Monday   

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 are recommended.

Join jazz musician Clark Gibson for an unforgettable journey through the life and music of one of the most revolutionary figures in American music history—Miles Davis. Born in St. Louis, Miles wasn’t just a participant in the evolution of jazz—he led it. From the fiery complexity of bebop to the cool sophistication of West Coast jazz, and from the spacious beauty of modal jazz to the electric pulse of jazz fusion, Davis continually reshaped the sound of modern music over nearly five decades. Discover the genius behind the horn at the John Dawson Center for Jazz Education at The Nash, and experience the artistry that forever changed the face—and sound—of music. Then, on Sunday, Sep. 21 we will go to The Nash Jazz Club (110 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix) to see how these fundamentals in jazz improvisation work together at a live jam session featuring some of the top jazz musicians in the valley.

Unroll a map, grab a pickaxe, and explore the land that set the stage for the Hebrew Bible. Come discover the physical remains—both natural and human-made—that correspond with the epic ancient stories of the Levant. We will examine archaeological sites and key artifacts that illuminate the world behind the Hebrew Bible.

This is the second half of a two-part course that began in the spring semester of 2025. In this course, we will focus on how the United States has interacted with Native American tribes and nations, beginning with the founding of the U.S. Constitution and the early years of the Republic. We will consider how the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence—particularly the phrase "all men are created equal"—contrast with the policies and actions taken toward Native peoples. From 1789 to the present day, we will examine how the U.S. government has approached its relationship with Native nations, often resulting in the continual loss of land and sovereignty for Native communities. This is a complex and often painful history, but one we must understand as informed citizens. We will explore the long-term consequences of policies such as Manifest Destiny, forced removals, and broken treaties—consequences that continue to shape our society today.

This class explores how mathematics helps us uncover patterns and solve problems in medicine and biology. We’ll examine how mathematical modeling is used to study disease spread and the role of superspreaders, understand hospital-acquired infections, and track the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (superbugs). The talk will also delve into models of cancer growth and how concepts like fractals and recursion appear in biological systems. From predicting outbreaks to visualizing tumor development, math provides powerful tools for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare.

This class, led by Kathe Anderson, community scientist and conservation educator, will feature a 30-minute video created in Southeast Arizona—the Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.—which highlights the different kinds of hummingbirds found in Arizona and their behaviors. In addition to the video, you'll have the chance to see a hummingbird, a hummingbird nest, and a hummingbird feather up close. Learn about their unique anatomy and lifestyle, as well as where and when to find these amazing birds. Please note that parking is the responsibility of the member.

Join “Fortunato Film School" where ASU film professor Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on the 1970’s cinematic classic "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" – a Best Picture winner and one of the most honored films of all time! We will begin with a brief introduction on the background and making of the film. Then we will screen the film together with live commentary provided, giving you insights into the filmmaking process, fun facts, and some guidance on how to "read" a film creatively. After the film, we will discuss what we've learned and debate if it lives up to its "great film" reputation (and even discuss what that designation means in the subjective world of creative art).

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York holds one of the world's greatest collections of art from the Middle Ages. These objects come from across the globe and tell the story of international trade and travel networks that shaped beliefs, cultures, and artistic practices wherever they reached. This course will examine some of the most spectacular examples of global contact, including a seventh-century Chinese vase in the shape of a Greco-Roman amphora, Chinese lions carved on a twelfth-century capital in a Catalonian monastery, and a Chinese sword depicted on the thirteenth-century tomb of a French knight. Through these and other works, we will explore the often surprising long-distance contacts of the Middle Ages—and how they shaped both art and history.

We went from Top 40 rock ’n’ roll as kids to the Classic Era of Rock Music as we were coming of age. Society was in upheaval, and the counterculture was becoming the dominant popular culture of the time. How did it happen, and why did it matter? Join music and culture author James Pagliasotti, who previously worked as the first ever rock music critic for The Denver Post, as we encounter Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and many other great artists, and tour twice with the Rolling Stones. We experienced a fascinating, intensely creative period that permanently changed the music business and shaped a generation.

This course traces the life and innovations of Nikola Tesla, from his early years and university studies in Graz and Prague to his groundbreaking work in electricity and wireless technology. We will explore his collaborations and rivalries, including his work with Thomas Edison, the “War of the Currents” between AC and DC power, and his partnership with George Westinghouse, which led to the lighting of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Key topics include Tesla’s telautomaton invention, his wireless experiments, and his race against Marconi in the development of radio. We will examine the Wardenclyffe—Tesla’s ambitious wireless transmission tower, his work during World War I with Telefunken, and his interactions with Franklin Roosevelt. We will conclude with Tesla’s later-life invention of the particle beam weapon, his negotiations to sell it to the Allies during World War II, and the mystery surrounding his secret papers after his death. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

The age of technology has changed the way we access and process information. The challenge isn’t finding enough information on topics of curiosity—it’s sorting the good from the bad. While many excellent sources exist on the web, there is also a great deal of misinformation, both intentional and unintentional. 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 believing pseudoscience? And how can we distinguish scientific reality from conspiracy theories and snake oil?

Tiny microbes shape the world in ways we are only beginning to understand. From soil to the human gut, microbiomes regulate health, drive nutrient cycles, and buffer ecosystems against collapse. In this class, Dr. Glen D’Souza explores the surprising ways microbial life underpins the stability of our planet—from agriculture and climate resilience to human well-being. Join us to discover how these invisible communities connect personal and planetary health—and how future innovations may rely on learning to work with microbes, not against them.

Botany is becoming a lost art. We will convene in a four-acre rewilded habitat garden in South Phoenix to bolster our botanical skills. Students will learn the basics of botany and delve into controversial new findings on plant ‘intelligence.’ We will sketch botanical details, meet regional plants, learn to recognize three plant families, and observe plants alongside their pollinators. We will discuss the ways in which plants benefit us and explore some of the decisions plants make in their own lives. The session will end with a discussion circle centered on quotes from five botanical authors.

The vibrant country of Morocco is located at the far western edge of North Africa and the Middle East, less than twenty miles from Europe. We explore its geography and history, then focus on the current society, religion, and political system of this historic kingdom—the first to recognize the United States upon its independence. Note: Dr. Parmentier is leading an OLLI Corps trip to Morocco in May 2026.

This course explores the complex issue of Death with Dignity, also known as assisted suicide, through its historical development, ethical debates, legal frameworks, and cultural perspectives. The movement gained national attention through the advocacy of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, sparking widespread discussion on end-of-life choices. Participants will critically examine evolving policies on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia while engaging in thoughtful discussions on this sensitive and often controversial topic. Designed to educate and foster awareness, this course provides a comprehensive look at the ethical and legal dimensions of end-of-life decision-making. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

It could be called one of the greatest adventures in American military history: the Berlin Airlift of 1948–49. When Soviet troops closed all access routes to West Berlin by land, sea, and rail—threatening the lives of 2.5 million people—American General Lucius D. Clay did not hesitate. He organized a bold and extraordinary bridge across the sky, involving 700 planes and more than 250,000 flights over a period of 14 months. Join German historian Anette Isaacs as she presents a fascinating discussion of this pivotal moment in Germany's postwar history.

How did ancient people cope with infectious diseases, climate change, and environmental toxins? Join Dr. Jane Buikstra, Regents Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, to hear archaeological case studies from the ancient Andes that illustrate the unexpected origins of tuberculosis, effective pre-Colonial mechanisms for coping with El Niño events, climate change without increased violence, and the impact of both anthropogenic and natural toxic environments. We will explore the deep history and resilience of tuberculosis, how traditional Andean ontologies addressed climate change and short-term challenges, and how humans have adapted to toxic environments.

There is heroism and tragedy at Earth’s extremes — the quest for the poles and the Northwest Passage: Shackleton, Amundsen, Scott’s tragedy—plus fraud and false claims. Bundle up for an exploration of the top and bottom of the globe during the age of exploration. Join Dr. Richard Carlson as we navigate a journey of ambition, endurance, and the harsh truths hidden in the ice.

Mediation is the practice by which a third-party neutral helps people and organizations work through conflict. But these skills are applicable to everyone—from workplace disputes to conflicts with friends or family. In this two-part series led by the ASU Lodestar Center's Kristyn Carmichael, we will discuss and practice the basic techniques of a mediator, as well as how to negotiate at the table as one of the parties. You will learn how to help people navigate conflict, negotiate agreements, and find mutually agreeable solutions.

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.

An understanding and appreciation of the religions of our neighbors is essential to a civil society. In this two-session class, Chris O’Brien—MIM docent, Fulbright winner, and extensively traveled world history teacher—will guide participants on a basic and practical journey through the religions of Islam and Sikhism. Chris will focus on the beliefs, practices, and social aspects of each religion, covering how each has evolved both historically and spiritually. We will also explore some of the interactions that have taken place between these religions. Class materials will be emailed to each participant and posted on the course website prior to the first session. This allows participants the option to preview the materials, print them, and bring notes to class. Session two will include a guided tour of an Islamic mosque and a Sikh temple. Transportation is not provided by OLLI; Chris will meet members at a predetermined location.

First in a series of cozy mysteries set in modern-day Singapore, this fun and accessible book follows “Aunty” Rosy Lee—a “kaypoh” (busybody) widow, restaurateur, and amateur detective—who serves up mouth-watering dishes in her café while solving local crimes on the side. When a tourist’s body washes up on the beautiful beach of Sentosa, Aunty Lee is on the case, doling out advice alongside the secrets of Peranakan cooking in equal measure. Yu’s novel tackles important themes such as family, aging, love, and tolerance while providing a complex portrayal of the Southeast Asian island nation, where “money flows freely and people of many religions and ethnicities co-exist peacefully, but where tensions lurk just below the surface.” Students will obtain their own copy of Aunty Lee’s Delights (2013) by Ovidia Yu, available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible editions.

Discover the story of trailblazer General George Stoneman and the creation of the military road that bears his name. This historic road ran through what is now the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Carefree, Cave Creek, and the Black Canyon. Learn what life was like for the soldiers and civilian men and women who traveled from Fort McDowell to Fort Whipple under nearly unbearable conditions. Session two will include a short, 90-minute, one-mile walk on the Camino Campana interpretive trail loop at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s Fraesfield trailhead in North Scottsdale. This walk explores the history of the area prior to the construction of the Stoneman military road and discusses life in Arizona during the 1870s. At the conclusion of the walk, participants will open a soldier’s haversack and learn about its contents. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. No pets allowed. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the walk begins.

As one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, it might be surprising to learn that a single, unified Italian cuisine hardly exists. The truth is that Italian food is still largely defined by its regions—each region in Italy has created its own unique culinary tradition. These cooking traditions shape people’s identities just as much as their dialects and traditional costumes do. Local cooking preferences and customs are influenced by geographic, historical, and climatic differences: some regions are landlocked and mountainous, while others hug the sea and are hilly; some have absorbed Arab or Greek influences, while others bear the marks of French or Austrian rule. Additionally, some regions enjoy the dazzling Mediterranean sun most of the year, whereas others experience cold winters, snow, fog, and harsh winds.

Come hear the story of a man who has taken many a road off the beaten path both here in Phoenix and all around the world! Featured in USA Today for his motley array of interesting experiences, Mark Gluckman will share with members his insights from traveling the world frugally as well as his work navigating the contemporary gig-economy through his multiple jobs balancing being a freelance photographer, wine consultant, and part-time actor. This seminar-style opportunity will also include time for questions and answers so that you can gain any specific, practical advice that you may be curious about.

Why is Casablanca considered one of the most iconic films of all time—and does it still deserve that title? Join ASU film professor Joe Fortunato for an in-depth exploration of the 1942 classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. We will begin with a brief introduction to the film’s historical and production background, followed by a screening of the film accompanied by live commentary from Professor Fortunato. As you watch, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insights, learn about cinematic techniques, and discover how to interpret film like a critic or scholar. After the screening, the discussion continues: what makes a film “beloved,” and does Casablanca hold up through a modern lens? Like a book club for movie lovers, this class invites you to watch and reflect!

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.

Join Penny Friedberg, MBA, MS, on December 1st and 3rd for a two-session course designed for those cooking for one or two. In week one, the focus is on breakfast, highlighting the benefits of home cooking and offering practical techniques to make it more manageable. Participants will explore essential tools and cookware for a healthier kitchen and watch a live demo featuring granola, vegetables, and eggs. Week two shifts to dinner, featuring a thoughtful discussion on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fats, and oils, followed by a live cooking demonstration of stir-fry and other healthy dinner recipes.

Dutch still-life painters were renowned for showcasing their skill in rendering textures and surfaces with detailed, realistic light effects. Their still-life paintings often featured various types of food artfully arranged on tables alongside silverware, pots, and dishes. They employed specific paints, pigments, and techniques to achieve these effects. In this class, we will explore these techniques and study the work of notable Dutch Baroque still-life painters. You will also have the opportunity to create one or more paintings reflecting the style and characteristics of these artists. This is a studio art class. A materials list will be provided before the start of class.

Before the huge steam-driven machines that cut through the Suez and Panama Canals, magnificent canals and aqueducts shaped civilizations from ancient times through the Industrial Revolution. In this class, we follow the story of how humans learned to move water. Cultures that began with primitive irrigation channels, dug to water a few meager crops, eventually built canals that connected Europe to Asia and the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. These canals changed the world long before the age of steam, internal combustion engines, or electric power. We’ll also explore how human ingenuity used downhill-moving water to propel boats uphill. Our journey takes us to China, Egypt, the Pontine Marshes south of Rome, the French Riviera, England’s coal country, and finally the early American frontier—where a four-foot-deep ditch became the information superhighway of its time.

How did the divide between science and religion develop? Is this divide maintained only by extremists on each side, or is there middle ground? We will discuss the history of science and the evolution of its role into the modern day. What influences and historical context from Judeo-Christian beliefs contributed to the rise of modern science as we know it today? Does the scientific method preclude faith, or must religion reject science? Is it possible for a scientist to believe in God, and if so, how? Join retired ASU School of Life Sciences research professor Dr. David Pearson as we explore these questions and address some of yours.

The Celtic fringe is composed of six nations: Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland, and Wales. Through their ancient language and culture, they are the inheritors of nearly three thousand years of unbroken cultural tradition. Welsh author Emyr Humphreys said, "At any time since the eleventh century, it could have disappeared, but for the determination of one generation or another that it should not." This class will trace the history of the Celts and their culture. Please take care of time zone changes towards the end of this course due to shifts in Daylight Saving time as this class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in PST.

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, these volcanic islands have a fascinating and rich history - both geological and cultural. Upon visiting the islands, these histories are apparent in the charming architecture, numerous volcanic features, and gorgeous landscapes, where the Ocean is never far away. This course will introduce you to these islands and their unique heritage and culture, illustrated with numerous photos.

The COVID pandemic made us appreciate things that we generally take for granted. One essential is toilet paper. This led to thinking about the evolution of toilet paper and the plumbing that supports its use. This class will follow the story from ancient Egypt through medieval Europe to the high tech of tomorrow.

American women played a dramatic and groundbreaking role in World War I. In this class we will examine these roles, focusing primarily on activities that involved military service (Yeomanettes, Marinettes, Hello Girls, and Nurses) as well as surveying welfare services and charitable endeavors. This class will give you a solid appreciation for the importance of these contributions. Be prepared to learn the amazing history behind “your grandmother’s war.”

The outer reaches of our solar system represent a true frontier for space exploration. Dominated by the colossal ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune, the region also plays host to diverse icy worlds and remnants from the formation of the Solar System. This class will examine the dynamic atmospheres, unique compositions, bizarre magnetic fields, and faint ring systems of both ice giant planets as well as explore the array of fascinating moons in orbit around them. While neither planet has been explored directly by spacecraft since the late 1980’s, the James Webb Space Telescope’s incredibly sensitive infrared instruments are allowing scientists to study both planets and their moons in unprecedented detail from afar. Not surprisingly, these observations provide stunning new insights into these distant worlds. Venturing further out we will discuss how the New Horizons mission transformed our understanding of the dwarf planet Pluto from that of a presumed "dead" ice ball into the remarkably complex and geologically active world that it actually surveyed from space. Finally, we’ll examine the icy world of Arrokoth located in the vast Kuiper Belt which offers a pristine snapshot of the materials present in the outermost, coldest regions of the solar nebula when the solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago.