtedly, AI will become deeply integrated into medical education as well as clinical and research medicine. While there are many advantages, there are also challenges and details that remain to be refined. This talk will highlight controversies surrounding AI, including educational, ethical, and legal issues.

In this combined lecture and studio experience, Legacy Instructor Allen Reamer guides you through Georgia O’Keeffe’s life year by year, exploring how her distinctive style developed: when, where, and why it changed. You’ll gain insight into the influences that shaped her work, including periods of illness and the key individuals who supported her career. Beyond learning about her art, you’ll create your own original works inspired by O’Keeffe’s techniques and compositions, without copying her paintings. Working with large-scale forms and expressive design, you’ll explore a variety of media and complete one or two pieces each session. Please bring your materials from the supply list to the first class. For questions regarding the class, contact areamerart@mindspring.com.

Join Dr. Hilde Hoogenboom to discover the full extent of Catherine II's life and her remarkably intense afterlife in history, plays, movies, and television. Catherine herself carefully cultivated her legacy as an enlightened ruler: legislator, administrator, and imperial visionary. In the 19th century, her memoirs became a state secret because they implied that her heir, Paul I, was illegitimate and thus the Romanov dynasty, in the strictest sense, ended with her husband, Peter III. We'll examine why Catherine the Great and her 36-year reign continue to captivate scholars and the public alike.

On Mar. 25, 1886, Geronimo said to General George Crook: "Once I moved about like the wind. Now I surrender to you and that is all." This course traces the full arc of Apache history — from their crossing of the Bering Strait some 15,000 years ago and migration through Texas and New Mexico to their eventual home in Arizona. Drawing from military records, diaries, leading scholars, and Geronimo's own 1906 autobiography, we'll examine not only the major military events and leaders, but also Apache spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, and folkways. A rich, human story spanning millennia.

Join award-winning Arizona travel writer and author Roger Naylor, often called "the dean of Arizona travel writers", for an entertaining journey across the state's most scenic hikes and most memorable local eats. Inspired by his book Arizona Boots and Burgers, Naylor brings his trademark blend of outdoor adventure, storytelling, humor, and Arizona history to guide you from Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon to Sedona, Prescott, Tucson, the White Mountains, and beyond. Discover beloved trails paired with nearby, locally owned restaurants serving regional specialties: Sonoran hot dogs, barbecue, Indian tacos, cheese crisps, and classic burgers, with vegetarian options, too. A class filled with fascinating facts, travel insights, and vivid stories from decades of loving this remarkable state.

Nature has had millions of years to solve some of the toughest engineering problems on Earth and it's come up with remarkable solutions. Join ASU Professor and History Channel contributor Dr. Hamid Marvi as we explore how animals and biological systems are inspiring the next generation of robots. From snake-inspired machines that navigate sand and rubble to medical robots designed for minimally invasive surgery, bio-inspired robotics combines engineering, biology, and AI to create machines capable of extraordinary feats. We'll explore how studying animal movement and behavior is leading to breakthroughs in search and rescue, healthcare, and environmental exploration.

One week before the 2026 midterm elections, women voters will again be called one of the most powerful forces in American politics. But the phrase "the women's vote" often obscures as much as it reveals. Women do not vote as a single bloc — their choices are shaped by race, class, education, marriage, religion, geography, age, family economics, media narratives, and partisan identity. This timely panel examines what the data shows: where women voters are moving together, where they remain sharply divided, and how campaigns and media often flatten diverse communities into oversimplified categories. Together, we'll explore what women's political power truly means in 2026 — and how that meaning is being shaped in the final days before a major national election.

Prepare to step beyond the velvet rope of the culinary world. Crème de la Crème isn’t just a cooking class; it’s an adventurous "food-tainment" experience designed for those with a taste for the extraordinary and a thirst for the exquisite.In this immersive session, we peel back the gold leaf on the world’s most legendary flavors. You won’t just learn about luxury—you’ll touch, taste, and master the ingredients that define opulence across the globe.

Thinking of a summer adventure unlike any other? Dr. Nick Godfrey, Director of the Summer Program at Girton College, University of Cambridge, will present an overview of the Aug. 2027 program. Several OLLI at ASU members who attended this year's program will be on hand to share their personal experiences firsthand. Discover why staying at Girton is so much more than "summer school". It's a genuine bucket-list journey. Light refreshments served!

Join award-winning Valley chef Sasha for our fifth Everybody Eats event — and this season, we're heading to the ASU Chandler Innovation Center! Fall is the perfect season to slow down, connect, and savor. This experience explores how preparing and sharing food can create space for rest, healing, meaningful fellowship, and a true sense of belonging. Arrive early to explore the Chandler Innovation Center's Fabrication Shop and craft your own custom leather keychain before enjoying another delicious cooking demonstration.

Join Nicole Armstrong-Best, Director of the S'edav Va'aki Museum, and discover the remarkable ingenuity of the Ancestral O'odham who built and inhabited extensive villages in the Phoenix basin. You will learn about the engineered large-scale irrigation systems that supported intensive agriculture and connected communities across a vast network of trade and communication. We will discuss the importance of collaboration between S'edav Va'aki's descendant communities and Museum staff in preserving cultural connections and archaeological heritage. We will end by taking a guided tour of the outdoor interpretive trail with the City Archaeologist.

Three signatories of the Declaration of Independence shared an unlikely distinction: they had all been educated at the University of Cambridge in England. This talk traces their lives on both sides of the Atlantic, examining what drove them to join the rebellion against Britain and what their Cambridge connections reveal about the intellectual and political ties between the University and the American colonies. We'll explore how those transatlantic links shaped the early history of the United States, and how Cambridge itself grappled with the loss of the colonies in the late 18th century.

We are excited to host the very first OLLI at ASU Curiosity Fair! This new event is designed to bring together many of the people, programs, and opportunities that make OLLI at ASU such a vibrant learning community. Whether you are a long-time member or newer to OLLI at ASU, the Curiosity Fair will offer a fun and engaging way to explore all that your membership includes. Discover new classes, activities, and member benefits you may not yet have explored. Enjoy giveaways, treats, and interactive tables throughout the event.

One of the things that makes OLLI at ASU so unique is the incredible community of faculty, experts, and partners who contribute to the lifelong learning experience. The Curiosity Fair is an opportunity to celebrate those connections while giving members and their guests a welcoming place to discover what OLLI at ASU is all about.

During the event, you will have the opportunity to:

• Meet OLLI instructors and learn more about their classes and areas of expertise.
• Attend a special instructor panel where members can ask questions and share ideas for future topics.
• Connect with community partners who provide behind-the-scenes experiences, discounts, and special opportunities for OLLI members.
• Discover new classes, activities, and member benefits you may not yet have explored.
• Enjoy giveaways, treats, and interactive tables throughout the event.

 

Two-party dominance is one of the defining features of modern politics in Britain and the United States alike. But can a third party break through? This talk examines one of history's most dramatic examples: the displacement of the Liberal Party by the Labour Party in the 1910s and 1920s, exploring the circumstances and historical forces that made such a seismic shift possible. We'll then turn to the present day, asking whether the strains on Britain's political duopoly since 2010 echo the fault lines of a century ago and what those lessons might reveal about where British politics is headed next.

Discover how a humble bean from the tropical forests of the Americas became a global obsession. Taste different styles of chocolate as we trace its path through history, empire, and innovation, and discuss the environmental and ethical issues tied to its production today.

Nature journaling blends observation, curiosity, reflection, and creativity to deepen your connection with the natural world, and the research is clear: time in nature supports both physical and psychological well-being. In this class, a short indoor lecture is followed by time outdoors in the beautiful desert landscape surrounding ASU’s Health Futures Center. You’ll explore a variety of observational techniques like drawing, labeling, mapping, and descriptive writing, and discover which approaches resonate most with your own style. You’ll also reflect on your personal experiences in nature, deepening your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. The goal isn’t to become an expert artist or naturalist, but to cultivate a lasting practice of curiosity, wonder, and building a mindful connection to nature.

Have you ever wondered why vivid memories from decades ago come easily, yet you can't find your keys five minutes after setting them down? Join Dr. Billie Enz, ASU Emeritus Professor, for this engaging and interactive session. We'll explore how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved and why some last a lifetime while others fade. You'll gain practical strategies for supporting brain health and strengthening memory as we age. Join us for an informative, lively conversation about the fascinating science of memory and healthy aging.

Alfred Hitchcock was a master at weaving together intimate personal drama and sweeping geopolitical tension — often in the very same scene. In this two-week online course, the third installment of our popular "Best of Hitchcock" series, we'll explore four films from the early 1940s that showcase his uncanny ability to capture both domestic life and international intrigue. Watch the films on your own before class (all four are available to rent inexpensively online), then join us to examine key clips and dig into the themes and motifs that make Hitchcock endlessly fascinating. Another lively trip into the suspenseful, unsettling world only Hitchcock could create.

Week 1 films: Domestic Drama Rebecca and Suspicion
Week 2 films: International Intrigue Foreign Correspondent and Saboteu

Is there life elsewhere in the universe? It's one of the most compelling scientific questions of our time. Join ASU Regents Professor Phil Christensen as we explore the quest for potentially habitable worlds, beginning with Earth's neighbor Mars, then venturing to the icy "ocean world" moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and finally to primitive asteroids that hold clues to the origins of our solar system. ASU has science instruments aboard many of these missions — including five built right here on the Tempe campus — each playing a critical role in expanding our understanding of the cosmos. The discoveries so far are remarkable. The ones still to come may be even more so.

If you loved The Sheep Detectives in theaters, don't miss the book that started it all: Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. Originally written in German and translated into thirty languages, this utterly charming mystery follows a flock of sheep as they conduct spirited debates about the borders between life and death, good and evil, with surprising philosophical depth. Class is a blend of lecture and discussion, with reading questions distributed in advance. Use whatever book format you prefer; Dr. Pacheco will reference the paperback edition (Soho Crime, ISBN-10: 1641296828) during class.

Design, bind, and personalize your very own sketchbook in this hands-on makerspace workshop at the Arizona Science Center. Learn the basics of bookbinding and cover design as you craft a one-of-a-kind space for your ideas, doodles, or journaling. All materials and tools are provided, just bring your creativity!

What happened when German prisoners of war were held in the Arizona desert? Local historian Steve Hoza presents a fascinating look at a lesser-known chapter of WWII history in the American Southwest. Drawing from decades of research and hundreds of interviews with former prisoners, guards, and camp personnel, Hoza illuminates daily camp life, the use of POWs as farm laborers, and the infamous "Great Papago Escape." Throughout his talk, he shares rare camp artifacts, personal photos, drawings, and maps gathered directly from his interviewees.

Join Midori Hall, community educator, and her husband Jim for a moving and deeply personal exploration of Arizona's two Japanese American incarceration camps, Gila River and Poston, during World War II. Born at the Gila River camp in Aug. 1942, Midori shares her family's lived experiences, childhood memories, and the historical research that later confirmed many of those recollections. The presentation examines the profound cultural meanings of the Japanese concepts "Shigata-nai," "Nozomi," and "Gaman" and how these ideas helped families endure extraordinary hardship with resilience, hope, and dignity. Through stories of unexpected kindness, perseverance, and healing, Midori and Jim reflect on their return to Arizona in 1986 and their ongoing commitment to preserving this vital history.

Few authors are as quotable, or as consistently underestimated, as Dorothy Parker. Her caustic wit and succinct wisdom have secured her status as a literary powerhouse who moved seamlessly between essays and poetry, fiction and observation, sharp social commentary and deep personal feeling. Yet Parker herself worried that audiences were too dazzled by her "calisthenics with words" to grasp the deeper truths behind her cultural observations. This class gives Parker's life and literature the thoughtful, close reading they deserve. We'll sketch her character and intentions through her own words, then discuss a selection of her most notable work. All readings provided.

This class, led by Kathe Anderson, community scientist and conservation educator, combines an indoor presentation with an outdoor birding experience. We'll explore the surprising story of turkeys, from what's really behind the familiar Butterball label to how Wild Turkeys came back from the brink of extinction. Along the way, we'll cover their distinctive features (the wattle, snood, and beard), plus habitat, diet, and breeding behavior. Then we'll head outside to see what shows up in the area, possibly a turkey cousin, the Gambel's Quail. Bring your binoculars!

Every life is a story worth telling and yours is no exception. Autobiography transforms lived experience into a written self-portrait, and this class will guide you every step of the way. You'll learn what makes autobiography distinct from other forms of creative writing, how to tap into the memorable events that have shaped you, and how to deepen your understanding of the person you've become. Drawing on years of teaching and research in autobiography and adult learning, Irene Karpiak, Emerita Professor at the University of Oklahoma, will introduce a clear framework for life writing that is both enjoyable and deeply rewarding.

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare faster than our legal and ethical frameworks can keep up and the stakes couldn't be higher. In this timely presentation, Dr. Gary Marchant, Regents Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Law, Science and Innovation, examines how AI is reshaping medicine while raising urgent questions about safety, accuracy, bias, accountability, liability, and data privacy. Drawing on his extensive work in the legal and ethical challenges of emerging technologies, Dr. Marchant will discuss real-world examples and explore what it will take to ensure AI-driven medicine remains ethical, trustworthy, and patient-centered. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of both the extraordinary promise and the serious risks ahead.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds one of the world's greatest collections of medieval art and much of it tells a story that may surprise you. These objects traveled from across the globe, revealing the international trade and cultural networks that shaped beliefs, artistic practices, and daily life far beyond Europe. We'll explore some of the most spectacular examples of this global contact: a seventh-century Chinese vase shaped like a Greco-Roman amphora, Chinese lions carved into a 12th-century capital in a Catalonian monastery, and a Chinese sword on the 13th-century tomb of a French knight. Through these and other works, we will explore the long-distance contacts of the Middle Ages, and how they shaped art and history.

This class is the same as class 114

This lecture will examine the errors in planning and decision-making committed by General Robert E. Lee and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, leading up to and during their respective defining battles. I used these case studies to teach planning and decision-making to students at the U.S. Naval War College because error yields more lessons than success. The recurrence of these errors, as well as an interesting series of parallels that the respective campaigns exhibit, gives credence to Mark Twain's remark that "It is not worthwhile to try and keep history from repeating itself, for man's character will always make the preventing of the repetitions impossible."

Why do conflicts escalate even when no one intends them to? Drawing on criminology, psychology, and behavioral science, this presentation explores the hidden dynamics of trauma, stress, and human behavior that lie just beneath the surface of everyday interactions. You'll gain insight into how unresolved emotional experiences shape individuals, families, and entire communities, and discover practical approaches to resilience, communication, and de-escalation. Susan Magestro brings more than 40 years of experience working with youth, families, schools, law enforcement, and crisis situations, making this a class that is as thought-provoking as it is immediately useful.

We live in one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth, the Sonoran Desert. Despite extreme heat and scarce rainfall, an extraordinary diversity of plants, animals, and people have called this place home for thousands of years. But human development is changing the landscape faster than ever, making the work of organizations like the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy more important than ever. In this class, we'll explore the processes that shaped this desert, how ecosystems form and sustain themselves, how living things adapt to environmental challenges, and what it means for humans to leave such a deep mark in such a short time. Core principles of ecology from the rocks beneath our feet to the communities above them. Come alive in this local context.

Curious about cannabis science? This OLLI class at Grow Sciences offers an academically grounded, hands-on exploration of how cannabis goes from seed to shelf. The session begins with a seminar covering the wide range of products currently available, including their manufacturing processes, therapeutic applications, consumption methods, and bioavailability. You'll then join a guided tour of the complete cultivation and production lifecycle, from propagation and vegetative growth through harvesting, post-processing, and quality assurance. Designed to be interactive and inquiry-driven, this one-of-a-kind class offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the innovation, precision, and care that define the modern cannabis industry. *Note - the exact address for Grow Sciences is not published for safety reasons. We will meet at a nearby location and the coordinator will lead you to the warehouse. Cross streets are 43rd Ave. & Camelback Rd. Phoenix. Meet up instructions will be in the reminder email.

2026 is "The Year of Craft" at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and this class takes you behind the curatorial curtain. Hear insights from the team whose vision shaped this landmark year, then explore the galleries firsthand with a guided walk-through and a hands-on art activity. Developed in partnership with Craft in America's Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, the museum's spring and fall exhibitions featured contemporary artists experimenting with, challenging, and reinventing traditional American craft techniques and materials. Discover how the curatorial team brought it all to life and what's still in store before the year is out.

Retired Homicide Sergeant Troy Hillman shares his remarkable journey as a cold case detective, including the investigation that defined his career: the infamous Phoenix canal murders. He'll detail the case, two young women murdered along the canal in the early 1990s, and how his team took it up again in 2011, embarking on a three-and-a-half-year investigation that read like a thriller. Using a gifted criminal profiler and cutting-edge forensic DNA techniques, they tracked down a killer known as the "Zombie Hunter" who had been hiding in plain sight. Troy will also cover the arrest, the aftermath, and the ongoing search for related cases and why his passion for cold cases has never dimmed. Troy will be available after class for a book signing. Bring your copy of his book, Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, or find it on Amazon before class.You can find Troy’s book on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/03uiRHFN

In his forthcoming book, Child Abduction in the War in Ukraine: Erasing Ukrainian Identity as a Tool of War (London: Routledge, Fall 2026), Dr. Thom Reilly tells a simple, urgent story: Russia's removal of Ukrainian children is not a byproduct of war — it is a deliberate tactic to erase cultural identity, destroy families, and a prosecutable war crime under international law. Drawing on over 50 interviews with experts, practitioners, returned youth, and caregivers, as well as investigative reporting and official documentation, Dr. Reilly examines a system that operates not only through the transfer of children into Russia or Belarus, but across the far larger population of Ukrainian children still living under occupation. This class makes the case that the public needs to understand what is at stake — and why.

In 1620, the Mayflower left Southampton carrying 102 passengers and a crew of thirty, bound for the unknown. What drove them to risk everything on such a dangerous journey? Two very different motivations: religious freedom and economic opportunity. Historian George Willison, in his 1945 book Saints and Strangers, gave us the terms we still use today. The "Saints", Bradford, Carver, and Brewster, are better known, but the "Strangers", Alden, Warren, Hopkins, Standish, and Billington made names for themselves too. And what of the women? We'll explore the passengers, the ship, the harrowing journey, the Mayflower Compact, the early days of Plymouth, and the myths that have grown up around them.

Discover the fascinating stories of influential women whose lives provide a unique window into the political, cultural, and historical development of the Middle East.Through engaging narratives and lively discussion, class members will explore how these remarkable women challenged expectations, led movements, and influenced the course of their societies. Their courage, leadership, and resilience offer valuable insights into the region’s history while highlighting the lasting impact individuals can have on shaping the world around them.

From forged wills to counterfeit coins, fake oracles to fraudulent relics, the ancient world was awash in deception and the Greeks and Romans knew it all too well. This class explores some of antiquity's most brazen frauds: the forgers who faked famous authors' works, the merchants who passed off cheap imitations as priceless goods, and the politicians who manipulated documents to rewrite history. What do these fakes reveal about ancient values, anxieties, and desires? The impulse to deceive, and to be deceived, is as old as civilization itself.

Arizona's "Four Southern Tribes" share deep ancestral connections, tracing their roots to people who inhabited south-central Arizona and northern Mexico, as evidenced by geographical, archaeological, linguistic, oral tradition, and historical records. These tribes refer to themselves as "O'odham" (meaning 'People') in their native language and have historically been known as the Papago and Pima Indians. While they occupy several southern Arizona reservations, many members live and work in communities well beyond those boundaries. This presentation offers a rich introduction to historical and modern O'odham cultures from their origins in the ancient Paleoindian, Archaic, and Hohokam traditions to their prominent and vital place in the world today.
 

"Just take it easy". It's advice many of us have heard after an injury or bout of pain. But as we age, that guidance can often do more harm than good. This class explores how the body's capacity to heal changes over time and why pain or injuries may persist despite rest, stretching, or conventional treatments. We'll examine the critical roles that strength, movement patterns, and overall physical capacity play in recovery, and factors that are frequently underestimated or overlooked. Rather than chasing temporary relief, this class focuses on what truly helps the body regain resilience, restore function, and move with greater confidence. You'll leave with a clearer, more proactive understanding of how to maintain your activity, mobility, and independence.

How can we travel back in time to observe the earliest stages of cancer? Cancer develops over years as cells in our bodies evolve, accumulating changes and competing with one another, yet much of this process unfolds out of sight, limiting our understanding of how cancers arise, progress, and respond to treatment. By reading the record left behind in our cells' genetic material, scientists are building statistical "time machines" that reveal events that could never be observed directly. In this course, we'll explore how present-day biological data can reconstruct the evolutionary history of cells as they progress toward cancer, what these methods are already teaching us, and how ongoing advances may transform our ability to understand and treat cancer in the years ahead. Please note: parking is not included in the cost of class.

For ninety fast-paced minutes, this acclaimed actor-director-producer transforms into the legendary comedian, delivering a performance that CBS News called the work of “the legendary comedian, writer and star of vaudeville, film, radio and television.” Following the performance, Ferrante will hold a one-hour class on the creation and evolution of his celebrated one-person show which began as a senior thesis at USC, caught the attention of Arthur Marx (Groucho’s son), and has since taken him to stages in New York, London, and around the world. In London, he received a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award. A Q&A session follows the class.

Join Bob McWhirter, constitutional law expert, former Maricopa County and federal public defender, and advisory board member of the Arizona Justice Project, for a close look at the history and context of the 15th Amendment. Ratified in 1870, the 15th Amendment declared that the right to vote cannot be denied on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, and gave Congress the power to enforce it through legislation. Together with the 13th and 14th Amendments, it fundamentally redefined the Constitution and the country. As McWhirter will show, the 15th Amendment was as much a product of Black self-determination as it was of the Reconstruction Congress's drive to build a more just America.

For millennia, Nero has been the model of the bad Roman emperor, accused of cruelty, excess, and chilling indifference as Rome burned around him. He supposedly persecuted Christians, murdered family members, and drove rivals to suicide. But is that the real Nero? Contemporary sources were deeply biased against him, and recent scholarship has begun to tell a very different story. This course examines the traditional portrait of Nero alongside efforts to rehabilitate his legacy, asking whether he was truly a monstrous ruler, or a more complex, and perhaps more human, figure navigating an impossible role.

For many years, cancer was shrouded in mystery, leaving doctors and scientists searching for answers. Today, that picture has changed dramatically. We now understand the biological hallmarks that distinguish cancer from normal cell behavior and have identified many of its causes. In this class, Dr. Joshua LaBaer will introduce the fundamentals of cancer: what it is, how our understanding has evolved, and, most importantly, the encouraging ways science and medicine are making real progress in the fight against it.

Arizona settlers celebrated the Walnut Grove Dam as a symbol of progress, proof that human ambition could tame the wilderness and transform Arizona's rugged frontier into prosperous farmland and mining country. Those ambitions came to a tragic end in February 1890, when the dam failed, unleashing millions of gallons of water down the Hassayampa River and claiming as many as 150 lives. In this presentation, Dr. Eduardo Pagán, former co-host of History Detectives (PBS), Bob Stump Endowed Professor of History, and Associate Dean of Barrett, The Honors College, explores the engineering ambitions behind the dam, the catastrophic collapse, and what the disaster reveals about Arizona's territorial development.

This event will feature a special presentation by Kathleen Dixon, exploring how cultures use food to celebrate the season, share traditions, and bring people together through warmth, memory, and celebration. We will share highlights of the spring semester classes and events. Light refreshments will be served, and you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with fellow learners, friends, faculty, and staff in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Spring catalogs will be available to take home!

This class is the same as class 095

This lecture will examine the errors in planning and decision-making committed by General Robert E. Lee and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, leading up to and during their respective defining battles. I used these case studies to teach planning and decision-making to students at the U.S. Naval War College because error yields more lessons than success. The recurrence of these errors, as well as an interesting series of parallels that the respective campaigns exhibit, gives credence to Mark Twain's remark that "It is not worthwhile to try and keep history from repeating itself, for man's character will always make the preventing of the repetitions impossible."

Johnny Guitar (1954) bursts at the seams with sexual tension and expressionist frenzy, two feuding female leads (Joan Crawford and Mercedes McCambridge), the men they love (Sterling Hayden and Scott Brady), and a story that defies every convention of the Western genre. Director Nicholas Ray (Rebel Without a Cause, In a Lonely Place) shreds the genre's rulebook through operatic close-ups, tilted angles, flamboyant performances, a lush score, and eye-popping color. And threaded through every frame: the paranoia, suspicion, and betrayal of the McCarthy era, bleeding through like few films of its time. Coffee Pot Rock, the Two Nuns, and Oak Creek Canyon form the backdrop as ASU's Dr. Kevin Sandler guides us through the film's themes and its equally wild production history at Republic Pictures' permanent Western set in Sedona.

How did America's founders devise a system that limited state religion while extending religious freedom to all and how has that balance been tested ever since? Drawing on landmark legal challenges to religious freedom, this class explores the revolutionary First Amendment framework the founders created, the ongoing tensions between religious liberty and competing social interests, and what it truly means to live in a pluralistic society. A timely and thought-provoking look at one of America's most enduring constitutional debates.

In 2026, Route 66, America's beloved "Mother Road" turns 100. Join acclaimed author and travel writer Roger Naylor for a lively journey through the history, culture, and enduring charm of this legendary highway. Discover how Arizona became Route 66's greatest champion and caretaker, and hear stories of the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant small towns, and beloved mom-and-pop eateries that still thrive along Arizona's storied stretch of road. Don't miss this chance to rediscover the highway that shaped a nation and still stirs the wandering spirit today.

Cold cases are among the most challenging investigations in law enforcement, and the ones involving missing or unidentified persons carry a particular weight. In this compelling presentation, retired detective Stuart Somershoe of the Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit examines the investigative strategies used to pursue answers in cases that have gone unsolved for years, or even decades. Through real case studies, you'll explore the key differences between missing-person and unidentified-person investigations, the obstacles detectives face, and the critical roles of forensic science, DNA technology, and interagency collaboration. The class also puts a human face on cold-case work, honoring the families still seeking answers and the investigators who never stop looking.

Late in the evening of Feb. 3, 1959, in a snowy Iowa cornfield, the trajectory of rock and roll changed forever. Following a legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom, a small plane carrying three of those rising stars, Buddy Holly & the Crickets, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and Dion and the Belmonts, went down shortly after takeoff. Join us as we revisit the lives of these iconic musicians, the night that became known as "The Day the Music Died," and the enduring legacy of Don McLean's masterpiece, "American Pie."

Is a calorie from a cookie really the same as a calorie from a piece of chicken? This class digs into the science behind macronutrients, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and how they affect weight management and fat loss differently. We'll explore what calories actually are, how the body expends energy, what energy balance means in practice, and how to determine your own macronutrient needs. You'll come away with a clearer, more practical understanding of how food choices, not just calorie counts, shape your body composition and long-term health.